Tag Archives: big storm

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It is extremely unusual for the Gualala River to close for a long period of time in the winter. However, it has been closed off to the Pacific Ocean for weeks by a large sandbar. The lagoon is flooded and there is water, water everywhere. Irene Leidner recently took a kayak trip on the river. You can see how very full the river is.

A full Gualala River by Irend Leidner

Peter Cracknell also photographed the river.

The full Gualala River lagoon by Peter Cracknell

And here he got a nice photo  the ocean trying to breach the sandbar.

The Gualala River Goddess by Peter Cracknell

We have a big storm due in tomorrow, Thursday. Heavy rains and strong winds are forecast. We might get as much as TEN inches of rain before the storm is over. After our dry January rain is very welcome, though we wish it wouldn't come all at once! The Gualala River is sure to open soon after it begins raining. Batten down the hatches!

Thanks to Irene and Peter for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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Rick and I looked out and saw this big, bad thunderstorm directly west of our house in Anchor Bay.

Thunderstorm by Jeanne Jackson

We could hear thunder rumbling through the air. This thunderstorm came straight at us and deluged us with rain - over a half inch in five minutes! And then it hailed, big time. The first photo shows our pond. It really looks like it snowed.

Hail by our pond (Large) Hail in front (Large) Hail on our deck (Large)

We received over seven inches of much-needed rain from this big storm. More storms are on the horizon and one is hitting this afternoon. Bye, bye Mr. Drought! Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

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Teresa Denniston photographed a recent sunrise and you can see it reflected in the Gualala River.

Sunrise reflected in the Gualala River by Teresa Denniston

We have a big storm headed our way. Creeks and waterfalls are flowing and it is a wonderful time to be on the Mendonoma Coast.

Thanks to Teresa for allowing me to share her photo with you here.

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We have had over seven inches of rain so far from the big storm. The creek that crosses our land has come to life. And this morning the Gualala River finally received enough rain to open to the Pacific Ocean, the first time in many months.

You can see the big opening in the sandbar. The river is running muddy and fast! It was raining hard when I took this photo today.

 
Here is Quinliven Creek - it is always wonderful when it comes to life. I love the many cascades.

It's a rare day when I send out two Mendonoma Sightings blogs in one day but I just had to tell you the news. This is sure to help put a dent in the drought. Hooray for Mother Nature!

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Robert and Nancy Scarola were walking the public access bluff trail at The Sea Ranch when they saw a Gray Whale.

Robert swears the whale was smiling at them. The whale's head is on the left and its flipper is on the right. The small round objects in Robert's photo are Bull Kelp. There are just a few strands left in the ocean now as recent storms have ripped them from their holdfasts. Some sink but others are tossed up on the beach where they provide food and shelter for various creatures that live on the beach.

A big storm has just passed through. Our seasonal creeks are doing their best impression of mighty rivers this afternoon. We've had 23 inches of rain so far this season, which is an amazing amount.

Thanks to Robert for allowing me to share his photo with you here.