Monthly Archives: February 2023

Feb 26, 2023 The Yellow Pine Times

Feb 26, 2023 The Yellow Pine Times – Valley County, Idaho

Reminder: We are still under a boil water order.
Note: If you are not receiving the YPTimes emails, check your spam folder.

Community Calendar:

Apr 17, 2020 – Boil water order in effect
Nov 1 2022 – 3-Day Mail Delivery
2023
Wednesdays – Weekly Craft and Learn 11am-2pm
Mar 2 – YPFD Training 1pm
Mar 12 – DST begins 2am
Mar 17 – Chef Paddy’s Day Party 2pm-10pm
Mar 22 – YPFD meeting at 11am
May 24 – YPFD meeting at 11am
July 1 – Golf Tournament 10am
July 2 – 4th of July celebration (Fire Wise)

(details below)
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Local Events:

Wednesday’s Weekly Craft and Learn 11am-2pm

Starting next Wednesday (November 9th) we’re going to begin the craft and learn. We’ve changed the time to 11am to 2pm on Wednesdays once a week at the Community Hall.
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Mar 2 – YPFD Training 1pm

Thursday, March 2, 1pm at community hall, Interpersonal Communication, Part 2
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Mar 12 – DST begins 2am

Spring ahead March 12th – Daylight Savings time begins at 2am.
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Mar 17 – Chef Paddy’s Day Party 2pm-10pm

At the Yellow Pine Tavern: Outdoor Bonfire, Irish Music, Corned Beef Reuben Sandwiches, Guinness Stew & more…
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Mar 22 – YPFD meeting at 11am Community Hall
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July 1 – Golf Tournament

Benefit for the YPFD. Sign up at 10am – golf will start shortly after that.
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July 2 – 4th of July celebration (Fire Wise)

Starting with parade. More details to follow
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Village News:

Deer Near Reed Ranch
20230222ReedRanchDeer-a
photo courtesy Yellow Pine FB Group
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Feb 23 – YPFD Training

Thursday, February 23, 1pm at community hall, Interpersonal Communication, Part 1
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Attention 1970s Yellow Pine Students.

Looking for folks who attended the “University of Yellow Pine” in the 1970s who are willing to share their school memories and photos. Please contact rrSue via email.

We have school stories and photos from 1920 to the 1960s compiled by the Yellow Pine Times History Project. Thank you
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Boil Water Question

Recently someone inquired why and how long has Yellow Pine had to boil water. I am not qualified to answer this question and offer this to ponder:
At 5:52pm local time (MDT) on March 31, 2020, a magnitude (M) 6.5 earthquake occurred.
Apr 17, 2020 – Boil water order in effect for Yellow Pine.
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Trickle Time in Yellow Pine

Note from Warren Drake Nov 10th – Running water to prevent freezing could and should happen immediately to try and minimize any problems [this winter].
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Yellow Pine US Mail

The 3-day a week mail delivery started November 1st. The Post Office in Yellow Pine is open six days a week year around: M-F 845am-245pm Saturday 9am-245pm. Support our local post office and purchase your stamps here. Anyone can call the P.O. and ask Nik to mail them stamps paid for with a check or money order.
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Notice – Yellow Pine Times Deadline

In order to have your item posted in that week’s paper you must email it in by Noon on Sunday.

A reminder – if your group or business want an event, photo, minutes, news or advertising posted in the Yellow Pine Times, please write what you want posted in text form (for copy/paste) and send it by email. Remember to include the “who, what, when, where and why.” Images or groups of images must be under 10 megs per email.
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Road News

High elevation have a lot of snow. On November 9th Valley County lists the following as closed to wheeled vehicles:
– Deadwood
– Landmark
– Profile Gap
– Elk Summit
– Monumental Summit
– Lick Creek Summit

Link: to current road reports.

From ITD – (mid-November): “Construction on State Highway 55 near Smiths Ferry has reached a major milestone as work pauses for the winter season. Road paving and major slope excavation are now complete with two lanes open for travel.”

South Fork Road: Note: starting Nov 1st the road maintenance goes back to the county.
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Yellow Pine Transfer Station

Report Wednesday (Jan 4): “The bins are about a quarter full and the road is great, smooth but not icy.” – TM

Locals have worked hard to clean up the area, please be respectful.

20190429Dump2-b Yellow Pine Transfer Station (aka, the dump)

Please do not abuse our Transfer Station or we may lose it. Household trash must be placed in the bins, flattened cardboard boxes can also go into the bins. Do not stack trash in front of the doors. Woody yard debris only for the burn pile. No furniture, appliances, tires or construction debris allowed, those items must be hauled out to the Donnelly station by you.

The Yellow Pine Transfer Station is Valley County responsibility. If it is not kept tidy, use of the Transfer Station may be revoked. That would result in residents having to take all household trash and yard waste to the Donnelly Transfer Station.

If Dumpsters Are Full, Contact Lake Shore Disposal at: (208) 634-7176
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Critters

Be Cougar Aware

Nov 14, 2022 report: “Cougar is still making his presence known. Either by neighbor dogs bringing home treasures from the food stash, or by being seen middle of the day.”
Watch your small pets and do not leave food outside.
– Never run away from a mountain lion. The lion’s instinct is to chase and ultimately catch what they perceive as potential prey.
– Never turn your back on a lion. Always face them while making yourself look as large as you can. Yell loudly, but don’t scream. A high-pitched scream may mimic the sound of a wounded animal.
– Slowly back away while maintaining eye contact with the lion.
– If you are attacked, fight back.
– When letting pets outside, especially at night, turn on porch lights and make noise so that any wildlife that might be in close proximity is alerted. Attacks can often be the result of surprise encounters, with both people and pets.

photo courtesy NH

Be Wolf Wary

Report Feb 18, 2023 from Yellow Pine: Wolves were howling this morning, sounded like across the EFSF north west of the school.
Report Nov 14, 2022 from Big Creek: In addition to the [wolf] tracks on the upper end of the Big Creek trail, there were a couple sets by Belvedere, and an entire pack left sign on the road by the Missouri trailhead.
* Always keep children nearby and in sight.
* Keep pets leashed and under control.

Be Coyote Aware

Report Feb 7, 2023: coyotes yipping the last 2 nights across the river in the Quartz Creek area.

* Remove or secure attractants, such as pet food, trash or dog feces.
* If you have a potential living food source for coyotes, such as chickens, secure their coops with wire mesh fences at least five feet high.
* Don’t leave your dog outside unsupervised.
* If possible, ensure your property boundaries are secure by keeping fences in good repair and letting your dogs out for bathroom breaks only in fenced areas, particularly at night. The American Kennel Club recommends solid fences of at least 6-feet tall, and buried in the ground at least 18 inches, and says that “coyote rollers” can provide additional deterrence.
* If your property is not fenced, turn on outside lights and make noise before letting your dog outside, and consider taking your dog out on a lead for nighttime bathroom breaks.
* Clear away brushy areas around your property that coyotes may see as safe denning or hiding spots.

Be Fox Aware

* Do not feed foxes human food
* Feed domestic pets indoors
* Make sure your pets are updated on Rabies vaccines
* Small pets could become a snack

Photo taken Jan 18, 2021 by AP

Be Skunk Aware

Skunks will sometimes kill cats or chickens.
This one has shown up more than once on camera.

courtesy NH

Be Moose Aware

* Keep your dog on a leash when wildlife is present.
* A moose may perceive a dog as a predator even when leashed. Avoiding an area when a moose is present may be the safest thing to do.
* Never put yourself in a situation where you are between a cow and calf.
* Males are in the rut during the fall, so they can become very agitated and show aggression.
* Moose can become stressed in winter due to the cold and deep snow, low food supply and fat reserves depleting. Minimize disturbances during the winter, as it is critical to reduce stress upon big game animals.
* Be aware of your surroundings and be especially careful around creeks and in areas with dense brush.
* Travel in groups whenever possible and make noise to alert animals to your presence.
* If you encounter a moose, give it lots of space and don’t approach it. Always keep dogs under control.
* If a moose charges or chases you, take cover behind something solid, such as a tree.
* In some situations, bear spray has been known to be an effective defense tool in moose encounters.

“Fourth of July weekend traffic on Johnson Creek. One more reason to drive slow.”
courtesy Yellow Pine FB group
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Local Groups

YPWUA News:

YPWUA News – Oct 24

1. The YPWUA currently has an opening on the board. If interested in serving on the YPWUA board, please contact any board member.

2. The YPWUA currently has an opening for the Maintenance Advisor position. This position will be the community representative working closely with the Board, Warren Drake of Drake Diversified and Nicki Harnar to identify problems and lead in the repairs.

3. The YPWUA has voted to delay the increase in the yearly fees for the grant share. Note: the approximate amount of $220.00 per year will added beginning with the 2023 bill.

Thank you
YPWUA Board
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YPWUA Grants

From DEQ Feb, 2023: Yellow Pine Water Users Association – Yellow Pine Water Users Association in Valley County was awarded $6,048,387 to complete phase one of their drinking water project. This phase consists of intake modifications, construction of a new water treatment facility, storage reservoir modifications, water main replacement, and easements.

On August 27th many water users attended a presentation from Mountain Waterworks on the future of our water system. Many also called in on Zoom. The YPWUA Board, over the last three years, has worked alongside Mountain Water Works to obtain grants to replace our failing drinking water system.

Mountain Waterworks gave an excellent presentation on the status of our current system. The slow sand filters have been damaged by an earthquake and are cracked, our inlet water system is very crude and open to contamination, our chlorine injection building is below ground level and dangerous to our operator, it is also leaning and could fall into Boulder Creek, and our leaking distribution lines need to be replaced and increased in size.

We have been granted over 7 million dollars with the potential for additional no match money. Of that amount, the agencies granting this money are requiring the water users to repay $500,000 over a 30 year period. That amount is approximately $18.10 per month, per user or about an additional $217 per year. Mountain Waterworks explained that Yellow Pine is the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality’s number one priority for grants this year. Many communities in Idaho are fighting for this money for their projects. Yellow Pine received more money by population and also the lowest required payback of any community.

In 2007 the DEQ imposed a $100 per day fine on the YPWUA for not complying with the 1995 court order to repair our system. That fine was dropped by the court but a new date was established for 2026. If this project is not completed by 2026, that $100 Per day fine is reinstated. That calculates to $30 per month, per user, so we either pay $18.10 per month now and get our system fixed or pay $30 per month on fines and get nothing.

During discussion with those attending the meeting the group determined that we don’t have a choice. This project needs to be done to insure the community of Yellow Pine will continue to exist. The group was asked if there was objection to the project, by a show of hands, no one objected. So the board decided to approve this project.

Some at the meeting agreed to the additional costs but wanted to know if there was a way to pay either monthly or quarterly. We are in the process of looking into payment options.

Thank you,
YPWUA Board

Update: YP Water Users. Clarification regarding bids for facility and water lines improvements. Bids were considerably higher than expected and the work will NOT be started until grant money and users’ fees are adequate.
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Attention Yellow Pine Water Users

You may now apply to WICAP for help with your water bill under the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). You may apply for help with your past-due, as well as your current bill.

Application may be made in person at the WICAP office in Cascade, 110 W. Pine St. You may also apply by phone at 208 454-0675, or on-line at (link).
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Water Use

02/16/23	33321634	34466	24	1436	24	T		1090
02/17/23	33356577	34943	24	1456	24	F	477
02/18/23	33392703	36126	24	1505	25	S	1183
02/19/23	33427684	34981	24	1458	24	S		1145
02/20/23	33463186	35502	24	1479	25	M	521
02/21/23	33497234	34048	24	1419	24	T		1454
02/22/23	33531178	33944	23.5	1444	24	W		104
02/23/23	33567756	36578	24	1524	25	T	2634
02/24/23	33604134	36378	24	1516	25	F		200
02/25/23	33640254	36120	24	1505	25	S		258
02/26/23	33676035	35781	24	1491	25	S		339

We are still under a Boil Order. Please conserve water.

As of April 17th 2020, Yellow Pine is under a “Boil Order”. This boil order will be in effect until further notice.

