As expected, groundwater is now rising in the Kittitas Valley due to the advent of irrigation and spring runoff. It is amazing how high it rises. From dry pit to almost full in a short period (I typically monitor groundwater pits every 14 days). The reason for monitoring? The wetland indicator is fulfilled by the […]
Groundwater Rising! Read More »
It’s still a relatively cold spring, but at least the snow is gone. The irrigation districts start to open the spigots in April and canals and ditches are flowing. Groundwater hydrology in the Ellensburg Valley is quite curious. Sans irrigation, groundwater would be influenced by natural climatic dynamics such as springtime snowmelt, river freshets, and
It’s groundwater monitoring time. Read More »
Today was spent along the Klickitat River. I’m a subconsultant for a super cool project that is proposing a bridge across the river. I needed to get to the other side to complete a wetland delineation and ordinary high water mark survey. Coincidentally, the survey crew for the project was using a drift boat to
Nope. Absolutely not. It was my greatest accomplishment as a professional. Certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) is globally recognized and the highest recognition of a wetland professional’s expertise. The requirements to be certified are incredibly stringent. It’s not a walk in the park. An applicant must: possess a college or university degree
Was it easy to be certified as a PWS? Read More »
The eastern foothills of the Cascades are relatively arid as the zone falls within a rain shadow. Wetlands and streams on the East side are largely fed by waters, whether via surface flow or elevated groundwater, that begin as mountain snowpack. According to the SNOTEL station at Pigtail Peak near White Pass, snowpack depth is
The source of “wet” in wetlands. Read More »