Encased in ice from sprinklers that keep orchard floor temperatures above freezing, Bartlett pear blossoms are protected from frost damage which occurs at 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Photo by Maile Field.

KELSEYVILLE – Overnight temperatures dipped to 25.7 degrees Fahrenheit here Wednesday morning, the county’s coldest location, according to Western Weather Group.

The Big Valley area was abuzz with frost machines and sprinklers until morning sunlight brought temperatures above freezing about 8 a.m.

Pear orchards are in full bloom and cannot tolerate temperatures below 28 degrees for half an hour at this stage, according to UC Davis publications.

Winegrapes, however, the other major crop in the county, are susceptible at 32 degrees.

But only early varieties of grapes have emerged from dormancy so frost protection activities in vineyards was spotty.

Agriculturist Lars Crail, who manages vineyards and orchards in the Kelseyville and Lakeport areas, said any pears not protected were "toast."

Having registered slightly lower temperatures at his home orchard than the Western Weather Group’s station a quarter-mile away, he was glad he turned the sprinklers on at 3 a.m.

Still, Crail said farmers face many risks during frost seasons such as pump failures.

"I hope I didn't lose my crop," he said.

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