more fluid than solid

 

There are really only two seasons in Southern California.

Wildfire season and mudslide season

The yin and yang of the local weather patterns if you will.

We are heading directly into the latter, so let me explain.

The native plants, all of whom are intimately acquainted with the semiregular Californian drought conditions bide their time in the sunshine. When the occasionally heavy rains of an El Nino year occur, the plants grow thick and tall in the steep canyons and arroyos leading to the ocean.

But come summer time, months after the last measurable rainfall the stuff makes great kindling…add a touch or a torrent of dry offshore wind and wildfires burn 

"From the mountains to the sea".

No stopping them really.

Places that were once thriving ecosystems, 

bushes and trees, flora and fauna, 

now just dead roots and ashes. 

During a rainy year water runs off the hills in sudden rivers. 

Doubly so in the "burn scar" areas. 

The hillside soil can only hold so much water 

when it comes down more than an inch an hour

without the plants to doing their part in the water cycle. 

 

Suddenly a hillside becomes more fluid than solid 

and tons of topsoil flows in whatever direction 

gravity and the local topography dictates. 

Removing some topsoil and occasionally the whole hillside.

The winters watery Yin

to the

summers fiery Yang

That is the Way

Stay safe

Stay dry

Wear a mask