January began with warmer than normal temperatures
and a few snow flurry days that didn’t provide any significant moisture.
Repairs on the canals and system are keeping the staff busy.
February actually provided us with some well needed
snow, however it only amounted to less than inch of moisture. Cement lining on
the K street project was the main focus, however the weather has delayed the
start. The Annual Shareholders meeting
took place with only 68% of the shares represented. Tim Hall and Charlie Newlon
were re-elected to the Board. Edward Jones proposed a modification to our
investments to a long-term diversified investment approach rather than the
current 1% we currently are earning. Mailers went out to all the shareholders
regarding this change as documentation was not available at the meeting. A vote
at the shareholders meeting was in favor of the change, however the proposed
change will not go into effect until all the shareholders are notified and any
questions or concerns are addressed.
March finally provided us with some snow. The K
Street lining project was completed and cleaning the canals and trimming trees
and removing debris was keeping the staff very busy for the month. Brush Hollow
Reservoir finally reached the 80 ft mark with 93 ft mark full.
April was very windy with no precipitation in our
area. The creek was running average of 7 c.f.s daily. Irrigation began on the
12th of April using the limited water from the upper canal. The
Reservoir was opened on the 20th that provided water to the lower
canal shareholders. Lack of rain/snow, wind and low humidity ruled the month.
May began just like April until the 20th
and 21st of the month when we received the 8-10 inches of snow. This
wonderful wet Spring time snow storm increased the creek levels at times to 20
c.f.s. This was truly a well needed weather event.
June looked promising however it wasn’t to be. We did
get some rain. Many took the advantage of cutting and bailing their fields. The
creek gradually crept down to 5 c.f.s. but due to our obligations of storing
domestic water and maintaining the fish pool we had to shut down the reservoir
on the 21st of the month. All irrigations were supported by the
water from the upper canal which provided for a slow irrigation process.
July was hot but we did receive some rain, almost
1.50 inches of moisture. The creek increased to 7 c.f.s. but distribution of
irrigations remained very slow.
August was a challenge for the Superintendent and
staff as the creek went from 13 c.f.s. to over 70 c.f.s. at times. This was good for us, as we were able to increase distribution of irrigations and in
addition add water to the reservoir. We re-opened the reservoir and on the 19th
started irrigations on the lower canal shareholders. In addition to this we
received rain, lots of rain. 2 inches or more reported throughout Penrose area.
September continued to be hot and mostly dry with
little rain. Second irrigations were coming to an end and third irrigations
began. We had Skaguay release our 172 AF into the creek for continued
irrigations. Tail water in the roadways have been reported daily. This is a
waste of our water. All Shareholders are obligated to be good stewards of this
resource and protect property from damage.
October continued with distributing third
irrigations. The creeks levels were 18.50 c.f.s. until Skaguay shut down the
gate and reduced the creek flow to 4.8 c.f.s. This change upset the irrigation
schedules for almost two weeks until Skaguay realized they were over storing
and opened the gate at the rate of 14.50 c.f.s. Irrigations continued in hopes
to complete thirds to all shareholders.
November warmer than normal with temperatures in the
70’s, however that changed towards the end of the month and it was more like
winter time. We received very little moisture. Irrigations ended on the 11th
as Skaguay shut the gate and the creek only had 4-5 c.f.s.
December was typical with winter temperatures until
the 22nd when we received an Artic blast that reduced our temperatures
down to -13.9 and the high for the day was 1.7 degrees. Good thing it did ‘t
last long as Christmas day was in the 50’s.
As we prepare for a New Year, we must remember to take all
the good things forward into the new year and leave all unpleasant behind.
Pray for SNOW – prepare yourself with a snow
shovel, snow boots, gloves, hat and warm coat.
