Atmosphere Comparison

[Jim]

The endless chatter of weather.

[big_load]

That's nothing compared to the 185" at Fort Valley!

At first glance, I thought that was 185 degrees. It's still a bit early in the year for that.

[chumley]

Can't say I recall seeing this one in Arizona before!

[big_load]

Can't say I recall seeing this one in Arizona before!

In my twisted worldview, Mund's Park frequently has too much snow for tension-free driving.

[Jim]

It's windy enough this Spring that I'm starting to feel like I'm back up in Flagstaff! What gives? I don't recall it being this windy in Phoenix for the last 5 years, or the last time I was here in Tucson in 2015.

I certainly hope this isn't going to be routine as we move into April and May. Despite the wet winter of 2010, that spring was super windy and I think most HAZers remember the fire on the Peaks that June. I'm hoping for a less than active fire season this year. We kinda over did it last year.

[big_load]

I'm hoping for a less than active fire season this year. We kinda over did it last year.

Is this really Jim_H?

[Jim]

@big_load
Smoke.

[chumley]

The weather is lovely today.

[LosDosSloFolks]

Interesting Moon names for March from the Farmers Almanac ...I'm going with "Wind Strong Moon" due to the high winds we have been experiencing.

March’s full Moon goes by the name Worm Moon, which was originally thought to refer to the earthworms that appear as the soil warms in spring. This invites robins and other birds to feed—a true sign of spring!

An alternative explanation for this name comes from Captain Jonathan Carver, an 18th-century explorer, who wrote that this Moon name refers to a different sort of “worm”—beetle larvae—which begin to emerge from the thawing bark of trees and other winter hideouts at this time.

Alternative March Moon Names...

There are quite a few names for the March Moon that speak to the transition from winter to spring. Some refer to the appearance (or reappearance) of certain animals, such as the Eagle Moon, Goose Moon (Algonquin, Cree), or Crow Comes Back Moon (Northern Ojibwe), while others refer to signs of the season:

The Sugar Moon (Ojibwe) marks the time of year when the sap of sugar maples starts to flow.
The Wind Strong Moon (Pueblo) refers to the strong windy days that come at this time of year.
The Sore Eyes Moon (Dakota, Lakota, Assiniboine) highlights the blinding rays of sunlight that reflect off the melting snow of late winter.

[big_load]

Goose Moon (Algonquin, Cree)

That makes sense for NJ. There are big flocks of geese heading north at night.

March’s full Moon goes by the name Worm Moon, which was originally thought to refer to the earthworms that appear as the soil warms in spring. This invites robins and other birds to feed—a true sign of spring!

I'm dubious about this one. It could be of relatively modern origin, since the earthworms we have now aren't native to North America.

[LosDosSloFolks]

@big_load
The next paragraph down from the earthworm supports your statement. :-)

[big_load]

The next paragraph down from the earthworm supports your statement. :-)

That other explanation makes more sense.

[chumley]

@jim_h
Results at Snowbowl proper may differ. From my recent trips to the Mogollon Rim, I wouldn't be surprised if the snowfall totals there are near normal too, as a result of the couple of mid-March storms.

Unfortunately even normal winter snowfall doesn't make up for the overall rainfall deficit as a result of the very dry fall.

[Jim]

No, it doesn't. Last I saw, Flagstaff was actually very slightly above normal for precipitation as measure from January 1, but not the water year, and going back to last April it would undoubtedly be well below normal thanks to the absence of summer rains. However, Flagstaff, which as we ALL know is the all important measure for Arizona precipitation, was actually above the long term mean for March precipitation: 2.23" of liquid fell, slightly over the mean of 2.12 inches.

At least the Peaks should remain open all spring and summer until rain comes, so HAZ hikers can hike and photograph the mountain. Also, fire risk on the western Rim will be down.

I'm disappointed that we're doing exactly what I was hoping would not happen. Last week we had temperatures in the low 60 for several days, and we're skipping the normally nice high 70s and low 80s to head right to 100! Maybe only 98 or 99, now, after the forecast was adjusted down this morning from last night, but 100 was forecast for the weekend here. I bet it still will be in Phoenix. Hopefully, it isshort lived and April ends up having more low 80 days.

Maybe I just got lucky, but ti seemed like 2012 (when visiting), 2013, and every spring from 2015 to 2019, had 3 to 4 months of really nice weather where the warm up was gradual, extended and overall really nice. That changed last year when we went from chilly to 108 in a week, and then stayed at well over 100 until early November, when we just flirted with 100.

[big_load]

I saw the first dead snake of the year today. It must finally be Spring in NJ. I also saw a Pileated Woodpecker.

[Alston_Neal]

I saw the first dead snake of the year today.

I have to admit I've never heard anyone say that regarding the first sign of spring.

[SuperstitionGuy]

I have to admit I've never seen anyone say that regarding the first sign of spring.

Yes and I wonder what he does with them?

[big_load]

I saw the first dead snake of the year today.

I have to admit I've never heard anyone say that regarding the first sign of spring.

That's probably true. I consider it an extremely reliable indicator, though. I don't recall having any more winter weather after the first dead snake. According to the calendar, there's about another week when snow is possible, but it's too warm now.

[big_load]

I have to admit I've never seen anyone say that regarding the first sign of spring.

Yes and I wonder what he does with them?

I saw a Copperhead once that might have been worth saving. I'm always interested in what critters go after roadkill. It's too early for it yet, but squirrels will eat a dead snake.

[Jim]

Some nice normal temperatures this weekend. Mild low 80s. Nice.

[sneakySASQUATCH]

8” snow yesterday a couple more today. With the amount of snow this year maybe we’ll be able to have a campfires this summer instead of bringing the propane fire pit.