Some Data for a Perspective

FYI, below are two charts (click-on for larger viewing) that appeared in yesterday's San Francisco Chronicle. The first is current info for 2014 and the lower provides a historical perspective.

 

The cabin I built in '79 survived the winter of 1983 (...the 227% of average). During that winter numerous decks collapsed and there were several explosions in Truckee.  The resulting craters (...sans intact structures, just bits) were the result of  severed propane lines to the homes; the gas found its way to low-points in basements (...as in pilot lights on water heaters)...KABOOM!