I could grumble and complain about waking to find fresh snow outside this morning because it is the second day of spring. I won’t because we are in a drought.

March 21 2021 WeatherMarch 21, 2021 Weather Map

We need the moisture here in northern Utah. Actually, we need it all over the western U.S. and any precipitation is welcomed.

I am not going to complain about any water restrictions we might face this year because of the extreme drought we are in either.

It rained off and on all day yesterday and we needed it too. This much needed moisture is a bit late though. I read on Facebook the other day that the water in the Great Salt Lake is two feet lower now than it was last year during this same time period. That isn’t good news.

The snow pack up in the mountains is not at the level it should be at to fill our reservoirs when the snow melts this year. Each and every time I have gone up into the mountains this past winter I’ve been dismayed by how little snow there was on the ground compared to previous winters and by how shockingly low our reservoirs are. Here in the arid West many of us depend on the winter snow pack to provide our drinking water.

Every snowflake and drop of rain is important in Utah and the western U.S. throughout the year. Our snow pack is the most important and critical source we have for our water needs.

Why does a bird and nature photographer care about all of this? Because I am very much aware that every single living thing needs water and that everything is connected.

As individuals we can do a lot to reduce our water consumption. That is a truth and a fact. It isn’t enough though.

What we need now are state and federal leaders who believe that our climate is in crisis, who believe in the science that shows that it is, and who are willing to act on the best data we have available now.

I don’t believe that Utah has a single qualified leader at this point in time who can effectively do what needs to be done for this drought and our climate crisis.

Mia