Our Condition Monitoring Star of the Week was posted on January 2nd by observer with station number NC-WT-46 in Watauga County, NC. Like last week's Star of the Week, the observer offers us a really good understanding of how wet conditions at their location through information about soil moisture. We also appreciate the information they provide about water levels. The fact that areas with little or no water flow are now experiencing substantial flow is a great indicator of moisture in their area. Lastly, we like this observer's documentation of local animal activity, particularly those relating to bears. We rarely get reports about bears from our observers in the mountains. If you live in an area where black bears visit or reside, please report any sightings or news about bear activity related to weather impacts. Thanks for your keen insights, NC-WT-46. Great job!
Categories
Plants and Wildlife
Water Supply and Quality
The ground is very soggy where it is not frozen over which is largely in
areas that are not seeing direct sunlight. Areas that don't see direct
sun during the day have ice crystals on the surface. There are muddy
areas that need to be stepped over when out walking on the trails. The
creeks are full and flowing, even the minor low areas that have little
or no water most of the time are covered in water. Deer are seen every
day moving about in a large (12+ animals) herd. Their feet are digging
up the grass where they walk. A flock of wild turkeys is in the area.
Fortunately the resident bear is either in hibernation or has left the
area as there are no new signs of him/her.
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