In general, winter precipitation was lower than normal while growing season totals were near normal. In conjunction with warmer than normal temperatures, winter periods were generally characterized by minimal snow cover and frequent mid-winter thaws. Extreme hourly and daily precipitation is reported for the study period. The frequency of extreme high precipitation events and associated erosion-runoff events was low during the course of this study. Wind Wind speeds recorded during the study were slightly below normal in all areas.
Wind speed affects the rate of potential evaporation and snowmelt.
The lower than normal wind speeds have not likely been a significant factor in the study results. Solar Radiation Solar radiation has direct affects in terms of crop productivity, potential evaporation and rate of snowmelt. Essex received the most solar radiation through the study period, Kettle Creek received the second most and Pittock receiving the least. This trend corresponds with differences in latitude and is expected. Total solar radiation received was near normal in all areas.