Road Report Aug 30

Yellow Pine: Local streets are dusty, please drive respectfully. Watch out for kids, horses and deer in the roads – it is summer time in Yellow Pine.

Johnson Creek Road: The mail truck driver (Robert) reports the county grader is headed down Johnson Creek Road this morning. Bladed from Landmark almost to Halfway when he went by.

South Fork / EFSF Road: Reports the EFSF road is good shape. The dust abatement on the EFSF road is holding up well. There is new asphalt at both ends of the EFSF cement bridge, however the road is rough either side of the new paving.

Lick Creek: Road is open, it is usually rough. No current report.

Profile Creek Road: Be aware there is still fire traffic on the road for the Missouri Fire. Road last reported to be in “good shape” from the turn off to the summit and “not bad” going down the far side.

Stibnite to Thunder Mountain: Open, no current report.

Big Creek to Warrens Road: Warren to the South Fork access – Regarding road repairs on two areas that slumped this spring on Valley County’s section of the road. This is the road beyond Warren down to the South Fork of the Salmon River near Trails End Subdivision. Valley County has contracted the repairs to begin at the end of August. The road will be remain open, except for these listed dates – on these dates the road will be closed.
Aug. 29-30 Road closed to relocate the fiber optic lines at the upper sloughs
Sept. 5-14 Contractor will complete the upper 2 slough repairs
Sept. 19-28 Begin work on lower repair
Oct. 3-12 Work on lower repair
Oct. 17-26 Complete work on lower repair
map:

Deadwood Summit: Road open, reported to be rough, no current report.

Golden Gate Road: The road is only passable on foot due to large deep wash-out about 2/3rds of the way up.
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Fire Update 8/30/2017

Local Conditions: Yesterday pre-dawn thunderstorms rolled thru with a bit of rain, then another little shower later in the morning, total precipitation 0.06″. Hot afternoon, high of 97 degrees. This morning we had a low of 47 degrees and mostly cloudy sky. Red Flag Fire Weather Weather Warning for this afternoon for thunderstorms and wind.
The lightning yesterday started several small fires across the Payette NF, 2 are in the Buckhorn area above the South Fork.

Yellow Pine Forecast:
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Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in effect

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Prohibit the the following:

* Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or stove fire, except in designated recreation sites, and only within a metal and/or concrete fire structure provided by the forest service

* Personal charcoal grill

* Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials
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McCall Air Quality
Aug 29 smoke map

NOAA generates daily maps showing smoke patterns if you want to know where all the smoke is coming from:

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Fire Update – Payette National Forest

August 29, 2017

McCall, Idaho – A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for the Payette Dispatch Area for lightning effective Wednesday, August 30th afternoon and evening. Thunderstorms are expected to build over the region as an approaching Pacific trough will combine with mid-level moisture to generate showers and thunderstorms. These thunderstorms can produce outflow winds to 55 mph. A Fire Weather Watch means critical fire weather conditions are forecasted to occur – later forecasts can move to Read Flag Warnings.

Six new wildfires have been reported over the past few days within the Payette Interagency Dispatch area. One of these wildfires is human caused, while another is under investigation as a possible human caused wildfire.

Four lightning caused wildfires were ignited in vicinity of Miners Peak Fire Lookout early this morning and are under initial attack at this time. The fire lookout hiked out of the area to ensure safety, as a total of 5 lightning strikes hit the area, and four of the strikes quickly ignited wildfires.

Two of these wildfires burned together to form the Little Buckhorn Fire on the Krassel Ranger District which is currently at 2 acres. Another lightning strike ignited the West Buck Fire also on the Krassel Ranger District and currently being held at .10 of an acre. The fourth wildfire is on the McCall Ranger District in the vicinity of Idler Creek just below Nick Peak – the Idler Fire is currently at .10 of acres. Eight smokejumpers and six heli-rappel firefighters are conducting initial attack on these fires. Two helicopters are assisting with water bucket drops.

The Brownlee Fire was human caused on Tuesday, August 28th, and located at Brown Summit along State Highway 71 on the Weiser Ranger District. Firefighters responded quickly, and kept this wildfire at only .10 of an acre in size. This wildfire has been declared as controlled and out.

The Nethker Fire and the Little Elk Fire were both ignited on August 25th. The Nethker Fire is under investigation as a possible human caused wildfire. It is located on the McCall Ranger District, just off Warren Wagon Road near the Burgdorf intersection. The fire burned .25 of an acre before fighters brought it under control. The Little Elk Fire is located 4 miles east of State Highway 95, southwest of Patrick Butte on the New Meadows Ranger District. This lightning caused wildfire was held to .10 of an acres in size as firefighter quickly responded and controlled the wildfire.

Fire Restrictions: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions remain in effect for all public and private lands within the Payette Dispatch area. Campfires on public lands are only allowed at designated sites – these sites are signed as allowing for campfires. If a site is not signed, campfires are not allowed. On private lands, campfires are allowed only in permanent fire structures. Additionally, interagency fire managers would like to remind people that burn permits are required for burning on private lands every year from May 10 through October 20.

Payette National Forest:

Council Ranger District: No new fires reported.

Krassel Ranger District:

1. Little Buckhorn Fire: (2 acres) Started August 29 by lightning. The Little Buckhorn Fire is a result of two lightning strikes that burned together. It is located near Miners Peak Fire Lookout approximately 17 miles east, southeast of McCall. This wildfire is under initial attack with a full suppression strategy.
   West Buck Fire: (.10 acre) Started August 29 by lightning. The West Buck is located near Miners Peak Fire Lookout approximately 16.5 miles east, southeast of McCall. This wildfire is currently under initial attack with a full suppression strategy.
2. Highline Fire: (32, 010 acres) Started July 28 by lightning. This wildfire is located in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area. The wildfire is being managed under a monitor/point protection strategy to enhance natural resources in the fire area. A National Interagency Management Organization (NIMO) team is managing this wildfire. More information on the Highline Fire can be found at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5500/
3. Goat Fire: (56 acres) Started August 20 by lightning. This wildfire is located in the Middle Fork of the Salmon River drainage, within the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area. The NIMO team that is managing the Highline Fire is also managing this wildfire. A monitor/point protection strategy is being used for this wildfire.
4. Payette Wilderness Fires: The Krassel Ranger District has additional wildfires burning within the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. For information on these wildfires, please visit this link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5387/

McCall Ranger District:

1. Idler Creek Fire: (.10 acre) Started August 29 by lightning. This wildfire is currently under initial attack. It is located 12 miles east of McCall on the west facing slope of Nick Peak. Heli-rappel firefighters and smokejumpers are working this wildfire with assistance from helicopter water bucker drops.
   Nethker Fire: (.10 acre) Started August 25. This wildfire is under investigation as a possible human caused wildfire. It is located on the McCall Ranger District, just off Warren Wagon Road near the Burgdorf intersection. This wildfire has been declared as controlled and out. This is will be the last report for this wildfire.

New Meadows Ranger District:

1. Little Elk Creek Fire: (.10 acre) Started August 25 by lightning. Located 4 miles east of State Highway 95, and southwest of Patrick Butte on the New Meadows Ranger District. This wildfire was held to .10 of an acre, and has been declared out. This will be the last report for this wildfire.

Weiser Ranger District:

1. Brownlee: (.10 acre) Started August 28, and is human caused. Located at Brownlee Summit on State Highway 71 on the Weiser Ranger District. Firefighters responded quickly and kept this wildfire at only .10th of an acre in size. It has been declared as out. This is will be the last report for this wildfire.

Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association: No new fires reported.

Bureau Of Land Management: No new fires reported.

Idaho Department Of Lands: No new fires reported.

Members of the public that wish to receive Daily Fire Updates are encouraged to self-subscribe by clicking this link: https://goo.gl/R2fDJr It only take a minute to subscribe, and updates are delivered via email or via text to your smart phone.

The Fire Information Hotline 208-634-0820 is updated with new information as it becomes available. Follow the Payette National Forest on Twitter at @Payette Forest, and on Facebook at U.S. Forest Service – Payette National Forest. To find out about other fires not listed here go to http://inciweb.nwcg.gov or http://idahofireinfo.blogspot.com.
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Highline Fire

Payette National Forest

Current as of 8/30/2017, 8:52:22 AM
Incident Type Wildfire
Date of Origin Saturday July 29th, 2017 approx. 12:00 AM
Incident Description Wildfire Burning Within The Frank Church River Of No Return Wilderness
Incident Commander Joe Reinarz, Incident Commander, National Incident Management Organization (NIMO)
Total Personnel 99
Size 34,937 Acres

Highline Fire Facts – August 29, 2017
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5500/39339/

Highline Fire Progression Map, August 29, 2017

Highline Fire Infrared Map, August 30, 2017

Highline Fire point protection at Cold Meadows Posted on: 08/28/17

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5500/
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Payette Wilderness Fires

Goat Fire: (56 acres) Reported on August 20th. The fire is located in the Middle Fork of the Salmon River drainage. A management for ecological benefits strategy is being used for this wildfire. The Goat and Highline wildfires are being managed by a National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) Team.

Goat Fire Video taken August 29, 2017
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/photograph/5500/0/71407/

Jackson Bar Fire: (30 acres) This wildfire was reported the evening of August 15th. This wildfire is controlled at this time, and fire activity has not been observed since August 19th.

Missouri Fire: (1,277 acres) The Missouri Fire has not been active for a extended amount of time, however heat does still exist in the interior of the fire perimeter. Smoke was noted from this fire on August 19th. T he portion that is within the Frank Church River of No Return wilderness is being managed under a strategy of wildfire for resource benefit. The portion outside of the wilderness area is being monitored. The Warren-Profile Gap Road between Yellow Pine and Edwardsburg/Big Creek is open to the public, but motorists are advised to watch for fire related traffic. Valley County lifted the Level 1 -Ready Evacuation Order for the Edwardsburg/Big Creek area. The area closure that was implemented by the Forest has been lifted. This lightning-caused fire started on the Missouri Ridge on July 15. Firefighting resources quickly responded with ground crews and fire aviation equipment.

Pueblo Fire: (20 acres) This fire was contained as on August 3rd at 6:15p.m., and has been declared out. The Pueblo Fire is located just outside the wilderness approximately 6 miles north of Big Creek/Edwardsburg near Pueblo Summit and east of the Mosquito Ridge. A suppression (contain and confine) strategy was used on the Pueblo Fire with objectives of protecting the values of risk in the area.

Magpie Fire: (.10 acres) Lightning caused and reported on July 27. Located near White Bird Meadows, 3 miles south of the Salmon River. Minimal fire activity observed. This wildfire has been declared out.

Big Bear Fire: (.20 acres) Lightning caused and reported on July 26. Located 8 miles northeast of Chamberlain Basin and 5 mile south of the Salmon River. This wildfire has been declared out.

Rooster Creek Fire: (.10 acre) Lightning caused and report on July 26. Located 1/2 mile east of the South Fork of the Salmon River, northeast of Smith Knob on the McCall Ranger District. This wildfire has been declared out.

Lemhi Fire: (28 acres) Lightning caused and reported on July 16. Located along the Salmon River, 3.5 miles downriver of Campbell’s Ferry. This wildfire is in monitor status.

Stonebreaker Ranch Fire: (.25 acres). Lightning caused and reported on July 13. Located 1 mile north of Chamberlain Basin. This wildfire has been consumed by the Highline wildfire.

Marble Mountain Fire: (3 acres) Lightning caused and reported on July 14. Located 2 miles southeast of Edwardsburg. Smokejumpers responded to this fire to aggressively prevent it from growing larger and spreading towards Edwardsburg. This wildfire was declared out on July 18.

Rocky Point Fire: (.10 acres) Lightning caused and reported on July 14. Located 10 miles north of Chamberlain Basin and 2 mile south of the Salmon River. This wildfire has been declared as out.

For additional information on this wildfires, please contact the Krassel Ranger District at 208-634-0600, or the McCall Ranger District at 208-634-0400.

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5387/
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Bearskin Fire

Boise National Forest

Current as of 8/29/2017, 6:01:33 PM
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin Wednesday August 23rd, 2017 approx. 07:30 PM
Location 21 miles NE of Lowman, Idaho – located in Valley County
Incident Commander G Blom
Total Personnel 102
Size 5,000 Acres
Estimated Containment Date Sunday October 01st, 2017 approx. 12:00 AM

The 5,000-acre Bearskin Fire is burning in remote, rugged terrain littered with dead and down timber amongst lodgepole pine and sub-alpine fir. Both tree species are highly flammable and carry fire easily.

On Monday, August 28, Quesinberry’s NIMO Team arrived to assist with the management and suppression of the fire.

The fire is within close proximity to the 2016 Pioneer and Buck Fires. Old fire scars will be used to slow the fire’s progress. Fire crews are removing vegetation along roads to slow the fire spread and protect values at risk.

Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in place and visitors should drive with caution as firefighting traffic increases. The fire area is closed to all access for public safety however, National Forest System roads remain open. The order will remain in effect until Nov. 15, 2017, unless rescinded earlier by the Forest Supervisor.

8-29-2017 Bearskin Fire Update
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5536/39375/

8-29-2017 Bearskin Fire Closure Order Map – Version #2

Click to access pict20170729-191621-0.pdf

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5536/
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Rising River Fire

August 29, 2017 5:00 p.m.
Contact: Kelsey Griffee, 208-521-8709

Start Date: 8/29/2017 at 2:00 p.m.
Location and Jurisdiction: 12 miles southwest of Idaho Falls, Idaho on BLM lands (Hells Half Acre)
Cause: Lightning
Fire Size: 10 acres
Percent Contained: 0%
Structures Threatened: No structures are threatened.
Fuels and Terrain: Grass and brush dispersed between lava rock

Fire Behavior: Fire is actively consuming grass and brush between the lava rocks

Fire Crews/Resources: 5 engines, 1 dozer, 1 handcrew, 8 smokejumpers

Evacuations: No evacuations.
Closures: No closures

Summary: The Rising River Fire started at approximately 2 p.m. today by lightning 12 miles southwest of Idaho Falls on Hells Half Acre BLM lands. Smoke is visible from I-15 to the west. Lightning started the fire in the lava fields, which makes accessibility difficult while at the same time slowing the fire’s growth due to lava rock veins across the area. The fire is not threatening structures or roads. Firefighters are hiking into the fire at the time of this release.
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Salmon-Challis 2017 Wilderness Fires

8/29/2017, 8:21:06 AM

The Honeymoon and Remington Fires are fires on the Middle Fork Ranger District in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, located west of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

The lightning caused Honeymoon Fire is estimated at 184 acres, and is burning in grass and heavy timber. The fire is located approximately one mile northwest of Sulphur Creek Ranch in steep, inaccessible terrain. The fire is being allowed to play, as nearly as possible, its natural ecological role in the environment while providing for firefighter and public safety.

