January rains break record

Last month was the rainiest January on record. Some 21.05 inches of rain fell on Petersburg, breaking the January 1985 record of 20.8 inches, according to National Weather Service’s climate data.

While precipitation was noticeably present, snowfall was noticeable absent. Only 4 inches of snow fell on the town, far short of 21.9 inches that is typical for the month.

Service Hydrologist and Meteorologist Aaron Jacobs told the Pilot last week that the lack of snowpack on the mountains could mean trouble for stream flow levels, and subsequently for salmon runs and hydroelectric power, come summert...