2014 High Plains Drought Monitor

BleuBijou

BleuBijou

Active member
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Looks worse than last year
 
They can open the spigot any time. It's scary to think about burning with the dry conditions and high fuel loads I have from the 37 inches of rain from last year. We're starting better, but it's been a pretty long stint since we had decent precipitation. Humidities dropping into the low 20's and teen isn't conducive to fire management. I'm already at least 3 years behind on my burning rotation and this isn't helping. 50 mph winds don't help either. I have burns prepared, am short of help, and only have 2 sprayers dewinterized. It's not the time to push anything. I'd rather not burn than scorch the neighbors property. Everyone take care out there and watch the weather. You need humidity over 35%, winds under 15 from 1 direction, and no low pressure or cold front within 24 hours. If you have the high winds or low humidities predicted before your fire is completely cold, DON"T BURN!
 
Prairie Drifter said:
They can open the spigot any time. It's scary to think about burning with the dry conditions and high fuel loads I have from the 37 inches of rain from last year. We're starting better, but it's been a pretty long stint since we had decent precipitation. Humidities dropping into the low 20's and teen isn't conducive to fire management. I'm already at least 3 years behind on my burning rotation and this isn't helping. 50 mph winds don't help either. I have burns prepared, am short of help, and only have 2 sprayers dewinterized. It's not the time to push anything. I'd rather not burn than scorch the neighbors property. Everyone take care out there and watch the weather. You need humidity over 35%, winds under 15 from 1 direction, and no low pressure or cold front within 24 hours. If you have the high winds or low humidities predicted before your fire is completely cold, DON"T BURN!
Click to expand...

Don't worry, the Flint Hills farmers are burning now! Of course that's an annual burn, fresh grass for feeder steers, not much for anything else!
 
Yeah old and new, it's really hurt the prairie chicken and quail populations in the flint hills. They are finding that the patch burn/patch graze system works as well, but changing folks' traditions takes time. The smoke management requirements that may come in the near future may force this type of change.
 
Chad,
It looks better than it has the past few years, at least KS is out of that deep, dark red stuff :eek: Now we just need a good spring and monsoon rains for west and SW Colorado.

Greg
 
I have High hopes that things will be changing or turning the corner this year. No more Doom and Gloom!:10sign:
 
This may be our last shot. Looking for a Gibson homerun moment!!!! Got to get those Legumes in the CRP. It is allowed cause I checked!! Legumes are alfalfa, Sainfoin or most flowering plants. These produce the little bugs chicks need to survive. Talk to your farmer. I plan to and even if I can only afford 50 acres, I want to help bring them back, with moisture of course!! Just a mix, no need for even a 50/50 crp Legume mix. Maybe 30/70.
 
April 3rd 2014 Getting a little moisture today and looks good for the 10 day as well.

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