2023 Playa Conditions

[FlyingMonkey]

Not sure if anyone started this thread yet. I couldn't find it so here we go.

I heard Cali got a little rain this year. Did any of that make it to the Black Rock Desert?
Have any of you locals had a chance to head out there recently?

If so, would you say the conditions are wetter than average/normal/dry?

Thanks in advance.

[Elorrum]

A lot of rain and snow this year. There was a good deal of standing water at the end of February in photos posted in fb groups: Stewards of the Black Rock Desert, and Juplaya.
I haven’t been out there to see it.

[Token]

It’s all about the freeze/thaw cycles.

[Chowski]

I heard it is going to be hot. And dusty. And some nights will be cold. And dusty. There might also be wind.

[mgb327]

and it will be very bright in the daytime and quite dark at night.....

[Skuzzy61]

I think we are in the cycle where it would rain a lot, unless it doesn't. A lot of wind, unless there isn't. A lot of cold nights and hot days, unless they aren't. A lot of dust,..always.

[lucky420]

It’s going to be a short spring here in n Nv and then it’s going straight to HOT AF

[Token]

From a climactic statistical perspective, closest analog years are:

2001 - It was blazing hot

2012 - didn’t go, so others can chime in.

When a strong transitional ENSO exits negative and crosses over to positive, it gives us the delightful wet winter/spring that we are currently enjoying in California, followed by a real good chance at a long and hot summer.

And it’s the ‘long’ part that impacts TTITD.

Gonna be fun to observe

[FlyingMonkey]

Ironic that I have to travel closer to California this year to get away from the wildfire smoke.

[Just_Joe]

Playa is really, really nice right now. Hard-packed with almost no dunes.
We've had cool temps, frequent light rain, and lots of clouds over the last month or so, which may have something to do with it.

[FlyingMonkey]

So....how much rain fell yesterday & will it be dry when all the folks with WAPs show up later this week?

[motskyroonmatick]

Gate closed till Wednesday at noon for WAP arrivals just went out on all channels.

[FlyingMonkey]

Gate closed till Wednesday at noon for WAP arrivals just went out on all channels.

Thanks. I won't be getting there until Friday. Here's to hoping.

I'd hate to drive 2,000 miles and then be forced to check out the BLMs other fine camping options. If nothing else the dust should be well behaved this year.