DRINKING WATER WARNING
Yellow Pine Water Users PWS 4430059 BOIL WATER ADVISORY Due to insufficient treatment
We routinely monitor the conditions in the drinking water distribution system. On 4-19-2020 we experienced a period of insufficient treatment due to extreme water demand which exceeded the capacity of the treatment system. A drop in water pressure is a signal of the existence of conditions that could allow contamination to enter the distribution system through backflow, by backpressure, or back-siphonage. As a result, there is an increased chance that the drinking water may contain disease-causing organisms.
What should I do?
* DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
* Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.
* The symptoms above are caused by many types of organisms. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.
What is being done?
Efforts are under way to curtail water use. Once water use is diminished, the water treatment system will again be operational and the boil water order can be lifted
We will inform you when you no longer need to boil your water. We anticipate resolving the problem within 365 days.
For more information, please contact Warren at 208-573-6261 or wdrake @ drakediversified.com
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by Yellow Pine Water Users Assoc.
PWS ID #: 4430059. Date distributed: 2-10-23.
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Water Conservation Tips yellowmellow

1. Try and conserve water when using the toilet
We’ve heard a simple saying for this “If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown flush it down”.
Also don’t use the toilet as a bin, every time you throw a small bit of trash and flush the toilet 5 gallons is gone.

2. Shorten your shower and turn it off when you can
You can also turn the shower off in between, wet yourself, lather up then turn the water off. When you’re ready turn it on and rinse off.

3. If you have any dripping taps – FIX THEM.
A single dripping tap can waste 4 gallons of water a day (or more) or 1450 gallons of water a year.
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Aug 27, 2022 Special Water Meeting 12pm at Community Hall (no minutes)
July 3, 2022 YPWUA 2022 Annual Shareholder Meeting (minutes to follow)
July 4, 2021 YPWUA 2021 Annual Shareholder Meeting Link: to 20210704 YPWUA minutes
July 5, 2020 YPWUA 2020 Annual Shareholder Meeting link: to 20200705 YPWUA minutes

Water Board:
Steve Holloway
(vacant)
Tim Aldridge
Stu Edwards
Candy Hardisty
Warren Drake – Water Operator
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VYPA News:

Village of Yellow Pine Association

Yellow Pine Community Hall General Use Procedures

Hall General Usage:
* All events must be scheduled through the Community Hall Committee and approved by the Committee Chairman
* No property shall be removed from the Community Hall without approval of the Community Hall Committee Chairman.
* Responsible alcohol usage is permitted.
* No smoking is allowed in the hall. Pick up any butts scattered outside.
* Building and grounds are not a storage area. Do not leave personal items in or around the Community Hall without approval of the Community Hall Committee Chairman.
* Notify a committee member if problems are encountered.

After each event using the hall:
* Sweep/vacuum hall floor and restroom floor
* Wipe down toilet
* Empty garbage cans and take garbage to the transfer station
* Fold tables
* Stack chairs
* Turn off lights, ceiling fans, heater (if applicable)
* Put away any kitchen items after they are cleaned

After each event using the kitchen:
* Sweep/mop kitchen floor
* Wash, dry, and store all used dishes, utensils, pans, coffee pots, etc.
* Clean and wipe down sinks
* Thoroughly clean griddles, if used, and turn off propane to griddles
* Remove any unused food/beverages from the refrigerators/freezers
* Clean up any spilled food or beverage
* Empty garbage cans and take garbage to the transfer station
* Notify a committee member if problems are encountered

Using the Community Hall and/equipment for non-Yellow Pine events:
* A refundable, $50 deposit is required seven (7) days prior to the event
* After the event, a Community Hall Committee member will inspect the premises prior to the deposit being refunded
* A $150/day donation is requested for the use of the Hall
* A $200/day donation is requested for the use of the Kitchen

No deposit or use donation is needed for use by Yellow Pine community members, committees, or groups.

Yellow Pine Community Hall Committee:
Rhonda Egbert – Chairman
Members: Ronda Rogers, Deb Filler, Hailey Harris
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Village of Yellow Pine Association:
Lorinne Munn, Chairman
Josh Jones, Vice Chairman
Lynn Imel, Secretary
Kat Amos, Treasurer
Rhonda Egbert, Member at Large

Cemetery Committee:
Ron Basabe
Marj Fields
Joel Fields

Oct 12, 2022 Festival Committee Meeting minutes Link:
Sept 10, 2022 VYPA Meeting minutes (20220910VYPAAgenda-MinutesSummary.txt)
Aug 13, 2022 VYPA Meeting cancelled due to lack of quorum.
July 9, 2022 VYPA Meeting minutes Link:
June 11, 2022 VYPA Meeting minutes link:
April 6, 2022 Village Council meeting to fill vacant chairperson position (no minutes.)
Sept 11, 2021 – VYPA Meeting minutes link:

VYPA Meetings are the 2nd Saturday of June, July, August, and September at 2:00pm at the Community Hall.
2022 Meeting dates:
June 11
July 9
August 13
September 10

VYPA Bylaws adopted 8/8/2020 (link)
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YPAC News:

Yellow Pine Area Coalition

The Yellow Pine Area Coalition was formed in 2019. YPAC Corp is the non-profit entity (501c3) that will conduct the charitable work of the Coalition.
Dezeray Brockett – President
Bill McIntosh – Treasurer
Deb Filler – Secretary.
YPAC Corp Bylaws (link)
Website (link)
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YPFD News:

Yellow Pine Fire Department

Chimney cleaning brushes are available to borrow at the Fire Hall.

If you have an emergency, please call 911

Meeting Minutes
Jan 25, 2023 YPFD Fire Commissioners Meeting minutes Link
Nov 27, 2022 YPFD Meeting Sunday meeting minutes Link
Sep 6, 2022 YPFD Budget Meeting minutes Link
Aug 16, 2022 VSCO After Action Report (plane crash) Link:
Aug 14, 2022 YPFD Fire Commissioners Special Meeting Link:
Aug 5, 2022 YPFD Search and Rescue Mutual Aid Agreement Link:
Aug 3, 2022 YPFD Fire Commissioners Special Meeting (no minutes yet)
May 29, 2022 YPFD Fire Commissioners Meeting Link
May 27, 2022 YPFD Equipment Letter Link
May 20, 2022 YPFD Meeting in Cascade with Forest Service (no minutes.)
Apr 3, 2022 YPFD Fire Commissioners Meeting Link: to Amended minutes
Feb 24, 2022 YPFD Fire Commissioners Special Meeting Link:
Jan 30, 2022 YPFD Fire Commissioners Meeting Link:
Jan 10, 2022 YPFD Special Meeting Link:
Jan 9, 2022 YPFD New Commissioner’s Transition Meeting Link:
Nov 23, 2021 – YPFD Special meeting Link:
Nov 8, 2021 – YPFD AAR Report (Hopeless) Link:
Oct 31, 2021 – YPFD Special meeting Link:
Oct 14, 2021 – YPFD Special meeting Link:
Sep 27, 2021 – YPFD Special meeting Link:
Sep 18, 2021 – YPFD Special meeting Link:
Sep 11, 2021 – YPFD Budget meeting Link:
Aug 28, 2021 – YPFD Meeting to discuss election (no notes taken.)
Jul 10, 2021 – YPFD Meeting Minutes. Link:
Jun 12, 2021 – YPFD Meeting Minutes. Link:
May 15, 2021 – YPFD Meeting Minutes. Link:
Sep 30, 2020 – YPFD budget meeting. (No minutes yet.)

If you are burning any piles of forest litter and debris – please have a connected and charged garden hose that can reach your piles. If your hose cannot reach where you are burning, follow the good advice of having a shovel, axe, and water bucket at the scene. Rake away from anything that could ignite. Stop burning if winds become an issue. Make sure your fire is out before you leave the area. Nothing like getting surprised by an escaped fire in the middle of the night!

Better yet, “Rake It and Take It” your yard waste (limbs, pine needles, brush, etc.) to the burn pile at the Transfer Station on the south end of the turn-around. Remember, keep the pile neat. Woody debris only, no nails, no cardboard and no furniture! The Boise NF will burn the pile in the fall when it is safe.

Yellow Pine Fire Protection District Community Service Notice
The purpose of this letter is to show how you as a Yellow Pine Resident can help protect your structure against a wildland fire by being “Fire Wise.” Click the link: to view 20190724 Yellow Pine Fire Protection mitigation

Valley County Wildfire Evacuation Checklist
A wildfire evacuation checklist that property owners in the Yellow Pine area might find useful. link: Valley County Evacuation Checklist – 2021

YPFD COVID19 Policy
link: YPFD Covid-19 SOP
link: Covid-19 EMS

Fire Chief: Tim Rogers 208-633-2005
Assistant Fire Chief: Ron Basabe 208-633-9001
YP Fire Commissioners:
Lorinne Munn – District 1
Tom Lanham – District 2
Bill McIntosh – District 3
Secretary/Treasurer – Ronda Rogers

2023 Meeting Schedule:- All meetings will be at the Community Hall
March 22, 2023, Wednesday at 11 am
May 24, 2023, Wednesday at 11 am
August 16, 2023, Wednesday at 11 am
September 6, 2023, Wednesday at 2 pm Budget Meeting
November 15, 2023, Wednesday at 11 am
December 13, 2023, Wednesday at 11 am
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Biz Listings:

Alpine Village (208) 633-6208
Facebook
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The Corner (208) 633-3325
Facebook
Winter hours: Call for reservations
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Yellow Pine Tavern (208) 633-2233
Facebook
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Yellow Pine General Store and Motel (208) 633-3300
Facebook
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Yellow Pine Lodge (208) 633-3377
Closed for Winter.
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Murph’s RV Park & Mary’s Cabins
Facebook
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Local Color Photography
Website
Facebook page
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Knotty Kat Crochet Works – 509-406-2221
FB page
Open Tue – Sat, 9-5 Yellow Pine eggs $5/doz
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Buck Horn Outfitters LLC 208-633-3614
Booking for our 2023 Spring Bear!!
Each hunt can accommodate 2 to 4 hunters!
All Spring Bear hunts are based out of our place in Yellow Pine Idaho. Hunters are in our Guest cabin and meals are served at the main house. All hunts can include a chance at a wolf. On these hunts we Trailer our stock approximately a hour to different trail heads.
* Openings for 2023 Spring Bear *
April 14 to 20 th Early Spot & Stalk hunt!! * This hunt will require a lot of riding, hiking, and glassing, being in good physical shape to get around is a must on this early hunt!
May 28th to June 3rd This hunt is primarily a bait hunt.
June 5th to June 11th This hunt is primarily a bait hunt.
* On our later hunts they are primarily bait hunts where hunters get set up at bait sites in the evenings, if hunters choose to we can go out riding and glassing for bear and wolf during the day also. Or there is plenty of site seeing or other activities to enjoy around Yellow Pine!
3500.00 per hunter
Now taking Reservations for our Summer Trail Rides and horseback camping trips! Fully catered or DIY trips to high mountain lakes or Buck Horn Hot Springs!
We are also adding guided fishing trips to our activities! Fly fishing day trips out of Yellow Pine, Idaho or overnight horseback trips!
website:
Facebook:
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Wapiti Meadow Ranch – Johnson Creek (208) 633-3217
or 208-315-3554 – cabin rentals
website:
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Big Creek Lodge
website:
Closed Oct 9, 2022 for winter
Big Creek Lodge Hiring for this Summer (2023)
Help needed May thru Mid-October (Season or Monthly) For more info: Jim at info @ bigcreeklodgeidaho.com
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Deadwood Outfitters
website:
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Local Fuel Suppliers

Amerigas Phone: 1-800-427-4968
Ed Staub & Sons Phone: (208) 634-3833
Diamond Fuel & Feed Phone: (208) 382-4430
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Outside Biz that will service Yellow Pine:

Cascade:
Arnold Aviation (208) 382-4844
D9 Groceries: 208-382-4215 Website link to order:
Upon “checkout” click on “gift” and write “Arnolds to pick up and deliver to (your name) in Yellow Pine” so they know who will pick it up and where it goes.
Watkins Pharmacy Cascade (208) 382-4204
Call your doctor and have your Rx transferred until Watkins can rebuild.
Cascade Auto (208) 382-4224
Cascade Vet Clinic (208) 382-4590

The Star-News
Website:

J & R Septic
Cascade (208) 382-8727

Valley Roofing Idaho
Meridian (208) 830-4890 email:
Facebook:

Rocky Mountain Mechanical – Plumbing – Heating – Air conditioning
(208) 365-PIPE (7473) Emmett, will service Yellow Pine
Website:
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Follow The Yellow Pine Times on Facebook (updated more often than emails)
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Local Observations:

Monday (Feb 20) 24-hour low of 26 degrees from Sunday morning. Snow yesterday evening and early this morning stacked up to 1 inch (SWE=0.14″) and an average snow depth of 19 inches. At 10am it was 33 degrees, low overcast (foggy ridges) and light snowfall. Jays and 2 hairy woodpeckers visiting. Stopped snowing before lunch time and low foggy clouds. Higher overcast mid-afternoon (peaks visible) warm and calm. Gray overcast and light breeze after sunset and above freezing. Rain during the night, then windy, (internet out 5am-545am) then breezy snow this morning.

