Flowing cold water on Spring’s arrival

Each year I’m surprised by how long it takes snow to melt once temperatures start to creep above freezing. This year is no different. I don’t expect it to all disappear at once, but the roof is still covered by more than a foot of snow in some places, even though the sun is shining and the temperature is in the low to mid forties. There’s a helpful explanation here. The USDA has made available a whole hydrology chapter on snow melt here.

we’re still well above the snow depth of Christmas

Photo by J. Harrington

I know that several places in Minnesota keep track of when local lakes experience ice-in and ice-out. Minnesota is also known for having experienced snow 11 months of the year. The Department of Natural Resources tracks snow depth and ranking. Our winter so far has been more snowy than average.

A slow snow melt lessens the likelihood of flooding but impending spring has me anxious to get out wading and walking again. Wading becomes more challenging as rivers and streams approach bankfull conditions. We also remember to leave the lightweight waders in the closet until late May or some time in June. Neoprene is much warmer in cold water.

A week from now we may regain several inches of snow cover, making up for at least some of what we’ll lose over the next few days. Or, the forecast may change. What won’t change is the persistent, relentless increase in heating degree days as the sun continues to climb higher in the sky for more hours per day. Soon spring’s youthfulness will vanquish an aging winter.

[the snow is melting]

By Kobayashi Issa
Translated by Robert Hass

The snow is melting 

and the village is flooded 

      with children.

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