Firefighters are implementing a point protection strategy on the Honeymoon Fire. A point protection strategy is a wildfire response strategy, which protects specific assets or highly valued resources from the wildfire without directly halting the continued spread of the wildfire which takes in to account exposure to firefighters, values at risk, impacts to area user groups, and in the case of the Honeymoon Fire, wilderness values. The selected point protection strategy was determined to best balance for protection of values and firefighter safety. Points being protected include individual structures, both private and agency owned, and areas of high resource value. Firefighters have initiated point protection for multiple values at risk that are identified in the planning area. There are five (5) resources assigned to the fire.

The lightning caused Remington Fire remains estimated at five (5) acres, and is burning in grass and heavy timber. The fire is located approximately five miles southwest of Big Baldy Lookout, three miles east-southeast of Chinook Mountain between Remington and Twenty-two creeks in steep, inaccessible terrain. The fire is burning in the footprint of the 2001 Snowshoe Fire. The fire is being allowed to play, as nearly as possible, its natural ecological role in the environment while providing for firefighter and public safety.

Isolated rain showers will cross the Salmon-Challis Forest area this morning, and continue over the Bitterroot Range by late morning.

Updates and information will be provided as significant changes occur.

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5543/
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Tappan Fire

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Current as of 8/29/2017, 8:14:37 AM
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Human And Is Currently Under Investigation
Date of Origin Tuesday August 01st, 2017 approx. 07:00 PM
Location On the Middle Fork and North Fork Ranger Districts, near the confluence of Camas Creek and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Fire is located east of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River
Incident Description Fire Is Located East Of The Middle Fork Of The Salmon River In Steep, Rocky, And Inaccessible Terrain.
Total Personnel 1
Size 1,650 Acres

Located on the Middle Fork and North Fork Ranger Districts, near the confluence of Camas Creek and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. The fire is located east of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in steep, rocky, and inaccessible terrain. The fire is approximately 1,650 acres burning in grass, brush, and scattered timber.

The fire is in monitor status under the direction of the North Zone Duty Officer. The fire has not increased in size and fire activity remains in the interior of the burn perimeter.

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5458/
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Ibex Fire

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Current as of 8/29/2017, 8:29:11 AM
Incident Type Wildfire
Date of Origin Monday July 24th, 2017 approx. 03:45 PM
Location 23 miles NW of Challis, Idaho
Incident Commander Bartel/Waverek(t)
Total Personnel 54
Size 11,822 Acres

Ibex Fire August 29, 2017 Update
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5426/39347/

Ibex Fire Map Map 08/29/17

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5426/
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Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Fire Update – August 29

Kamiah, Idaho (August 29, 2017) – A weather inversion has kept smoke low on the horizon from fires in Idaho and surrounding states. At the same time, that smoke layer provides shading over many of the fires on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, helping to moderate fire activity during periods of hot, dry weather. Radiant heat from the sun does not reach the ground with the same intensity as it does with clear air.

Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect in the Grangeville Fire Restrictions Area, Riverbreaks, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, and Uplands. The restrictions do not include wilderness areas. Visitors should know before you go: fire and closure information is posted on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests website atwww.fs.usda.gov/nezperceclearwater. Information on fire restrictions across the state is located at http://www.idahofireinfo.com/.

Forest and Fire Management Staff considered the long-term effects of smoke in their decision to manage fires in the wilderness and roadless areas. Fire managers are working with air quality specialists to monitor smoke and potential impacts to communities. For current air quality in Idaho, please visit http://www.deq.idaho.gov/air-quality/burning/current-wildfire-smoke-info/ and for Montana http://svc.mt.gov/deq/todaysair/smokereport/mostrecentupdate.aspx .

Current status by district:

Salmon River Ranger District
Management of the Hanover fire (17,603 acres) will transition today at 6 p.m. from Dave Bales’ Southwest Type 2 Incident Management Team to a local Type 3 incident management organization under the command of Kevin Barger from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. The area closure will be modified effective August 30. After transition, InciWeb will continue to be updated with Information for the Hanover fire at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5459/.

For more information on fire activity or closures on Salmon River Ranger District, please call (208) 839-2211.

Lochsa/Powell Ranger District
The Glover fire (2 acres) was reported Monday 3.5 miles east of Coolwater Lookout, and the Old Man fire (3 acres), one mile east of Old Man Point in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, will be managed for resource benefits. No trail closures are in place at this time. For information on these fires, please call the Kooskia office at (208) 926-4274.

The Hidden fire (7,657 acres), at Hidden Lake in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, has been moderately active for the past two days, adding 2,339 acres primarily to the northeast where it is burning both north and south of Big Flat Creek and backing into the Colt Killed Creek drainage. The fire has advanced to approximately one-half mile from the Idaho/Montana border. Trail closures remain in effect for the safety and protection of the public. A smoke column was highly visible Monday and smoke is expected to impact the local area as well as the Bitterroot and Missoula Valleys. For information on the Hidden fire or closures, please call the Powell office at (208) 942-3113.

Crews on the Lolo Peak fire have conducted a successful burnout operation on the northeast side of the Powell Ranger District near Elk Meadows. The burnout reinforced existing firelines on the west perimeter of the Lolo Peak fire utilizing Forest Service road 5903. Crews assigned to the Lolo Peak fire will continue to patrol and monitor the area.

Moose Creek Ranger District
The Sparrow fire (.1 acre), one mile west of Sparrow Point, and the Falls fire (29 acres), in the Falls Creek drainage, are both within containment lines and firefighters are working to suppress them.

Significant fires in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness include: Buck Lake fire (1,086 acres) was the most active fire, having more than doubled in the past few days, with growth on the southern and eastern portions of the fire, although it remains north of Grave Creek and south of Indian Park; Moose Creek 1 fire (14,344 acres) is showing activity mainly in the northeastern and southeastern portions of the fire; Lone Pine fire (7,302 acres) grew to the east and northeast, with active fire also on the north facing slope to the north of Grizzly Saddle, and is within a tenth of a mile of merging with the Mink Peak fire; Chute Creek fire (2,460 acres) has shown only minimal growth on the perimeter;Tony fire (438 acres) shows growth on all perimeters, but primarily to the east where it is now approximately one-half mile from the Selway River; Pettibone fire (307 acres) showed minimal activity to the southeast in Pettibone Creek; Mink Peak fire (821 acres) is showing no significant growth; Lonesome fire (5 acre), 1.5 miles north-northeast of Wylies Peak, grew somewhat to the south.

Fire mangers continue to communicate with the Bitterroot National Forest regarding fires with potential to move onto that forest.
These wilderness fires are being monitored by air. Various identified values at risk continue to be under point protection, including lookouts and bridges. An area closure and trail closures remain in effect. Visitors recreating on the Selway River should expect to see smoke and fire in the area and should use caution, watching for falling trees and other hazards.
For more information on fire activity or area closures on the Moose Creek Ranger District, please call (208) 926-4258.

Red River Ranger District
The only full suppression fire remaining on the district is the Bat fire (1.5 acre), 1.5 miles east of Big Mallard Creek Trailhead. That fire is contained and firefighters are mopping up.

The Patrol Ridge fire (580 acres), 4.5 miles east of Windy Saddle, has continued to grow steadily around the perimeter but is making no major runs in any particular direction. It has crossed into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness on the north.

Minimal fire activity is indicated on wilderness fires on the district. Significant wilderness fires include: the Plummer fire (estimated 200 acres), east of the Hanover fire; theRattlesnake Point fire (4,626 acres) between Rattlesnake Creek and Sabe Creek on the Salmon River which continue to have minimal growth to the north toward Rattlesnake Point and along Trail #577; and the Bleak fire (182 acres) north of Sheep Hill Lookout. No infrared mapping flights have occurred for some time, so these acreages are estimates. An area closure and trail closures remain for the safety and protection of the public.

For more information on fire activity or area closures on the Red River Ranger District, please call (208) 842-2245.

For fire information on Hanover, Moose Creek 1, Rattlesnake Point, Lone Pine, Mink Peak, Chute, and Hidden fires, please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/state/13/#
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Hanover Fire

Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forests

Current as of 8/28/2017, 7:06:29 PM
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning/natural
Date of Origin Tuesday August 01st, 2017 approx. 12:30 PM
Location South of Grangeville, ID and northeast of Riggins, ID
Incident Commander Dave Bales, Type 2 Southwest Area IMT 4
Total Personnel 229
Size 17,603 Acres
Percent of Perimeter Contained 88%

Incident Management Team transitions management of Hanover Fire
August 29, 2017 Daily Update
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5459/39307/

Hanover Fire Vicinity Map-Aug 28

Area Closure Modified – August 30
The area closure established for the safety and protection of the public has been modified. Please click the adjoining link for a copy of the Closure Order and map.

Click to access pict20170730-111238-0.pdf

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5459/
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Chute Creek Fire

Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forests

Current as of 8/29/2017, 1:28:01 PM
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning/natural
Date of Origin Sunday August 13th, 2017 approx. 09:00 AM
Location 2.5 miles west of Blodgett Lake, 16.7 miles west of Hamilton, Montana
Incident Commander Tim Schaeffer, Type 4 IC
Size 2,460 Acres
Estimated Containment Date Monday October 02nd, 2017 approx. 12:00 AM

Chute Creek Fire Update – Aug 28
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5515/39257/

Aug 29 – Chute Fire IR Map

Click to access 2017_08_29-14.30.51.090-CDT.pdf

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5515/
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Mink Peak Fire

Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forests

Current as of 8/25/2017
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning/natural
Date of Origin Friday July 14th, 2017 approx. 03:00 PM
Location Near Mink Peak
Incident Commander Jim Wimer, Type 4 IC
Size 817 Acres
Estimated Containment Date Monday October 02nd, 2017 approx. 12:00 AM

This incident will only be updated as fire behavior and/or acreage substantially change. For information on other wilderness fires on the Moose Creek Ranger District of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, please see Moose Creek 1 fire and Lone Pine fire on this site.

Located near Mink Peak in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, the Mink Peak fire was lightning caused on July 14, 2017. The fire is unstaffed but is being closely monitored by air. The fire is being managed for long-term resource benefit. Visitors to the Selway River may expect to see smoke.

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5491/
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Rattlesnake Point Fire

Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forests

Current as of 8/27/2017, 2:26:15 PM
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning/natural
Location Rattlesnake Point – Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
Incident Commander Unstaffed
Size 4,626 Acres

This incident will only be updated when there has been significant change in fire behavior or acreage.

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5442/
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Lone Pine Fire

Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forests

Current as of 8/29/2017, 1:47:12 PM
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning/natural
Date of Origin Friday July 14th, 2017 approx. 05:45 PM
Location Below Lone Pine Point in the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness
Incident Commander Jim Wimer, Type 4 IC
Size 7,302 Acres

The Lone Pine fire started July 14 below Lone Pine Point, a very remote area in the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness. The fire is being managed for long-term resource benefit, using a point protection strategy. Smoke will be obvious along the Selway River corridor. Extreme caution should be used along the river as trees may continue falling in and around the river.

Aug 29 Update
The Lone Pine fire has grown to the east and northeast, with active fire also on the north-facing slope to the north of Grizzly Saddle. The fire is within a tenth of a mile of merging with the Mink Peak fire

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5456/
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Hidden Fire

Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forests

Current as of 8/29/2017, 1:21:38 PM
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning/natural
Date of Origin Monday July 10th, 2017 approx. 04:15 PM
Location Hidden Ridge, 7 mi. NE of Elk Summit Guard Station
Incident Commander Kelvin Thompson, ICT3 Jodi Stone, ICT3(t)
Total Personnel 2
Size 7,657 Acres

Hidden Fire Update – August 29
The Hidden fire has been moderately active for the past two days, adding 2,339 acres primarily to the northeast where it is burning both north and south of Big Flat Creek and backing into the Colt Killed Creek drainage. The fire has advanced to approximately one-half mile from the Idaho/Montana border.

A smoke column was highly visible Monday and smoke is expected to impact the local area as well as the Bitterroot and Missoula Valleys.

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5446/
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Moose Creek 1 Fire

Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forests

Current as of 8/29/2017, 1:36:10 PM
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightening/natural
Date of Origin Friday July 14th, 2017 approx. 04:03 PM
Location Southeast of the Historic Moose Creek Ranger Station
Incident Commander Jim Wimer, Type 4 IC
Total Personnel 12
Size 14,344 Acres
Estimated Containment Date Sunday October 01st, 2017 approx. 06:00 PM

Aug 29 – Moose Creek 1 Fire Update
The Moose Creek 1 fire is showing activity mainly in the northeastern and southeastern portions of the fire where it continues to slowly gain acreage.

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5405/
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National Interagency Fire Center

August 29, 2017

Large fire activity continues in the West where 52 large fires have burned more than 654,000 acres. Firefighters are making progress toward containment goals despite the hot and dry conditions.

States currently reporting large fires:

California (5)
Idaho (4)
Montana (19)
Nevada (1)
Oregon (13)
Utah (1)
Washington (7)
Wyoming (1)

https://www.nifc.gov/fireInfo/nfn.htm
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Updated Fire Reports Aug 29

Boise NF Fire:

Bearskin Fire grows prompting larger closure area

BOISE, Idaho, August 29, 2017 – The approximate 5000-acre lightning caused Bearskin fire continues to grow as it consumes dead, bug kill and down lodgepole pine and sub-alpine fir. The area closure has been increased for public safety. Fire officials expect the closure area to expand if the fire continues to spread.

Weather conditions are hot with a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms predicted this week, with maximum temperatures of 90 degree. A fire weather watch in effect lightning beginning Wednesday afternoon and continuing through evening.

The fire is actively burning through dead and down fuel along with tree torching, uphill runs and short-range spotting into flammable forested stands.

With the national preparedness at level 5, full suppression strategies of confine and point protection are being used to address concerns for firefighter safety and the lack of available resources.

Confinement strategies restrict the wildfire within determined boundaries with a combination of direct and indirect actions applied. For example: removing vegetation along the roadside to slow the fire progress enough for firefighters to directly engage. Point protection is a response strategy to protect specific assets or highly valued resources such as remote weather stations, radio towers and structures

With limited resources and Incident Management Teams (IMTs) committed to large fires across the west, a National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) Team has arrived to assist the Forest’s Type 3 IMT with developing a strategy to manage and suppress the fire. NIMO teams increase capacity in the same manner as IMTs and provide additional support in planning, decision processes and efficient and effective agency support.

Bearskin Fire Information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5536/

For all closure information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/boise/alerts-notices
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Payette NF Fires:

McCall, Idaho – A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for the Payette Dispatch Area for lightning effective Wednesday, August 30th afternoon and evening. Thunderstorms are expected to build over the region as an approaching Pacific trough will combine with mid-level moisture to generate showers and thunderstorms.   These thunderstorms can produce outflow winds to 55 mph. A Fire Weather Watch means critical fire weather conditions are forecasted to occur – later forecasts can move to Read Flag Warnings.

