Phenology

Observations by Gary Fewless for Green Bay WI (Lat.N 44.51° Long. W 88.02° ), except as noted. For flowers lacking conspicuous petals or sepals I define "anthesis" as release of pollen by mature anthers.

December 2003

Observations by Gary Fewless, except as noted

frosty oak leaves.

Date	Observation (Click on links for photos)
Dec 31	A very warm December for Green Bay. The average daily temperature of 28 F for the month was 6.8 degrees above the long term average for the month. There was a total of We conclude the year with no snow cover.
Dec 28	This is the third consecutive day of high temperatures in the 40's F (43, 44 46). All the snow is gone in Green Bay and the Fox River is mostly open (some ice along the shores).
Dec 23	Snow depths are reported at 3-4 inches in central Wisconsin, increasing to 6-8 inches proceeding north and west, with a maximum of abouit 12 inches in Iron County.
Dec 22	About 50-60 Bald Eagles reported on the Mississippi River at Prairie Du Chien (wisbirdnet).
Dec 21	There is still much open water in Green Bay and there are still several Double-crested Cormorants at the mouth of the Fox River.
Dec 20	Very little snow in the City of Green Bay, but there is enough for skiing just a short distance north in the Town of Suamico. There is about 6 inches of snow on the ground in northern Marinette County--perhaps a bit more north of Highway 8.
Dec 18	Water level in Lake Michigan rose slightly in November and is now remaining steady. It is at the same level as last year at this time. Low water levels have caused problems for the shipping industry and for recreational boaters.
Dec 16	Wisconsin DNR reports some acceptable winter sports activity in far northern Wisconsin where as much as a foot of snow fell in the last week or so. There is some cross country skiing in northeastern Wisconsin, but the snow depth is a bit low in general. Northern lakes are ice-covered, but many are still not safe for recreation. Numerous Bald Eagles are reported in Western Wisconsin along the Mississippi River, where the water remains open.
Dec 14	Green Bay received about 0.6 inches of snow.
Dec 12	Green Bay's low temperature of +3 F this morning is the lowest temperature of the winter to date.
Dec 11	The East River has refrozen as cold air sweeps in behind the recent snow storm. The average date to freeze (and stay frozen) over the last 13 years is Dec 5, the earliest is Nov 12, a range of 42 days. The average date for the ice to open up (and stay open) is March 22 (over the last 18 years), for an average ice covered period of 107 days. New snow around UWGB's Prairie Pond.
Dec 10	Green Bay received 1.8 inches of snow and also some rain for a total of 0.96 inches of water equivalent as a large snowstorm slid by to our north. Rhinelander received 7 inches of snow over Dec 9/10.
Dec 09	Chipmunks have been reported out and about in the City of Green Bay, up to this date. An approaching snowstorm will probably mean the end to their activity today.
Dec 07	The east River ice has opened up again due to recent warm days (35-43F over last 5 days).
Dec 04	Wisconsin DNR reminds us that the muzzle loader and archery seasons are still open and recommends that anyone recreating in areas open to hunting should wear orange clothing as a safety measure. Shallow ice is present on many northern lakes, but most are not yet safe for recreatiion uses. Brule River State Forest (Douglas County) reports up to about 7 inches of snow.
Dec 01	The East River is lightly frozen over in Allouez--it may open up again if forecasted warmer weather materializes. [see Dec 07 and 11]