Tuesday (Feb 21) overnight low of 27 degrees. Rain plus 1 1/4″ snow gave us 0.11″ of water. At 10am it was 29 degrees, partly clear, light breeze and an average of 19 inches of snow on the ground. Jays and hairy woodpecker visiting. Getting breezy before lunch time and bits of sunshine. Breezy mid-afternoon, mostly cloudy with patches of blue sky and scattered sunshine, high of 38 degrees. Mostly cloudy after sunset, below freezing and calmer. Snowed a scant trace during the night.

Wednesday (Feb 22) overnight low of 9 degrees, scant trace of new snow, average snow depth 18 inches. At 10am it was 15 degrees, mostly hazy and chilly light breezes. Jays and pine squirrel visiting. Report of 2 male red-wing blackbirds in the neighborhood. Overcast, below freezing and flakes of snow just after lunch time, snow didn’t last long and no accumulation. Mail truck made it in on time. Cold, overcast and light chilly breeze mid-afternoon, high of 25 degrees. Overcast and top of VanMeter in the fog after sunset, occasional flakes of snow and below freezing. Cloudy and breezy after dark. Snow early morning, likely between 3am and 5am.

Thursday (Feb 23) overnight low of 9 degrees, 1/4 inch new snow and 18 inches average depth. At 10am it was 18 degrees, high thin overcast and slight breeze. Jays visiting. Breaks in the overcast at lunch time with bits of sunshine. Overcast and a bit breezy early afternoon. Overcast, below freezing, calmer and a few flakes of snow mid-afternoon. Snowed for about 30 minutes ending before sunset. Breezy after sunset and mostly cloudy with small patches of clear sky. Snowing after dark, fat trace by 9pm and a little more by midnight.

Friday (Feb 24) overnight low of 1 degrees, measured 3/4 inches new snow and 18 inches average depth (ranges from 14″-23″.) At 10am it was 3 degrees, clear sky and slight cold breeze. Jays, hairy woodpecker and pine squirrel visiting. Mostly clear and strong sunshine at lunch time. Increasing clouds and breezy early afternoon. Above freezing and breezy mid-afternoon, mostly cloudy with large patches of blue sky, high of 38 degrees. Sundown in the “notch” at 552pm. Clear sky, calm and below freezing after sunset.

Saturday (Feb 25) overnight low of 2 degrees, no new precipitation, average snow depth is still 18 inches. This morning at 10am it was 6 degrees, clear very blue sky and slight cold breeze and the sun was just peeking over Golden Gate. Hairy woodpecker, pine squirrel and jays visiting. Blue sky and sunshine at lunch time. Weekend traffic. Clear sky, warm and slight breeze mid-afternoon, high of 47 degrees. Clear and calm after sunset. Looked clear at midnight.

Sunday (Feb 26) 24-hour low of 6 degrees from Saturday morning. Started snowing this morning just before 10am, 28 degrees, lowering overcast, light snowfall (scant trace) average snow depth 18 inches and light breeze. Jays, pine squirrel and hairy woodpeckers visiting. Report of a red-breasted nuthatch in the neighborhood. Getting breezy before lunch time and still snowing. Light rain/snow mix at 1230pm for a short time, calmer and above freezing, high of 36 degrees. Elk wandering down Westside. Steady light snow, light breeze and temperature dropping to 32F mid-afternoon, low foggy clouds sitting down on Antimony ridge. Break in the snow for about an hour, then snowing again before sunset. Light snowfall at dusk, calm and higher clouds.
—————

Idaho News:

Valley County Board of County Commissioner Meeting February 21, 2023

Here is the link to the Valley County Commissioners meeting this morning.

The first thing on the agenda was about Valley County Funds for the YP water system. This discussion starts right after the Pledge.

Long story short, the Valley County Commissioners approved their cost, to date, to help get our DEQ Water System money.

Thank you Doug for sharing
— — — — — — — — — —

$80M for Valley County fiber

198-mile project first step to high-speed internet

February 23, 2023 By Drew Dodson The Star-News

High-speed fiber lines would directly link Valley County and Meadows Valley to internet infrastructure in the Treasure Valley, under a project recently approved for state funding.

The $80-million project would run fiber lines through Cascade, Donnelly, McCall and New Meadows as part of a 198-mile connection from an internet data center in Star to Grangeville.

The fiber would replace outdated copper internet lines that currently connect the region to data centers in larger cities but transfer data significantly slower than fiber lines and cause bottlenecks during peak tourism periods.

The project would establish a direct fiber internet connection into Valley County, solving what local officials have long labeled as a major hurdle to high-speed internet in the area.

continued: (Subscription needed)
— — — — — — — — — —

McCall shooting leaves one dead

by CBS 2 News staff Sunday, February 19th 2023

McCall Police Department and Valley County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a domestic violence incident with shots fired on Saturday, February 18 just after 4 pm.

The incident took place in the 100 block of Eagle Shores Court in McCall.

When Officers arrived they located a female and a male that were both injured, officers immediately provided medical assistance. McCall Fire and EMS also provided emergency medical care and transported the male to St. Lukes McCall. The female died at the scene.

McCall Police said that they have not filed any charges or made an arrest in this incident. They do believe that this was an isolated incident and that there is no risk to the public. They have requested that the Idaho State Police assist in the investigation.

continued:
———————

Idaho History:

The ghost town of Cinnabar, Idaho

KTVB February 21, 2023

Link to Video report:
— — — — — — — — — —

The story of Idaho’s Lower Banks and a mudslide that destroyed it

Twenty-six years ago, a small Idaho community was struck by a devastating landslide. The town doesn’t exist anymore.

Jim Duthie February 20, 2023 KTVB

Idaho has had its share of natural disasters — droughts, floods, wildfires and occasional earthquakes. Few actually wipe out a town, but that’s exactly what happened more than a quarter-century ago.

On New Year’s Day 1997, along the Payette River and Idaho highway 55 north of Horseshoe Bend, regarded as one of the most scenic drives in southwest Idaho, a mountainside saturated by rainfall in unseasonably warm weather gave way above the community then known as Lower Banks, sending mud and debris down a narrow canyon.

Lower Banks had a handful of houses and mobile homes, a motel, a café, a gas station and an RV park. It was about two miles south of what used to be called Upper Banks. Today, Upper Banks is simply Banks, located at the junction of Idaho 55 and Boise County Highway 17 — the Banks Lowman Road — where the main Payette River and the North Fork of the Payette meet. The area where Lower Banks was is now a wide pullout area.

continued:
——————

Mining News:

Valley County mine study: Economic benefits of mine may be slim

Erin Banks Rusby Idaho Press Feb 19, 2023

When an area is home to an industrial facility, it may develop a stigma.

The idea that environmental degradation could occur because of pollution has the potential to “taint people’s perception of the attractiveness of an area,” according to a report commissioned by the Idaho Headwaters Economic Study Group, published in December.

The report was commissioned by that group to evaluate the economy of Valley County and understand how it could be affected by the development of the Stibnite Gold Project, a proposed mining project that would be operated by Perpetua Resources. Power Consulting, a Montana-based consulting firm, wrote the report.

continued:
——————-

Public Lands:

Payette National Forest Prepares for Spring Prescribed Burning

McCall, Idaho – February 24, 2023 – As a part of the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy to focus on reducing fuels that can lead to large wildfire events, the Payette National Forest will be conducting multiple prescribed fires this spring. Depending on weather conditions, burns could take place anytime this spring and to early summer between March and July.

These prescribed fires reduce surface fuels, increase height of the canopy, reduce small tree densities, and promote fire resilient trees, thereby improving our ability to protect communities from wildfire.

Additionally, these fires improve wildlife habitat, promote long-term ecosystem integrity and sustainability by reducing the risk of high-severity wildland fire. Prescribed fire is an important component of natural resource management and in conjunction with commercial thinning, non-commercial thinning, and reforestation, this on the groundwork will lead to restoring the integrity and resiliency of our forested ecosystems.

The New Meadows Ranger District plans to burn approximately 4,000 acres in Round Valley and Brush Creek (10 miles NW of New Meadows) and up to 500 acres in the Rusty Goose Timber Sale (3 miles east of New Meadows)

The McCall Ranger District plans to burn 500 acres in the Brundage-Bear Basin project area. (3 miles northwest of McCall).

The Council Ranger District plans to apply fire to approximately 2,000 acres in the Weasel project area (13 miles northwest of Council), and 1,000 acres in Mill Creek-Council Mountain project area (5 miles northeast of Council).

The Weiser Ranger District plans to apply fire to approximately 500 acres in the Robinson project area (22 miles north of Weiser).

The Krassel Ranger District plans to burn to approximately 2,500 acres within the Bald Hill project area (east of Yellow Pine); ,1500 acres in the Four Mile project area along the South Fork of the Salmon River near the Miners Peak trail (Approximately 18 miles east of McCall); and 70 acres around the Krassel Work Center.

Trailheads and roads that lead into these areas will be posted with caution signs and a map of the prescribed burn locations.

Fire personnel will work closely with the Idaho/Montana Airshed Group, the National Weather Service, and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to ensure that smoke impacts are minimized.

The decision to ignite on any given day will depend on favorable weather conditions and the need to reduce smoke effects as much as possible. Smoke from these prescribed fires will be much less than what would be expected from a wildfire. If smoke concentrations approach air quality standards fire ignition may be delayed until air quality improves. Residual smoke may be visible for up to 2 weeks following ignition, but most of the smoke from the fires is anticipated to dissipate 1-2 days after ignition.

The public may call the Weiser, Council, New Meadows, McCall, or Krassel District Rangers for more information. Council RD: 253-0100; Krassel RD: 634-0974; McCall RD: 634-0400; New Meadows RD: 347-0300; Weiser RD: 549-4200.

For the most current information about prescribed burning projects please visit the Payette Facebook page or visit the Payette National Forest planned fuels treatments map at (link)

For more information on the Forest Service Wildfire Crisis Strategy and the Southwest Idaho Landscape project, visit this link: Southwest Idaho Landscape Project

Kelly Martin, MS
Public Affairs Specialist
Payette National Forest
— — — — — — — — — —

Payette National Forest Newsletter January/February 2023

The Payette National Forest Newsletter, the Payette Post, is now available on a story map website. You can see it here (link) at The Payette Post (arcgis.com) (view with Chrome or Edge).

Do you have some thoughts on how we can improve our newsletter? In addition, if you have content you would like us to share, please contact either myself or Brian Harris.

Thank you for your support of the Payette National Forest Newsletter!

Kelly Martin, MS
Public Affairs Specialist
Payette National Forest
— — — — — — — — — —

BLM seeks public input on analysis of proposed mining operation near Idaho City

BLM Boise District Office Feb. 24, 2023

Boise, Idaho–The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has analyzed a proposed placer gold mining operation in Granite Creek, located 12 miles northwest of Idaho City, and will accept public comments on the environmental assessment through March 26, 2023. Placer mining is the act of removing precious metals from the sand and gravel deposits of streams.

Mountain States Mining, LLC proposes an approximately five-acre project area on BLM-managed public lands in Boise County. If authorized, the mine would be seasonally occupied by two to seven workers, while mining and reclamation activities occur.

A decision to allow Mountain States Mining, LLC to begin mining operations would be contingent upon them receiving all the required permits from other federal and state permitting agencies.

The Granite Creek Environmental Analysis is available at: (link)

Comments will be accepted through the following means:
Email: BLM_ID_FourRiversOffice@blm.gov
Fax: 208-384-3326
U.S. Mail: Brent Ralston, Four Rivers Field Manager, 3948 Development Ave, Boise, ID 83705

Please note that before including their personal identifying information (address, email or phone number), commenters should be aware that their entire comment–including their personal identifying information–may be made publicly available at any time. While those commenting can ask in their comments to withhold this information from public review, the BLM cannot guarantee that they will be able to do so.

For additional information, contact the BLM at 208-384-3300.
—————-

Critter News:

Fish and Game Conservation Officer kills two dogs attacking elk in Southeast Idaho

by CBS2 News Staff Monday, February 20th 2023

Idaho Fish and Game received a report of dogs harassing and attacking elk in the Chubbuck area. A Conservation Officer arrived to find two dogs had killed a calf elk and were attacking a second calf elk which later died from the injuries.