Six new wildfires have been reported over the past few days within the Payette Interagency Dispatch area. One of these wildfires is human caused, while another is under investigation as a possible human caused wildfire.

Four lightning caused wildfires were ignited in vicinity of Miners Peak Fire Lookout early this morning and are under initial attack at this time. The fire lookout hiked out of the area to ensure safety, as a total of 5 lightning strikes hit the area, and four of the strikes quickly ignited wildfires.

Two of these wildfires burned together to form the Little Buckhorn Fire on the Krassel Ranger District which is currently at 2 acres. Another lightning strike ignited the West Buck Fire also on the Krassel Ranger District and currently being held at .10 of an acre.   The fourth wildfire is on the McCall Ranger District in the vicinity of Idler Creek just below Nick Peak – the Idler Fire is currently at .10 of acres. Eight smokejumpers and six heli-rappel firefighters are conducting initial attack on these fires. Two helicopters are assisting with water bucket drops.

The Brownlee Fire was human caused on Tuesday, August 28th, and located at Brown Summit along State Highway 71 on the Weiser Ranger District.   Firefighters responded quickly, and kept this wildfire at only .10th of an acres in size. This wildfire has been declared as controlled and out.

The Nethker Fire and the Little Elk Fire were both ignited on August 25th. The Nethker Fire is under investigation as a possible human caused wildfire. It is located on the McCall Ranger District, just off Warren Wagon Road near the Burgdorf intersection. The fire burned .25 of an acre before fighters brought it under control.   The Little Elk Fire is located 4 miles east of State Highway 95, southwest of Patrick Butte on the New Meadows Ranger District. This lightning caused wildfire was held to .10 of an acres in size as firefighter quickly responded and controlled the wildfire.

Fire Restrictions: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions remain in effect for all public and private lands within the Payette Dispatch area. Campfires on public lands are only allowed at designated sites – these sites are signed as allowing for campfires. If a site is not signed, campfires are not allowed. On private lands, campfires are allowed only in permanent fire structures.   Additionally, interagency fire managers would like to remind people that burn permits are required for burning on private lands every year from May 10 through October 20.

Payette National Forest:

Council Ranger District: No new fires reported.

Krassel Ranger District:

1. Little Buckhorn Fire: (2 acres) Started August 29 by lightning. The Little Buckhorn Fire is a result of two lightning strikes that burned together. It is located near Miners Peak Fire Lookout approximately 17 miles east, southeast of McCall. This wildfire is under initial attack with a full suppression strategy.
2. West Buck Fire: (.10 acre) Started August 29 by lightning. The West Buck is located near Miners Peak Fire Lookout approximately 16.5 miles east, southeast of McCall. This wildfire is currently under initial attack with a full suppression strategy.
3. Highline Fire: (32, 010 acres) Started July 28 by lightning. This wildfire is located in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area. The wildfire is being managed under a monitor/point protection strategy to enhance natural resources in the fire area. A National Interagency Management Organization (NIMO) team is managing this wildfire. More information on the Highline Fire can be found at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5500/
4. Goat Fire: (56 acres) Started August 20 by lightning. This wildfire is located in the Middle Fork of the Salmon River drainage, within the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area. The NIMO team that is managing the Highline Fire is also managing this wildfire. A monitor/point protection strategy is being used for this wildfire.
5. Payette Wilderness Fires: The Krassel Ranger District has additional wildfires burning within the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. For information on these wildfires, please visit this link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5387/

McCall Ranger District:

1. Idler Creek Fire: (.10 acre) Started August 29 by lightning. This wildfire is currently under initial attack. It is located 12 miles east of McCall on the west facing slope of Nick Peak. Heli-rappel firefighters and smokejumpers are working this wildfire with assistance from helicopter water bucker drops.
2. Nethker Fire: (.10 acre) Started August 25. This wildfire is under investigation as a possible human caused wildfire.       It is located on the McCall Ranger District, just off Warren Wagon Road near the Burgdorf intersection.       This wildfire has been declared as controlled and out. This is will be the last report for this wildfire.

New Meadows Ranger District:

1. Little Elk Creek Fire: (.10 acre) Started August 25 by lightning. Located 4 miles east of State Highway 95, and southwest of Patrick Butte on the New Meadows Ranger District. This wildfire was held to .10 of an acre, and has been declared out. This will be the last report for this wildfire.

Weiser Ranger District:

2. Brownlee: (.10 acre) Started August 28, and is human caused. Located at Brownlee Summit on State Highway 71 on the Weiser Ranger District. Firefighters responded quickly and kept this wildfire at only .10th of an acre in size. It has been declared as out. This is will be the last report for this wildfire.

Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association: No new fires reported.

Bureau Of Land Management: No new fires reported.

Idaho Department Of Lands: No new fires reported.

Members of the public that wish to receive Daily Fire Updates are encouraged to self-subscribe by clicking this link: https://goo.gl/R2fDJr It only take a minute to subscribe, and updates are delivered via email or via text to your smart phone.

The Fire Information Hotline 208-634-0820 is updated with new information as it becomes available. Follow the Payette National Forest on Twitter at @Payette Forest, and on Facebook at U.S. Forest Service – Payette National Forest. To find out about other fires not listed here go to http://inciweb.nwcg.gov or http://idahofireinfo.blogspot.com.

Fire Information Contact: Brian Harris 208-634-6945

Fire Weather Watch in effect Aug 30, 12pm to Aug 30, 11pm

Yellow Pine Forecast

Fire Weather Watch

URGENT - FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Boise ID
829 AM MDT Tue Aug 29 2017

...POTENTIALLY SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS WEDNESDAY....

.An approaching Pacific trough will combine with ample mid-level
moisture to generate showers and thunderstorms Wednesday and
Wednesday night. Storms will be capable of producing outflow
winds to 55 mph and up to one-half inch of rainfall under storm
cores.

Northern Boise BLM-Western Payette National Forest-
Eastern Payette National Forest-Northern Boise National Forest-
Treasure Valley BLM-
Southern Boise National Forest/Western Sawtooth National Forest-
Owyhee Mountains-Western Twin Falls BLM-Southern Highlands-
Vale BLM-
829 AM MDT Tue Aug 29 2017 /729 AM PDT Tue Aug 29 2017/

...FIRE WEATHER WATCH FOR LIGHTNING IN EFFECT WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON
THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR FIRE WEATHER ZONES 400, 401, 402,
403, 420, 421, 423, 424, 426 AND 637...

The National Weather Service in Boise has issued a Fire Weather
Watch, which is in effect from Wednesday afternoon through
Wednesday evening.

* THUNDERSTORMS...Potentially scattered in coverage by mid-day
Wednesday.

* OUTFLOW WINDS...Up to 55 mph.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Fire Weather Watch means that critical fire weather conditions
are forecast to occur. Listen for later forecasts and possible
Red Flag Warnings.

Aug 27, 2017 The Yellow Pine Times

Aug 27, 2017 The Yellow Pine Times – Valley County, Idaho

Village News:

Firewood at Shooting Range

The firewood at the shooting range near Yellow Pine is NOT free (the pile is much smaller this weekend.) You need a valid permit and tag the wood. Firewood permits are available at The Corner, please bring cash and a driver’s license.

There are some “free use areas” over in Big Creek. Free permits and special tags can be obtained at the McCall District office.
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Bear Aware

Reports of bear scat along Johnson Creek road near the village. Also a report of bear “sign” at the transfer station recently.
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Recycle your old refrigerator

Idaho Power has arranged for free pick-up of old refrigerators. Call 1-800-253-5618 (11:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.) and ASK FOR DONNA. She will confirm your request and coordinate for one pick-up day in Yellow Pine. They require: The motor must run, but need not cool down. You must have reasonable access to move it outside. You must sign for permission to take it. If you cannot be home on pick-up day you must put it outside and put a note inside giving ARCA permission to take the unit. Each owner must call. There must be written permission to take the unit. – LI
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Oil Furnace Tune-up

Bill from Rocky Mountain Mechanical will be coming to Yellow Pine in September to service oil an furnace. If you want a furnace tune-up call Office (208) 365-7473. Rocky Mountain Mechanical, 3328 W Idaho Blvd, Emmett, ID 83617. Recommended by Tracey Kennedy of Kennedy Fuel and Feed.
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Yellow Pine Blowdown Update

The logging crew has been working this week in various places on the golf course. Early in the week they loaded a big truckload over in the hole #13 area. On Wednesday they were along Westside Ave. Thursday they brought out a large load of logs from the lower bench.

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Tire lost on the EFSF road

On the way back from the harmonica festival, we lost a tire/wheel from our trailer. It’s an aluminum wheel, with a tire mounted. We would sure love to get it back if anyone traveling the road happens to come across it. Not sure when it came off because of the ungodly amount of dust, but it was between YP, and the South Fork Road.

Dave May via YP Facebook
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VYPA News:

Next meeting on Saturday, Sept 9, 10am at Community Hall.
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YPFD News:

Thank you to the Yellow Pine Fire Department for providing fire extinguishers and smoke/CO2 detectors for the safety of homeowners in Yellow Pine.

Next meeting will be on the 26th of August, 2:00 at the Comm Hall. Discussing the 2018-19 Budget.

Training is on Sundays starting at 11am at the YP Fire Station and open to the community of Yellow Pine. Check with Jeff F. or Ann F. to confirm trainings.

Fire Siren will be tested at noon on the first of each month.
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Gravel Pit

Valley County Quarry Development

The Forest Service is seeking public input (scoping comments) for the proposed Valley County Quarry Development (Valley County Quarry) Project on lands managed by the Cascade Ranger District of the Boise National Forest.

Project Description

Valley County has submitted applications to the Boise National Forest (NF) to obtain the necessary approval for the portion of the project on federally administered lands. The Boise NF is proposing to issue a special use permit to authorize Valley County to use National Forest System lands for the purpose of developing and operating a quarry.

The development of an additional aggregate source is needed to economically support the road maintenance activities on the Stibnite/East Fork South Fork Salmon River (EFSFSR) Road, Johnson Creek Road and other local backcountry roads as determined necessary by the proponent (Valley County). These road surface improvements would reduce sediment delivery to adjacent waterways, provide improved road surface protection, and enhance public safety.

For a more detailed description of the proposed project, please review the proposed action report (PAR) on the Project webpage:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=51422

How to Comment

The Forest Service is contacting interested persons, groups, and agencies to make them aware of the project and to gather pertinent feedback. Please make your comments as specific as possible to help us identify and address issues.

Electronic, written, hand-delivered, and facsimile comments concerning this project will be accepted. Comments may be submitted through the Valley County Pit Development Project. 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), and Word (.doc) to: comments-intermtn-boise-cascade@fs.fed.us. Please put “Valley County Pit Development Project” 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 may be submitted to: Boise National Forest, Cascade Ranger District, PO Box 696, Cascade, ID 83638 Attention: Terre Pearson-Ramirez, or by fax at 208-382-7480. Office hours for submitting hand-delivered comments are 8:00 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.

When to Comment

To be most helpful, please submit your scoping comments by September 8, 2017.

For further information on the project, please contact Terre Pearson-Ramirez, NEPA Planner, by email at tramirez@fs.fed.us or by phone at 208-382-7457

Scoping Letter:
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Labor Day Weekend

Sept 2 Festival Fundraiser Breakfast 8am to 1030am

Start your day right! Join us at the Festival Fundraiser Breakfast; Saturday, September 2nd at the Community Hall in Yellow Pine. Breakfast is only $5. All proceeds support the Yellow Pine Festival and the Community Hall. Everyone is welcome! Sponsored by Project Filter.
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Sept 2 Welch Memorial Golf Tourney 2017

Saturday September 2 at 1pm – Yellow Pine Country Club
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September 13-14 Scheduled Power Outage

A message that Idaho Power needs to replace power poles.
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Follow The Yellow Pine Times on Facebook
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Local Observations:

Monday (Aug 21) overnight low of 43 degrees, almost clear this morning with a light haze of smoke. Sounds busy in the village with increased traffic, heavy equipment, weed-whacker, chainsaws in the forest and airplanes flying over. A few young finches at the feeder and a pileated woodpecker calling. The doe with twin fawns and the other doe were trotting thru the golf course together towards the river at 1030am, and clarks nutcrackers calling. At 11am the light is dimmer and the village quiet. At 1115am the temperature dropped nearly 1 degree (from 62F to 61.2F) and the sunlight is much dimmer. At 1125am the temperature had dropped almost 3 degrees, much dimmer outside and a bit of a red hue (had to turn on a light in the house.) At 1135 am the temperature had dropped 4 full degrees to 58F. The chickens are still out pecking around and a few birds are flying over. At 1145am the temperature had dropped 5 degrees (56.9F) even though it is getting brighter out. At 1153am the temperature was up nearly half a degree. At 12pm it was brighter and temperature up to 58.7 degrees. At 1215pm it was 63.5 degrees and almost normal light. It never got totally dark here, more like evening twilight. Clear sunny day, high of 88 degrees. Quiet afternoon and evening. Less smoke by sundown.

Tuesday (Aug 22) overnight low of 42 degrees, clear sky this morning, light breeze and moderate haze of smoke tinting the sunlight red. Some airplane traffic this morning. Did not hear any birds, saw only one chipmunk. Logging crew loaded their big truck out by hole #13, then moved equipment towards school street. Hot smoky afternoon, dusty at times, high of 91 degrees. A few young finches and a couple of clarks nutcrackers visited. Setting sun cast red light thru the smoke, quiet evening.

Wednesday (Aug 23) overnight low of 45 degrees, red light cast by the rising sun, sky appears to be mostly clear, moderate smoke and yellow air quality. Heard a few finches, a flicker calling and a pine squirrel sounding off. Warm day, light breezes, increasing clouds early afternoon and the smoke is rather thick, high of 89 degrees. Logging crew working along Westside Ave north of the School. Quiet later in the afternoon, cloudy, smoky and almost calm. Warm and somewhat muggy evening, overcast and almost calm. Smoke is slightly thinner. Gusty breezes after 915pm and a short little shower before midight (not enough to settle the dust.)

Thursday (Aug 24) overnight low of 48 degrees, dark overcast and light haze of smoke this morning. Heard a clarks nutcracker and a pine squirrel scolding. Light shower of rain 930am for about 30 minutes (0.04”). Logging crew is working on the lower bench on the north west side of the golf course this morning, later they brought out a large load of logs on the bigger truck. Helicopter flew over at 1131am. The rain didn’t get rid of the smoke, yellow air quality at lunch time. Light afernoon breezes, probably partly cloudy (hard to see the sky thru the smoke), high of 84 degrees. Late afternoon the logging crew was working west of the #14 un-Fairway. Thinner smoke by evening and partly cloudy.

