Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/816747
38 WINES&VINES May 2017 W e are all delighted it finally has rained enough in most of California to end drought conditions. It was a long five years. In many regions, rainfall is 50% to 75% above aver- age. Snowpack in the Sierra was 175% to 200% above normal by late March. On my property along the upper Russian River in Mendocino County, we had five flood events—a record in my lifetime! Most reservoirs are full around the state. While we all enjoy having water again, the abundant rainfall can cause some profound effects in your vineyard. Flooded areas Flood damage can be minor or major de- pending where your vineyard is located. A portion of my vineyard is in the Russian River floodway, and I try to take down all of my deer fencing and gates in the fall if it looks like it is going to be a wet year. Problems arise when you don't get your fences down on time: They make great nets to catch water-borne debris. Anything in your fenc- ing system made of wood (box braces, line posts, etc.) is likely to be bro- ken if fences are still up. Trellises also catch debris, espe- cially floating wood and straw. Cleanup and repairs can be time consuming and expensive. Flooding is also the way that nematodes, phylloxera and new weed seed find their way into your vineyard. Be aware of potential new problems that may have floated in with the flood. Hopefully your pumps and controls are above the water line or were removed before the winter when flood- ing is likely to occur. If your pumps did get flooded, do not operate them before having them serviced to remove silt and moisture. They will quickly be destroyed from short circuits if there is moisture in the armature. Silt in the bearings will also cause those to stop working, and they will need to be re- placed. Switches and circuit breakers should be inspected, serviced or replaced if they have been underwater. Vineyard floors Water-logged soils can be a problem for vine root health. During the win- ter when vines are dor- mant, there is generally little worry about vine n GLENN McGOURTY Vineyard Management Following a Wet Winter In spite of drought conditions, rains hammered California's North Coast, including Mendocino County (pictured), in December 2014.