Two rain events occurred in October which left DH Summit with standing water for approximately one week during each event. Many Munz's Sage leafed out in response, to break a long Summer dormancy. Several Butterfly species Red Admiral, Anise ST, Checkered White , Orange Sulfur, Painted Lady were observed. Migrant Golden Crowned Sparrow and White Crowned Sparrows have been seen.
December 2020 rain Water remained on the summit's 2 ephemeral puddles until first week of Jan 2021. The rock rubble in each of the dry ponds shows people throw rocks into the puddles and disturb these unique water features unregulated and without thought. A posting that requests not to disturb all the sensitive areas in the summit needs to be in place.
Recently a maverick species of Sword Leaved Blue Eyed Grass was found in the lush moist slopes the are formed between the summit and Munz Plateau/Ridge this is an area of native grasses and more moisture fed from the Northeast slopes of DH. Native Sisyrinchium bellum is common but a rare Sisyrichium ensigerum not native to California, was verified. It is native to Oklahoma Kansas and Texas. Probably a garden escape. Above the Lone Oak Ravine.
Many areas received .24 in of ppt over 3 days. Standing water occurred on DH summit in the Northwest shallow depression 12 ft x 12 ft. 2 inches remaining for approximately 5 days. Plants less dry.
Dictionary Hill was extremely hot and dry for Summer of 2020.
August saw several days over 100 degrees. September almost 9 days of 100 degree and several over 105 degrees.
October has been similar with days over 100 degrees. Plants are mostly in a state of dormancy with very little moisture content in their leaves.
Week 1 May has seen daytime temps in the nineties. No rain this week. Ground is still mist in many locations but drying quickly.
There are many new wildflowers and vegetation is thriving.
May 6th temperatures reached 94.6 F (Glenn Pezzoli Weather Station)
6.78 inches Measured at La Mesa Station over previous, 30 days
Standing water, Shallow Vernal "Ponds" remain present on the more level surfaces like the DH Summit. The local hills are quite wet and seeps with temporary streams abound. Bancroft Creek is flowing.
We had extensive rain in November then no rain until a miracle March. The rain has been a good soaking rain with very little to no runoff. There has been more mushroom activity and areas remaining wet for longer periods of time. Ranger Craig has been cutting down Mustard to lessen fall fire danger. There is an increasing level of flowering plants. There is no rain in the forecast for the near future at the moment.
The east side of Bancroft Creek is a bright shimmering yellow blanket right now. This is likely due to the regrowth of Deerweed seedlings after their dormancy was broken from the Fires about 5 years ago. Nearby and slightly higher expect to see The Chaparral Mallow blooming Lavender to Pink next month. It also is a fire follower and is now dominating the region bordering the Deerweed display. BTW The Chaparral Mallow also is common on the west side of the drainage close to the Point Homes where the fire also stimulated their abundance.
March rain has been falling abundantly on Dictionary Hill. Our region has been slightly above average with more rain expected the week of March 22 to March 28.
Dry and warm most of January and early February 2020. It appears to be and early "Spring" with indicators of Munz Sage and Clevelands Shooting Star already blooming quite prolifically