Friday (Aug 25) overnight low of 44 degrees, clear sky with light haze of smoke (yellow air quality) the metal roofs were wet with dew. Clarks nutcrackers calling from the trees. Loggers moving equipment and sawing early this morning. Smoky dry day, increasing clouds, and light breezes, high of 87 degrees. Quiet afternoon, thinner clouds. Ospry juveniles still hanging around the nest, flying quite well, they dropped a fish on the road though. Some guys were shooting in the Old East Fork campgrounds this evening. Less smoke and lots of stars out after 10pm.

Saturday (Aug 26) overnight low of 44 degrees, clear sky with moderate haze of smoke (yellow air quality) and light dew. Clarks nutcrackers calling, pine squirrel chittering. Shooting around 930am in the EF campground. Hazy warm day, yellow air quality, light afternoon breezes, high of 90 degrees. Not as many chipmunks around, but still more than usual. The logging crew has stacked several log decks ready to haul. A large landing area for Life Flight has been cleared west of the crossroads. There is new asphalt on either side of the EFSF cement bridge, but the approaches are rather rough. The dust abatement is holding up well. Some of the goosberry bushes are turning red/brown, and seeing some yellows starting in the forest. Its really dry and crunchy. Spied a red-breasted nuthatch creeping down the truck of a tree. The juvenlie osprey are still hanging around the nest. Fat sliver of an orange moon setting just after dark. Clear but enough of a haze that only the brightest stars were visible.

Sunday (Aug 27) overnight low of 43 egrees, clear sky with moderate haze of smoke (yellow air quality.) Several clarks nutcrackers flying around the neighborhood and calling, robin perched on the power line, flicker flew over squeeking as it flapped. Dry and dusty, warming up fast after a cool morning. Hot dry, dusty smoky day, high of 95 degrees. Quiet evening, but still pretty warm. Seems the smoke was thinner just before sundown.
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Eclipse Humor:

(from Facebook)

(from Twitter)
“During the eclipse, DO NOT look right at the sun. Make yourself look big, make noise, and back away slowly. Don’t provoke a solar attack.”
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Eclipse News:

Crowds who gathered in Cascade wowed by total solar eclipse

Aug 21, 2017 KIVI TV

The small town of Cascade was one of the towns in the path of totality, and it saw a serious influx of crowds for Monday’s total solar eclipse.

Visitors from all around the country, and the even the world, descended on the small Idaho town for a chance to see the rare celestial event.

Some of those who traveled a long distance had been planning their trips for years.

continued:
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Experience the eclipse totality in the Idaho mountains

Brian Holmes and Xanti Alcelay, KTVB August 23, 2017

Cascade, Idaho — The next total solar eclipse that will cross the United States from coast to coast won’t happen until 2045.

So if you didn’t get a chance to experience it in totality Monday, you have a bit of a wait ahead of you.

Even if you did, you can see it again in virtual reality.

KTVB’s Brian Holmes and Xanti Alcelay traveled up to Valley County Monday with our 360 camera to see how the thousands of people who came to Cascade saw the celestial show.

source w/video:
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Nampa man falls victim to “eclipse over-hype” losing $20,000 on weekend event for small crowd

Karen Lehr Aug 22, 2017 KIVI TV

Cascade – The Great American Eclipse has come and gone, but one Nampa man is still paying the price.

Falling victim to “eclipse over-hype”, Jeff Webb spent more than $20,000 to put on a weekend music festival in Cascade, compete with campsites, live music and food for thousands.

“It got hyped up and it hurt, so I lost over 20,000 dollars this weekend,” Webb said.

The money was spent on what Webb hoped would be an epic eclipse event starting Saturday, two days before totality.

continued:
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Eclipse overhyped in Garden Valley?

Dean Johnson, KTVB August 23, 2017

Many communities across Idaho spent months planning and preparing for this summer’s total solar eclipse. Many even formed committees to help plan for the large influx of people.

While the eclipse certainly lived up to the hype, the Associated Press says Monday’s eclipse was the most observed and most photographed eclipse in history. The number of people coming into some of our communities did not.

There was a lot of hype in Garden Valley surrounding the eclipse. Many expecting tens of thousands to come up to the small area as it set in the path of totality. One day later, some organizers are saying with the turn-out they did receive, they would have done things a lot different.

“We thought that we would get at least the Fourth of July crowd, and I don’t’ know that we, we didn’t get it here,” Garden Valley School District Superintendent Greg Alexander said.

continued:
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Solar show in Stanley eclipsed by low tourism

Businesses suffer amid fewer visitors than expected

Joshua Murdock Aug 23, 2017 IME

Businesses and locals in Stanley were prepared for an anticipated influx of eclipse tourists beyond anything the town had seen, but on Monday, locals were grappling with what many described as an unequivocally underwhelming weekend.

A few business owners in Stanley have a new name for Monday’s eclipse, and it can’t be printed in the newspaper. Their frustration stems from patronage falling far short of previous estimates, which foretold complete inundation by as many as 30,000 people. In fact, some business owners said the past weekend fell short of even a typical mid-August weekend in Stanley, and that their bottom lines suffered dearly.

continued:
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Restaurant manager reacts to eclipse business: ‘as far as I’m concerned it was a bust’

Erin Oshaughnessy Aug 21, 2017 Local News 8

Pocatello, Idaho KIFI/KIDK – Following the eclipse on Monday morning, many were surprised by the lack of activity in Pocatello.

For places like the Portneuf Hospital, the lack of activity was a good thing.

“Everything that is happening on this Monday is kind of the same stuff we see most Mondays,” commented Todd Blackinton, a public relations spokesperson for the Portneuf Hospital.

However, for local eateries, many banked on more people staying in the area.

“We are very disappointed with the pre-eclipse. As far as i’m concerned it was a bust,” commented Pocatello Perkins manager, Stan Hales.

continued:
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Idaho Transportation Department’s on-line cameras crash

Steve Bertel Aug 21, 2017 KIVI TV

Boise, ID – Dozens of Idaho Transportation Department on-line cameras have crashed, preventing website viewers from receiving real-time looks at traffic on Idaho’s major roadways -– including eclipse-viewer traffic on Highways 55 and 95.

“It’s very unfortunate for the cameras to go down -– today of all days,” said ITD spokesman Bill Kotowski.

ITD officials are working to find the cause of the problem and restore the cameras as soon as possible, but Kotowski says no one yet knows when those repairs will be completed.

Although the Monday morning traffic flows along Highways 55 and 95 were not as congested as many had anticipated, “We are still concerned when people start heading home” Kotowski said. “We anticipate choke points along 55 and 95.”

Traffic flow information is still available at the 5-1-1 website, he said.

source:
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Post-eclipse traffic backs up 26 miles on Idaho 55

The Star-News August 24, 2017

A line of stopped cars 26 miles long formed on Idaho 55 south of Cascade after Monday’s total solar eclipse, the Valley County Sheriff’s Office said.

At one point, traffic came to a standstill between Banks on the south and Round Valley on the north, Lt. Jason Speer said.

“The biggest problem was that people did not stay with their cars,” Speer said. “Traffic would start moving and they were in the river.”

One motorists reported to Speer that it required eight hours to drive between Valley County and Boise following the eclipse, which reached totality just before 11:30 a.m. in Smiths Ferry, Cascade and Donnelly.

No traffic problems were reported in the days and hours leading up to Monday’s eclipse, Speer said.

Eclipse viewers allowed themselves plenty of time to find a spot to watch the celestial happening, he said.

Also, viewers were spread out over a large area, which also helped to prevent congestion, he said.

source:
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Idaho roads busy as people head home after eclipse

KTVB August 21, 2017

Photo: Paul Boehlke/KTVB (Banks to Lowman Road)

Now that the solar eclipse is over, it’s time to worry about getting home. We received reports of congested highways across Idaho.

… The Idaho Transportation Department estimates there were 30,000 more cars than typical on the roads leading up to the event.

ITD spokesman Vince Trimboli says the busiest traffic areas include Interstate 15 between Utah and Idaho Falls, US 93 near the Craters of the Moon National Monument, Highway 95 from Payette to Riggins and Idaho 55 north of Eagle.

… Along Highway 55 in Horseshoe Bend. Southbound traffic is moving slowly – about 10 mph.

Near Crouch in the Garden Valley area. Expect severe delays.

Highway 55 southbound from Cascade. Delays increasing on Main Street. Average speed around 5 mph.

full story:
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First responders report typical weekend

Crowds for eclipse were only moderate on national forests

Joshua Murdock, Mark Dee, Greg Moore Aug 23, 2017 IME

Despite cries of an impending “apoc-eclipse,” law enforcement, health and emergency services across the region held up to only slightly increased demand by visitors viewing the total solar eclipse on Monday.

As the crowd ebbed Tuesday afternoon, local authorities praised planning—and lighter than expected attendance—for keeping things on track.

“As far as what we saw, everything went smoothly,” said Blaine County Disaster Services Coordinator Chris Corwin, who reported no “major issues” from Friday through Monday. “We had our plans in place, and fortunately we didn’t have to execute all of them. Some might say we were over-prepared, but to me that’s not a bad thing.”

continued:
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Estimated 300,000 people in Eastern Idaho for eclipse

Katie Keleher Aug 22, 2017 Local News 8

Idaho Falls, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) – The eclipse came and so did the people. Just how many? An estimated 300,000, possibly more.

Even though traffic was backed up all along the highway and interstate, the transportation department is happy with how things turned out.

“We had no crashes, no fatalities in Eastern Idaho,” Bruce King, Idaho Transportation Department, said. “With all the additional traffic, we’re very grateful that we came out that way.”

continued:
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ITD: 160,000 people came to Idaho for the eclipse

by KBOI News Staff Tuesday, August 22nd 2017

Boise, Idaho (KBOI) — The Idaho Transportation Department estimates that 160,000 people traveled to the Gem State to watch the eclipse that occurred Monday morning.

ITD says most of the people came from Oregon and Utah.

The busiest roads due to the traffic were I-15 between Utah and Idaho Falls, US-93 near Craters of the Moon National Monument, US-20 near Arco, Highway 95 between Payette and Riggins, and Highway 55 north of Eagle.

To see a breakdown of ITD’s methodology, go to this site: http://itd.idaho.gov/news/solar-eclipse-traffic-counts/

source:
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Don’t throw away those used eclipse glasses! BSU will donate them for you

by Kelsey Anderson Wednesday, August 23rd 2017

Boise State University wants your used eclipse glasses!

The university will donate used pairs to ‘Astronomers Without Borders,’ which is a nonprofit organization that plans to hand out the shades to people in South America and Asia for the 2019 eclipse.

You can drop off your eclipse glasses at the Alumni and Friends Center on University Avenue, which is just south of Albertsons Stadium.

source:
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Idaho News:

Cecil Andrus, logger who rose to Idaho governor, dies at 85

By Kimberlee Kruesi and Keith Ridler – 8/25/17 AP

Boise, Idaho — Cecil D. Andrus managed huge swaths of public land as a cabinet member in President Jimmy Carter’s administration and was the longest-serving governor in Idaho history, but the former lumberjack was known as an approachable everyman who listed his number in the local phone directory.

The 85-year-old Andrus died late Thursday, the Andrus Center for Public Policy said. His daughter, Tracy Andrus, said he died of complications from lung cancer.

Andrus resigned midway through his second term as Idaho governor in 1977 to become President Jimmy Carter’s secretary of the Interior Department and served until Carter’s term ended in 1981. He then was elected governor two more times, becoming the first four-term governor in Idaho history. He was also the last Democrat to hold the office in red-state Idaho.

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Report: 2016 crime rises in Cascade, McCall, falls in Valley County

By Tom Grote for The Star-News Aug 24, 2017

Reported crimes surged in Cascade during 2016 over 2015, according to statistics released from the Idaho State Police.

The number of crimes reported rose by nearly 7 percent in McCall, but fell by 5.5 percent in areas patrolled by the Valley County Sheriff’s Office, the ISP report said.

… Valley County Sheriff’s Office

Reported crimes fell by 5.5 percent in 2016 in areas patrolled by the Valley County Sheriff’s Office, the ISP report said.

The sheriff’s office patrols areas outside city limits within the county as well as the City of Donnelly.

Total offenses fell from 346 in 2015 to 327 last year. The county made 8 percent more arrests (313 to 337) and solved 60 percent of crimes reported.

full story:
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Valley County Search and Rescue seeks new members

The Star-News Aug 24, 2017

New volunteers are being sought for Valley County Search and Rescue, which conducts rescues of those who are lost or injured in the outdoors.

Training is provided in radio communications and GPS units, as well as search and rescue techniques.

“Team members have a strong desire to help others, learn emergency search and rescue skills, and enhance the safety and enjoyment of the outdoors for all,” Capt. Larry Mangum said.

The group is looking for active adults who are comfortable in the mountains. During winter, the group’s priority is on incidents relating to snowmobiles and other winter sports.

The team operates under the direction of the Valley County Sheriff’s Office and is involved in about 14 searches per year, Mangum said.

Summer searches are done on foot, on ATVs and UTVs, and on mountain bikes, motorcycles and horses. The searches are supplemented by air using airplanes and helicopters, he said.

Winter searches are done on snowmobiles, tracked machines or snowshoes.

Some members staff the Incident Command trailer which is outfitted with numerous radios, antennas, computers, printers and maps.

The group has equipment for rescue and transportation operations after lost or injured persons are located.

In addition to search calls, Valley County Search and Rescue participates in public events such as providing aid stations or communications for races and rides, parades, and other local activities.

For more information and an application, go to http://valleycountysar.org or contact Shelley Platt 634-7786 or shelleyplatt@icloud.com

source:
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Elk Creek Road closures noted starting this month

The Star-News Aug 24, 2017

Elk Creek Road in remote Valley County will be closed during much of September and October, the Valley County Road Department said.

The closures will allow work to repair three slides that occurred in March between Sawmill Point and the South Fork Salmon River.

The contractor will be working 10 days on and four days off. The road will be open when no work is being done.

Closure dates are Aug. 29-30, Sept. 5-14, Sept. 19-28, Oct. 3-12 and Oct. 17-26. For questions, call (208) 382-7195.

source:
[Note: This is the road that goes from Warrens to the South Fork over to Big Creek via Elk Summit. See map below.]

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Boise woman dies in car wreck near Cascade

The Star-News Aug 24, 2017

A Boise woman died in a one-car rollover on Monday in the Crown Point area north of Cascade, the Valley County Sheriff’s Office said.

Rebecca L. Stephens, 42, died at the scene of the accident, which happened about 4 p.m. Monday on Sunset Loop, Lt. Jason Speer said.

Stephens was driving the car northbound when it left the east side of the road, Speer said. The vehicle rolled twice and landed on its top on Crown Point Parkway.

Passengers in the car were Jennifer Kent, 44, of Boise and two minor children whose names were withheld.

