Sneaky Water in Finch Creek

      It has been dry this winter; this winter's rain total is 6.5" where the long-term average of rainfall at this date in the rain year is 11.2". And the last two winters have been dry. The rocks of Finch Creek all the way up to the old Finch Family homestead (Jean Cahoon's ranch) have been dry since last spring. Today the rocks in Finch Creek at the entry bridge to Hastings on Martin Road are holding quiet pools. Some water is running in Robertson Creek above the junction of these two creeks. Rainfall has been about 2" each of the last three months. And suddenly, the water appeared. 

       Just  as a reminder, in March of 2001 where we now see quiet pools, we saw 20" steelhead in the same place, but of course after heavy rains had scoured the same pools. Here is a photo..