Half-Baked Alaska

 This is the most unusual winter I've ever seen in Alaska since my family arrived in 1948.   It is, in fact. The Incredible Snowless Winter.

Right now the almost-an-inch of snow on the ground is melting quickly because the temperature today was 42 degrees Fahrenheit!   This isn't a one-off by any means.

There have been many days with above-freezing temps and few days with below freezing temps.

More snow has accumulated on the mountains--and fallen off in spectacular avalanches--but today many of the rocks are visible that are normally covered.

The last time we had any appreciable snow was in November.   That snow is long gone.

In the past, La Nino was to blame for unusual  winter.   He's out of the picture and it's his sister, La Niña who is influencing this tropical weather.

Snow is melting off the roof today, making everything wet.

What next?   If it snows, many of us will not be happy.   We're over winter and ready for spring.

The dog races are in jeopardy and I expect the Iditarod race to be moved to a Fairbanks start.   There is no snow in the Farewell Burn, a treacherous spot for dogs and humans with its many deadfall snags and tussocks, and notorious for wind and lack of snow.

On the other hand, it's been a bit easier on the heating bills and firewood stash.    I had the driveway plowed once--last November.