With 3.26” of gauge catch this week and 5.13” over the last 3 weeks, conditions are near normal if not mildly wet for mid December.  The heavy rain on Wednesday melted all of the snowpack from the snow earlier this week.  The usual wet spots have returned to the trails at Sprague farm and Douglas Forest with brooks and streams running enough for a game of Pooh sticks.  Winter birds like finches, sparrows, tufted titmouse and jays have been active this week and a Bald Eagle has been a regular visitor to the lake.  Ice is forming in the coves on the lake but the center of the lake remains ice free.  George Washington state park continues to post a Medium fire danger and the Harrisville/Pascoag water district outdoor water use ban is still in effect.  The NIDIS website continues to show moderate to severe drought throughout the state.