None of the passengers were seriously injured, Speer said. The children were wearing seat belts but Stephens and Kent were not wearing seat belts, he said.

source:
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Southeast Boise woman diagnosed with West Nile Virus

by KBOI News Staff Tuesday, August 22nd 2017

Boise, Idaho (KBOI) — The Central District Health Department says a Boise woman over the age of 65 is recovering at home from West Nile Virus.

The department says this is the second human case of the virus this year in Idaho. A Kootenai County resident was diagnosed with having the disease earlier this month.

The health district says that twelve Idaho counties so far have reported mosquito pools that tested positive for West Nile Virus this year.

continued:
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Sen. Crapo wants Congress to honor MK Wake Island defenders

by Scott Logan Wednesday, August 23rd 2017

The Wake Island Memorial at Veterans Memorial Park in Boise. (KBOI photo)

Boise, Idaho (KBOI) — It’s been almost 76 years but now the men with Boise-based Morrison-Knudsen Construction Company who fought on Wake Island in 1941 are a step closer to receiving one of the nation’s highest civilian honors.

Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) is co-sponsoring legislation on Capitol Hill that would bestow on the MK workers who fought with the marines and navy on Wake Island the Congressional Gold Medal, among the country’s highest civilian honors.

continued:
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Fire Season:

“Not only campfire start unwanted fires. Poorly maintained tires and brakes can spark a wildfire too. One less spark one less Wildfire.”
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What others can learn from Meridian home destroyed by fire

KTVB August 25, 2017

Boise – After a grass fire grew big enough to burn a Meridian family’s home to the ground, Meridian Fire Department Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal Joe Bongiorno shared tips to help keep this tragedy from happening to others.

Bongiorno said the fire on August 18 started by Interstate 84 near the home, was pushed up a hill by the wind and into the landscape surrounding the home.

The family’s home had large arborvitae plants along the deck and the side of the house. Bongjorno says that although these plants are green, they are not plants you should grow close to your home.

Bongiorno says, “In the fire service they’re known as gasoline plants because they, they burn like the dickens. So, they’re very, very flammable.”

Bongiorno added that homeowners should have no landscape touching their houses. He says that all flammable landscape touching homes should be cut down.

continued:
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3 Idaho firefighters injured after truck hits gas can, burns

by Associated Press Tuesday, August 22nd 2017

Arimo, Idaho (AP) — Three Idaho firefighters battling a grass and brush fire threatening homes suffered burns after their firetruck ran over a gas can, engulfing the truck in flames.

Downey Fire Department Chief Chris Sorensen tells the Idaho State Journal that the gas can came loose at about 11 a.m. Monday and fell from the truck near the town of Arimo.

Sorensen says the three firefighters with the department escaped the vehicle, but one has burns on 40 percent of his body. One broke his leg.

All three were taken to Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello.

Their names haven’t been released.

The 5-ton (4.5-metric ton), six-wheel-drive firetruck was destroyed.

source:
— —

Firefighter who saved fellow fireman suffered severe burns

8/25/17 AP

Pocatello, Idaho — An eastern Idaho firefighter being treated for burns is credited with saving another firefighter’s life.

Idaho State Journal reports Downey firefighter Matt Henderson was severely burned when he rescued Kent Winward from their burning firetruck on Monday. Kent Winward’s wife, Melissa, says her husband would be dead if Henderson had not acted quickly and pulled him off the truck.

Family members say Henderson escaped the fire with severe burns on 30 to 40 percent of his body and minor fractures while Kent suffered less severe burns and a broken ankle. They are being treated at the University of Utah Intermountain Burn Center in Salt Lake City. Henderson’s brother-in-law Jeff Gosar says it may take a year for Henderson to recover.

source:
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Idaho has had the same number of wildfires this year, they’ve just been smaller

by Nathan Larsen Wednesday, August 23rd 2017

KBOI Photo

Boise, Idaho – (KBOI) — Wildfires have been raging across Oregon, Washington, and Montana this fire season.

Here in the Gem State, we’ve had our wildfires, but they haven’t seemed as extreme.

Here in the Boise BLM Fire District, we’ve already seen 89 fires this season, a number that the BLM says is average.

“The difference is this year, is we’re just not seeing nearly the acreages burn that we have as far as our 25-year average, so you’re just not getting the big fires, we’re catching them small, but we are seeing the same number that we usually see for a fire season,” said Jared Jablonski, Boise District Fire Information Officer.

continued:
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Public Lands:

A note of appreciation extended to eclipse visitors from Boise NF employees

Aug 23, 2017 Boise NF (via FB)

On behalf of the Cascade Ranger District of the Boise National Forest, I would like to express my appreciation to the people that visited the area to view the eclipse. While the crowds were not nearly as large as some predicted, we still had thousands of visitors come to experience this unique event on the National Forest lands surrounding Cascade.

Forest employees talked with people from all over Idaho, every region of the U.S., and from at least seven countries. Almost without exception, visitors were respectful to our employees and of the natural resources around them. Many were awe-struck by the natural landscape that served as a backdrop for the event and took time before the eclipse to learn about and explore the surrounding forest.

Over 1000 people viewed the eclipse from the Snowbank Mountain area but despite this large number of people, very little impact to the land could be seen after the crowds dispersed. At the top of Snowbank where over 300 people congregated, not a single piece of litter was found.

This is truly remarkable and is indicative of the attitude of respect toward both the eclipse event and the land that we sensed from this group of visitors. To all those who visited, thanks for coming to experience this incredible and rare moment with us and we hope that you get a chance to visit your public lands again soon. #ForestService

Jake Strohmeyer
Cascade District Ranger
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Toxic algae prompts health advisory for SW Idaho lake

8/26/17 AP

Nampa, Idaho — Visitors at a southwest Idaho lake shouldn’t enter the water due to toxic algae.

Southwest District Health tells the Idaho Press-Tribune (http://bit.ly/2wyaA9F) in a story on Saturday that high concentrations of blue-green algae at Lake Lowell led to the health advisory.

Officials say coming in contact with the algae can cause nausea, vomiting, liver damage and other problems.

Anglers are encouraged to clean and rinse their catch with uncontaminated water.

Lake Lowell is part of the Dear Flat National Wildlife Refuge that’s managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

source:
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BLM replaces bridge on Mud Flat Road

BLM News Release August 25, 2017
Contact: Michael Williamson mwilliamson@blm.gov (208) 384-3393

Boise, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management is overseeing the construction and replacement of the Current Creek Bridge. The bridge is located near milepost 51 on Mud Flat Road, also known as the Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway, and is approximately 43 miles southwest of Grand View.

On-site work recently started and is expected to be complete by November 2017. A bypass has been placed and there will be no traffic disruptions to the public during construction.

“The Current Creek Bridge is over 50 years old and supports a lot of traffic from local ranchers, recreationists and sightseers to the Byway,” said BLM Owyhee Field Manager Michelle Ryerson. “During routine inspections, we determined the bridge needed to be replaced and so we moved forward on it soon afterwards for safety’s sake.”

Cook and Sons Construction, LLC, based in White Bird, Idaho, is performing the construction work. The small business performs bridge and road construction, excavation, culvert installation and crane operations.

For more information, contact the Owyhee Field Office at (208) 896-5912.
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Tony Tooke appointed U.S. Forest Service chief

Rich Landers The Spokesman-Review Aug 21, 2017

An Alabama native who’s worked on or for national forests since he was 18 has been named the 18th Chief of the U.S. Forest Service.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the new chief is Tony Tooke, who’s currently the Regional Forester for the Southern Region basted in Atlanta. He replaces Tom Tidwell, who was named chief in 2009.

continued:
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Zinke won’t eliminate any national monuments

By Matthew Brown and Brady McCombs – 8/24/17 AP

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke said he’s recommending that none of 27 national monuments carved from wilderness and ocean and under review by the Trump administration be eliminated.

But there would be changes to a “handful,” he said.

Zinke told The Associated Press that unspecified boundary adjustments for some monuments designated over the past four decades will be included in the recommendations he planned to give President Donald Trump on Thursday. None of the sites would revert to new ownership, he said, while public access for uses such as hunting, fishing or grazing would be maintained or restored.

… Zinke declined to say whether portions of the monuments would be opened up to oil and gas drilling, mining, logging and other industries for which Trump has advocated.

… Zinke had previously announced that no changes would be made at six national monuments — in Montana, Colorado, Idaho, California, Arizona and Washington.

full story:
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USFS Regional Intermountain News

Archived Newsletters
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Critter News:

Warning issued after two rabid bats found in Valley County

By Tom Grote for The Star-News Aug 24, 2017

A warning was issued by the Central District Health Department last week after two bats infected with rabies were found in homes in McCall and Donnelly earlier this month.

At the McCall home, the homeowner and a cat had contact with the bat, which was trapped and submitted for testing, health department Public Information Officer Christine Myron said.

At the Donnelly home, two people and two dogs were potentially exposed to a rabid bat, Myron said.

The specific locations of the homes were not released due to federal health privacy laws, she said.

The humans and animals were receiving therapy to prevent infection from the disease, she said. For humans, the therapy includes a series of four vaccinations over two weeks.

… Here are some protection tips:

• Do not touch a bat with bare hands.

• Seek medical attention after an encounter with a bat.

• If there is contact with a bat, save the bat in a container without touching it and contact the health department at (208) 634-7194 to arrange testing for rabies.

• Always vaccinate pets for rabies, including horses, as pets may encounter bats outdoors or in the home.

• Bat-proof homes by plugging all holes in siding and keeping tight-fitting screens on windows.

full story:
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Pet Talk – Ear infections in dogs

By Dr. Karsten Fostvedt Aug 25, 2017 IME

One of the most common problems that veterinarians see is infections of the external ear canal. The dog’s ear canal has developed over hundreds and thousands of years into a horrible trap where dirt, moisture and foreign objects like grass seeds want to settle, then irritate the external ear canal. This is called otitis externa.

Many factors can cause otitis externa. Some are floppy ears, ear canals with narrow diameters, the overproduction of wax, excessive hair in the ear canal and frequent swimming causing constant moisture to the ear canal, which invites yeast and bacterial infections. Sometimes low thyroid disease can cause irregular wax production and inflammation. One of the major causes of ear infections is a disease called atopy, which is allergies’ to pollens and other allergens’ causing severe inflammation and itching to the face, ears and paws of dogs.

The most important physical and diagnostic tests are an exact exam of the ear canal, called otoscopy, and an evaluation of the debris within the ear canal. This usually involves looking microscopically at this debris for bacteria, yeast, parasites and foreign plant material. Often, swabs of the ear canal are sent to a lab for cultures and cytology. Sometimes even blood tests, allergy testing, biopsies and skin scrapings for parasites are necessary to determine the cause of the ear infection and subsequent necessary appropriate treatment.

continued:
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Coeur d’Alene 2-year-old attacked by her grandmother’s rescued dog

Evan Noorani, KREM August 25, 2017

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho — A 2-year-old girl from Coeur d’Alene has spent days in the hospital after her grandmother’s dog attacked her.

Alainna Pleasant has now spent four days in the hospital, as of Thursday, August 24. The girl’s mothers, Chantel Pleasant and Santana Bruski, were very surprised by the outburst from the dog.

“She was in the living room petting the dog, her grandma was sitting on the couch and the dog just snapped at her first, then grabbed her and started lifting her up in the air and shaking her,” said Chantel.

This was the first-time Alainna had met the dog. Alainna’s grandmother had rescued the dog just days before. Now Alaina’s parents said they wished they had spent more time around the dog before bringing him home.

continued:
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Idaho officials reject bait hunting plan targeting wolves

By Keith Ridler – 8/25/17 AP

Boise, Idaho — Idaho officials declined to move forward Friday allowing the use of bait by hunters to specifically target wolves amid widespread opposition.

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission voted 7-0 to direct the Department of Fish and Game to suspend an administrative process called negotiated rulemaking.

Commissioner Jerry Meyers said he would like more information about wolf baiting before moving ahead with any plan.

continued:
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Oregon OKs killing 2 wolves after attacks on livestock

by The Associated Press Friday, August 25th 2017

The agency said Thursday in a statement that wolves from the Meacham pack have killed four calves from a local ranch. The map shows areas of known wolf activity in northeastern Oregon. (ODFW)

Umatilla, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has authorized the killing of two wolves from a pack in northeastern Oregon.

The agency said Thursday in a statement that wolves from the Meacham pack have killed four calves from a local ranch.

continued:
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Wolf Education International

Fourth week August 2017

Wolves facing reduced protection status

“Wolf Hydatid Disease in Coyotes, Foxes and other Canines”

Coywolves are Taking Over Eastern North America

Woman attacked by coyote while walking on upstate NY trail
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Judge: Bears near US-Canada border merit endangered status

Matt Volz / Associated Press, KTVB August 23, 2017

Helena, Mont. – A judge has ruled a small population of grizzly bears in Montana and Idaho near the Canadian border can be considered endangered even if they are not on the brink of extinction.

U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen’s order Monday reversed the 2014 re-classification by U.S. wildlife officials for the 40-50 bears of the Cabinet-Yaak bear population under the federal Endangered Species Act.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said then that the bear population had stabilized and that its status should be “threatened” but not on a waiting list for classification as endangered.

The conservation group Alliance for the Wild Rockies sued and Christensen sided with the group.

The bears live about 300 miles from grizzlies near Yellowstone National Park that lost federal protection status in July.

source:
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4-H trained wild horse yearlings available for adoption

Yearlings to be showcased during Western Idaho Fair

August 22, 2017 BLM News Release
Heather Tiel-Nelson, 208-736-2352

Boise, Idaho – Over the past ten weeks, University of Idaho 4-H club members from around the Treasure Valley have worked hard to train and prepare their wild horse weanlings. This weekend, they finally get to showcase the results of their work.

On Friday, August 25, at 6 p.m. in the D&B Arena at the Western Idaho Fairgrounds in Boise, 4-H’ers aged 12-18 will demonstrate how skilled the young horses have become as they navigate a trail course that will include stepping over logs, backing through a narrow log path, and loading into a horse trailer.

These trained yearlings will then be available for adoption by competitive bid at the Fair on August 27 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the draft horse barn.

There were four different clubs who participated in training the yearlings: Lively Livestock 4-H from Idaho County, led by Stacy Van Steenwyk; Desperados 4-H from Ada County, led by Jan Maxie; Snake River Livestock 4-H from Owyhee County, led by Taft Bearden; and Idaho Youth Ranch 4-H Club from Canyon County, led by 4-H leader Brandon Breaux.

The partnership between the University of Idaho Extension 4-H Youth Development program and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has grown in popularity since its inception in 2009. “The purpose of this growing partnership is twofold,” said Boise District Wild Horse Specialist Raul Trevino. “It helps to increase awareness of the BLM’s wild horse adoption program while instilling horsemanship and life skills in the 4-H youth of the Gem State.”

Since 2009, over 268 horses have been adopted and $22,000 raised for 4-H clubs in southwestern and eastern Idaho.
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Eclipse blamed for accidental release of thousands of Atlantic salmon into Puget Sound

by Kara Kostanich, KOMO Wednesday, August 23rd 2017

Anacortes, Wash. (KOMO) — The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is calling all fishermen to help catch thousands of farmed Atlantic salmon that were accidentally released just off Cypress Island in the San Juan Islands.

On Saturday, Cooke Aquaculture had a net pen failure that caused the release of Atlantic salmon in Puget Sound.

The company says 305,000 fish were in the net pen but believes only up to 5,000 escaped.

The company released a statement to KOMO News that said in part, “Exceptionally high tides and currents coinciding with this week’s solar eclipse caused damage to a salmon farm that has been in operation near Cypress Island for approximately 30 years.”

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The Columbia Basin Bulletin

Weekly Fish and Wildlife News
http://www.cbbulletin.com
August 25, 2017
Issue No. 841

Table of Contents

* Washington Encouraging Anglers To Fish For Thousands Of Atlantic Salmon Escaped From Fish Farm
http://www.cbbulletin.com/439477.aspx

* Coming Heat Wave Has River Managers Increasing Cold Clearwater Water Into Lower Granite Reservoir
http://www.cbbulletin.com/439476.aspx

* Fall Commercial Fishing Begins On Columbia Mainstem, Low Steelhead Numbers Prompts Idaho To Suspend Retention
http://www.cbbulletin.com/439475.aspx

* Council Approves Pilot Toxic Contaminant Mapping Project For Columbia River Basin
http://www.cbbulletin.com/439474.aspx

* After Tests Show Contaminants In Six Hanford Reach Fish Species, State Issues Fish Consumption Advisory
http://www.cbbulletin.com/439473.aspx

* Council Fish/Wildlife Committee Identifies Spending For Hatchery Upgrades, Fish Screen Projects
http://www.cbbulletin.com/439472.aspx

* Council Report To Governors Shows BPA’s 2016 Fish/Wildlife Costs Account For One-Third Of Wholesale Power Rate
http://www.cbbulletin.com/439471.aspx

* Group Issues White Paper On 2015 Hot Water Year For Sockeye As Region Grapples With BiOp, Spill
http://www.cbbulletin.com/439470.aspx

* Ninth Circuit Declines PGE Request On Deschutes River Case, Lawsuit Continues In Lower Court
http://www.cbbulletin.com/439469.aspx

* Research: Kootenai River Hatchery Juvenile Burbot Seek Deep Water, Coarse Substrate
http://www.cbbulletin.com/439468.aspx

* ODFW To Take Lethal Action To Limit Meacham Wolf Pack Livestock Depredations In Northeast Oregon
http://www.cbbulletin.com/439467.aspx

* Irreplaceable Biodiversity? DNA Study Indicates Migrating Spring Chinook, Steelhead Rely On Crucial Gene
http://www.cbbulletin.com/439466.aspx

* Yakima Project ‘Flip-Flop’ Operations Underway To Aid Spawning Spring Chinook
http://www.cbbulletin.com/439465.aspx

* Study: Take A Caught Fish Out Of Water, Stress Hormones Go Up, Harder To Catch Again
http://www.cbbulletin.com/439464.aspx

* Stocking Mountain Lakes: ODFW Experiment Looks At Bigger Juvenile Fish To Possibly Avoid Predation
http://www.cbbulletin.com/439463.aspx
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Fish & Game News:

Mountain Goat Counts Slated for Early September

By Evin Oneale, Regional Conservation Educator
Friday, August 25, 2017 – 7:57 AM MDT

Idaho Fish and Game biologists will take to the air in early September to count mountain goats near Yellow Pine, Idaho. The mountain goat surveys will focus on an area north of the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River Road between Monumental Creek and the South Fork of the Salmon River.

The surveys will encompass portions of hunt units 25, 26 and 20A. Because mountain goat surveys are conducted primarily in alpine habitats, minimal disturbance to archery elk and deer hunters is expected. Biologists will try to avoid flying near any hunters they observe.

For questions regarding the early September mountain goat surveys, please contact the Fish and Game McCall office at 208-634-8137.
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Desperately Seeking Hunter Education Instructors

Aug 25 via Facebook

Interested in giving back to the local hunting community? We need hunters – novice to veteran – to teach Hunter Education courses to the next generation of hunters.

Your investment is only a few hours a year. The impact could last for generations.

Call Jaime at the Hunter Education Center – 208-327-7159, or Derek at the Fish and Game Nampa regional office – 208-465-8465 to learn more.
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F&G News Releases

https://idfg.idaho.gov/press
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Fun Critter Stuff:

Harvey the Hurricane Hawk seeks refuge in Houston man’s taxi

by Sinclair Broadcast Group Saturday, August 26th 2017

A Cooper’s hawk sought refuge in a Houston-area man’s taxi as Hurrican Harvey barreled down on the Texas coast on Friday August 25, 2017. Harvey the Hawk was handed over to a Texas wildlife center on August 26. (Image credit: William Bruso / Youtube)

A Houston-area taxi driver picked up a strange passenger on Friday night as Hurricane Harvey was barreling down on the Texas coast, a Cooper’s hawk seeking shelter from the hurricane.
Many people in Texas relied on the kindness of others to evacuate and stay safe during the Category 4 hurricane. The same can be said for Harvey the Hurricane Hawk.

“He just kind of hopped on in and doesn’t want to leave,” taxi driver William Bruso said in the first of a series of YouTube videos featuring Harvey the Hawk. “He looks kind of scared.”

continued w/videos:
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Resourceful Dog Walks Away With Bag Of Dog Food After Hurricane Harvey

“Must be a Texas dog cause he can survive without help,” one person said.

By Carla Herreria 8/26/2017 HuffPo

Tiele Dockens

The morning after Hurricane Harvey tore into Texas, Gulf Coast residents were already trying to prepare for life after the destructive storm – including Otis, the dog.

Tiele Dockens was checking out the damage for friends and family in Sinton, north of Corpus Christi, when she saw Otis on the street carrying a large bag of dog food.

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Seasonal Humor:

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Idaho History August 27, 2017

Thunder Mountain Gold Rush

(part 3)

Travel, accommodations and recreation

Thunder Mountain Stage in Emmett

Scan of postcard sent to my grandmother in High Valley
courtesy Sharon McConnel
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Thunder Mountain News, April 22, 1905

When Col. Dewey bought the Caswells’ Thunder Mountain claims (east present-day Valley Co.) in late 1900, the rush was on – much of it through present-day Gem County. Ad from “Thunder Mountain News,” April 22, 1905, courtesy of Steven Harshfield.
Boise & Pearl Stage, T. B. Walker, Prop.
source:
[h/t SMc]
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Knox – The Packers’ Rest
[h/t SMc]
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Knox
source The Thunder Mountain Story
Publisher Idaho State Historical Society
[h/t SMc]
— —

Knox in 1905
Post office Valley County, Idaho: established April 5, 1904, Charles C. Randall
La Velle L. Bush, May 6, 1907
closed June 30, 1908 mail to Thunder (rescinded)
discontinued Oct. 15, 1908 mail to Thunder
25 miles NE of Cascade, SE Sec. 2, T15N, R6E.
source
[h/t SMc]
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The Temperance House – At Trappers Flat

[h/t SMc]
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The Summit House on Monumental Summit

Sharon McConnel (courtesy Steven Harshfield)
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The Thunder Mountain News

Montpelier Examiner, November 11, 1904

The Thunder Mountain News is the name of the paper now published at Roosevelt by Clarence Eddy and Samuel Hunt. It is a 12 page weekly, and in the first issue Mr. Eddy, who has been styled the “poet miner,” gave his imagination full play in his word pointing of that great mineral region.

“Peerless Thunder Mountain, enthroned among a thousand peaks, snow covered and sylvan clad it stands alone and thundering bespeaks it monarch of the mountain lands,” is the way Mr. Eddy heads up his first page. He reviews the big mines of the camp, describing with sweeping but truthful strokes the immense treasures which recent development work has uncovered. The supposed origin of the mammoth ore bodies is treated in poetic style and the commercial, physical, social and climatic conditions of the region are detailed eloquently.

The first issue contained many quaint advertisements and comic local items. Among the former is a display ad of a saloon which reads:

“A bracer before breakfast, during or between meals, before or after bed time. Best old bug juice, ‘juice of giant powder’ and fresh home made whiskies a specialty.” Another saloon advertisement runs in doggrell as follows:

The packers’ rest
In the wooly west
Is at the town of Randall.
Of gins and beer and
Bug juice here
None but the best we handle.
Come, drop your tools
And leave your wagon,
Unhitch your mules
Get a jag on”

The following “locals” may startle outside readers:

“Five wagon loads of booze and a brand new piano have arrived at the Blank amusement hall. Contracts for the Y.M.C.A. building are in abeyance.”

“Sam Gilliam is getting in a winter’s supply of liquors. Cayenne pepper, fnsil oil, boxing gloves and tobacco form no component part of the goods sold by Sam.”

“Hay is about $200 per ton, but Queeney & Curtis, the Roosevelt liverymen, are still in the ring.”

“Some one, evidently a freighter, screwed the lock off Bill Thompson’s cabin on Mule creek recently, stole a monkey wrench and ‘screwed his nut.’”

“Some women of Roosevelt who persist in wearing pants would look more symmetrical by first removing their petticoats. Don’t store excess raiment in the seat of your trousers.”

All of the local news, however, is not of that character, as there is much valuable information concerning mining properties of the district.

source
[h/t SMc]
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Liquor Traffic, Thunder Mountain

Tent Saloon. Lee Lisenby’s Saloon. He lived later at Thunder City. Photo shows a log bar, a selection of bottles, kegs, customers and bar tender.
Link to Publisher Idaho State Historical Society
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Saloon

source The Thunder Mountain Story
Link to Publisher Idaho State Historical Society
[h/t SMc]
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Buildings, Thunder Mountain

Two log cabin structures at Thunder Mountain, Idaho. One is being used as a saloon and the other as a post office. The post office has a canvas roof. Possibly Roosevelt.
Link to Publisher Idaho State Historical Society
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Roosevelt [Post Office]

established February 19, 1902, William L. Cuddy
Joseph B. Randall, September 6, 1902
Warren M. Dutton, June 9, 1905
Harry S. Austin, December 15, 1906
Benjamin T. Frances, March 20, 1907, declined
Gertrude P. Wayland, September 27, 1907
Tirza J. Wayland, July 1, 1908
Ester H. Busby, December 21, 1911
discontinued September 30, 1915, mail to Yellow Pine
about 18 m. NE of Stibnite, 23 m. NE of Yellow Pine
SE Sec. 24, T19N, R10E

Earl Willson, The Thunder Mountain Story, Thunder Mountain, “Tome Up” writes: . . .the gigantic earth slide of 1909 broke off and slowly crept down the slope until it dammed Monumental Creek below the boom town of Roosevelt. .(but) . .Roosevelt and the immediate Thunder Mountain areas was pretty much deserted by a disillusioned populace long before . . .
source
[h/t SMc]
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Recreation, Thunder Mountain

Sack race at Thunder Mountain. Men, children, and dogs are at play in a main street. Log cabins and tents are being erected.
Link to Publisher Idaho State Historical Society
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Thunder Mountain – Restaurants

Interior view of restaurant at Thunder Mountain. The structure is made of logs and a tent. Furnishings are also of log.
Link to Publisher Idaho State Historical Society
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Log Buildings, Thunder Mountain

Eight men outside a log cabin at Thunder Mountain, Idaho. Three men are mounted on donkeys.
Link to Publisher Idaho State Historical Society
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Dwellings, Thunder Mountain

Six men and one woman are posed in front of a log cabin. A variety of men’s clothing is represented. Earl Willson identifies the black woman as “Mandy” and the black man as “Brown Gravy Sam.” Possibly Roosevelt.
Link to Copyright Idaho State Historical Society
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Further Reading

The Whiskey That Won the Wild West

… So what were they drinking back then? Some popular whiskey nicknames from the era offer a glimpse: mountain howitzer, coffin varnish, chain-lightning, strychnine, and tangleleg—none of which sound very appetizing. Cowboys never had a reputation for being very sophisticated connoisseurs. The whiskey they drank was simply fuel for the saloons’ many other pastimes, whatever those happened to be.

… In the decades after the Civil War, distillers making what we today would generally recognize as bourbon only supplied about 10 percent of the whiskey market. The rest of the whiskey was made by giant distilleries churning out what were basically grain neutral spirits: a product distilled at such a high proof that it lacked much flavor and was almost identical from one distillery to the next.

These spirits were then sold to rectifiers who would “improve” them by redistilling and mixing them with other flavorings and colors so they resembled whiskey. The results were sold to wholesalers, who bought spirits in bulk and created their own whiskey brands by mixing together whatever was at hand. These wholesalers were probably responsible for any aging that was done.

Some of the whiskey going west might have started out as bourbon, but somewhere along the journey to the saloon it was often mixed with additional water, grain neutral spirits, and other ingredients to expand the supply and increase profits. Some products labeled as bourbon were actually distilled from a low-grade variety of molasses, and additives could include burnt sugar, glycerin, prune juice, and sulfuric acid.

source Serious Eats
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A Few Things About The Old West You May Not Know

… Another popular misconception of the Old West involves whiskey. As mentioned earlier, movies have often portrayed bartenders pulling clean bottles filled with bourbon out from behind the bar. While it is true, that good bourbon was available throughout the West at certain times and in certain places, it is truer still that the whiskey often served was some very bad stuff indeed. Called “Tarantula Juice,” “Coffin Varnish,” and “Stagger Soup,” the concoctions sold as whiskey were often made with cheap raw watered-down alcohol, and colored to look like whiskey with whatever was locally available, including, old shoes, tobacco, molasses, or burnt sugar. These whiskies were frequently given an extra “kick” by adding red peppers or, extra “flavor” by adding other things, like snake heads, which tainted the liquid. Now you understand what the cowboys, as portrayed in the movies, meant when they asked the bartender for a bottle of “your best whiskey.” They were asking for a bottle of real whiskey distilled in a place somewhere in the Eastern United States, like Kentucky, or, Pennsylvania.

It is interesting to note that the best whiskey from out East, in a lot of saloons, meant rye whiskey, not bourbon. Rye was just as popular, if not more popular, as bourbon in those days.

source Texas Hill country
————-

Link to Thunder Mountain / Roosevelt History index page
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page updated October 12, 2022

Fire Update 8/27/2017

Local Conditions: Hot, dry and smoky.

Yellow Pine Forecast:

This Afternoon Areas of smoke. Sunny and hot, with a high near 90. West wind 3 to 5 mph.

Tonight Areas of smoke. Clear, with a low around 54. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Monday A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Areas of smoke. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 90. Calm wind.

