As we expect at this time of year, Winter rain is falling throughout Table Mountain National Park. This will ease any further worries about the reoccurance of fire and water will be abundant and streams flowing strongly again. Just two weeks ago parts of Silvermine Nature Reserve burnt again, this is most unusual in June. Our winter rain is often torrential with large amounts falling in a short period of time. Flooding is common and driving conditions can be dangerous, so its always best to wait until the deluge is over before you venture out.
Where does all the water go? On Table Mountain lots of the rainfall slowly seeps into the aquifer and is stored in the mountain. This allows many of the streams to flow all year round. The rest is carried by streams and drainage into the vleis and oceans.
Burnt sections of fynbos on steep slopes are vunerable to erosion so be careful when hiking to stay on built paths. We welcome the rain but it does bring some hazards. We invite you to hike with us when favourible condtions prevail and we can head out with confidence with the appropriate winter gear.
The good news is that the recently burnt sections of Silvermine Nature Reserve are recovering quickly and already lots of new shoots and buds are appearing. Next November to February we will see magnificent displays of pink watsonias amongst other species that grow from bulbs. So although there will be a sparsity of colour during the winter months, we can look forward to colourful months ahead, defining the resilience of our wonderful fynbos. The Winter rain on Table Mountain, certainly plays an important part, not only for us who love the mountain, but also for all life on it, which is so dependent on such rains too.