“This is an extremely unfortunate situation,” said Jennifer Jackson, Southeast Regional Communication Manager. “There was no feasible way to stop this attack other than kill the dogs.”

The owner of the dogs was later identified and notified of the incident by the officer.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Slate Creek deer removal project aims to reduce spread of Chronic Wasting Disease

by CBS2 News Staff Wednesday, February 22nd 2023

A project to reduce deer density in the Slate Creek area north of Riggins has begun to minimize the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), according to a recent press release. Idaho Fish and Game says 157 deer were removed from the area as of Monday.

CWD is a contagious and fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk and moose. There is no cure, vaccine or efficient and reliable CWD test for live, wild animals.

Animals can contract the disease by simply foraging in an area with CWD in the soil. If left unchecked, CWD poses a long-term risk to deer and elk herds and hunting opportunities.

continued:
— — — — — — — — — —

Two more elk found dead in the Magic Valley

by CBS 2 News staff February 23rd 2023

Idaho Fish and Game has found two more elk that they say died from ingesting Ornamental Japanese yew in Warm Springs.

Idaho Fish and Game had received calls from residents that elk had died on their property.

Idaho Fish and Game conducted visual inspections of the area to try and located the plants. Due to trespass laws officers were unable to check homes where the resident was not available.

continued:
—————-

Fish & Game News:

F&G News Releases

link:
———————

Idaho History Feb 26, 2023

Parachuting Beavers 1948

McCall to Frank Church Wilderness of No Return

Parachuting Beavers Into Idaho’s Wilderness? Yes, It Really Happened

Boise State Public Radio News By Samantha Wright January 14, 2015

BeaverBoxPlane-a
Idaho Fish and Game officers load a beaver into a wooden box before he’s loaded on a plane and dropped into the Idaho backcountry.

More than 60 years ago, Idaho Fish and Game dropped beavers out of a plane and parachuted them into the state’s backcountry. This little-known piece of Idaho history stars a crafty Fish and Game officer and a plucky male beaver named Geronimo.

Idaho Fish and Game has always struggled with problem beavers; those critters who get too close or too used to city life. Trapping and re-homing them into the wild can be tough. It’s expensive and it’s hard to find good habitat for the beavers. That was also true back in 1948, where this one-of-a-kind story begins.

It was just after World War II and people had discovered what a beautiful place McCall and Payette Lake were. Idaho Fish and Game’s Steve Liebenthal says people started building homes. “And in the process, kind of moved into where these beavers had been doing their things for decades, centuries, and beavers became a problem,” Liebenthal says.

Enter Elmo Heter. Heter worked for Idaho Fish and Game in the McCall area. He had experience with beavers, and it was his job to find a solution.

Heter knew that the Chamberlain Basin was the perfect place for the beavers. The animals would be away from people, and their natural activity would be beneficial to the habitat there. “The trouble is the Chamberlain Basin is in what is now the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area and there really aren’t and weren’t any roads,” Liebenthal explains.

Heter thought about packing the beavers into the wilderness, but it turns out that beavers and mules don’t mix.

Horses and mules become spooky and quarrelsome when loaded with a struggling, odorous pair of live beavers. These problems involve further handling and too frequently result in a loss of beavers. -Transplanting Beavers, a report by Elmo W. Heter in the Journal of Wildlife Management.

Heter knew there was a surplus of parachutes from World War II, and he had an idea. What if he dropped the beavers from a plane, into the backcountry? Sounds crazy, so crazy it was actually a question on a recent episode of NPR’s Ask Me Another.

BeaverParachutes-a
Credit Idaho Fish And Game
Beavers in wooden boxes drop from a plane into the Frank Church Wilderness to start a new life.

But Heter knew it would solve the problem in McCall, help the habitat at Chamberlain, make good use of the parachutes, and save money. The estimated cost for dropping four beavers from a plane was around $30 in 1948, that’s about $294 in today’s dollars.

Now that he had a plan, Heter had to figure out how to drop the beavers safely. First idea: a woven willow box. Once it hit the ground with the beaver inside, the animal could chew its way to freedom. But Liebenthal said that didn’t work.

“The beavers went to work immediately upon being put into one of these boxes and it was feared they might chew their way out while dropping from the sky or might even chew their way out while they were in the airplane which would cause a problem for the pilot.”

BeaverBoxDesign-a
This diagram shows the special box Heter used to drop the beavers into the backcountry.

So Heter came up with a specially-designed wooden box that would open upon impact. He tested it first with some dummy weights. Then he found an older male beaver who became his test pilot. Heter named him Geronimo. “And Geronimo went through a series of tests to see how this plan would work,” says Liebenthal.

Heter dropped Geronimo on a landing field, over and over and over again. Each time, Geronimo popped out of the box, was caught by handlers, and put back inside for another ride.

Poor fellow! He finally became resigned, and as soon as we approached him, would crawl back into his box ready to go aloft again -Transplanting Beavers, a report by Elmo W. Heter in the Journal of Wildlife Management.

Once Heter was satisfied, it was time to put his plan into action. And Geronimo’s reward for all his hard work was to be the first male beaver on a first class seat on a plane to the Chamberlain Basin. “He was sent to his own little piece of paradise, with three lovely young beavers,” says Liebenthal. Three lovely female beavers.

Once they hit the ground, it took Geronimo a little while to figure out his parachuting days were over, but he soon created a colony with his lady friends.

More beavers followed Geronimo, 76 in all were dropped into the basin. All but one survived the drop and went to work. “And created some amazing habitat that is part of what is now the largest protected roadless forest in the lower 48 states,” says Liebenthal.

Liebenthal says he’s not sure why the project didn’t continue past 1948. “But my assumption is that they accomplished what they wanted to accomplish in the area and there was no need to continue.”

And how did Heter feel about his project?

The savings in man hours, and in the mortality of animals, is quite evident. Sex ratios are maintained. The beavers are healthier, and in better condition to establish a colony.-Transplanting Beavers, a report by Elmo W. Heter in the Journal of Wildlife Management.

Now homeowners are encouraged to get along with beavers, instead of transplanting them. Liebenthal says it’s “highly unlikely” something like the great beaver drop of 1948 would happen today. But he says the offspring of those pioneering beavers are likely still living and helping the habitat in the Frank Church Wilderness.

source: Copyright 2014 Boise State Public Radio
— — — — — — — — — —

Transplanting Beavers by Airplane and Parachute

by Elmo W. Heter
The Journal of Wildlife Management
Vol. 14, No. 2 (Apr., 1950), pp. 143-147 (5 pages)
Published By: Wiley
link: JSTOR Org
— — — — — — — — — —

Video

Fur for the Future

Idaho Fish and Game

— — — — — — — — — —

Letter from Bill Fogg

Been going through some my Dad’s (Bob Fogg) Early Aviation Clippings and ran into the attached Clippings that I though you guys maybe might find interesting.

Our father Bob Fogg was the Manager and Chief Pilot for the McCall, Idaho Johnson Flying Service Satellite Operation (Johnson’s headquarters was in Missoula, Montana) from 1944 through the mid 1970’s He was the pilot flying the 1929 Johnson Flying Service Travel Air 6000 shown in that video segment. He was often contracted throughout the years to do some unique, challenging and interesting flying with the Idaho Fish and Game, U. S Forest Service Forest Service serving as an early 1944-1960’s Smoke Jumper Pilot helping pioneer the McCall Smoke Jumper Unit as one their contract pilots, delivering U.S. Star Air Mail into of the early and current back country airstrips and remote residents. This is just to name a few of his Idaho Aviation Career accomplishments he held, as he was inducted into the Idaho Aviation Hall of Fame around 2008.

Summer of 1948 Bob [Fogg] and Elmo Heter parachuting beaver [for] transplanting

BFclipping1
Now it has come to pass that the small but mighty dam-building beaver are being transplanted into Idaho’s primitive area by way of airplanes. The Idaho fish and game department finds it is cheaper than by packing them in by horseback. Above pilot Bob Fogg of the Johnson Flying service, McCall, and Elmo Heter, conservation officer, are preparing to take up a load of beaver in their specially-designed carriers.

BFclipping2
High over an inaccessible mountain meadow, Heter drops a beaver by parachute. The ‘chutes, used during the last war to drop supplies and obtained from surplus Air Force stock, are attached to the wooden carrier holding the beaver. When the ‘chute opens it pulls a string and relieves the tension that held the box, built much like a suitcase, closed. The parachute floats the box down to the meadow or near a creek and …

BFclipping3
When the box strikes the ground and the parachute and shrouds collapse, the box opens automatically and allows the beaver to escape. At least one pair of beaver is dropped at each spot so they can get together and won’t be lonely. From there on it is their job to build dams in creeks and streams and thus to provide a measure of conservation of Idaho’s water, grazing and timber resources.

BFclipping4
There is a smart flier named Fogg,
Who may not find this writ in his log,
But when called on to do it,
There would be nothing to it,
Cause he could ‘beaver drop’ right through a smog!
———————

Road Reports Feb 26, 2023

Please share road reports. Most back country roads are not maintained. Conditions can change quickly, be prepared for snow, rocks and/or trees in the road. Remember there is no cell phone service. Please turn on your lights when traveling our narrow mountain roads, you are not the only vehicle on the one lane road. Do NOT rely on your GPS.

Yellow Pine: Feb 26: in the last 3 days we have received an inch of new snow, average 18 inches on the ground. Winter Storm Advisory for Feb 26th. Local streets are snow packed, likely some icy patches where the sun hits. Watch for elk wandering the streets. Please respect residents and wildlife and SLOW DOWN.
Drivers, please don’t speed through neighborhoods. Locals brake for kids, dogs, horses, deer, elk and squirrels.
link: Local Forecast
Yellow Pine Webcams (check date on images)
Link: to YP North webcam
Link: to YP West webcam

Highway 55 Open
From ITD – (mid-November): “Construction on State Highway 55 near Smiths Ferry has reached a major milestone as work pauses for the winter season. Road paving and major slope excavation are now complete with two lanes open for travel.”

Warm Lake Highway: Open
Report Wednesday (Feb 22): mail truck driver reports Warm Lake highway is in good shape, a litle ice under the new snow on shaded corners.
link: SNOTEL Big Creek Summit 6580′

South Fork Road: Open
Report Wednesday (Feb 22) mail truck driver reports the road is rough. Slushy ruts have frozen, other places have broken up and re-froze. Watch for icy spots.
Note: starting Nov 1st the road maintenance goes back to the county.
link: Tea Pot Weather Station 5175′
link: South Fork Stream Gauge

EFSF Road: Open
Report Wednesday (Feb 22): mail truck driver says the road is icy under the new snow. Warm afternoons are bringing down rocks of various sizes, but easy to get around.

Upper Johnson Creek Road: Closed to wheeled vehicles at Landmark – Travel at own risk.
Old report Tuesday (Jan 24) Snowmobile Trail from Warm Lake to YP open – JJ.
Lower Johnson Creek Road: Open
New snow has probably improved driving conditions.
Link: to Johnson Creek South Webcam (check date on image.)
Link: to Johnson Creek North Webcam (check date on image.)
Link: Johnson Creek Stream Gauge
Note: The elevation at Landmark is 6,630 feet

Lick Creek: Closed to wheeled vehicles.
Travel at own risk. No current report.
Note: The elevation at Lick Creek Summit is 6,877 feet

Profile Creek Road: Closed to wheeled vehicles.
Travel at own risk. No current report.
Old trail report Friday (Jan 27): As of today the road from YP to Profile Creek is plowed, has a hard snow floor, and is very smooth. Mountain sleds with no heat exchanger may tend to heat up.
As in the past, the trailhead parking at Profile Creek is limited for trucks & trailers.
The road (trail) from the EFSF Road to BC is easily travelled by tracked ATVs & Snowmobiles with tote sleds.
The road (trail) from the EFSF Road to Belvedere Creek is well packed & smooth from heavy snowmobile traffic.
From Belvedere Creek to BC the trail has been packed by our 2 ATVs going in & out. The snow depth through this section is about a foot – so there is a small burm for snowmobiles to straddle.
There is only one place where snowmobiles or tracked Atvs need to leave the road path, and this is a very short off road easy detour on the Profile Creek Road about 1/4 mile up from the EFSF Road where a fairly large tree needs to be cut out There are a few places where some folks will slow down, such as dips, going under trees, and over mostly buried trees.
Note: The elevation at Profile summit is 7607 feet.

Big Creek Webcams (check date on images)
Link: to Big Creek Webcam North
Link: to Big Creek Webcam South

Big Creek to Elk Summit to Warrens Road: Closed to wheeled vehicles.
Travel at own risk. No current report.
Note: The elevation at Elk Summit is nearly 9000 feet.

Yellow Pine to Stibnite: Open
No current report. Road maintained by Perpetua Resources.
link: Stibnite Weather Station 6594′

Stibnite to Thunder Mountain: Closed to wheeled vehicles.
Travel at own risk. No current report.
Note: The elevation at Monumental Summit is 8590 feet.

Deadwood Summit: Closed to wheeled vehicles.
Travel at own risk. No current report.
Note: The approx. elevation at Deadwood Summit is 6,883 feet.
link: SNOTEL Deadwood Summit 6860′

Warren Wagon Road: Closed to wheeled vehicles.
Travel at own risk. No current report.
Old report Thursday (Dec 1) “Warren Wagon Road has been groomed to Secesh. No driving for the rest of the season.”

Valley County Road Maintenance Dashboard Link:

Payette Avalanche Center Link:
————-

Winter Weather Advisory Feb 26, 9am-11pm

Link to Yellow Pine Forecast

Winter Weather Advisory

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Boise ID
207 AM MST Sun Feb 26 2023

IDZ011-013-029-262115-
/O.NEW.KBOI.WW.Y.0007.230226T1600Z-230227T0600Z/
West Central Mountains-Boise Mountains-Owyhee Mountains-
207 AM MST Sun Feb 26 2023

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO
11 PM MST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE...West Central Mountains, Boise Mountains and Owyhee
  Mountains zones.

* WHEN...From 9 AM this morning to 11 PM MST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult. Plan on slippery road
  conditions.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Additional travel hazard due to areas of
  blowing snow and reduced visibility.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Road Reports Feb 22, 2023

Yellow Pine: Feb 22: in the last 3 days we have received a little over 2 inches of new snow, average 18 inches on the ground. Local streets are snow packed, likely some icy patches where the sun hits. Watch for elk wandering the streets. Please respect residents and wildlife and SLOW DOWN.
Drivers, please don’t speed through neighborhoods. Locals brake for kids, dogs, horses, deer, elk and squirrels.
link: Local Forecast
Yellow Pine Webcams (check date on images)
Link: to YP North webcam
Link: to YP West webcam

South Fork Road: Open
Report Wednesday (Feb 22) mail truck driver reports the road is rough. Slushy ruts have frozen, other places have broken up and re-froze.
Note: starting Nov 1st the road maintenance goes back to the county.
link: Tea Pot Weather Station 5175′
link: South Fork Stream Gauge

EFSF Road: Open
Report Wednesday (Feb 22): mail truck driver says the road is icy under the new snow. Warm afternoons are bringing down rocks of various sizes, but easy to get around.

Lick Creek: Closed to wheeled vehicles.
Travel at own risk. No current report.
Note: The elevation at Lick Creek Summit is 6,877 feet

Big Creek to Elk Summit to Warrens Road: Closed to wheeled vehicles.
Travel at own risk. No current report.
Note: The elevation at Elk Summit is nearly 9000 feet.

Yellow Pine to Stibnite: Open
No current report. Road maintained by Perpetua Resources.
link: Stibnite Weather Station 6594′

Stibnite to Thunder Mountain: Closed to wheeled vehicles.
Travel at own risk. No current report.
Note: The elevation at Monumental Summit is 8590 feet.

Deadwood Summit: Closed to wheeled vehicles.
Travel at own risk. No current report.
Note: The approx. elevation at Deadwood Summit is 6,883 feet.
link: SNOTEL Deadwood Summit 6860′

Valley County Road Maintenance Dashboard Link:

Payette Avalanche Center Link:
————-

Winter Storm Warning Feb 20, 11pm to Feb 21, 5am

Link to YP Weather Forecast

Winter Storm Warning

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Boise ID
318 AM MST Mon Feb 20 2023

West Central Mountains-Boise Mountains-
318 AM MST Mon Feb 20 2023

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 5 PM
MST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and blowing snow expected. Total snow
  accumulations of 3 to 6 inches, except 6 to 10 inches over the
  mountains. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph, except up to 50 mph
  over the mountains.

* WHERE...West Central Mountains and Boise Mountains zones.

* WHEN...From 11 PM this evening to 5 PM MST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Blowing snow could
  significantly reduce visibility. Gusty winds could bring down
  tree branches.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Whiteout conditions possible Tuesday morning.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Feb 19, 2023 The Yellow Pine Times

Feb 19, 2023 The Yellow Pine Times – Valley County, Idaho

Reminder: We are still under a boil water order.
Note: If you are not receiving the YPTimes emails, check your spam folder.

Community Calendar:

Apr 17, 2020 – Boil water order in effect
Nov 1 2022 – 3-Day Mail Delivery
2023
Tuesdays – Weekly Movie Matinees 1pm
Wednesdays – Weekly Craft and Learn 11am-2pm
Feb 23 – YPFD Training 1pm
Mar 2 – YPFD Training 1pm
Mar 22 – YPFD meeting at 11am
May 24 – YPFD meeting at 11am
July 1 – Golf Tournament 10am
July 2 – 4th of July celebration (Fire Wise)

(details below)
———-

Local Events:

Tuesday’s Weekly Movie Matinees 1pm

We are going to start the movie matinees every Tuesday at 1pm at the Community Hall beginning November 29th.
— — — —

Wednesday’s Weekly Craft and Learn 11am-2pm

Starting next Wednesday (November 9th) we’re going to begin the craft and learn. We’ve changed the time to 11am to 2pm on Wednesdays once a week at the Community Hall.
— — — —

Feb 23 – YPFD Training 1pm

Thursday, February 23, 1pm at community hall, Interpersonal Communication, Part 1
— — — —

Mar 2 – YPFD Training 1pm

Thursday, March 2, 1pm at community hall, Interpersonal Communication, Part 2
— — — —

Mar 22 – YPFD meeting at 11am Community Hall
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July 1 – Golf Tournament

Benefit for the YPFD. Sign up at 10am – golf will start shortly after that.
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July 2 – 4th of July celebration (Fire Wise)

Starting with parade. More details to follow
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Village News:

Valentine’s Day Snow

20230214YellowPineWest-a
courtesy Eye-n-Sky
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Cross-Country Ski Race/Baked Potato Feed, February 18.

Winner (and only participant) Josh Jones
20230218SkiRace-a
photo courtesy DF
Baked potato feed at the Community Hall.
The route: Down through Yellow Pine, campground out the old Road to the East Fork of [the South] fork around Stibnite road to Profile street and back down to the Community Hall.
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Feb 18 – Wolves howling

Sounded like more than one wolf howling around 10am Saturday morning near the village. A report the wolves were out by Ice Hole around 7am.
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YPFD Jan 25 meeting minutes posted

See link below under YPFD News
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Attention 1970s Yellow Pine Students.

Looking for folks who attended the “University of Yellow Pine” in the 1970s who are willing to share their school memories and photos. Please contact rrSue via email.

We have school stories and photos from 1920 to the 1960s compiled by the Yellow Pine Times History Project. Thank you
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Boil Water Notification Question

Trickle Time in Yellow Pine

Note from Warren Drake Nov 10th – Running water to prevent freezing could and should happen immediately to try and minimize any problems [this winter].
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Yellow Pine US Mail

Notice – Yellow Pine Times Deadline

In order to have your item posted in that week’s paper you must email it in by Noon on Sunday.

Road News

Link: to current road reports.

South Fork Road: Note: starting Nov 1st the road maintenance goes back to the county.
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Yellow Pine Transfer Station

Report Wednesday (Jan 4): “The bins are about a quarter full and the road is great, smooth but not icy.” – TM

Locals have worked hard to clean up the area, please be respectful.

20190429Dump2-b Yellow Pine Transfer Station (aka, the dump)

If Dumpsters Are Full, Contact Lake Shore Disposal at: (208) 634-7176
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Critters

Be Cougar Aware

Be Wolf Wary

Be Coyote Aware

Report Feb 7, 2023: coyotes yipping the last 2 nights across the river in the Quartz Creek area.

Be Fox Aware

* Do not feed foxes human food
* Feed domestic pets indoors
* Make sure your pets are updated on Rabies vaccines
* Small pets could become a snack

Photo taken Jan 18, 2021 by AP

Be Skunk Aware

Skunks will sometimes kill cats or chickens.
This one has shown up more than once on camera.

courtesy NH

Be Moose Aware

Local Groups

YPWUA News:

YPWUA News – Oct 24

1. The YPWUA currently has an opening on the board. If interested in serving on the YPWUA board, please contact any board member.

3. The YPWUA has voted to delay the increase in the yearly fees for the grant share. Note: the approximate amount of $220.00 per year will added beginning with the 2023 bill.

Thank you
YPWUA Board
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YPWUA Grants

Some at the meeting agreed to the additional costs but wanted to know if there was a way to pay either monthly or quarterly. We are in the process of looking into payment options.

Thank you,
YPWUA Board

Attention Yellow Pine Water Users

You may now apply to WICAP for help with your water bill under the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). You may apply for help with your past-due, as well as your current bill.

Application may be made in person at the WICAP office in Cascade, 110 W. Pine St. You may also apply by phone at 208 454-0675, or on-line at (link).
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Water Use

02/09/23	33077896	32821	24	1368	23	T	193
02/10/23	33111335	33439	24	1393	23	F	618
02/11/23	33146388	35053	24	1461	24	S	1614
02/12/23	33181208	34820	24	1451	24	S		233
02/13/23	33216073	34865	24	1453	24	M	45
02/14/23	33251612	35539	24	1481	25	T	674
02/15/23	33287168	35556	24	1482	25	W	17
02/16/23	33321634	34466	24	1436	24	T		1090
02/17/23	33356577	34943	24	1456	24	F	477
02/18/23	33392703	36126	24	1505	25	S	1183
02/19/23	33427684	34981	24	1458	24	S		1145

We are still under a Boil Order. Please conserve water.

As of April 17th 2020, Yellow Pine is under a “Boil Order”. This boil order will be in effect until further notice.

Water Conservation Tips yellowmellow

2. Shorten your shower and turn it off when you can
You can also turn the shower off in between, wet yourself, lather up then turn the water off. When you’re ready turn it on and rinse off.

3. If you have any dripping taps – FIX THEM.
A single dripping tap can waste 4 gallons of water a day (or more) or 1450 gallons of water a year.
—

Water Board:
Steve Holloway
(vacant)
Tim Aldridge
Stu Edwards
Candy Hardisty
Warren Drake – Water Operator
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VYPA News:

Village of Yellow Pine Association

Yellow Pine Community Hall General Use Procedures

No deposit or use donation is needed for use by Yellow Pine community members, committees, or groups.

Yellow Pine Community Hall Committee:
Rhonda Egbert – Chairman
Members: Ronda Rogers, Deb Filler, Hailey Harris
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Village of Yellow Pine Association:
Lorinne Munn, Chairman
Josh Jones, Vice Chairman
Lynn Imel, Secretary
Kat Amos, Treasurer
Rhonda Egbert, Member at Large

Cemetery Committee:
Ron Basabe
Marj Fields
Joel Fields

VYPA Meetings are the 2nd Saturday of June, July, August, and September at 2:00pm at the Community Hall.
2022 Meeting dates:
June 11
July 9
August 13
September 10

VYPA Bylaws adopted 8/8/2020 (link)
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YPAC News:

Yellow Pine Area Coalition

YPFD News:

Yellow Pine Fire Department

Chimney cleaning brushes are available to borrow at the Fire Hall.

If you have an emergency, please call 911

Valley County Wildfire Evacuation Checklist
A wildfire evacuation checklist that property owners in the Yellow Pine area might find useful. link: Valley County Evacuation Checklist – 2021

YPFD COVID19 Policy
link: YPFD Covid-19 SOP
link: Covid-19 EMS

Biz Listings:

Alpine Village (208) 633-6208
Facebook
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The Corner (208) 633-3325
Facebook
Winter hours: Call for reservations
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Yellow Pine Tavern (208) 633-2233
Facebook
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Yellow Pine General Store and Motel (208) 633-3300
Facebook
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Yellow Pine Lodge (208) 633-3377
Closed for Winter.
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Murph’s RV Park & Mary’s Cabins
Facebook
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Local Color Photography
Website
Facebook page
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Knotty Kat Crochet Works – 509-406-2221
FB page
Open Tue – Sat, 9-5 Yellow Pine eggs $5/doz
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Wapiti Meadow Ranch – Johnson Creek (208) 633-3217
or 208-315-3554 – cabin rentals
website:
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Deadwood Outfitters
website:
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Local Fuel Suppliers

Amerigas Phone: 1-800-427-4968
Ed Staub & Sons Phone: (208) 634-3833
Diamond Fuel & Feed Phone: (208) 382-4430
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Outside Biz that will service Yellow Pine:

The Star-News
Website:

J & R Septic
Cascade (208) 382-8727

Valley Roofing Idaho
Meridian (208) 830-4890 email:
Facebook:

Rocky Mountain Mechanical – Plumbing – Heating – Air conditioning
(208) 365-PIPE (7473) Emmett, will service Yellow Pine
Website:
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Follow The Yellow Pine Times on Facebook (updated more often than emails)
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Local Observations:

Monday (Feb 13) 24-hour low of 7 degrees from Sunday morning (likely low of 15F), no new precipitation. This morning it was 21 degrees by 10am, mostly cloudy, light breeze, roofs glazed with dew and rather poor air quality. Raven and jays calling, pine squirrel visiting. Overcast by lunch time. Mostly cloudy (a couple of big sucker holes) mid-afternoon and gusty breezes, improved air quality, the high reached 39 degrees. Started snowing around 430pm, by 445pm socked in and big flakes. Still snowing after sunset, smaller flakes and about an inch so far. Light snowfall at dusk. Stopped snowing before 9pm. More snow during the night. Thin clouds at 7am and hazy moon.

Tuesday (Feb 14) overnight low of 17 degrees, yesterday’s and this morning’s snow total 2 1/4 inches (SWE=0.13″) and an average snow depth of 19 inches. This morning it was 21 degrees at 10am, thin cracked overcast and flaking (not snowing at 11am.) Fresh fox tracks, raven calling, hairy woodpecker and jays visiting. Overcast and not snowing at lunch time. Thinner overcast with filtered sunlight mid-afternoon and light breezes, high of 29 degrees. Mostly cloudy after sunset, calm and below freezing.

Wednesday (Feb 15) overnight low of 6 degrees, trace reported due to flakes Tuesday morning. Snow depth ranges from 17″ to 23″ on the flat, average 19 inches. At 10am it was 9 degrees, partly clear to mostly cloudy and light hoar frost. Jays and hairy woodpecker visiting. A report of a black-billed magpie in the neighborhood. Partly clear at lunch time, sunshine on and off. Mail truck made it in on time. Partly cloudy mid-afternoon, above freezing and chilly breezes, high of 35 degrees. Sunset at 520pm. Clear sky and calm after sunset.

Thursday (Feb 16) overnight low of -2 degrees, no new precipitation. This morning at 10am it was 1 degree and very clear blue sky. Several jays, a hairy woodpecker and a pine squirrel visiting. Clear very blue sky at lunch time. Mostly high thin haze and milky blue sky mid-afternoon and light chilly breezes, high of 40 degrees. Mostly high thin haze after sunset, golden glow to the west and a slight breeze.

Friday (Feb 17) 24-hour low of 1 degrees from Thursday morning, no new precipitation. This morning it was 7 degrees at 10am, partly hazy sky and 18 inches average snow depth. Jays visiting. Report that the magpie is back in the neighborhood. Partly clear/cloudy at lunch time. Mostly cloudy/hazy mid-afternoon and breezy, high of 43 degrees. A little below freezing after sunset and mostly hazy. Loud snowmobile traffic.

Saturday (Feb 18) 24-hour low of 7 degrees from Friday morning, no new precipitation. This morning it was 23 degrees at 10am, overcast and average snow depth 18 inches (ranges from 15″-22″.) Wolves howling! Jays and hairy woodpecker visiting. Overcast at lunch time. Getting breezy early afternoon, then started snowing before 130pm. Socked in down to the floor and steady snowfall at 2pm. Higher clouds, flaking and light breeze mid-afternoon, below freezing and fat trace of snow, likely stopped around 3pm, high of 32 degrees. Thinner broken overcast and calm after sunset. No snow during the night.

Sunday (Feb 19) overnight low of 20 degrees. Saturday’s snowfall mostly melted, a trace on the board this morning and 18 inches average depth. At 10am it was 26 degrees and overcast. Jays, hairy woodpecker and pine squirrel visiting. Report of a clarks nutcracker in the neighborhood. Overcast at lunch time and light breezes. Overcast and light breeze mid-afternoon, high of 37 degrees. Weekend traffic. A little above freezing after sunset, occasional snowflake and light chilly breeze.
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Idaho News:

DEQ funds Yellow Pine water station

February 16, 2023 By Max Silverson The Star-News

A $6 million grant was announced last week to replace the water treatment facility in the remote community of Yellow Pine.

The grant was made by the Department of Environmental Quality with money from the American Rescue Plan Act.

A 6.5-magnitude earthquake in March 2020 damaged the Yellow Pine public drinking water treatment system as well as underground water lines, said Kristina Gillespie-Jaques of the Boise-based firm Mountain Waterworks, Inc.

The grant will fund phase one of a project to build a new water treatment plant, modify the intake from the East Fork South Fork Salmon River and water reservoir as well as replace water mains and purchase easements.

The current facility has several public health and safety issues including leaking distribution lines, cracks in the filters that purify water, unstable buildings and a crude water intake from Boulder Creek, said Yellow Pine Water Users Association Board president Steve Holloway.

Yellow Pine water users have been advised since April 2020 by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to boil water from the system to ensure it is safe to drink.

Work is expected to start this summer. An exact date that the water treatment plant was constructed is not known, but it seems to have been built sometime in the 1930s with modifications in 1987 and 2014.

continued: (Subscription required)
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Tamarack sawmill catches fire

February 16, 2023 By Drew Dodson The Star-News

Nobody hurt, but mill closed temporarily

The Evergreen Forest Products sawmill south of New Meadows on U.S. 95 closed this week after a fire broke out in the mill’s main building early Monday morning, according to Meadows Valley Fire and EMS.

Nobody was hurt in the fire, which is expected to keep the Evergreen mill, also known as the Tamarack Mill, closed for up to two weeks.

“Two employees heard explosions and saw the fire around the mill’s two bandmill headrigs,” Evergreen president Rodney Krogh told The Star-News on Tuesday.

continued: (Subscription required)
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Spill caused ‘tense’ moments

February 16, 2023 By Drew Dodson The Star-News

20230216TankerFlare-a
HazMat workers from a regional team based in Caldwell worked through the night last Thursday and Friday to burn off propane leaking from the tanker truck that crashed on U.S. 95 north of New Meadows. Photo courtesy/Caldwell Fire Department

One errant spark of static electricity was the difference between life and death for Dewayne Birch and other HazMat workers last week on U.S. 95 north of New Meadows.

… What followed was a two-day marathon by HazMat workers and local first responders to clear the roadway without igniting the explosive gas.

“We had the potential of a two to four-mile blast radius,” Birch said.

HazMat team cleaned spill nonstop for two days

full story: (Subscription required)
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Critter News:

Mountain lions active near river

February 16, 2023 The Star-News By Drew Dodson

Homeowners in neighborhoods along the North Fork of the Payette River in McCall should be wary of mountain lions,according to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.

Several sightings reported since last month have led officials to believe one or two mountain lions are staying in areas around Rio Vista Boulevard and Mather Road, Fish and Game regional wildlife manager Regan Berkley said.

People who live in the area should keep pets inside at night, use motion sensor lights to discourage mountain lions from being in yards and report sightings to Fish and Game, Berkley said. Residents should also block access to areas under decks or homes.

continued: (Subscription required)
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IDFG: Walleye caught in Lake Cascade illegally-stocked two years prior

KTVB Staff February 17, 2023

Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) researchers this week confirmed a walleye caught in Lake Cascade in May 2022 was transported and illegally-stocked in the lake two years before it was caught.

Off-duty Regional Fisheries Biologist, Mike Thomas, was fishing Lake Cascade with local angler, Chris Weber, when Weber landed the fish. According to IDFG, the mature male walleye measured 20-inches in length and weighed nearly 3 pounds.

An angler also reported catching a 19-inch Walleye near Lake Cascade’s Crown Point back in 2018. The walleye caught in May 2022 was near the Boulder Creek arm of Lake Cascade.

continued:
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Online scoping questionnaires for spring/summer Chinook salmon seasons available for public input Tuesday

February 17, 2023 Local News 8

Fish and Game is scoping angler input for upcoming spring and summer Chinook fisheries. In-person meetings are being held the weeks of Feb 13 and 20. Additionally, Fish and Game are gathering online public input from Feb. 21 to Feb. 26, for those who are unable to attend in-person meetings.

The easiest way for the public to view and comment on the scoping questionnaires is online at (link), which will be posted online Tuesday, Feb. 21.

After reviewing anglers’ feedback and considering agency goals, season proposals will be developed and presented to the commission at the meeting in Boise on March 16 for spring Chinook seasons. Summer Chinook seasons are set by the commission in May or June.

continued:
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Fish & Game News:

F&G News Releases

link:
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Idaho History Feb 19, 2023

Early Airplanes and Air Mail

Idaho Aviation History

1910

Aviator Ward Flying Over Indian Village, Lewiston, Idaho 1910

1910AviatorWard-a
Bruce Burns photograph, October 1910
Photo taken in Clarkston WA looking east. The new train bridge across the Clearwater River can be seen in the left center distance.
From the Mike Fritz Collection courtesy Heather Heber Callahan, Idaho History 1860s to 1960s
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1919

The Challis Messenger, January 08, 1919, Page 7

Idaho Budget

Postmaster Davis of Boise while in Washington recently, was assured that if the site for the establishment of a postal station on airplane mail service would be in direct line, between Salt Lake and Seattle, the establishment of a station in Boise would receive favorable consideration.

source: Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.
— — — — — — — — — —

The Oakley herald. February 07, 1919, Page 8

Idaho Budget

Boise barracks as an aeroplane station for forest service patrol work is practically assured, according to Homer Fenn, chief of grazing for the Ogden national forest district.

source: Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.
— — — — — — — — — —

1920

The Daily Star-Mirror., February 04, 1920, Page 1

19200204DSM
Airplanes Used in Taking Census
Every Mode Of Travel Being Used By Government Census Enumerators

Everything from aeroplanes to snowshoes is being used by the agents of Uncle Sam in taking the 1920 census of the United States. About the only modern method of transportation either on, or over, or below land or water that has not been employed in enumerating Uncle Sam’s nieces and nephews seems to be the submarine.

Aeroplanes have come in handy in enumerating the dwellers on the islands off the coast of Florida; yachts and rowboats have been used in the harbors of the country; native canoes have been in demand among the Hawaiian Islands; “flivvers” are being used everywhere; the tried and trusty mule team has carried the census takers out on the desert regions; and snowshoes have become the trusted aides of the census gathers [sic] in the northern states and Alaska.

source: Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.
— — — — — — — — — —

The Idaho Republican. April 16, 1920, Page 1

19200416TIR
Plane Carries Mail to Falls

Pocatello — The first aerial mail in Idaho was delivered Wednesday by Pilot Barker, when a large mail sack of first and second class mail was taken in Barker’s airplane to Idaho Falls. The mail was addressed “via airplane,” according to regulations, and left here at 12:20. Barker made the trip without mishap and returned to Pocatello to take up some passengers who were prevented from flying last week on account of a light break in the machine.

source: Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.
— — —

The Idaho Republican. April 16, 1920, Page 4

19200416TIR2
No Airplane Patrol For Idaho Forests

Idaho’s hopes of forest airplane patrols were very weak Tuesday following a receipt of a telegram from Addison T. Smith, member of congress, who has been asked to take up with executive officials the reported army plan to limit the patrol to California and Oregon only.

The congressman said:

“Western members are co-operating towards securing if possible additional appropriations to permit extending aerial patrol forest service. Secretary of War Baker contends that under existing appropriation it is impossible for him to extend the service to Idaho, Washington and Montana.

source: Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.
— — — — — — — — — —

The Idaho Republican. April 23, 1920, Page 5

19200423TIR
Airplanes To Be Used For Forest Patrols

Pocatello — A telegram from Senator John F. Nugent at Washington states that Idaho will have the benefit of aerial patrols for the protection of its lumber resources from fire this summer and that an amendment offered by Senator Nugent making this provision was adopted by the senate in passing the army bill.

The amendment authorized the secretary of war to organize and maintain sufficient airplane force to patrol the forest of the great lumber states of Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Montana, where about 80 per cent of the merchantable timer is owned by the government in its reserves.

Senator Nugent estimates the value of the lumber in these three states in standing timber to be about $1,500,000,000, and estimates that the airplane will be of inestimable service in patrolling the forests against fire losses.

source: Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.
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Bryant Ranch (now Johnson Creek Airstrip)

by Miriam Bryant

In 1915 H.H. Bryant discovered how great the hunting and fishing was in Yellow Pine and became good friends with Al Hennessey, a local prospector of the area. The old cabins are Al Hennessy’s homestead and in 1920 he would sell his land to H.H. which today is the Bryant ranch. The old alfalfa field would become an airstrip and today it is known as Johnson creek airstrip which is very well known to many pilots, flying clubs and back country flying magazines.

In the 1950’s the Bryant family donated much of the land for the airstrip to the State of Idaho.

Undated Photos

story and photos from Miriam Bryant – see Bryant Ranch link below for more.
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Pioneers of the Air

When the first commercial airmail pilot took to the air in Idaho in 1926, it didn’t take long before many realized airplanes could open the state to a world of possibilities. But before Idaho could reap the benefits of flight, the state needed airports, runways, and pilots who could navigate miles of desert and wilderness. Find out how early pilots took on Idaho’s rugged landscape.

video: Idaho Public TV
Note: you need to have a IdahoPTV Passport to view the entire video, but the preview is free.
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1926

Who Built the Boise Airport?

by Rick Just Speaking of Idaho

varney-air-lines-a

Boise is proud of its airmail history. You probably already know that the first commercial air mail route flew between Boise, Pasco, Washington, and Elko, Nevada. Varney Airlines, the company that flew the route was based in Boise. United Airlines traces the beginning of their history to Varney.

There are a couple of things that are often left out of the story. First, there was one tiny hurdle Boise had to clear before air mail could happen. The city needed an airport. Second, the early days of air mail service along the three-city route could be kindly described as a fiasco.

Air mail service would begin in Boise on April 6, 1926. In January of that year, local citizens were just forming a committee to figure out how to build an airport. One might assume that the city council would be that committee, or designate its members, but there were issues that precluded that. The proposed airport site was south of the Boise River, just across from Julia Davis Park. That’s where BSU is today. In 1926, it wasn’t a part of the city. The city attorney advised the council that it couldn’t spend money outside the city limits, and it wasn’t clear they could spend money on an airport even if they annexed the land.

Did I mention that air mail service would begin on April 6? Somebody had to step up. The American Legion, which had engineers and builders and people used to giving orders following World War I, came forward to take on the task. The Boise Chamber of Commerce raised some money, and a call went out for volunteers—“Come with an axe and willing hands” FREE LUNCH.

The city council continued to debate the role the city would eventually play in paying for and operating the airport, but the American Legion charged ahead. When Leon D. Cuddeback, chief pilot for Varney, came to inspect the proposed airport site it had been pouring rain for almost 24 hours. Yet, the drainage looked good. He gave the project his thumbs up.

Cuddeback informed the Legion committee members that the planes his company would use for air mail could take off and land in 500 feet, but he said other planes the company would bring to the new airport would need more space. He recommended a 2,000-foot runway that would be “ample for any service.” But even before the landing strips were completed there was talk of eventually moving the airport up on the bench away from seasonal flooding and the occasional fog the river generated.

With the help of volunteers, service clubs, and the chamber of commerce, the American Legion got the job done. The airport was ready for air mail service to begin in April. Varney Airlines, as it turned out, wasn’t as ready as they thought they were. That story tomorrow.

source: Speaking of Idaho
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Air Mail

by Rick Just Speaking of Idaho

mail-pilot-found-a
The missing pilot, Franklin Rose.

What most people remember about the first contract air mail service is that Leon D. Cuddeback landed one of Varney Airline’s mail service planes in Boise on April 6, 1926. Often lost in the telling was that it wasn’t Cuddeback, the company’s chief pilot, who was supposed to be on the run. The evening before the inaugural flight from Pasco, Washington was to take place, air mail pilots Joseph Taff and George Buck had engine trouble about five miles outside of Pasco. They were able to set the plane down without damage, but the engine issues put it out of commission.

The airplanes that were to be used for the route were brand new and had been delivered much later than planned. They should have had 25 to 50 hours of breaking-in flight on them before being put into service, but the deadline made that impossible.

With the plane in Washington out of business, Cuddeback flew a relief plane to Pasco, picked up the mail, and returned to Boise before flying on to Elko, Nevada on the three-city route. Meanwhile, Franklin Rose was set to fly to Boise from Elko the same day.

The April 7, 1926 edition of the Idaho Statesman had a picture on the front page of Cuddeback, Postmaster L.W. Thrailkill, and Boise Mayor Ern G. Eagleson with a bag of mail in front of a Varney airplane. But the headline that ran across all seven columns of the paper was “Aviator Missing on Night of Celebration.”

When darkness dropped over the new Boise Airport and Varney pilot Franklin Rose had yet to appear, search parties were immediately organized. Automobiles set out across the desert between Boise and Mountain Home and from Bruneau to the Nevada line. Word came that Rose had been spotted over Deep Creek and that there had been a terrible storm.

On April 8, the Statesman carried the good news that Rose had turned up after being missing for 24 hours. He had been blown off course by the storm and set the plane down in a freshly plowed field on the Earl Brace ranch, 65 miles south of Jordan Valley, Oregon. It was mired in deep mud, but undamaged. Rose had borrowed a horse from another local rancher and rode it 35 miles to the Prince Hardesty ranch where he found a phone and got a message to Boise.

The Statesman reported on April 18, that Rose, Cuddeback, and Taff had set out to retrieve the plane. They had left at four in the morning from Boise by automobile and found themselves trying to ford a flooding Owyhee County creek at 10 o’clock that night. The car bobbed out from under the men and started to float downstream. Somehow they got a rope on the vehicle and hauled it up onto the bank. They got the car running and set out, again, only to abandon the vehicle for good when the going got too muddy. They commandeered some horses to complete the trip, arriving finally at the Brace ranch at 4 pm the next day. Rose had been bucked off, suffering a sprained finger, but he was able to fly the plane back to Boise with Taff in the cargo box. Cuddeback stayed behind to disentangle the car.

Meanwhile, other Varney planes that were supposed to fly the new route kept dropping out of the sky with engine trouble. Service was spotty, at best. On April 11, Walter T. Varney petitioned the postal service for a 60-day postponement of his contract so that he could get the airplanes in better shape.

The solution to Varney’s problems seemed to be installing new, more powerful engines in the fleet of planes. The 200 HP engines, built by the Orville Wright company of Cleveland, were 83 percent more powerful than the Curtis engines that came originally with the planes.

Eventually they worked the bugs out, Varney Airlines built hangers in Boise and, in 1930 the company was acquired by the United Transport Corporation. United Airlines traces its beginnings to that purchase and considers Boise its original “home.”

varney-swallow-cudderback-a
Ed Cuddeback in front of a Varney Swallow, courtesy of the Ed Coates Collection.

source: Speaking of Idaho
— — — — — — — — — —

“Mail has been flown into backcountry Idaho since 1928.”

1928

First airplane in Chamberlain Basin 928-08-21

1928FirstPlaneChamberlain-a
Pilot Nick Mamer (of Spokane, Washington) stands next to his airplane in the Stonebraker Ranch meadow. The airplane was a consolidated fleet with the National Guard. A man sits on a horse near the airplane.
source: William Allen Stonebraker Photograph Collection
— — —

National Guard airplane at Stonebraker Ranch 1928-08-21

1928NatGuardPlane-a
A young boy Adolph “Bill” (left) and mother Golda stand near a National Guard 116th Observation Squadron. The plane reads “U.S. Army Consolidated 0-17 NG 28-360” on its side. Plane is parked in the Chamberlain Basin meadow near the Stonebraker Ranch. The pilot was Nick Mamer.
source: William Allen Stonebraker Photograph Collection
— — —

Airplane at Stonebraker Ranch 1928-11-04

1928MamerChamberlain-a
An airplane with the banner “Mamer Flying Service, Inc.” parks in a meadow near the Stonebraker Ranch. Pilot Nick Mamer flew the plane to the Chamberlain Basin from Spokane, Washington. The plane is numbered “C6156, Stearman.”
source: William Allen Stonebraker Photograph Collection
— — —

1931

Golda Stonebraker with Zenith Airplane 1931-12-09

1931ZenithChamberlain-a
Golda Stonebraker and two men (Al Stonebraker, middle) stand in the snow beside a seven passenger Zenith airplane at Stonebraker Ranch in the Chamberlain Basin. The pilot was A.A. Bennett, seated on top of the plane. “Taking Al out.”
source: William Allen Stonebraker Photograph Collection
— — — — — — — — — —

1932

Meadow Creek Plane – Stibnite, Idaho

Fuel oil airlift Feb, 1932
Bob King’s J4 Stearman Nc 5500
A.A. Bennett’s Zenith – Chic Walker NC 134W Pilot

1932PlaneMeadowCrk1-a
(on back): Aviation History –
In this photo, I’m certain, is one of the first planes to land on the rough new strip – probably Stonebraker’s Bellanca.
After I had written the back-country brief Virg. Adair told me that he was the first to land a plane on the strip – probably the same plane used for the Deadwood service.
Bob (McRae?)

courtesy Sandy McRae (personal correspondence.)
— — — — — — — — — —

1930s

CCC projects on the Cascade Ranger District included:

-Yellow Pine airfield and bridge into the town.

source: History of the Boise National Forest 1905-1976 By Elizabeth M. Smith
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Air Mail to Yellow Pine

YPMailAirplan-a

photo of early mail delivery (undated)
courtesy Adam Pellegrini
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1935

Air Mail

In 1935, Bob Johnson began a regular mail route to Big Creek and Warren in conjunction with his flying service based at Cascade, Idaho. This service was taken over by Bob Fogg and Warren Ellison in 1946. Their service was out of McCall, Idaho, and they carried the mail in to Warren and Big Creek once a week (weather permitting) (Central Idaho Star News, November 8, 1978).

Mail carrier contracts for ground travel between McCall and Warren, and Warren and the South Fork (two separate contracts) were in effect only those months of the year when the roads were passable. This arrangement is still in effect today. In 1970, the summer mail route between Warren and the South Fork, making a total of 80 miles, was run twice a week and served five patrons (personal knowledge as past mail carrier).

source: pg 129 “Cultural Integrity and Marginality Along the South Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho”, Thesis by SJ Rebillet 1983 (7 megs)
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1939

An Embarrassing Crash

by Rick Just Speaking of Idaho

Imagine the embarrassment of being the state aeronautics director and crashing your plane into a building in the capital city. Now, imagine the added awkwardness of doing the same thing with a federal flying inspector on board. Okay, now imagine that you’d been introduced to Boise a week earlier in the local paper as the new state aeronautics director who, by the way, had taught Charles Lindberg to fly.

That’s what happened to W.H. “Pete” Hill on July 13, 1939. Hill, with inspector Robert Gardner in the back seat of a new open biplane, was attempting a spiral landing at the old Boise Airport where BSU is now located. A spiral or corkscrew landing is often performed when a pilot is hoping to avoid anti-aircraft fire coming into an airport. It became SOP, for instance, when landing at the Baghdad International after a cargo plane was struck by a surface-to-air missile a few years ago.

Why was Hill performing this particular type of landing? News accounts don’t say. They do say that he essentially ran out of sky toward the end, coming in too low over one of the buildings on Broadway near the airport. Hill gunned the plane to get some altitude, but the landing gear hit the top of the front wall of the Broadway Commission building, sheared off an airport warning light, somersaulted into a row of mailboxes, and landed upside down in the street.

Both men had some injuries, Hill’s the worst. He had a fractured pelvis and a hurt shoulder. The inspector had a broken toe along with scrapes and bruises.

Whether or not the crash was an early blight on Hill’s record as the state director of aeronautics is open to speculation. He lasted in the position a couple of years.

1939PlaneCrash-a
This Fleet two-seat biplane made the front page of the Statesman on July 14, 1939. Miraculously both of the men aboard the plane when it crashed survived. Courtesy of the Idaho State Historical Society digital collection.

source: Speaking of Idaho
— — — — — — — — — —

1941

Ford TriMotor – USAAF Newsreel 1941

See Harold Johnson doing areobatics in a TriMotor at approximately one minute into the video

[hat tip to Bill Fogg]
— — — — — — — — — —

1953

1953 Plane Crash at Stibnite

1953NavionWreck-a
caption: Navion plane wreck that happened early winter of 1953 at Stibnite. The plane carried two Fish and Game officers plus the pilot. The men survived the crash but were banged up pretty good. The plane was laying just off the road that goes south to Thunder Mt., a few hundred feet west of the service station, rec. hall and school house area and several hundred yards from the end of the run way. (X on picture). The tailings pond is the water at the nose of the plane. The pond was used for ice skating when frozen. and in the fall the tailings made a soft bar for playing foot ball. And of course used as a settling pond for mill waste. – Ron Smith

Note from Ron Smith:

Sending a picture of a Navion plane wreck that happened early winter of 1953 at Stibnite. The plane carried two Fish and Game officers plus the pilot. The men survived the crash but were banged up pretty good. The plane was laying just off the road that goes south to Thunder Mt., a few hundred feet west of the service station, rec. hall and school house area and several hundred yards from the end of the run way. (X on picture). The tailings pond is the water at the nose of the plane. The pond was used for ice skating when frozen. and in the fall the tailings made a soft bar for playing foot ball. And of course used as a settling pond for mill waste.

The crash was blamed on overloaded plane, slush on run way and inexperienced pilot. My dad, town law and deputy sheriff was investigating officer.

The game wardens were trying to find evidence of who had killed and wasted some elk on the East Fork above Yellow Pine. Nothing was found to arrest who they thought was the guilty party.

– R Smith

Link to Valley County Genweb
— — — — — — — — — —

Stibnite Airport Runway Plow, 1950’s

Stibnite.runway-a
Lawrence Smith photo, courtesy of Ron Smith

Link to Valley County, ID GenWeb Project
— — — — — — — — — —

Idaho Primitive Area Runway Grooming

GroomingRunway-a
(Date unknown)
The way we groomed the runway for bush pilots in the Idaho Primitive Area.
courtesy: Gary Patterson
— — — — — — — — — —

Smokejumper Lloyd Johnson’s 1st Jump

Johnson1smokejump-a (date unknown)

Smoke Jumpers McCall, Idaho

My First Fire Jump

The wind was really blowing, and I managed to get my canopy draped over the top of the tallest fir tree in Idaho. We carried letdown ropes that were only sixty feet in length. I looked down and I knew that with 60 feet of letdown rope, I could not get even close to the ground. The fire was burning right next to the tree I was in, and I felt like a “pig on a stick.” I unhooked my canopy and took off all my jump gear and threw it out so that the only thing I had left was my rope. I climbed down through the limbs and tied off on the lowest one and dropped the rope. It came within 15 feet of the ground.

“I slowly worked my way down this big sloping fir. There were little clumps of broken branches that made it difficult to work around. I was doing fine until I ran out of branches and I swung out. Now all I had between the ground and myself was my rope. I started down the rope and the friction burned my hands through my gloves. Today I can still remember the feeling as it burned through my cloves into my flesh. Boy, were they smoking! I got down to the end of my rope and just cut loose and did a good roll. Fortunately outside of my rope-burned hands, I had no problems but the fire was crowning right next to me, so I was naturally a little excited. We got on the ground and soon controlled the fire.”

– Lloyd Johnson

[source unknown}
— — — — — — — — — —

August 4, 1961

“Higgins Ridge” – a new Montana PBS Documentary

Smokejumpers who survived a “gobbler” of a wildfire in 1961 will recount their harrowing experience in an upcoming film on Montana PBS. “Higgins Ridge,” named for location of the fire in Idaho’s Selway Bitterroot Wilderness.

Link to video on PBS
Link to video on Montana PBS Facebook page
(h/t Bill Fogg)
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Road Reports Feb 19, 2023

Yellow Pine: Feb 19: in the last 3 days only a trace of new snow, average 18 inches on the ground. Local streets are snow packed, likely some icy patches where the sun hits. Watch for elk wandering the streets. Please respect residents and wildlife and SLOW DOWN.
Drivers, please don’t speed through neighborhoods. Locals brake for kids, dogs, horses, deer, elk and squirrels.
link: Local Forecast
Yellow Pine Webcams (check date on images)
Link: to YP North webcam
Link: to YP West webcam

Warm Lake Highway: Open
Report Wednesday (Feb 15): mail truck driver reports Warm Lake highway is “decent”. The county ran the road grader up there recently, watch for ice on shady corners.
link: SNOTEL Big Creek Summit 6580′

South Fork Road: Open
Report Wednesday (Feb 15) mail truck driver reports the road was plowed last week. Upper end is not too bad, the middle and lower parts are rough, broken snow floor and icy places.
Note: starting Nov 1st the road maintenance goes back to the county.
link: Tea Pot Weather Station 5175′
link: South Fork Stream Gauge

EFSF Road: Open
Report Wednesday (Feb 15): mail truck driver says the road is pretty good, rocks plowed off last week but new ones are trickling down. Snow floor over ice.

Lick Creek: Closed to wheeled vehicles.
Travel at own risk. No current report.
Note: The elevation at Lick Creek Summit is 6,877 feet

Profile Creek Road: Closed to wheeled vehicles.
Travel at own risk.
Old trail report Friday (Jan 27): As of today the road from YP to Profile Creek is plowed, has a hard snow floor, and is very smooth. Mountain sleds with no heat exchanger may tend to heat up.
As in the past, the trailhead parking at Profile Creek is limited for trucks & trailers.
The road (trail) from the EFSF Road to BC is easily travelled by tracked ATVs & Snowmobiles with tote sleds.
The road (trail) from the EFSF Road to Belvedere Creek is well packed & smooth from heavy snowmobile traffic.
From Belvedere Creek to BC the trail has been packed by our 2 ATVs going in & out. The snow depth through this section is about a foot – so there is a small burm for snowmobiles to straddle.
There is only one place where snowmobiles or tracked Atvs need to leave the road path, and this is a very short off road easy detour on the Profile Creek Road about 1/4 mile up from the EFSF Road where a fairly large tree needs to be cut out There are a few places where some folks will slow down, such as dips, going under trees, and over mostly buried trees.
Note: The elevation at Profile summit is 7607 feet.

Big Creek Webcams (check date on images)
Link: to Big Creek Webcam North
Link: to Big Creek Webcam South

Big Creek to Elk Summit to Warrens Road: Closed to wheeled vehicles.
Travel at own risk. No current report.
Note: The elevation at Elk Summit is nearly 9000 feet.

Yellow Pine to Stibnite: Open
No current report. Road maintained by Perpetua Resources.
link: Stibnite Weather Station 6594′

Stibnite to Thunder Mountain: Closed to wheeled vehicles.
Travel at own risk. No current report.
Note: The elevation at Monumental Summit is 8590 feet.

Deadwood Summit: Closed to wheeled vehicles.
Travel at own risk. No current report.
Note: The approx. elevation at Deadwood Summit is 6,883 feet.
link: SNOTEL Deadwood Summit 6860′

Valley County Road Maintenance Dashboard Link:

Payette Avalanche Center Link:
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Weather Reports Feb 12-18, 2023

Feb 12 Weather:

At 10am it was 8 degrees, clear sky and light frost. At 1230pm it was clear and sunny. At 230pm it was 42 degrees, almost clear (thin haze around the sun) and light breezes. At 535pm it was 30 degrees and almost clear, a little thin haze.

NOAA Weather report:

Observation time February 13, 2023 at 10:00AM
Mostly cloudy, light breeze, dew, poor AQ
Max temperature 44 degrees F
Min temperature 7 degrees F <– previous AM
At observation 21 degrees F
Precipitation 0.00 inch
Snowfall 0.0 inch
Snow depth 17 inch (Avg)
— — — — — — — — — —

Feb 13 Weather:

At 10am it was 21 degrees, mostly cloudy, light breeze, roofs glazed with dew and rather poor air quality. At 1230pm it was overcast. At 230pm it was 38 degrees, mostly cloudy and gusty breezes, better air quality. Started snowing around 430pm, by 445pm socked in and big flakes. At 530pm it was 27 degrees, steady snowfall (about an inch) socked in to the floor and calmer. At 6pm the clouds had lifted some, Antimony ridge visible through the fog, smaller flakes. Not snowing at 9pm. More snow during the night. Thin clouds at 7am and fuzzy moon.

NOAA Weather report:

Observation time February 14, 2023 at 10:00AM
Cracked overcast, flaking
Max temperature 39 degrees F
Min temperature 17 degrees F
At observation 21 degrees F
Precipitation 0.13 inch
Snowfall 2 1/4 inch
Snow depth 19 inch (Avg)
— — — — — — — — — —

Feb 14 Weather:

At 10am it was 21 degrees, cracked thin overcast and flaking. Not snowing at 1130am (may have stopped earlier.) At 1230pm overcast and not snowing. At 230pm it was 28 degrees, thin overcast with filtered sunlight and light breezes. At 545pm it was 27 degrees, mostly cloudy and calm. Looked cloudy at 9pm.

NOAA Weather report:

Observation time February 15, 2023 at 10:00AM
Mostly cloudy, hoar frost
Max temperature 29 degrees F
Min temperature 6 degrees F
At observation 9 degrees F
Precipitation Trace
Snowfall Trace
Snow depth 19 inch (Avg)
— — — — — — — — — —

Feb 15 Weather:

At 10am it was 9 degrees, mostly cloudy to partly clear and light hoar frost. At 1220pm partly clear with sunshine on and off. At 250pm it was 35 degrees, partly cloudy and chilly breezes. At 545pm it was 22 degrees, clear and calm. Haze hiding the stars at 9pm.

NOAA Weather report:

Observation time February 16, 2023 at 10:00AM
Clear
Max temperature 35 degrees F
Min temperature -2 degrees F
At observation 1 degree F
Precipitation 0.00 inch
Snowfall 0.0 inch
Snow depth 18 inch (Avg)
— — — — — — — — — —

Feb 16 Weather:

At 10am it was 1 degree and clear. At 1230pm clear very blue sky. At 3pm it was 39 degrees, mostly high thin haze (milky blue sky) and light chilly breezes. At 545pm it was 28 degrees, mostly high thin haze (golden glow to the west) and slight breeze.

NOAA Weather report:

Observation time February 17, 2023 at 10:00AM
Partly hazy
Max temperature 40 degrees F
Min temperature 1 degrees F <– previous AM
At observation 7 degrees F
Precipitation 0.00 inch
Snowfall 0.0 inch
Snow depth 18 inch (Avg)
— — — — — — — — — —

Feb 17 Weather:

At 10am it was 7 degrees and partly hazy. At 1230pm it was partly clear/cloudy. At 240pm it was 41 degrees, mostly hazy/cloudy and breezy. At 545pm it was 29 degrees, mostly hazy and slight breeze.

NOAA Weather report:

Observation time February 18, 2023 at 10:00AM
Overcast
Max temperature 43 degrees F
Min temperature 7 degrees F <– previous Am
At observation 23 degrees F
Precipitation 0.00 inch
Snowfall 0.0 inch
Snow depth 18 inch (Avg)
— — — — — — — — — —

Feb 18 Weather:

At 10am it was 23 degrees and overcast. Wolves howling. At 1230pm overcast. At 1pm getting breezy. At 125pm snowing. At 2pm socked in down to the floor and steady snowfall. At 245pm it was 30 degrees, clouds lifted above Golden Gate (top of VanMeter in the fog) flaking (about 1/4″ so far) and light breeze. Probably stopped snowing around 3pm and melting. At 545pm it was 30 degrees, thinner broken overcast and calm. Looked cloudy and not snowing at 9pm. No snow during the night.

NOAA Weather report:

Observation time February 19, 2023 at 10:00AM
Overcast
Max temperature 32 degrees F
Min temperature 20 degrees F
At observation 26 degrees F
Precipitation 0.01 inch
Snowfall Trace
Snow depth 18 inch (Avg)
—————————–

The Yellow Pine Times

The Yellow Pine Times

Monthly Archives: February 2023

Feb 26, 2023 The Yellow Pine Times

Community Calendar:

Local Events:

Village News:

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Biz Listings:

Idaho News:

Idaho History:

Mining News:

Public Lands:

Critter News:

Fish & Game News:

Idaho History Feb 26, 2023

Parachuting Beavers 1948

Further Reading

Road Reports Feb 26, 2023

Winter Weather Advisory Feb 26, 9am-11pm

Winter Weather Advisory

Road Reports Feb 22, 2023

Winter Storm Warning Feb 20, 11pm to Feb 21, 5am

Winter Storm Warning

Feb 19, 2023 The Yellow Pine Times

Community Calendar:

Local Events:

Village News:

Local Groups

Biz Listings:

Idaho News:

Critter News:

Fish & Game News:

Idaho History Feb 19, 2023

Early Airplanes and Air Mail

“Mail has been flown into backcountry Idaho since 1928.”

Further Reading

Road Reports Feb 19, 2023

Weather Reports Feb 12-18, 2023