Monday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then a slight chance of showers. Areas of smoke. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tuesday A slight chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Areas of smoke. Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Light and variable wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then a slight chance of showers. Areas of smoke. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Wednesday A slight chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after noon. Areas of smoke. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
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Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in effect

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Prohibit the the following:

* Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or stove fire, except in designated recreation sites, and only within a metal and/or concrete fire structure provided by the forest service

* Personal charcoal grill

* Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials
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McCall Air Quality
Aug 26 smoke map

NOAA generates daily maps showing smoke patterns if you want to know where all the smoke is coming from:

Western Fires Aug 27

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Highline Fire

Payette National Forest

Current as of 8/27/2017, 8:43:07 AM
Incident Type Wildfire
Date of Origin Saturday July 29th, 2017 approx. 12:00 AM
Incident Description Wildfire Burning Within The Frank Church River Of No Return Wilderness
Incident Commander Joe Reinarz, Incident Commander, National Incident Management Organization (NIMO)
Total Personnel 86
Size 29,036 Acres

Current Situation: Fire behavior is beginning to increase again after a few days of cloudy and cooler conditions. Yesterday the fire was most active on the southern half of the incident. On the western perimeter, the fire is actively backing into a west wind in the areas of Game, Flossie, Chamberlain and Lodgepole Creeks. Fuels in this area are predominantly heavy dead and down with a moderate amount of regeneration. The fire remains active on the far southeastern tip and continues to burn in and around the Wapiti Creek drainage. On the eastern perimeter, the fire continues to work itself to the east in the McCalla, Chamberlain and Deer Creek drainages. The northern half of the incident remains relatively inactive with areas of heat where the fire is creeping and burning in the heavy accumulation of dead and down fuels. With conditions becoming much warmer and dryer this weekend, fire behavior will continue to pick up. If wind speeds and the Haines Index continue to rise, then the Highline Fire will see conditions in place for some very active fire behavior by Sunday and Monday. Firefighters continue to patrol the Chamberlain area. Point protection is established at Root Ranch and firefighters are monitoring the fire’s progression. A firing plan and hose lays are in place in the event that the fire threatens the structures at the ranch. At Cold Meadows, a point protection assessment is completed and firefighters and equipment are in place in the event it is needed to protect the site. They have begun setting up hose lays and filling portable water tanks around the guard station. Lower Chamberlain Bridge is under a passive protection plan via a gravity sock and 3/4 inch nozzles setup, misting the bridge and adjacent fuels. The Highline Strategic Long-term Plan has been expanded to include Values at Risk in the Salmon River Corridor from Corn Creek to Lantz Bar in the event the Goat Fire becomes more active. Firefighters have also begun initiating point protection for the Values at Risk on the Salmon River. Stonebraker remains in patrol status and monitored by aerial surveillance.

Highline Fire Facts – August 27, 2017
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5500/39164/

Highline Fire infrared map for Aug 27, 2017

Highline Fire MODIS map for Aug 27, 2017

Highline Fire burning on the west flank Posted on: 08/27/17

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5500/
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Payette Wilderness Fires

8/26/2017, 5:50:07 PM

New Fire: The Goat Fire was reported on August 20th. The fire is located in the Middle Fork of the Salmon River drainage and is approximately 47 acres in size. A management for ecological benefits strategy is being used for this wildfire.

Goat Fire Map for August 25, 2017

Jackson Bar Fire: (30 acres) This wildfire was reported the evening of August 15th. This wildfire is controlled at this time, and fire activity has not been observed since August 19th.

Missouri Fire: (1,277 acres) The Missouri Fire has not been active for a extended amount of time, however heat does still exist in the interior of the fire perimeter. Smoke was noted from this fire on August 19th. T he portion that is within the Frank Church River of No Return wilderness is being managed under a strategy of wildfire for resource benefit. The portion outside of the wilderness area is being monitored. The Warren-Profile Gap Road between Yellow Pine and Edwardsburg/Big Creek is open to the public, but motorists are advised to watch for fire related traffic. Valley County lifted the Level 1 -Ready Evacuation Order for the Edwardsburg/Big Creek area. The area closure that was implemented by the Forest has been lifted. This lightning-caused fire started on the Missouri Ridge on July 15. Firefighting resources quickly responded with ground crews and fire aviation equipment.

Pueblo Fire: (20 acres) This fire was contained as on August 3rd at 6:15p.m., and has been declared out. The Pueblo Fire is located just outside the wilderness approximately 6 miles north of Big Creek/Edwardsburg near Pueblo Summit and east of the Mosquito Ridge. A suppression (contain and confine) strategy was used on the Pueblo Fire with objectives of protecting the values of risk in the area.

Magpie Fire: (.10 acres) Lightning caused and reported on July 27. Located near White Bird Meadows, 3 miles south of the Salmon River. Minimal fire activity observed. This wildfire has been declared out.

Big Bear Fire: (.20 acres) Lightning caused and reported on July 26. Located 8 miles northeast of Chamberlain Basin and 5 mile south of the Salmon River. This wildfire has been declared out.

Rooster Creek Fire: (.10 acre) Lightning caused and report on July 26. Located 1/2 mile east of the South Fork of the Salmon River, northeast of Smith Knob on the McCall Ranger District. This wildfire has been declared out.

Lemhi Fire: (28 acres) Lightning caused and reported on July 16. Located along the Salmon River, 3.5 miles downriver of Campbell’s Ferry. This wildfire is in monitor status.

Stonebreaker Ranch Fire: (.25 acres). Lightning caused and reported on July 13. Located 1 mile north of Chamberlain Basin. This wildfire has been consumed by the Highline wildfire.

Marble Mountain Fire: (3 acres) Lightning caused and reported on July 14. Located 2 miles southeast of Edwardsburg. Smokejumpers responded to this fire to aggressively prevent it from growing larger and spreading towards Edwardsburg. This wildfire was declared out on July 18.

Rocky Point Fire: (.10 acres) Lightning caused and reported on July 14. Located 10 miles north of Chamberlain Basin and 2 mile south of the Salmon River. This wildfire has been declared as out.

For additional information on this wildfires, please contact the Krassel Ranger District at 208-634-0600, or the McCall Ranger District at 208-634-0400.

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5387/
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Bearskin Fire

Boise National Forest

Current as of 8/27/2017, 12:15:33 PM
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin Wednesday August 23rd, 2017 approx. 07:30 PM
Location 21 miles NE of Lowman, Idaho – located in Valley County
Incident Commander G Blom
Total Personnel 100
Size 476 Acres
Estimated Containment Date Sunday October 01st, 2017 approx. 12:00 AM

Bearskin Fire continues to grow northeast of Deadwood Reservoir

BOISE, Idaho, August 27, 2017 — The Bearskin Fire, burning in lodgepole pine and sub-alpine fir, has grown to 476 acres and is moving east toward National Forest System road 563 and slowly backing to the west. A hundred personnel are fighting the fire.

Firefighters are successfully meeting management goals by continuing to remove roadside vegetation along National Forest System (NFS) roads 579 and 591, the Deer Flat Campground and around and Idaho Power weather station. The Deer Flat Campground south of NFS road 579 has been closed for public safety. Old fire scars to the east and south of the fire are slowing the fire’s progress.

Weather conditions continue to be warm and dry with maximum temperature ranging from 73 to 86 degrees. Temperatures are expected to increase. Wind speeds are light and less than 8 mph. Thunderstorms with little moisture are forecast for Tuesday.

The fire is actively burning through dead and down fuel along with tree torching and short crown runs through flammable forested stands. Full suppression strategies of confine and point protection tactics continue to be used to address concerns for firefighter safety and the lack of available resources.

Confinement strategies restrict the wildfire within determined boundaries with a combination of direct and indirect actions applied. Point protection is a response strategy to protect specific assets or highly valued resources.

With limited resources and Incident Management Teams (IMTs) committed to large fires across the west, a small National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) Team is arriving in Boise, Idaho, Aug. 29 to assist the forest’s Type 3 IMT with developing a longer-term strategy to suppress the fire burning in bug kill and snags. NIMO teams increase capacity in the same manner as IMTs and provide additional support in planning, decision processes and efficient and effective agency support.

8-25-2017 Bearskin Fire Topo Map

Bearskin Fire Closure
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5536/39079/

8-25-2017 Bearskin Fire landscape photo

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5536/
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Deer Park Fire

News Release August 26, 2017 6 p.m.
Contact: Kelsey Griffee, 208-521-8709

Start Date: 8/25/2017 at 12:30 p.m.
Location and Jurisdiction: West of Menan Butte and north of Deer Park, 12 miles west of Rexburg, Idaho on BLM
Cause: Human, under investigation
Fire Size: 14,709 acres
Percent Contained: 30% contained, estimated containment August 28, 2017 at 8 p.m.

Structures Threatened: Structures are threatened near Hamer and county resources are providing structure protection.

Fuels and Terrain: Grass and brush

Fire Behavior: Fire behavior picked up, as expected this afternoon, pushing the fire farther to the west.

Fire Crews/Resources: 20 engines, 5 dozers, 3 water tenders, and the Sawtooth Hotshots (107 firefighters). 10 single air tankers, 2 heavy air tankers, and 1 very large air tanker having been lining the fire with retardant through the day.

Evacuations: No evacuations at this time, contact the county for evacuation information.

Closures: The gun range, Unified Sportsmen’s Club, off of Hwy 33 and west of Menan Butte remains closed to the public, it is being used by firefighters as the incident command post.

Summary: Fire activity picked up this afternoon and the fire made a push of 500 acres to the west. There are structures approximately 1 mile from the fire and county firefighters are providing structure protection. Multiple air resources worked to slow the fire this afternoon. Firefighters did make good progress on the other flanks of the fire and are now estimating full containment for August 28. Firefighters will continue to fight the fire through the night.

For breaking fire information, follow @BLMIdahoFire on Twitter and search for #BLMIFDFire for posts specifically related to eastern Idaho. For additional wildfire updates visit http://www.IdahoFireInfo.com. One less spark means one less Idaho wildfire.
— —

Deer Park fire

Madison County in the Plano area

UPDATE: Madison County Sheriff’s Office lifts evacuations near Plano, Deer Park fire grows

The fire is reported to be human caused

Aug 26, 2017 Local News 8

story:
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UPDATE: Evacuations nears Grace lifted, small wildfire under control

Several agencies are fighting the fire

Chris Oswalt Local News 8 – Aug 26, 2017

Fire burns west of Grace. Photo courtesy: Jessica Avila

Grace, Idaho (KIFI/KIDK) – UPDATE 7:48 p.m.: A 50-acre fire burning west of Grace is under control and officials said they expect to have containment by 8 p.m. Saturday.

The fire was started by a homeowner doing work with a grinder, starting a field on fire. Several homes on River Road were evacuated, but residents have been allowed to return.

A shed and several vehicles and ATV’s were destroyed by the fire.

No one was hurt.

continued:
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Tappan Fire

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Current as of 8/27/2017, 8:04:51 AM
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Human And Is Currently Under Investigation
Date of Origin Tuesday August 01st, 2017 approx. 07:00 PM
Location On the Middle Fork and North Fork Ranger Districts, near the confluence of Camas Creek and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Fire is located east of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River
Incident Description Fire Is Located East Of The Middle Fork Of The Salmon River In Steep, Rocky, And Inaccessible Terrain.
Total Personnel 1
Size 1,650 Acres

Located on the Middle Fork and North Fork Ranger Districts, near the confluence of Camas Creek and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. The fire is located east of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in steep, rocky, and inaccessible terrain. The fire is approximately 1,650 acres burning in grass, brush, and scattered timber.

The fire is in monitor status under the direction of the North Zone Duty Officer. The fire has not increased in size and fire activity remains in the interior of the burn perimeter.

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5458/
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Ibex Fire

Salmon-Challis National Forest

Current as of 8/27/2017, 8:26:41 AM
Incident Type Wildfire
Date of Origin Monday July 24th, 2017 approx. 03:45 PM
Location 23 miles NW of Challis, Idaho
Incident Commander Dan Bartel
Total Personnel 54
Size 7,842 Acres

The lightning caused Ibex Fire is located in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, eleven miles west of Twin Peaks Lookout. The fire is burning in sub-alpine fir and lodgepole pine on the Middle Fork Ranger District. There are 54 personnel and one helicopter assigned to the fire. Monitoring continues by area lookouts and air patrols.

Fire size is approximately 7,842 acres. Weather will be warmer and drier today. Fire activity increased yesterday. Fire managers anticipate smoke will continue to filter into Challis as the fire burns in Trapper Creek towards the wilderness boundary. The fire is burning in McKee, Rush, Cottonwood, Ibex, and Trapper Creeks. The fire has been most active in Trapper Creek.

The Emergency Trail and Road Closure has been expanded, which is necessary to provide protection to forest visitors from the current fire safety hazards associated with the Ibex Fire. Closure information and a map can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5426/38955/

Ibex Fire 08/26/17

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5426/
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Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Fire Update – August 26

Kamiah, Idaho (August 26, 2017) – Fire season on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is far from over. Patrols are keeping eyes open for new fires from Thursday’s storms. Well over 100 lightning strikes were detected across the forest, yet only a handful of fires have been reported to date. Forecasted hot and critically dry weather will quickly dry fuels, making them more receptive to ignition. An inversion is likely to hold smoke across the region from neighboring fires in California, Oregon and Washington.

Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect in the Grangeville Fire Restrictions Area, Riverbreaks, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, and Uplands. The restrictions do not include wilderness areas. Visitors should know before you go: fire and closure information is posted on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/nezperceclearwater. Information on fire restrictions across the state is located at http://www.idahofireinfo.com/.

Forest and Fire Management Staff considered the long-term effects of smoke in their decision to manage fires in the wilderness and roadless areas. Fire managers are working with air quality specialists to monitor smoke and potential impacts to communities. For current air quality in Idaho, please visit http://www.deq.idaho.gov/air-quality/burning/current-wildfire-smoke-info/ and for Montana http://svc.mt.gov/deq/todaysair/smokereport/mostrecentupdate.aspx .

Current status by district:

Salmon River Ranger District
Two additional fires were reported, staffed and contained at a .10 acre each on Friday: the Pondo fire and the Clark fire. The Kirkwood Corral fire is out, and the Alder fire near China Point is expected out today.

The Hanover fire (17,118 acres) is under the management of Dave Bales’ Southwest Type 2 Incident Management Team. Information for the Hanover fire can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5459/, at (208) 839-9974, or on Facebook.

For more information on other fire activity or closures on Salmon River Ranger District, please call (208) 839-2211.

Moose Creek Ranger District
The Falls fire (29 acres) received some rain Thursday evening which is helping to hold down fire activity. The fire remains within containment lines. It is expected to be a long-duration fire.

