diff --git a/piker/storage/cli.py b/piker/storage/cli.py
index 21032c8b..1180d44f 100644
--- a/piker/storage/cli.py
+++ b/piker/storage/cli.py
@@ -452,7 +452,13 @@ 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: