Jan 29, 2017 The Yellow Pine Times – Valley County, Idaho
Village News:
Valley County Centennial
Yellow Pine has been contacted to participate in the Valley County Centennial.
We will have a bonfire on Saturday, February 25th, at the Community Hall. The bonfire will be lit by Commissioner Bill Willey at 3:00 p.m.
Commissioner Willey will have a brief meet-and-greet before heading off to light the fire at Warm Lake.
We are looking for ideas to expand this celebration.
Already suggested: Marshmallow roast; hold the cross country ski race that morning
If you have other ideas or want to help out, please contact Deb Filler at 633-6945 or fillerd2 @ live.com
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2017 Festival T-shirt Contest
The festival T-shirt logo contest is now open! Designs should represent the festival (i.e. music, instruments, harmonicas, etc.) All entries must include “28th Annual” and the festival name “Yellow Pine Music and Harmonica Festival” in the design. Entries must be received by Monday, May 15, 2017. The prize for the winning design is $100! Send your entries to Yellow Pine Festival, PO Box 20, Yellow Pine, ID 83677 or yellowpinefestival @ gmail.com
Just a hint: the design will be screen printed on the shirts so artwork that has less detail in the background often presents itself better.
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Idaho Power Notification of Winter Estimates
During the winter months, Idaho Power is frequently unable to read the meters in Yellow Pine due to weather conditions in the area. As a result, your monthly bill for service will be estimate based on historical energy usage for those months we are unable to read the meter.
When we are able to access the meters for an actual read, the amount of the estimated bills will be adjusted as necessary.
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Snow Loads
January 29, 2017
Since the first of December Yellow Pine has received 54.7″ of snow plus over 1.5″ of rain. The snow soaked up the rain and has compressed down to 22″ deep on the ground. Some roofs are still holding the full snow loads. I do not have an estimate of pounds per square foot.
Snow is layered and crusty, medium and low slope roofs have not slid.
Snow depth on south facing roof.
– rrSue
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Local Observations:
Monday (Jan 23) yesterday’s snowfall measured 2″ and there is 23″ on the ground, some clearing during the night dropped the temp to 7F. Fresh fox tracks all over the yard, Quiet cloudy day. A few flakes fell at 130am, but no accumulation.
Tuesday (Jan 24) steady temp of 20F most of the night, partly clear this morning, occasional flake of snow. Raven calling to the east, jay visiting our feeder. Filtered sun during the morning. Clearing in afternoon, strong sun and hit 32 degrees. Temperature dropping fast before dark. Several shots fired around 650pm, maybe a .22? A few stars out after dark and single digits by 9pm.
Wednesday (Jan 25) low of -4 degrees, then clouds and temp up to 6 degrees by 930am, overcast and a few flakes of snow falling. Occasional flakes once in a while until around noon, then just cloudy. Jay calling to the east. Cold quiet day. Cloudy afternoon and night.
Thursday (Jan 26) snowed a skiff early this morning, overcast and 17 degrees, 22″ total snow on the ground (settled, no melting.) Gray and cloudy all day, occasional flakes of snow in the afternoon for about an hour. Clouds breaking up late afternoon and cold breezes. Clear and single digits by midnight.
Friday (Jan 27) clear and cold, low of -5 degrees. Jay calling from a tree, woodpecker tapping over by the school. The sun came up 20 minutes earlier than it did in late December. Strong sun and dripping icicles (still below freezing) at noon. An airplane circled over the village at 132pm. Sunny all day, temperature dropping to the teens before dark and a little haze to the southwest. Clear cold night.
Saturday (Jan 28) clear and cold, 3 degrees this morning. Jay calling to the north. Sunny until about noon, then increasing high thin clouds and temperature went above freezing. Jays visiting bird feeders on the porch. Quiet day, not much traffic (one noisy snowmobile.) Not much melting except icicles. Inversion getting noticeable, smoke hanging low before dark.
Sunday (Jan 29) mostly clear and 9 degrees this morning, and still 22” of snow on the ground. Definite inversion, it was warmer at Big Creek Summit than in YP overnight. High thin clouds by lunch time and above freezing. Jays visiting the feeders, pecking at sunflower seeds, then grabbing a chunk of old dog food and flying off. Interesting cloud patterns this afternoon, wisps and “bubble wrap”, moving fast and changing. High flying raven calling as it went over the village.
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Idaho News:
Grants offered for Wildfire Community Preparedness Day
The Star-News January 26, 2017
Local subdivisions, homeowners associations, neighborhoods, and community groups are encouraged to apply for $500 grants for National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day this year on Saturday, May 6.
Last year six Valley County applicants submitted successful applications. Those interested should go to http://wildfireprepday.org for more information on recommended activities and how to apply for a grant. Applications are due by March 3.
State Farm Insurance and the National Fire Protection Association sponsor the day and the grants to help communities prepare for and work together to reduce their risk of wildfire damage.
McCall Fire & EMS and the McCall Firewise Committee will sponsor an open house at the fire station on May 6 with help from local, state, and federal agencies
Contact Fire Chief Mark Billmire at 634-7070 or mark@mccallfire.com for information or questions.
source The Star-News:
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McCall Winter Carnival kicks off
Gretchen Parsons, KTVB January 26, 2017
McCall – Residents in McCall are gearing up for a busy next 10 days as this Friday will kick off the 52nd annual Winter Carnival.
If you drive into McCall one thing you can’t miss is the giant snow sculptures lining the streets, that’s just one of more than 100 events that are scheduled for this year’s celebration.
Starting Friday and continuing through February 5th, an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 people are expected to make their way into town and attend the huge winter celebration.
“It’s a really big significant impact for all of our businesses to maintain throughout the winter,” said carnival director McKenzie Kramer.
The carnival brings in an estimated $20 million to the Valley County economy over its 10-day run.
Event Guide: 2017 McCall Winter Carnival
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Sky7 makes live debut in beautiful McCall
KTVB January 27, 2017
Sky7 makes it’s debut at the McCall Winter Carnival (Photo: Sky7 / KTVB)
Sky7 made its debut live flight Friday evening, kicking off KTVB’s coverage of the McCall Winter Carnival. Saturday, KTVB will be bringing you pictures of a spectacular event, the Mardi Gras Parade, as never seen on broadcast television before.
Sky7 is a high definition drone that is equipped to transmit a live video signal that we can broadcast immediately over the airwaves.
continued w/video:
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Mccall Winter Carnival 2017 Sculpture Gallery
“100 Years of Forest Management” – Payette National Forest
KTVB Watch: McCall Winter Carnival Mardi Gras Parade
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Idaho 55 reopens after Banks crash
KTVB 4:22 PM. MST January 27, 2017
(Photo: Xanti Alcelay/KTVB)
Banks — Idaho 55 was reopened Friday after a semi crash blocked traffic for hours.
The crash happened at about 7 a.m. just south of Banks. At about 10:45 a.m., emergency crews opened one lane, with both lanes reopened by noon.
Idaho State Police say the semi was the only vehicle involved in the crash, and no one was injured.
The highway was blocked to allow crews to safely remove the wrecked vehicle, according to ISP.
(© 2017 KTVB)
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From ITD
(via The Star-News)
Current highway conditions, as well as highway closures and blockages, can always be accessed by dialing 5-1-1 on your telephone, or visiting 511.idaho.gov
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Power bills spike amid severe winter weather
Alex Livingston, KTVB January 27, 2017
Boise – With record-breaking snowfall and sub-zero temperatures, many are still feeling the effects of an abnormal start to winter.
“We’ve had snow on the ground since mid-December,” said Lynette Standley with Idaho Power. “It’s the worst winter we’ve seen in 30 years, so that’s going to catch up with all of us.”
To stay warm, residents have been cranking up the temperatures in their homes.
“Whether you’re using gas or electric heat in your home, everybody is seeing a spike right now because of these temperatures,” Standley said.
continued:
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How much snow can your home, business handle?
Natalie Shaver, KTVB January 23, 2017
Boise – There’s no doubt we’ve seen a lot of snow this winter, and truth is a lot of communities aren’t built for this weather.
It varies from one county to another, but most of the Treasure Valley to the Idaho-Oregon border can only handle 25 to 30 pounds of snow per square foot. Jeremy Parrish, a project manager at Structural Edge Engineering, said that’s about 18 inches of snow. He said places like McCall can hold between 120 and 150 pounds of snow per square foot, which is around three or four feet of snow.
“They’re used to having this kind of snow,” Parrish said. “Their building codes are set to handle that kind of snow and that’s what we design for.”
Those areas are also more prepared to remove the snow because they’re used to getting so much, he said.
continued w/video:
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Snow-covered buildings collapsing in rare US West weather
By Keith Ridler – 1/24/17 AP
Boise, Idaho — For buildings in parts of the snow-covered U.S. West, it has become a winter where the weak do not survive.
The accumulated weight of snow has crushed an old lumber mill in Oregon, the main grocery store in a small Idaho town, a sports complex in Alaska and a conference center in Colorado, among others.
They have led to some injuries and at least one death, when the roof of a woman’s snow-laden porch in northern Idaho fell while she was underneath it, officials say. Authorities fear more collapses will come.
… While lower elevations are getting record snow, mountains in the West are only somewhat above average, forecasters say.
But “that snow hasn’t been melting,” said Troy Lindquist of the National Weather Service. “We’re ending up with snow loads on roofs that we typically don’t see around here.”
Another possible reason behind the collapses is that settling snow does not look as substantial because it’s not as deep, fooling building owners about the weight that’s pressing on shingles and tiles.
But experts say the water density in the snow is increasing, meaning a roof that that does not appear to be holding much powder can be straining under thousands of pounds.
“They may look at the roof and say, ‘There’s not as much snow there because it settled,’” said Ron Abramovich, a water supply specialist with the Natural Resource Conservation Service who analyzes the snowpack in mountains. “But it really comes down to the amount of water in the snowpack.”
full story:
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Injuries in ice, snow keeping local hospitals busy
by Kelsey McFarland Wednesday, January 25th 2017
Boise, Idaho (KBOI) — Snow and ice have been a constant for the Treasure Valley this winter and that has local hospitals busy.
Shoveling, scraping and slipping; all inevitable when ice and snow blanket roads and sidewalks.
“Wrist fractures, ankle sprains, sometimes concussions. Our hospital and others around the area have been quite backed up because of these kinds of injuries,” said Christie Flynn, a physician assistant at St. Alphonsus Urgent Care.
continued:
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Scam Alert:
Get a wrong number asking ‘can you hear me?’ Police say you better hang up
by WHP Friday, January 27th 2017
If you receive a phone call from someone you don’t know asking “can you hear me,” it would be in your best interest to probably hang up.
A new scam could make you a potential victim if you answer yes because that response is recorded by fraudsters and is used to make unauthorized charges on a phone or utility bill.
According to KTLA, victims are charged because the person already knows your phone number and phone providers pass through the third-party charges.
It is advised that you check your credit card and cable statements for unknown charges if you believe you may have been a victim.
Disputes for credit card charges can be discussed with the Federal Trade Commission and phone bill disputes can be talked about with the Federal Communications Commission.
source:
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Public Lands:
Ice Hole Campground Project
Boise National Forest Jan 27, 2017
Repair existing campground road and campsites to improve watershed and fisheries resources.
Location Summary
The project area is located in the South Fork Salmon River subbasin adjacent to FR 413, roughly 37 miles northeast of Cascade and 6 miles north of the community of Yellow Pine.
District: Cascade Ranger District
https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=49637
Ice Hole Campground Decision Memo signed Jan 25, 2017
DecisionMemo-IceHoleCampground_012517r.pdf
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Cascade RD Ice Hole Campground Decision
The decision for the Ice Hole Campground Project has been signed. This decision authorizes improvements to the existing campground road, construction of a worm rail fence between the campground and Johnson Creek, and upgrades to the campsite pads. A copy of the decision is enclosed.
During the public scoping period, you expressed concerns about the material source to be used for the project and access to the swimming hole.
The plan would be to use the waste rock source on the East Fork Road on the Payette National Forest. We may purchase some basalt aggregate that is stockpiled at the Valdez Pit. This, however, would not affect the pit itself.
Within the project design, there are provision for access through the fence to the swimming hole at the north end of the campground.
The 2014 Farm Bill (Agricultural Act of 2014, Pub. L. No. 113-79) directed that the pre-decisional objection process established in the Consolidated Appropriation Act of 2012 shall not be applicable to categorically excluded projects or activities. As a result the Forest Service no longer offers notice, comment and appeal opportunities pursuant to 36 CFR 215 for categorically excluded projects.
Implementation of this project is scheduled for this summer.
Thank you for your participation in the planning effort for this project. If you have questions regarding this project, please contact Gary Harris, District Hydrologist, by phone at (208) 382-7455 or by email at gdharris@fs.fed.us.
Email sent on behalf of Jake Strohmeyer, Cascade District Ranger
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Payette National Forest notes free winter travel maps
The Star-News January 26, 2017
Free maps for skiers, snowmobilers and other winter users of the Payette National Forest are available at the Payette’s ranger district offices and at the supervisor’s office at 500 N. Mission St. in McCall.
The maps show where snowmobiles and other winter vehicles are allowed as well as not allowed to protect habitat and water quality and to avoid conflicts among users, a news release said.
“The Payette is a renowned destination for snowmobiling, and the forest offers miles and miles of groomed trails,” said Jane Cropp, the Payette’s recreation program manager.
Quick-response codes are printed on the back of the winter travel map. The map is also geo-referenced and available for download through the Avenza Map Store at no charge.
Azenza enables the visitor to download the map onto their smart phone or tablet and then use GPS to track their location and navigate.
The level of grooming depends on the weather and groomed routes through state and private land can change, the news release said.
The latest information on backcountry avalanche and weather conditions can be found on the Payette Avalanche Center’s 24-hour report at 634-0419 or http://avalanche.org
source The Star-News:
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January 2017 Pioneer Fire Recovery and Restoration Update
Boise National Forest 1/27/2017
The January 2017 Pioneer Fire Recovery and Restoration Update is attached for your review.
To assist the Forest Service in meeting its goals of reducing our carbon footprint and to achieve a sustainable operation, we are transitioning to a web-based electronic system that allows interested parties to receive project materials and Forest information by e-mail. This system gives you direct control over which mailing lists you are subscribed to. It’s easy, it’s good for the environment, and it gives “on-demand” access to Forest information and projects. You can subscribe at any time by clicking the “Subscriber Preference Page” link [below] and following the instructions on GovDelivery.com.
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAFS/subscriber/new
For additional information regarding the attached Pioneer Fire Recovery and Restoration Update, please contact Venetia Gempler, Public Affairs Officer, by phone phone at 208-373-4105 or by email vgempler @ fs.fed.us.
Sincerely,
Melissa Yenko
Boise National Forest
Forest Environmental Coordinator
1249 S. Vinnell Way, Suite 200
Boise, ID 83709
Phone: 208-373-4245
Email: myenko @ fs.fed.us
Pioneer+Fire+Recovery+and+Restoration+Update+v.3+1-27-2017.pdf
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North Pioneer Fire Salvage and Reforestation Project Scoping Documents are now Available
USDA Forest Service 1/26/2017
Dear Interested Party,
The Lowman Ranger District of the Boise National Forest would like to know your concerns, questions, and suggestions regarding a proposal to mitigate threats from hazard trees, salvage merchantable dead or dying trees, decommission unauthorized routes causing resource damage, and plant tree seedlings in portions of the 2016 Pioneer Fire area. The proposal has been identified as the North Pioneer Fire Salvage and Reforestation Project. The responsible official for this project and the decision is Cecilia R. Seesholtz, Forest Supervisor, for the Boise National Forest.
The project area is located on National Forest System lands on the Boise National Forest, immediately north and south of Lowman, Idaho, and about 74 miles northeast of Boise, Idaho, in Boise County. Attachment 1: North Pioneer Fire Salvage and Reforestation Proposed Action includes a description of the proposed action and maps with specific locations identified. The scoping letter, attachments, and additional project information are available on the project web page:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=50789
The purpose of this email is to share with you the attached information regarding the proposed North Pioneer Fire Salvage and Reforestation project and invite you to open-house meetings scheduled the week of February 6 to discuss any questions concerning the attached proposal (see dates and meeting locations below).
As identified in Attachment 1 of the scoping letter on the project web page, immediate implementation is essential to successfully accomplish the project purpose and need (e.g., address hazard trees posing risks to public health and safety prior to the next recreation season). Therefore, the Boise National Forest intends to request an emergency situation determination (ESD) to facilitate immediate implementation of the proposed activities during the 2017 field season. Only the Chief and Associate Chief of the Forest Service may grant an ESD (36 CFR 218.21(a)).
An emergency situation at 36 CFR 218.21(b) is defined as follows:
A situation on National Forest System (NFS) lands for which immediate implementation of a decision is necessary to achieve one or more of the following:
* Relief from hazards threatening human health and safety
* Mitigation of threats to natural resources on NFS or adjacent lands
* Avoiding a loss of commodity value sufficient to jeopardize the agency’s ability to accomplish project objectives directly related to resource protection or restoration.
If the Chief decides this project qualifies for an ESD, the project will be exempt from the objections process. This exemption allows us to implement the project as soon as the environmental analysis is completed and the decision is signed. Providing for immediate implementation following completion of the environment review allows the Boise National Forest to remove hazards safely, complete associated resource protection/restoration projects, and capture enough commodity value to market some of the trees. Often if material proposed for removal cannot be sold, many of the project’s objectives cannot be met. Even if an ESD is granted, many opportunities for the public to be involved in planning this project will still exist, including responding to this proposed action, attending open houses, and commenting on the environmental analysis. Refer to Attachment 2 on the project web page for more information concerning an ESD.
How to Provide Comments
The Forest Service is contacting interested persons, groups, and agencies to gather pertinent feedback concerning the attached proposal. To be most useful, please make your comments as specific as possible. Your comments will help us further identify and address any specific benefits, issues, or concerns about this proposal.
Electronic, written, hand-delivered, and facsimile comments concerning this project will be accepted for 30 calendar days following publication of a legal notice in The Idaho Statesman (newspaper of record). The legal notice is scheduled to be published on January 28, 2017. The publication date in the newspaper of record is the exclusive means for calculating the comment period for this proposal. Those wishing to comment should not rely upon date or timeframe information provided by any other source. Regulations prohibit extending the length of the comment period.
Comments may be submitted through the North Pioneer Fire Salvage and Reforestation Project webpage: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=50789
To submit comments using the web form, select “Comment on Project” under “Get Connected” on the right panel of the project’s webpage.
Email comments must be submitted in a format such as an email message, plain text (.txt), rich text format (.rtf), Adobe (.pdf), or Word (.doc) to comments-intermtn-boise-lowman@fs.fed.us. Please put “Pioneer North” in the subject line of e-mail comments. Comments must have an identifiable name attached or verification of identity will be required. A scanned signature may serve as verification on electronic comments.
Written comments must be mailed to: Boise National Forest, Lowman Ranger District, Attention: John Kidd, District Ranger, 7359 Highway 21, Lowman, ID 83637 or faxed to 208–259–3366. The office hours for those submitting hand-delivered comments are: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Comments received in response to this request will be available for public inspection in the “Public Comment Reading Room” on the project webpage and will be released in their entirety, if requested, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act.
Individuals and entities who have submitted specific written comments at this stage (i.e., scoping) will be eligible to object if the ESD is not approved. Issues raised in objections must be based on previously submitted written comments specific to the proposed project or activity unless the objection concerns an issue that arose after the opportunities for comment.
Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who comment, will be considered part of the public record for this project, available for public inspection, and released if requested under the Freedom of Information Act.
Open House Meetings
We recognize the importance of the public involvement process for this project and are aware that, should it be approved, the expedited emergency procedure impacts the structure of that process. Thus, we will be employing a variety of communication options to share and receive information from interested parties, including hosting three open house meetings during the week of February 6:
* February 8: Boise, Best Western at the Airport, 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
* February 9: Idaho City, High School Cafeteria, 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
* February 10: Garden Valley, High School Multi-purpose room, 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
Project team members will be in attendance to answer questions and share maps and other materials. These maps and materials will also be available on the project website:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=50789
Future Communications
To better serve the public, we are utilizing a new electronic messaging program that will allow us to communicate with interested members of public like you. This new program will allow you to manage subscriptions to Forest Service project electronic mailing list(s) and access immediate electronic information to project documents.
To take advantage this electronic information system, you must access the North Pioneer Fire Salvage and Reforestation project web page, select the “Subscribe to Email Updates” link from the “Get Connected” menu, and provide your email address. After providing your address, you can also self-subscribe to additional Forest Service project electronic mailing lists and provide additional contact information, if desired, through the “Subscriber Preferences” link.
You may go online now to switch to electronic communication. If you wish to remain a hard-copy postal subscriber, please respond to this request for scoping comments with your desire to stay on the mailing list, even if you don’t have specific comments on the proposed action.
If you have any questions concerning this proposal, please contact John Kidd, Lowman District Ranger, at (208) 392-7300 or jkidd @ fs.fed.us, or Clint VanZile, Pioneer North Team Leader, at (208) 365 7018 or cvanzile @ fs.fed.us. Thank you for your continued interest and participation in this process.
Sincerely,
Melissa Yenko
Boise National Forest
Acting Forest Planner
1249 S. Vinnell Way, Suite 200
Boise, ID 83709
Phone: 208-373-4245
Email: myenko @ fs.fed.us
Additional information about the Pioneer Fire Recovery and Restoration Effort is available on the following web pages:
Pioneer Fire Recovery and Restoration Web Page:
Pioneer Fire BAER Information:
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South Pioneer Fire Salvage and Reforestation Project Scoping Documents are Now Available
USDA Forest Service 1/26/2017
Dear Interested Party,
The Idaho City Ranger District of the Boise National Forest would like to know your concerns, questions, and suggestions regarding a proposal to mitigate threats from hazard trees, salvage merchantable dead or dying trees, decommission unauthorized routes causing resource damage and plant tree seedlings in portions of the 2016 Pioneer Fire area. The proposal has been identified as the South Pioneer Fire Salvage and Reforestation Project. The responsible official for this project and the decision is Cecilia R. Seesholtz, Forest Supervisor for the Boise National Forest.
The project area is located approximately 18 miles northeast of Idaho City, Idaho, and about 48 miles northeast of Boise, Idaho, in Boise County. Attachment 1: South Pioneer Fire Salvage and Reforestation Proposed Action includes a description of the proposed action and maps with specific locations identified. The scoping letter, attachments, and additional information about this project and other Pioneer Fire post-fire activities are available at:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=50694
The purpose of this email is to share with you the attached information regarding the proposed South Pioneer Fire Salvage and Reforestation Project and invite you to open-house meetings scheduled the week of February 6 to discuss any questions concerning the attached proposal (see dates and meeting locations below).
As identified in Attachment 1 on the project web page, immediate implementation is essential to successfully accomplish project purpose and need (e.g., address hazard trees that pose risks to public health and safety prior to next recreation season). Therefore, the Boise National Forest intends to request an emergency situation determination (ESD) to facilitate immediate implementation of the proposed activities during the 2017 field season. Only the Chief and Associate Chief of the Forest Service may grant an ESD (36 CFR 218.21(a)).
An emergency situation at 36 CFR 218.21(b) is defined as follows.
A situation on National Forest System (NFS) lands for which immediate implementation of a decision is necessary to achieve one or more of the following:
* Relief from hazards threatening human health and safety
* Mitigation of threats to natural resources on NFS or adjacent lands
* Avoiding a loss of commodity value sufficient to jeopardize the agency’s ability to accomplish project objectives directly related to resource protection or restoration.
If the Chief decides this project qualifies for an ESD, the project will be exempt from the objections process. This exemption allows us to implement the project as soon as the environmental analysis is completed and the decision is signed. Providing for immediate implementation following completion of the environment review allows the Boise National Forest to remove hazards safely, complete associated resource protection/restoration projects, and capture enough commodity value to market some of the trees. Often, if material proposed for removal cannot be sold, many of the project’s objectives cannot be met. Even if an ESD is granted, many opportunities for the public to be involved in the planning for this project will still exist, including responding to this proposed action, attending open houses, and commenting on the environmental analysis. Refer to Attachment 2 on the project web page for more information concerning an ESD.
How to Provide Comments
The Forest Service is contacting interested persons, groups, and agencies to gather pertinent feedback concerning the attached proposal. To be most useful, please make your comments as specific as possible. Your comments will help us further identify and address any specific benefits, issues or concerns about this proposal.
Electronic, written, hand-delivered, and facsimile comments concerning this project will be accepted for 30 calendar days following publication of a legal notice in The Idaho Statesman (newspaper of record). The legal notice is scheduled to be published on January 28, 2017. The publication date in the newspaper of record is the exclusive means for calculating the comment period for this proposal. Those wishing to comment should not rely upon date or timeframe information provided by any other source. Regulations prohibit extending the length of the comment period.
Comments may be submitted through the South Pioneer Fire Salvage and Reforestation Project webpage: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=50694
To submit comments using the web form, select “Comment on Project” under “Get Connected” on the right panel of the project’s webpage.
Email comments must be submitted in a format such as an email message, plain text (.txt), rich text format (.rtf), Adobe (.pdf), or Word (.doc) to: comments-intermtn-boise-idaho-city@fs.fed.us . Please put “Pioneer South” in the subject line of e-mail comments. Comments must have an identifiable name attached or verification of identity will be required. A scanned signature may serve as verification on electronic comments.
Written comments must be mailed to: Boise National Forest, Idaho City Ranger District, Attention: Brant Petersen, District Ranger, P.O. Box 129, Idaho City, ID 83631 or faxed to (208) 392-6684. The office hours for those submitting hand-delivered comments are 8 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Comments received in response to this request will be available for public inspection in the “Public Comment Reading Room” on the project webpage and will be released in their entirety, if requested, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act.
Individuals and entities who have submitted specific written comments at this stage (i.e., scoping) will be eligible to object if the ESD is not approved. Issues raised in objections must be based on previously submitted written comments specific to the proposed project or activity unless the objection concerns an issue that arose after the opportunities for comment.
Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who comment, will be considered part of the public record for this project, available for public inspection, and released if requested under the Freedom of Information Act.
Open House Meetings
We recognize the importance of the public involvement process for this project and are aware that, should it be approved, the expedited emergency procedure impacts the structure of that process. Thus, we will be employing a variety of communication options to share and receive information from interested parties including hosting three open house meetings during the week of February 6:
* February 8: Boise, Best Western at the Airport, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
* February 9: Idaho City, High School Cafeteria, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
* February 10: Garden Valley, High School Multi-purpose room, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Project team members will be in attendance to answer questions and share maps and other materials. These maps and materials will also be available on the project website:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=50694
Future Communications
To better serve the public, we are utilizing a new electronic messaging program that will allow us to communicate with interested members of public like you. This new program will allow you to manage subscriptions to Forest Service project electronic mailing list(s) and access immediate electronic information to project documents.
To take advantage, you must access the South Pioneer Fire Salvage and Reforestation Project web page, select the “Subscribe to Email Updates” link from the “Get Connected” menu, and provide your email address. After providing your address, you can also self-subscribe to additional Forest Service project electronic mailing lists and provide additional contact information, if desired, through the “Subscriber Preferences” link.
You may go online now to switch to electronic communication. If you wish to remain a hard-copy postal subscriber, please respond to this request for scoping comments with your desire to stay on the mailing list, even if you don’t have specific comments on the proposed action.
If you have any questions concerning this proposal, please contact Brant Petersen, Idaho City District Ranger, at (208) 392-6681 or bpetersen02 @ fs.fed.us, or John Riling, Pioneer South Team Leader, at (208) 373-4100 or jriling @ fs.fed.us. Thank you for your continued interest and participation in this process.
Sincerely,
Melissa Yenko
Acting Forest Planner
Boise National Forest
1249 S. Vinnell Way, Suite 200
Boise, ID 83709
Phone: 208-373-4245
Email: myenko @ fs.fed.us
Additional information about the Pioneer Fire Recovery and Restoration Effort is available on the following web pages:
Pioneer Fire Recovery and Restoration Web Page:
Pioneer Fire BAER Information:
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‘Megaload’ settlement bans new big truck loads on Idaho road
By Rebecca Boone – 1/27/17 AP
Boise, Idaho — Environmental groups, the Nez Perce Tribe and the U.S. Forest Service said Friday that they have reached a settlement in a lawsuit over huge “megaload” shipments on a scenic northwestern Idaho highway by tractor trailers.
The shipments had been on hold since 2013 along a 100-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 12 between Lewiston, Idaho and the Montana border.
The settlement means oversized loads, such as logs and farm equipment, that have traditionally traveled Highway 12 can continue but that future megaloads of other products including some oil refinery equipment will be banned.
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Letters to Share:
Mystic Farm Update
1/27/2017
Hello Mystic Farm Supporters!
All reports are that the turnout and the fun at the “GROW MORE SPOTS” fundraiser met all expectations. Thank you to all who donated, attended, volunteered, and kept it running smoothly. Remember, your input and opinions are welcome!
*My decrepit old body is moving right along – going anywhere my walker will take me – well, as long as it’s inside the house! My crutches are primed and ready to go to the next step in the “new back” process.
Thank you to all who made this possible!
Sincerely,
Dory, the board, and all the volunteers
Mystic Farm Wildlife Rescue, Inc.
710 Sanctuary Hills
Sagle, ID 83860
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Idaho Gamebird Foundation
1/28/2017
Hi all, we can now get to the small bags of grain for bird feed. Lane Hanson came down and shovrled out a path to get to it. When the small bags are gone we will have to fill bags from the big totes. We have bags but sugest that you save all your empty bags as we have to buy new bags. I found a new bunch of pheasants on Chaney Toad. I will take feed to them today. Give me a call if you cant find me.
“Whiskers”
208-883-3423
Idaho Gamebird Foundation
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Critter News:
‘Tough local men’ rescue stranded horse from Boulder Lake
Helicopter used to hoist horse to safety
By Tom Grote for The Star-News Jan 26, 2017
A group of “soft-hearted tough local men” on Tuesday organized a rescue of a horse that was stranded in six feet of snow near Boulder Lake east of McCall.
Courtesy Idaho Horse Rescue – the rescued horse is shown recovering on Wednesday in a barn in Boise operated by Idaho Horse Rescue.
The horse was tranquilized, fitted with a sling and lifted by helicopter to a ranch near Lake Fork.
The horse, thin and weak from lack of food, is expected to survive, said Robert Bruno, president and founder of Idaho Horse Rescue in Boise.
“I think he’ll make it,” Bruno said Tuesday while hauling the horse from McCall to a rehabilitation barn operated by the rescue group. “I think he’ll be alright.”
However, the fate of a second horse stranded with the rescued horse was uncertain. The horse could not be found on Tuesday and Bruno suspects it may have collapsed and died.
The two horses had been spotted traveling together for several months, but the need to rescue them became urgent last week when they were spotted stranded above the lake at 7,700 feet elevation.
A group of McCall residents who Bruno called “The Magnificent Seven,” volunteered to bring hay and water to the horse last week using high-powered snowmobiles designed for backcountry use.
The group, which Bruno described as “soft-hearted, tough local men,” then mounted the rescue on Tuesday by riding back to the horse with a special sling obtained by Bruno.
The volunteers were identified as Ryan Miller, Pat Morell, Randy Morell, Jason Morell, Chuck Whitesell, Scott Buss and Jeff Schneider.
The horse was injected with a tranquilizer to sedate it, after which it was wrapped in the sling, which allowed its legs to hang free. Then a call was made to Cody Carlson of Salmon River Helicopters in Riggins, who was standing by, and lifted off his helicopter for the 30-minute ride to the site.
Carlson lowered a cable, the sling was hooked up and the horse lifted into the air, according to a video of the rescue posted on various online sites.
A short time later the horse was gently lowered into a corral at a ranch owned by Pat Morell near Lake Fork. A few hours later the horse recovered from the sedation and was able to be loaded into a trailer for the ride to Boise, Bruno said.
continued at The Star-News:
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‘It was a miracle:’ Stranded horse airlifted off Valley County mountain
Tyson Miller KTVB January 24, 2017
Screen grab from video of a horse being airlifted off a remote Valley County mountain. (Photo: Ryan Miller)
Valley County – One of two horses found stranded on a remote mountain in Valley County has been rescued, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of a group of volunteers.
Rescuer Ryan Miller posted a video to his Facebook page showing Tuesday’s daring helicopter rescue. In the video, the helicopter drops a rope to rescuers on the the ground who attach it to the tranquilized horse. The helicopter then carries the horse off the mountain.
Idaho Horse Rescue is now taking care of the horse, which is expected to fully recover. But the rescue happened just in the nick of time.
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Rescue group launches search for second stranded horse
KTVB January 26, 2017
Valley County — Idaho Horse Rescue is taking to the air again to search for a second horse that had been abandoned and became trapped in deep snopw near Valley County’s Boulder Lake.
The horses – one white, one brown – had been spotted in the remote area, but would-be rescuers struggled to get close enough to save them. The rescue group caught a break Tuesday when volunteers were able to use a helicopter to airlift the brown horse out of the snow.
At the time, there was no sign of his white companion. The rescuers say the second horse, which had been injured in an attack from some sort of predator, had likely perished.
But the Idaho Horse Rescue announced a plan to fly over the area with a thermal imaging camera and a cameraman from the Boise Fire Department to scan the area where the white horse was last seen. The animal was last spotted alive by a backcountry pilot Jan. 16, but rescuers are holding out hope that the horse had managed to survive.
The brown horse, now named Ryat, is being cared for and rehabilitated at Idaho Horse Recue.
source:
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Boiler plate snow cover tough on wildlife
By Rich Landers The Spokesman-Review Jan 24, 2017
The wind-packed or sun-crusted snow blanketing much of the region delivers one of the most difficult conditions for wintering birds and a wildlife.
Crusty snow with mild temperatures is more deadly than powdery snow and frigid cold.
It’s time to rein in loose running dogs to give wild critters a break. It’s against Washington [and Idaho] law to let dogs chase wildlife. If a dog is caught chasing deer, the owner is liable. In extreme cases, officers have been authorized to shoot deer-chasing dogs.
Ground-feeding birds such as pheasants have trouble scratching through the hardpack to reach grains and other foods. Even deer find it hard in some areas to scrape the snow with their hooves to expose food.
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‘You can help deer survive the winter,’ wildlife area closes to public to help animals
by Amika Osumi Thursday, January 26th 2017
Boise, Idaho (KBOI) — Hikers may notice that the Boise River Wildlife Management Area is now closed to the public.
Idaho Fish and Game closed the area last Friday.
They say closing the area off to people will help eliminate stress for big game animals as they deal with this record breaking winter.
Mule deer and elk use the area to weather through winter storms.
IDFG says if the wildlife isn’t disturbed by people, they can conserve energy and find food more easily.
That gives them a better chance of surviving until spring.
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Brutal western US winter has been terrible for animals
By Andrew Selsky – 1/27/17 AP
Antelope injured while falling on ice. Horses stranded in snowy mountains. Cougars descending from their wilderness lairs to forage in a town.
It’s been a beastly winter in the American West, not just for people but for animals too. One storm after another has buried much of the region in snow, and temperatures have often stayed below freezing, endangering a rich diversity of wild animals.
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Cougar and her 3 kittens captured and relocated in Idaho
1/24/17 AP
Pocatello, Idaho — State officials have captured a female mountain lion and her three kittens in a residential area near the eastern Idaho city of Pocatello and relocated them to a more remote spot.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game said Monday that workers with a dog treed the mountain lion kittens weighing from 35 to 50 pounds on Thursday and used catch poles to extricate them from the branches.
Officials say workers treed the adult cougar Friday and used a tranquilizer dart.
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Oregon community sees fifth cougar killed in 1 week
1/27/17 AP
Bend, Ore. — Wildlife officials have caught and killed a cougar in the central Oregon town of La Pine for the fifth time in one week.
The Bend Bulletin reports that the state Department of Fish and Wildlife killed the cougar on Thursday following reports that it was seen near a corner store earlier this week.
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Fish and Game captures, tranquilizes coyote that’s been roaming Boise Bench
by KBOI News Staff Wednesday, January 25th 2017
BOISE, Idaho (KBOI) — Fish and Game says it’s caught and tranquilized a coyote on the Boise Bench.
There have been numerous sightings of the animal in recent weeks. Some neighbors told KBOI 2News that the coyote in question ate several chickens and ducks around Christmas. Fish and Game nabbed the coyote near Cassia Park.
One woman told KBOI 2News earlier this month that was shaken after catching the wild animal playing with her dog in her backyard. She took a video behind the safety of a glass door, but worries one of her animals will eventually get hurt.
Fish and Game says it plans to release the animal back into the wild.
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KWVR Oregon Wolf Education weekly Wolf Report
Fourth week of January 2017
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Pinedale Wolf News:
1/6/17: Wolf News Roundup
(By Cat Urbigkit, Pinedale Online!) A Swedish court has allowed the hunting of 24 wolves to begin in early 2017, despite appeals from environmental groups. A red wolf has been illegally shot and killed inside a national wildlife refuge in North Carolina, and federal wildlife officials are offering a $2,500 reward for information about the incident, while pledges from environmental groups have upped the reward to $16,500. Michigan Governor Rick Snyder signed legislation making wolves in the state a game animal, making an end-run around ballot initiatives that would keep the animals from being hunted. …. (Click on the link above for the complete story.)
1/11/17: Cheney pushes wolf delisting
(By U.S. Representative Liz Cheney press release) U.S. Representative Liz Cheney introduced a bipartisan bill on Tuesday with fellow co-sponsors Congressman Collin C. Peterson (MN-07) and Congressman Sean Duffy (WI-07), to remove the gray wolf from the list of threatened and endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. The bill will also prohibit judicial review of this delisting determination. … (Click on the link above for the complete story.)
1/18/17: Wolf News Roundup 1/18/2017
(By Cat Urbigkit, Pinedale Online!) U.S. Congressional members from the Great Lakes states and Wyoming have teamed up in a bipartisan effort to remove wolves from federal protection in those states, and to prohibit legal challenges to this action. In New Mexico, the federal Interior Department is asking the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn a federal judge’s decision barring the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service from releasing captive-bred Mexican wolves into New Mexico without approval from the state wildlife agency … (Click on the link above for the complete story.)
1/21/17: Judge orders information destroyed
(By Cat Urbigkit, Pinedale Online!) U.S. District Court Judge Lynn Winmill of Idaho has ordered the destruction of information gained as the result of placing radio collars on wolves and elk in an Idaho wilderness area. The destruction of data was requested by Wilderness Watch, Friends of the Clearwater, and Western Watersheds Project. “the injury to the plaintiffs’ interest in the wilderness character of the Wilderness Area is real and cannot be compensated for by a monetary award.” “The only remedy that will directly address the ongoing harm is an order requiring destruction of the data – no monetary award or other such sanction will alleviate the ongoing harm. Thus, the Court will issue a mandatory injunction ordering the Director to destroy the data received on the elk and wolves collared in this project.” … (Click on the link above for the complete story.)
1/23/17: Celebrity wolves
(By Cat Urbigkit, Pinedale Online!) Emma Marris’s essay “Why OR7 is a celebrity” in the current edition of High Country News uses the tale of an individual wolf to explain the novelty factor when wolves expand their range and move into a new area. Marris’s piece notes the fund-raising factor is upped when people connect emotionally to individual animals, but appeals focused on larger groups are not as effective. Marris noted that while OR7 is famous in Oregon, the novelty is wearing off as the wolf population increases…. (Click on the link above for the complete story.)
1/23/17: Wyoming wolf update
(By Cat Urbigkit, Pinedale Online!) The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) has been busy placing radio collars on wolves throughout western Wyoming. With 36 new collars in place, more than 80 wolves in the state are now wearing the collars. The collars are a tool for monitoring the wolf population, and can be key resource for quickly locating wolf packs that are involved in livestock depredations….. (Click on the link above for the complete story.)
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Wolf Education International
Newsletter Jan 23-24, 2017
Wolf in Saxony to be shot as possible threat to humans
Helminth-Cestode: Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus mutilocularis
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Senate backs emergency feeding for beleaguered E. Idaho elk, deer on 27-3 vote
By Betsy Z. Russell The Spokesman-Review Jan 25, 2017
Idaho Fish & Game expects to spend $400,000 more than anticipated on emergency winter feeding of elk and deer this year, due in part to a major fire in August that burned crucial winter range in eastern Idaho’s Tex Creek Wildlife Management Area. The Senate voted today to approve the expenditure, which comes from Fish & Game’s existing funds, but there were three “no” votes, from Sens. Steve Vick, R-Dalton Gardens; Dan Foreman, R-Moscow; and Jeff Siddoway, R-Terreton.
“I’m just not sure I had done enough scrutiny of what the money was being spent for,” said Vick,” and there is some controversy over the value of winter game feeding as well.”
Sen. Steve Bair, R-Blackfoot, chairman of the Senate Resources Committee, told the Senate that the “harsh winter” has prompted Fish & Game to dig deeper into its dedicated fund that’s set aside for such efforts. He said 53,000 acres burned in August in the Henry’s Creek Fire, including 25,000 acres of the wildlife management area, which he said “is absolutely critical and crucial winter rangeland for 3,500 elk and some 5,000 mule deer. With that rangeland now gone, there is a necessity if we want those elk and deer to survive, we’re going to need to feed them.
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Idaho hunting guide captures incredible elk herding video
by KBOI News Staff Wednesday, January 25th 2017
Sun Valley, Idaho (KBOI) — An Idaho hunting guide captured incredible video of an elk herding operation in Blaine County over the weekend.
Dustin Hennefer told KBOI 2News that Idaho Fish and Game was trying to herd a group of elk off a rancher’s feeding ground for his cows. The elk were being moved to a designated feeding area across the road, Hennefer said.
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Naturally!
by Marty Broom 01/26/17 (at KTVB)
The elk have moved into our neighborhood. This calf provided a great photo.
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Critter tracks read like story in the snow
By Rich Landers The Spokesman-Review Jan 25, 2017
A mountain grouse track crosses a snowshoe hare track before the bird launched to fly away. (Rich Landers)
source w/more photos:
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Birders in Idaho worry harsh winter may hurt hummingbirds
1/28/17 AP
Boise, Idaho — Bird lovers in Idaho are worried that an unusually cold and snowy winter may have harmed or killed some of the Anna’s hummingbirds that spend the winter in there despite the chilly climate.
Some bird lovers who feed the hummingbirds say they haven’t spotted one since mid-December and the last reported sighting of the tiny ruby-throated birds was on Jan. 2, according to The Idaho Statesman reports Saturday.
Temperatures as low as -11 have been recorded at the Boise airport.
“We don’t have evidence they died off but I do suspect some of them did die,” said Heidi Ware, education and outreach director at the Intermountain Bird Observatory, an academic research and outreach program of Boise State University.