Fires in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness have demonstrated minimal activity over the past several days; however, activity is expected to increase somewhat with the coming hot and dry weather. Significant wilderness fires include: Chute Creek fire (2,425 acres), Moose Creek 1 fire (12,817 acres), Lone Pine fire (6,570 acres), Pettibone fire (307 acres), Mink Peak fire (817 acres), Buck Lake fire (approx. 412 acres), and Tony fire (approx. 210 acres).
These wilderness fires are being monitored by air when conditions allow. Visitors recreating on the Selway River should expect to see smoke and fire in the area and should use caution, watching for falling trees and other hazards.
Trail closures remain in effect for the safety and protection of the public.
For more information on fire activity or area closures on the Moose Creek Ranger District, please call (208) 926-4258.

Red River Ranger District
Two new fires were detected Friday burning in heavy timber. The Bat fire (1.5 acre), 1.5 miles east of Big Mallard Creek Trailhead, is staffed with seven smoke jumpers and a 20-person crew is hiking to the fire. The Duck fire (.75 acre), 2.5 miles east of Churchill Mountain, is staffed and more firefighters will be delivered by helicopter. Ground resources will be assisted in suppression efforts with helicopter water drops.

The Bison fire (.1 acre), 1.5 mile southeast of Elk Summit Lookout, is controlled. The Table fire (.1 acre) is out. The Elk fire (.2 acres) and Deer fire (.1 acre), both one mile southwest of Granite Peak, are staffed by helicopter rappellers.

Fires in the wilderness have shown only minimal activity over the past several days; however, that activity is expected to increase with the predicted very hot and dry weather in the forecast. Significant wilderness fires include: the Patrol Ridge fire (251 acres), 4.5 miles east of Windy Saddle; the Plummer fire (estimated 200 acres), east of the Hanover fire; the Rattlesnake Point fire (4,626 acres) between Rattlesnake Creek and Sabe Creek on the Salmon River; and the Bleak fire (182 acres) north of Sheep Hill Lookout.

An area closure and trail closures remain for the safety and protection of the public.

For more information on fire activity or area closures on the Red River Ranger District, please call (208) 842-2245.

North Fork Ranger District
An area closure on the Lolo National Forest to the east may impact Forest Road #250 from Montana. Hoodoo Pass is accessible via Cedar Creek and Freezeout Road (high clearance vehicles recommended and no trailers). For information about the closure and the Sunrise fire, please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5379/#. For more information, call the North Fork Ranger District at (208) 476-4541.

For fire information on Moose Creek 1, Rattlesnake Point, Lone Pine, Mink Peak, Chute, and Hidden fires, please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/state/13/#
— — —

Hanover Fire

Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forests

Current as of 8/27/2017, 8:17:29 AM
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning/natural
Date of Origin Tuesday August 01st, 2017 approx. 12:30 PM
Location South of Grangeville, ID and northeast of Riggins, ID
Incident Commander Dave Bales, Type 2 Southwest Area IMT 4
Total Personnel 299
Size 17,356 Acres
Percent of Perimeter Contained 73%

Hot, dry temperatures increase fire activity
August 27, 2017 Daily Update
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5459/39133/

Hanover Fire Vicinity Map-Aug 27

Hanover Fire Progression Map-Aug 27

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5459/
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Chute Creek Fire

Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forests

Current as of 8/27/2017, 1:52:43 PM
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning/natural
Date of Origin Sunday August 13th, 2017 approx. 09:00 AM
Location 2.5 miles west of Blodgett Lake, 16.7 miles west of Hamilton, Montana
Incident Commander Tim Schaeffer, Type 4 IC
Size 2,429 Acres
Estimated Containment Date Monday October 02nd, 2017 approx. 12:00 AM

Chute Creek Fire Update – Aug 27
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5515/39178/

Aug 27 – Chute Fire IR Map

Click to access 2017_08_27-14.59.43.552-CDT.pdf

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5515/
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Mink Peak Fire

Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forests

Current as of 8/25/2017
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning/natural
Date of Origin Friday July 14th, 2017 approx. 03:00 PM
Location Near Mink Peak
Incident Commander Jim Wimer, Type 4 IC
Size 817 Acres
Estimated Containment Date Monday October 02nd, 2017 approx. 12:00 AM

This incident will only be updated as fire behavior and/or acreage substantially change. For information on other wilderness fires on the Moose Creek Ranger District of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, please see Moose Creek 1 fire and Lone Pine fire on this site.

Located near Mink Peak in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, the Mink Peak fire was lightning caused on July 14, 2017. The fire is unstaffed but is being closely monitored by air. The fire is being managed for long-term resource benefit. Visitors to the Selway River may expect to see smoke.

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5491/
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Rattlesnake Point Fire

Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forests

Current as of 8/25/2017, 1:48:39 PM
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning/natural
Location Rattlesnake Point – Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
Incident Commander Dingman
Size 4,626 Acres

Fire activity in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness was minimal Thursday and on the Rattlesnake Point fire (4,626 acres) between Rattlesnake Creek and Sabe Creek on the Salmon River.

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5442/
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Lone Pine Fire

Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forests

Current as of 8/25/2017, 1:36:20 PM
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning/natural
Date of Origin Friday July 14th, 2017 approx. 05:45 PM
Location Below Lone Pine Point in the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness
Incident Commander Jim Wimer, Type 4 IC
Size 6,570 Acres

The Lone Pine fire started July 14 below Lone Pine Point, a very remote area in the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness. The fire is being managed for long-term resource benefit, using a point protection strategy. Smoke will be obvious along the Selway River corridor. Extreme caution should be used along the river as trees may continue falling in and around the river.

The Lone Pine fire grew minimally along Weasel Creek. It is within a quarter mile of the Mink Creek fire.

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5456/
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Hidden Fire

Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forests

Current as of 8/27/2017, 1:44:02 PM
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightning/natural
Date of Origin Monday July 10th, 2017 approx. 04:15 PM
Location Hidden Ridge, 7 mi. NE of Elk Summit Guard Station
Incident Commander Kelvin Thompson, ICT3 Jodi Stone, ICT3(t)
Total Personnel 2
Size 5,318 Acres

Hidden Fire Update – August 27
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5446/39176/

Aug 27 – Hidden Fire IR Map

Click to access 2017_08_27-14.48.00.648-CDT.pdf

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5446/
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Moose Creek 1 Fire

Nez Perce – Clearwater National Forests

Current as of 8/27/2017, 2:05:47 PM
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Lightening/natural
Date of Origin Friday July 14th, 2017 approx. 04:03 PM
Location Southeast of the Historic Moose Creek Ranger Station
Incident Commander Jim Wimer, Type 4 IC
Total Personnel 12
Size 13,536 Acres
Estimated Containment Date Sunday October 01st, 2017 approx. 06:00 PM

Aug 27 – Moose Creek 1 Fire Update
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5405/39179/

InciWeb link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5405/
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National Interagency Fire Center

August 27, 2017

The majority of the fire activity continues in Montana and Oregon. A total of 55 large fires have burned nearly 600,000 acres. Eight new large fires were reported and two wer contained.

Weather: High pressure over the West will keep hot and dry conditions in place.

States currently reporting large fires:

California (5)
Idaho (6)
Montana (23)
Nevada (1)
Oregon (12)
Utah (1)
Washington (6)
Wyoming (1)

https://www.nifc.gov/fireInfo/nfn.htm
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Road Report Aug 27

Yellow Pine: Local streets are dusty, please drive respectfully. Watch out for kids, horses and deer in the roads – it is summer time in Yellow Pine.

Johnson Creek Road: Road is still reported to be “rough” especially on the hills in the Rustican and Halfway areas. Also rough from Wapiti Meadow Ranch on in to Yellow Pine.

South Fork / EFSF Road: Reports the EFSF road is good shape. The dust abatement is holding up well. There is new asphalt at the approaches to the EFSF cement bridge, however the road is rough either side of the new paving.

Lick Creek: Road is open, it is usually rough. No current report.

Profile Creek Road: Be aware there is still fire traffic on the road for the Missouri Fire. Road last reported to be in “good shape” from the turn off to the summit and “not bad” going down the far side.

Stibnite to Thunder Mountain: Open, no current report.

Big Creek to Warrens Road:
Warren to the South Fork access – Regarding road repairs on two areas that slumped this spring on Valley County’s section of the road.
This is the road beyond Warren down to the South Fork of the Salmon River near Trails End Subdivision.
Valley County has contracted the repairs to begin at the end of August. The road will be remain open, except for these listed dates – on these dates the road will be closed.
Aug. 29-30 Road closed to relocate the fiber optic lines at the upper sloughs
Sept. 5-14 Contractor will complete the upper 2 slough repairs
Sept. 19-28 Begin work on lower repair
Oct. 3-12 Work on lower repair
Oct. 17-26 Complete work on lower repair
map:

Deadwood Summit: Road open, reported to be rough, no current report.

Golden Gate Road: The road is only passable on foot due to large deep wash-out about 2/3rds of the way up.
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Weather Reports Aug 20-26

Aug 20 Weather:

At 830am it was 44 degrees and almost clear, light haze. Cloudy by late morning. At 2pm it was 78 degrees, mostly cloudy (high thin) and breezy. At 8pm it was 74 degrees, mostly cloudy and a little breezy.

NOAA Weather report:

Observation time August 21, 2017 at 08:30AM
Almost clear, light haze of smoke
Max temperature 84 degrees F
Min temperature 43 degrees F
At observation 47 degrees F
Precipitation 0.00 inch
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Aug 21 Weather:

At 830am it was 47 degrees, almost clear sky (a little smudge of clouds to the south) and light haze of smoke. Clear by hazy sky for eclipse (temp dropped 5.1 degrees from 62.0F to 56.9F). At 2pm it was 79 degrees, clear and less smoke. At 5pm it was 87 degrees, clear, light breezes and light smoke. At 830pm it was 70 degrees, clear and much better air.

NOAA Weather report:

Observation time August 22, 2017 at 08:30AM
clear, smoky haze, light breeze
Max temperature 88 degrees F
Min temperature 42 degrees F
At observation 45 degrees F
Precipitation 0.00 inch
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Aug 22 Weather:

At 830am it was 45 degrees, clear sky, light breeze and moderate smoke. At 215pm it was 88 degrees, breezy, probably clear but very smoky (flat sky.) At 845pm it was 71 degrees and probably clear (still smoky) lighter breezes.

NOAA Weather report:

Observation time August 23, 2017 at 08:30AM
Mostly clear, smoky, yellow air quality
Max temperature 91 degrees F
Min temperature 45 degrees F
At observation 48 degrees F
Precipitation 0.00 inch
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Aug 23 Weather:

At 830am it was 48 degrees, mostly clear but quite smoky, yellow air quality. At 215pm it was 87 degrees, probably mostly cloudy (can’t really see the sky) and light breezes. At 510pm it was 83 degrees, appears to be overcast thru the smoke and calm. At 815pm it was 74 degrees, cloudy and almost calm, smoke is a little thinner. Getting a little breezy at 915pm. Breezy at 10pm. Started raining around 1150pm and breezy, didn’t last long and not enough to get wet.

NOAA Weather report:

Observation time August 24, 2017 at 08:30AM
Overcast, calm
Max temperature 89 degrees F
Min temperature 48 degrees F
At observation 57 degrees F
Precipitation Trace
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Aug 24 Weather:

At 830am it was 57 degrees, haze of smoke, overcast, calm and 1 drop of rain. (A couple drops at 850am.) Light rain shower started just before 930am, rain 940am for 15 minutes, then sprinkles until 1005am, measured 0.04″. Clouds breaking up before noon. At 1pm the air quality was still in the Yellow. At 2pm it was 78 degrees, light breezes, appears to be partly cloudy thru the smoke. At 520pm it was 80 degrees and appears to be partly cloudy (sky is flat with smoke) and light breezes. At 8pm it was 72 degrees, partly cloudy, slight breeze and thinner smoke.

NOAA Weather report:

Observation time August 25, 2017 at 08:30AM
Clear, light haze of smoke, good dew
Max temperature 84 degrees F
Min temperature 44 degrees F
At observation 46 degrees F
Precipitation 0.04 inch
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Aug 25 Weather:

At 830am it was 46 degrees, clear with light haze of smoke and roofs wet with dew. At 215pm it was 84 degrees, partly clear, smoky and breezy. At 4pm it was 85 degrees, partly cloudy, smoky and breezy. At 755pm it was 77 degrees, mostly cloudy (high and thin), haze of smoke and light breezes. At 1020pm it was 60 degrees, almost calm and clear sky, lots of stars (less smoke.)

NOAA Weather report:

Observation time August 26, 2017 at 08:30AM
Clear and smoky
Max temperature 87 degrees F
Min temperature 44 degrees F
At observation 47 degrees F
Precipitation 0.00 inch
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Aug 26 Weather:

At 830am it was 47 degrees, clear sky, moderate haze of smoke, yellow air quality. At 2pm it was 87 degrees, clear above haze of smoke, light breezes. At 530pm it was 88 degrees, looks clear (sky flat and gray with smoke) and breezy. At 8pm it was 75 degrees, clear flat smoky sky and almost calm. At 1030pm it was 61 degrees, hazy enough that only the brightest stars are showing.

NOAA Weather report:

Observation time August 27, 2017 at 08:30AM
Clear above haze of smoke
Max temperature 90 degrees F
Min temperature 43 degrees F
At observation 45 degrees F
Precipitation 0.00 inch
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Road Report Aug 25

Note: Please share your reports.

Yellow Pine: Local streets are dusty, please drive respectfully. Watch out for kids, horses and deer in the roads – it is summer time in Yellow Pine.

Johnson Creek Road: Road is still reported to be “rough” especially on the hills in the Rustican and Halfway areas. Also rough from Wapiti Meadow Ranch on in to Yellow Pine.

South Fork / EFSF Road: Reports the EFSF road is good shape – it has recently been graded and dust abatement was applied Aug 14,

Lick Creek: Road is open, reported to be about as rough as usual.

Profile Creek Road: Last reported to be in great shape from the turn off to the summit and not too bad going down the far side.

Stibnite to Thunder Mountain: Open, no current report.

Big Creek to Warrens: Warren to the South Fork access update
Regarding road repairs on two areas that slumped this spring on Valley County’s section of the road.
This is the road beyond Warren down to the South Fork of the Salmon River near Trails End Subdivision.
Valley County has contracted the repairs to begin at the end of August. The road will be remain open, except for these listed dates – on these dates the road will be closed.
Aug. 29-30 Road closed to relocate the fiber optic lines at the upper sloughs
Sept. 5-14 Contractor will complete the upper 2 slough repairs
Sept. 19-28 Begin work on lower repair
Oct. 3-12 Work on lower repair
Oct 17-26 Complete work on lower repair
map:

Deadwood Summit: Road open and reported to be rough.

Golden Gate Road: The road is only passable on foot due to large deep wash-out about 2/3rds of the way up.
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