Colorado fire season topic thread-2018 (Fort Collins, Grand Junction: pine, farmers, trees)

[jim9251]

Moisture on the western slope will stream up from the south as the monsoon finally makes an appearance over our area. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will occur each afternoon and evening through most of the week. Wildfire smoke should be clearing.

[jim9251]

FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM NOON MDT TODAY THROUGH NOON WEDNESDAY...

The National Weather Service in GRAND JUNCTION has issued a

* Flash Flood Watch for several burn scars across western
Colorado. The burn scars include: the 416, Burro, West Guard,
Bull Draw, Lake Christine, Cache Creek, Red Canyon, Cabin Lake,
Indian Valley, and Divide Fires.

* From noon MDT today through noon Wednesday.

* Heavy rain is expected over several burn scars across western
Colorado. This rain may lead to flash flooding, mud slides, and
debris flows.

* Residents near any burn scars should prepare for potential
flooding impacts over the next 24 to 36 hours. Be sure to stay
up to date with the latest information from local authorities.

[Colorado Rambler]

^^^

Sometimes you can't win for losing.

At least the monsoon has finally arrived, and let's hope it doesn't go torrential on us.

I notice that according to Weather Underground, the Four Corners has a 15% chance of zero precipitation by 11:00AM today. Say what?

The weather forecasts for out here in the middle of nowhere have always been zany. I read them for the laughs more than the prognostications.

[Mike from back east]

Originally Posted by Colorado Rambler

^^^

Sometimes you can't win for losing. ...

THIS perfectly fits the predicament.

I had one of these posters over 20 years ago, changed the name on the building to that of my Army agency and hung it on the wall....it went so well with my Dilbert necktie.

[brightdoglover]

Originally Posted by Colorado Rambler

^^^

I notice that according to Weather Underground, the Four Corners has a 15% chance of zero precipitation by 11:00AM today. Say what?

Maybe they need a good proofreader!

[otowi]

Originally Posted by Colorado Rambler

^^^



I notice that according to Weather Underground, the Four Corners has a 15% chance of zero precipitation by 11:00AM today. Say what?

I think that means there is a 15% change of precipitation, but that the expected amount is so little that it rounds down to zero instead of up to 0.1". Another way of saying a chance of a trace, perhaps.

[jim9251]

Flash Flood Warning Montrose County until 6:45pm.

[jim9251]

.31" rain here, cool cloudy light rain this morning. Finally!

[jim9251]

Bull Draw Fire Update
August 26, 2018 – 9:00 a.m.
Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black
Shane Greer, Incident Commander
Information Center: (970) 578-0213
Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Bull Draw Fire to transition to local Type 3 organization
Current Situation: Crews were able to gain considerable containment on the Bull Draw Fire yesterday, thanks to the hard work of firefighters and favorable weather. The fire remains at 30,208 acres and is now 54% contained.
Yesterday's minimal fire activity was limited to isolated interior locations following the wetting rains from earlier in the week. Cloud cover, cooler temperatures, and higher relative humidity will limit fire activity and growth, however heavier fuels such as downed logs and stumps will continue to retain heat and smolder within the fire area.
Rocky Mountain Type 2 Incident Management Team will transition management of the Bull Draw Fire to a local Type 3 organization, led by Incident Commander Rusty Stark on Monday (8/27) at 7 a.m.


Today firefighters will continue mop up activities along the fire line and crews will patrol and secure existing containment lines and look for opportunities to increase containment. Heavy equipment will be moved out of Uranium Road. Firefighters will continue suppression repair on the south end of the fire.


On August 15 , 2018: Crews conducted burnout operations in Division N on the west side of the fire yesterday, generating additional smoke for a brief period of time. The burnout worked as intended, eliminating fuels between the containment line and the fire perimeter, thereby strengthening the containment line in the area. There were no spots over the line. Crews will continue to mop up in Division N today.

Due to the decrease in fire activity, the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District will now be taking public phone calls about the Lake Christine Fire. Please call 970-963-2266 for updated information or continue to follow the Lake Christine Facebook page. The Lake Christine Facebook page will be updated as needed or as new information becomes available. Thank you for your continued patience, feedback and interest. Lake Christine Fire Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LakeChristineFire/


General Information: Well into the second month of fire operations, the Lake Christine Fire remains at 12,588 acres with 90% containment. A warming and drying trend in difficult terrain presents the final challenge to firefighters. The remaining hot spots on the fire, located in the central eastern portion of Division U, is smoldering in thick duff, in steep, inaccessible terrain. Rehabilitation efforts are in full swing as 41 miles of fire line are being returned to their original state. Spraying of invasive weeds has commenced - on horseback, and dangerous snags are being taken down along Forest Service Road 509 to improve the safety of firefighters working in the area and eventually the safety of forest visitors when restrictions are withdrawn. Potential for fire spread is minimal, although occasional interior smokes are visible. The continued support and interest of the Basalt and El Jebel communities are felt and appreciated by all firefighters involved in ongoing fire suppression efforts.


In the week before August 24, 2018, the Cache Creek Fire area received more than 2.2 inches of rain, which significantly decreased fire activity. The fire management organization is transitioning to a type 4 Incident Commander on August 25, 2018. Crews will continue to patrol, monitor, and take actions as necessary using the risk management process to ensure existing lines are holding/maintained to protect values at risk. Firefighters will also take action to suppress fire if it ignites outside completed fire line and it is threatening values (private infrastructure, property, oil and gas developments). As the fuels dry out again you may continue to see smoke coming from the southern flank of the fire. This area will be actively monitored and will utilize available air resources when deemed appropriate.
Fire information is transitioning back to the local unit, so please contact the Rifle Ranger District if you have any questions about continued closures. The office is open from 8:00am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday. They are located at 0094 County Road 244, Rifle, CO 81650 or can be reached by phone at 970-625-2371.


The Cabin Lake Fire, located 16 miles east of Meeker, CO, started on July 29, 2018. The cause is unknown and is under investigation. 5,975 acres 82% contained.

The Southern Area Incident Management Gold Team assumed command of the fire at 0600 on Aug. 15, 2018. Firefighters are using full suppression tactics to minimize fire spread. A structure protection group is actively conducting assessments and structure preparation. Additional or replacement equipment resources and crews will continue to arrive to assist with firefighting efforts.

[jim9251]

Forecast for Sept Oct Nov is a probability of 40% above average precipitation for western Colorado.