diff --git a/piker/storage/cli.py b/piker/storage/cli.py
index 90d5baed..c73d3b6d 100644
--- a/piker/storage/cli.py
+++ b/piker/storage/cli.py
@@ -447,7 +447,13 @@ def ldshm(
                         )
                         # last chance manual overwrites in REPL
                         # await tractor.pause()
-                        assert aids
+                        if not aids:
+                            log.warning(
+                                f'No gaps were found !?\n'
+                                f'fqme: {fqme!r}\n'
+                                f'timeframe: {period_s!r}\n'
+                                f"WELL THAT'S GOOD NOOZ!\n"
+                            )
                         tf2aids[period_s] = aids
 
                 else: