Sunrise light on a grove of tufa towers emerging from the water of Mono Lake with soft green and dusty-red wild grasses in the foreground, Canada geese in the shallow water with reflections of the rocky towers, and desert hills in the distance.

Refreshments with Refreshing ‘Ologists: Drought impacts on streamflow on the Upper Owens River and Big Springs

Sunrise light on a grove of tufa towers emerging from the water of Mono Lake with soft green and dusty-red wild grasses in the foreground, Canada geese in the shallow water with reflections of the rocky towers, and desert hills in the distance.

This post was written by Julie Curtis, 2014 Mono Lake Intern.

There is no denying that California is facing a serious water problem due to three consecutive years of drought. Curious about a hydrologist’s thoughts on the matter? Join us at the Mono Lake Committee Information Center & Bookstore this Wednesday, July 23 at 4:00pm for an hour with Sue Burak, local resident and recent graduate of the Hydrologic Science department at the University of Nevada, Reno, to find out.

Satellite view of snow cover over Sierra Nevada mountain range, January 2013 vs. January 2014. Photos courtesy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Sue is currently working on drought issues with the Desert Research Institute and come winter she gathers snow and avalanche information from snowpits and studies avalanche formation all while closely tracking the weather. During her presentation Sue will explain the impacts of the drought, primarily on the streamflow of the Upper Owens River and Big Springs. She will also talk about how to define drought in order to get the root of common drought misconceptions. Light snacks and beverages will be provided. Meet in the Mono Lake Committee Information Center & Bookstore in the Theater & Gallery at 4:00pm to join in on the fun. I look forward to seeing you there!