The Big Wood – The River Also Rises

It was a hard night last night. A vicious storm swept through the Big Wood, and we had a lot of flooding. Our den is high and dry, but other families along the river have lost all they have. Eleanor never mentioned this weather, so it must be something that just popped up. The beaver family that lives downriver checked up on us. They had to move some logs to release the water that was backed up.

Mr. Beaver and Mr. Otter had a long conversation. They have both noticed the increase in snowfall this past winter and know that it will affect the water level of the river. This is two years in a row that we have had heavy winter snowfall. Mr. Otter was concerned that we would have to move the den, but Mr. Beaver reassured him that he would adjust the dam to prevent any damage.

Effie came to visit yesterday. She said that the lake was already high. I can’t imagine what this additional water will do to the shoreline near her home. Of course, her home is in a tree, so she should be fine. However, a tree can uproot if the ground becomes too waterlogged. I may have to check on her tomorrow, just to ease my own worries. It will also give me an excuse to see her babies. They are probably almost full-grown, but they will always be babies to me. Simon and Effie did a wonderful job raising them.