03-17-14 Field Note

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03-17-14 Field Note

March 17, 2014

Jeff Clarke's Field Note chronicles the carnage from a runoff surge, animals coming out of hibernation, and signs of spring.

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During the first few days of March, more than a foot of snow covered the ranch. On the eve of March 6th, temperatures rose into the mid 40’s and nearly an inch of rain fell causing most of the snow to melt. As a result, water gathered in every low lying area and surged down the mountain. Bob said he had never seen a spring runoff like this before.

During the first few days of March, more than a foot of snow covered the ranch. On the eve of March 6th, temperatures rose into the mid 40’s and nearly an inch of rain fell causing most of the snow to melt. As a result, water gathered in every low lying area and surged down the mountain. Bob said he had never seen a spring runoff like this before.

The fast moving water chiseled deep gullies, washed out several roads, took out exclosures, buried trees, displaced planted seed and flooded the Orchard House.

The runoff displaced a lot of soil. In some areas, the soil piled several feet deep. The large wood piles in Tongue Creek prevented tons of sediment from washing into the floodplain. Metal tree exclosures also collected soil. When placed properly, erosion bars collected some soil.

soil. The massive root systems of mature ponderosa trees were able to change the water’s path.

Additional erosion on the cliff banks exposed the deep roots of intermediate wheat grass.

The spring snow melt and heavy rains made river levels rise enough to fill the low-lying areas and the dry creek beds in the floodplain. Our new cattle fence crosses some of these areas that flow. Yesterday I removed the fence in these areas to prevent damage.

winter s I seeded thtoe rrmoo bfl oanf ktheed ntheew r apnocnhd wbliitnhd 1 w2”it tho s 2h0o”r to sft astnuorwed. g rasses and some native forbs. I’m excited to see what this green roof will look like!

All the mallards, geese and mergansers flushed off the pond when I visited the new blind. This pair of goldeneye just hung out in the middle without a care. I like these ducks.

From my observations, Columbian Ground Squirrels came out of hibernation this week. I watched them for a while and determined that I was only seeing half the population compared to last year. I later learned that females hibernate a week longer than males.

Some areas of the colony were covered with thick weeds. I wonder if these weeds help or hinder their survival.

The yellow-bellied marmots are also out of hibernation. Dan spotted this one on March 8th.

The chipmunks are out and about too!

I have not seen white-tailed deer lounge like this since before the 2013 hunting season began.

Despite all the runoff, planted seeds burst up through the ground in rows.

Aspen catkins burst from buds, swell and lengthen; leaves will pop soon after.

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