So exactly how dry it is in California? . . . .

[elagache]

Dear Blick and WeatherCat home caregivers,

I am just curious. Is the asphalt filler on top of a metal culvert?

Actually it is a concrete culvert.

Do you own the culvert or are you in an easement there, or have you granted an easement to whoever owns the road? I am just curious because where I live, some properties own their "half" of the roadway and grant an easement. Others, like me, own up to the road but the road itself is owned by the neighbourhood association and I have granted them an easement that contains culverts and underground utility lines (we don't have any overhead power or phone lines here).

I believe the city or county "owns" the culvert, but considering the condition of the road next to it they couldn't care less about it.  Whether is it legal or not, many homeowners in the area have to put in some sort of filler so that their cars can get into their driveway.  Of course, if you are responsible about it, you should make sure that the water can flow easily around this location and it not disturb anybody ease.  Ours tapers gently enough that the water does indeed flow around the filler without overrunning into the street.  However, that's one of the reasons to keep the asphalt in good condition.

Also, how often does that water-based filler need to be replaced? What did you mix it up in, or does it come premixed? What did you use to put it in place and to smooth it out? How thick is it applied?

I used this product because that's what my local hardware store had in stock:

http://www.gardner-gibson.com/products/blacktop-driveway/asphalt-blacktop-driveway-sealers/black-jack-6452-9-30

It comes premixed in a 5 gallon plastic can.  I'm trying to remember when I last did this, it has been probably 7 years or more.  It looks to me like I waited a little bit too long and I didn't fill some cracks with the proper products.  I might apply another coat next spring or even later this fall if the weather remains hot and dry.  I used a "retired" kitchen ladle to scoop up the product and a equally repurposed squeeze to smooth out the surface.  It isn't hard to apply but it is awkward work and my legs ended up being sore from the unusual positions I had to take while applying the product and obviously not wanting to step in it!

Cheers, Edouard

[HantaYo]

With all the El Ni?o fuss, I'm starting to prepare the house for a lot of wet weather - just in case . . . . 

Not sure I am putting any faith in El Ni?o.  Summer was below average precip.  Think I will call it the Summer of Sprinkles.  I might even leave the snow tire off just daring El Ni?o to come knocking

[elagache]

Dear HantaYo and WeatherCat drought watchers, . . .

Not sure I am putting any faith in El Ni?o.  Summer was below average precip.  Think I will call it the Summer of Sprinkles. 

Well to give the prediction folks credit, they weren't expecting El Ni?o to kick until mid to late autumn.  So the jury is still out for the moment.

I might even leave the snow tire off just daring El Ni?o to come knocking

Unfortunately, I really need to prepare for both scenarios at once.  Last December we got 10.24" of rain.  That's more than enough water to damage things.  I am very afraid that we could get another wet start to the season and then drought coming back after January.  That has been the pattern in Orinda for the past 3 years.  I'm not sure what I can do about the drought except try to further upgrade water saving sprinklers, but I'll do what time permits.

Edouard

[HantaYo]

Unfortunately, I really need to prepare for both scenarios at once.  Last December we got 10.24" of rain.

I think feast or famine is the new weather regime for many parts of the West.  Problem is during the feasting there will be too much and it will just make you sick.  Looks like we will be sick either way. 

[LesCimes]

Bone on the west coast; deluge on the east coast. You all have probably heard news of historic levels of rainfall in South Carolina. Picture attached to give an idea of just how much. This is only a mile or so from my Mom's place. Fortunately, she is on high ground.

[Blicj11]

Michael:

Mother Nature! Thanks for the perspective.

[elagache]

Dear Michael, Blick, and WeatherCat drought watchers,

Thanks for posting the photos.  Yes indeed the rain has been really rough in those parts.

Bone on the west coast; deluge on the east coast.

Alas, indeed it is still bone dry around here.  It isn't abnormal, but every day it doesn't rain is one more day the wild trees suffer.  The remnants of hurricane Oho will pass to our north at the end of this week.  Monsoonal activity is supposed to stay to our south next week.  Oh well, all us Californians can do is wait and hope.

Edouard