High country drives flooding

The snow is finally melting. In the last week, the piles of snow under my eaves have gone from being over three feet deep to just a narrow strip of ice, which will disappear today. Side roads and unplowed lanes that were snow-clogged 10 days ago are now dry.

More importantly, every day the snow line is higher up on both the Whitefish Divide and the Rocky Mountains, and the river has changed in the last three days from an unclear green to high and muddy. The gravel bar islands are beginning to disappear, and rain is predicted.

Will we have a flood? That is anybody's guess. If we have heavy rains in the next week, coupled with thawing temperatures in the high country, a flood is certainly possible. If it freezes at night in the high country, the odds of a flood are reduced. At this point, the less rain the better - especially in the high country.

Everyone that I know with cabins along the river are taking precautions, mostly by removing valuables or moving them upstairs. A few have purchased flood insurance. It is probably too late for that now since flood insurance does not go into effect until 30 days from the date of purchase. In all probability, any flooding will take place in the next two weeks and certainly not more than three weeks.

Last Saturday was cleanup day at Sondreson Hall, but I can't report on how it went since I was unable to attend. Same thing with several of my neighbors who usually help out. The reasons for non-attendance varied from family illness to having company from out of town to preparing for high water. I am sure that the Heaphys and Caldwells were there, and I sure hope others helped, too.

Clean or dirty, the June meeting of the Landowners Association will be held at Sondreson Hall at 8 p.m. on June 4. Everyone, members and nonmembers, are invited and asked to bring a snack for the social hour after the meeting. The board of directors has approved a revision of the hall rental policy, which will be presented to the membership, and I expect there will be discussion or information regarding the activity planned by the various committees for this season. Among these are the social, history and maintenance committees.

Finally, since it is now really spring on the North Fork, there is a lot of natural activity. The larch have leafed out, wildflowers are starting to bloom, deer are again cavorting in my meadow, hummingbirds are buzzing around everyone's feeders, my neighbors have seen moose, elk and coyotes, and we are all hearing a chorus of gopher whistles. Additionally, there are already mosquitos whining about everything.

It all means summer is coming soon. Summer residents will be arriving, along with tourists and dust on the road. Wurtz Hill, which is still a mess, will be fixed soon, and even the road from Trail Creek north will be passable for passenger cars. Before you know it, Red Meadow and Trail Creek roads will be open, and it will be summer.

Already, Duke Hoiland's Indian Trail guided tours are filling up.