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Columbia Basin Bulletin
Weekly Fish and Wildlife News
http://www.cbbulletin.com
January 27, 2017
Issue No. 817
Table of Contents
* NOAA Kicks Off Columbia Basin Partnership Task Force: Can Regional Salmon Recovery Efforts Be Integrated?
http://www.cbbulletin.com/438254.aspx
* Upper Deschutes Salmon Reintroduction: Genetic Testing Confirms Returning Sockeye From Mid-Deschutes
http://www.cbbulletin.com/438253.aspx
* Corps Reviewing Draft Letter That Could Allow Funding For Preventing Invasive Mussels In Columbia Basin
http://www.cbbulletin.com/438252.aspx
* Oregon Harvest Reforms Differ From Washington In How Much Gillnetting Allowed; States Hope To Work Out ‘Non-Concurrence’ Issues
http://www.cbbulletin.com/438251.aspx
* BPA Discusses Cost Of NEPA For Columbia River Power System With Cost-Savings Work Group
http://www.cbbulletin.com/438250.aspx
* Columbia Riverkeeper, Bureau Of Reclamation Reach Settlement On Pollution At Grand Coulee Dam
http://www.cbbulletin.com/438249.aspx
* Survey Shows Knowledge Gaps In Impacts Of Run-OF-River Dams On Salmonids
http://www.cbbulletin.com/438248.aspx
* Third Oregon Climate Assessment Report Shows State Still Warming; Lower Snowpack, Less Water
http://www.cbbulletin.com/438247.aspx
* IDFG Sets Meetings To Develop Spring Chinook Rules For Clearwater Region
http://www.cbbulletin.com/438246.aspx
* Montana Taps A New Member For The Northwest Power And Conservation Council
http://www.cbbulletin.com/438245.aspx
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Fun Critter Stuff:
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Dog Sledding
(wait for it…)
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The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog
[h/t SMc]
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Photos: Coyote, badger hunt together
By Rich Landers The Spokesman-Review Jan 9, 2017
Coyote and badger at Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center in northern Colorado. (Kimberly Fraser / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
A coyote and badger hunting together on the prairie surrounding the National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center in northern Colorado, confirmed in photos, seems like a very unusual association.
But U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services biologists say coyotes and badgers are known to hunt together and can even be more successful hunting prairie dogs and ground-squirrels when they work in tandem.
Studies have shown that this unusual relationship is beneficial for both species, according to the FWS website. The coyote can chase down prey if it runs and the badger can dig after prey if it heads underground into its burrow systems.
source w/more photos:
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[h/t SMc]
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Fish & Game News:
Two new Fish & Game commissioners face Senate panel
By Betsy Z. Russell The Spokesman-Review Jan 25, 2017
Two newly appointed Fish and Game commissioners fielded questions from a Senate panel during an appointment hearing Wednesday, from depredation to auction tags. Idaho Falls Post Register reporter Bryan Clark reports that Gov. Butch Otter appointed the two, Jerry Meyers of North Fork and Greg Cameron of Rupert, in September after commissioners Mark Doerr of Kimberly and Will Naillon of Challis were not reappointed. Otter’s decision was widely seen as driven by Doerr’s and Naillon’s positions on the issue of auction tags.
source w/link to full story:
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Idaho hunters bag more game, but wildlife agency struggling
By Keith Ridler – 1/26/17 AP
BOISE, Idaho — Efforts by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to boost deer and elk hunting have succeeded, but the agency’s financial situation remains difficult and fee increases are needed, its director said Thursday.
Virgil Moore said Idaho hunters last season had the highest harvest levels of elk and deer in the last 25 years following efforts to boost herd numbers of the species that account for much of the agency’s revenue.
But Moore told the Idaho Fish and Game Commission while presenting the agency’s annual report that the agency faces challenges. From 2009 to 2011 the agency reduced staff, cut resident fish hatchery production 20 percent, and cut back on deferred maintenance.
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News Releases
https://idfg.idaho.gov/press
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Trivia:
The Chinese New Year
It’s the year of the rooster
The Old Farmer’s Almanac
For 2017, the Chinese New Year begins on Saturday, January 28 (according to the Gregorian calendar). With festivals, lanterns, and parties, millions of people will ring in the Year of the Rooster, which refers to one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac.
Those born in the Year of the Rooster are said to seek wisdom. They do not just rely on what others tell them, but search for the truth.
The traditional Chinese lunisolar year has 12 months of 353 to 355 days, or during a leap year, 13 months of 383 to 385 days.
Therefore, the Chinese year usually begins several weeks into the western 365-day year (usually between January 21 and February 20), not on January 1 of the Gregorian calendar.
As is ancient tradition, the Chinese zodiac attaches animal signs to each lunar year in a cycle of 12 years. The animal designation changes at the start of the New Year.
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Tips and Advice:
How Much Snow is Too Much for Your Roof?
Homeowners in the snowier states spend their winters watching the white stuff accumulating on the roof—and possibly wondering if their house can bear all the weight. Here’s what you need to know.
By Roy Berendsohn Feb 17, 2012 Popular Mechanics
Last winter we had snow on the ground that was up to our hips. The drifts on the roof were 5 feet deep. Made me wonder: How much snow is too much for a roof to handle?
I wish there were a simple answer, but none exists. You can look for signs of an overloaded roof, though. I’ll explain those in a moment.
But first, to provide perspective, I want to answer the simple question: What is a roof? It’s a complex assembly of rafters and related structural members, trusses, the roof deck, and even the roofing material. Whether a roof can sustain a load without damage or collapse depends mainly on the depth and density of the snow, as well as the depth and spacing of the rafters and trusses. Other factors include the surface slope and texture, and the shape and location of the drift.
The ideal pitched roof is smooth and steep (so the snow slides off), and framed with closely spaced rafters (for strength). It also helps if the roof is in a sheltered area; the snow settles on it evenly, rather than being blown into large drifts (which can cause a roof to fail).
So, a risky roof is flat or slightly pitched, and in a location that is exposed to the wind. Shallow roofs adjacent to or below taller, steeper ones are especially vulnerable to a load of snow sliding down from above. For example, low-sloping roofs over porches, carports, and hastily built additions (which also often have undersize rafters) can be vulnerable when the snow flies.
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Seasonal Humor:
Tired of the snow
photo by Cheryl Krajnik – 01/20/17
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Delivering mail with a horse team and sleigh around 1919. This photograph was taken somewhere between Elk City and Dixie. (USFS Collection Nez Perce FS)
The Yellow Pine Times 