Walla Walla Weather Woes

 May 26 - the fields are green, but there's still snow on the Blues  © Diane B. Reed

The spring here has been cold and rainy, quite unseasonable. Last night it rained hard again, I think we're close to a record rainfall for May. There is fresh snow in the higher elevations of the Blue Mountains, I hear there is still four feet up at Tollgate, Oregon. It isn't looking very good for Memorial Day camping trips to the mountains, let alone along the streams, many of which are bank full. The forecast is for rain off and on over the weekend.

Beresan Winery, Walla Walla                                             © Diane B. Reed

For most of us here in the Valley, the weather is simply inconvenient, but for farmers  it has been much more than that. Late freezes and wet weather can devastate many crops. Cherries have apparently been hard hit, vegetables have been challenging, and the late, cool spring has not helped our vineyards. The vines still appear near barren, slow to emerge because of our wet cold spring.  And some may have died back as a result of a cold snap last November 23-24, when the temperature dropped precipitously, ending up below zero at a time when the vines were just beginning to ease into hibernation. It's estimated that 20 to 40 percent of this years crop may have been lost as a result of that freeze.  In some cases the vines can be pruned back (a loss of this year's crop), others may have to be replaced. From cherries to asparagus to grapes, agriculture is not a business for the faint of heart.

Waterbrook Winery and the still snow-capped Blues             © Diane B. Reed

I think it's going to be even more important to support our local farmers and wineries this season. It's going to be a tough year for them.

Blooms and Birds

Canola field in bloom near Milton-Freewater, Oregon                                        © Diane B. Reed

It has been a long, cold, and damp lead up to warmer weather here in the valley.  The vineyards and orchards have suffered to varying degrees—time will tell how much. But nature finally seems to have made up her mind and a late spring is finally in bloom. 

Iris at Lions Park College Place                                     © Diane B. Reed

The yellow irises that line Garrison Creek in Lions Park are in full bloom, and the Cottonwoods have fully leafed out. The temperatures are flirting with the high 70s, but the nights are still cool.

Lazuli Bunting                                                                    © Diane B. Reed

Traffic at our bird feeders has slowed considerably as natural sources of food have increased. Still, we enjoyed visits from a small flock of Lazuli Buntings, who have joined our regulars—Goldfinches, House Finches, White Crowned Sparrows, and California Quail. 

White Crowned Sparrow                © Diane B. Reed

Let's hope that the warm weather is here to stay, that the snowpack doesn't melt too fast, and that our farmers don't suffer too many losses from the fickle spring weather.