Email Peter Sur at psur@hawaiitribune-herald.com. By PETER SUR ADVERTISING Tribune-Herald staff writer The year 2011 ended on a soggy note in East Hawaii, but that was not enough to keep most of the Big Island from recording another year of
By PETER SUR
Tribune-Herald staff writer
The year 2011 ended on a soggy note in East Hawaii, but that was not enough to keep most of the Big Island from recording another year of below-average rainfall.
The National Weather Service’s Honolulu Forecast Office said in its monthly roundup of precipitation tallies that a gauge in Glenwood recorded the island’s highest amount of rainfall, at 149.27 inches.
Still, this is only 64 percent of what the Puna mauka town gets in a regular year.
On the other end, sunny Kaupulehu in West Hawaii received 6.32 inches on the year, just a third of the regular amount. No other gauge in the state recorded lower rainfall.
“Most of the gauges across the Big Island ended 2011 with below-normal totals with most leeward sites at less than 50 percent of normal,” wrote NWS hydrologist Kevin Kodama. “Several windward gauges pushed up into the near normal range following the wet December conditions.”
He was referring to the wettest portion of the month, between Dec. 19 and Dec. 24:
“Notable six-day totals included 18.14 inches at Saddle Road Quarry, 15.24 inches at Glenwood, and 13.38 inches at Waiakea Uka. While the six-day totals were impressive, the hourly totals were less than an inch which helped prevent serious flooding problems.
“As wet conditions were occurring along the windward slopes, most leeward areas were very dry, especially in the North Kona District where gauges recorded totals at less than 20 percent of normal.”
The prevailing trade wind pattern, as well as a La Niña that has not been as strong as expected, has helped to keep leeward areas dry. As Kodama noted in his Jan. 6 drought information statement:
“Pastures and general vegetation from Kawaihae to Pohakuloa are in very poor condition and brush fires continue to be a significant concern. Ranchers in these areas have already destocked cattle and water hauling operations have been ongoing for several months. South Ka’u finally received significant rainfall and some recovery has occurred but more rainfall is needed.”
La Niña conditions, and the associated increase in rainfall, is expected to continue through the spring. Beyond that climate scientists are unsure whether conditions are favorable for the development of El Niño.
A rain gauge on Kauai’s Mount Waialeale received 365.85 inches last year, enough to maintain its reputation as the wettest spot in the United States.
Email Peter Sur at psur@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
