Dry Weeks Shrink Snowpack; Wet Weather May Return in March
The midweek rainstorm provided welcome relief from a very dry February that has reduced both local rainfall and Sierra snowfall totals to near-average for this time of year. After five largely hot and dry years, it will take a series of major storms during the current El Nińo condition to significantly ease the drought.
As of Feb. 18, the water content of the northern Sierra snowpack was 97 percent of normal for the date. The snowpack in the Upper Colorado River Basin was 105 percent of normal on Feb. 16. Locally, rainfall totals also are about average, with Lindbergh Field at 94 percent of normal from Oct. 1 to Feb. 17, and the Ramona Airport at 110 percent of normal for the same period.
Southern California is expected to remain dry for the next two weeks, though forecasters are predicting a return to wet weather in March, April and May. Remember that state law requires turning off sprinklers during, and for 48 hours after, measurable rain.
For other water-saving tips and resources, go to WaterSmartSD.org.
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Free Classes Teach
Low-Water Landscaping
The Water Authority and the San Diego Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation are offering several free classes this spring that align with the San Diego Sustainable Landscapes Program. That program is the result of a multi-party regional partnership to promote a watershed approach to landscaping. Funding is provided by the California Department of Water Resources.
Water Authority classes:
- WaterSmart Design for Homeowners -- Each three-hour workshop teaches the basics of landscape makeovers. Topics include soil, design, turf removal, plant selection, planning, irrigation, rainwater catchment and implementation. Spring workshops start March 8 in Clairemont, followed by workshops countywide. For details and registration, go to www.watersmartsd.org/programs/watersmart-landscape-design-homeowners-workshop.
- WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Series -- This four-class series offers a hands-on, personalized experience with access to professional coaching. The next series starts April 13 in Clairemont, with registration required by March 30. Another series starts April 16 in Oceanside, with registration by April 2.
For details and registration, go to http://landscapemakeover.watersmartsd.org/.
Surfrider Foundation classes:
- Watershed Wise Design Seminars -- Each three-hour seminar covers landscape design aesthetics, plants' water needs and how to select the right plants for your landscape. It includes practice designing a real landscape. Seminars start February 27 in Scripps Ranch, followed by seminars countywide. For details and registration, go to bit.ly/Sustainable-Landscapes.
- Hands-On Turf Removal Workshops -- Learn how to remove turf without harmful chemicals, build healthy soil, capture stormwater and use stormwater in your landscape. Workshops are taught in real gardens and last about 3 hours. The next workshop is April 9 in Vista. For details and registration, go to bit.ly/Sustainable-Landscapes.
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