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| The west lake looked about the same as it usually does. |
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| You can see the normal waterline, about four feet above this year's level. |
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| In a normal year, this log would be fully submerged in the lake. |
Late April and early May are typically known as "mud season" in the mountains. The ski areas are closed and spring melt is creating lots of seasonal streams and muddy trails. The low snowfall this year pretty much eliminated both mud season and early season. Areas that would normally be impassable are already easy to hike. I've been hiking above 10,000 feet all month and have encountered snow only in the shady and north-facing areas.
Needless to say, this has everyone concerned about forest fires and river levels. Not only will the rafting season be shortened, but fishing could be a challenge if the streams dry up quickly. And because this looks as dry as the summer of '02, we're concerned that forest fires - like those that ravaged the west that year - will be a frighteningly dominant feature. Already there are a number of fires, and the skies in this area were hazy and smelled like smoke on Saturday.
Saturday night, however, a cold front passed through, and Sunday was clear and cold. My friend Russ and I got an early start and hiked to Thomas Lakes, on the north slope of Mt. Sopris. I like to hike this trail a couple of times each year, both because it's close to Carbondale and because it's a great hike. The distance (about eight miles round trip) is moderate, and the scenery is outstanding.
