High Sierra Topix

Hopefully this thread will not get a lot of usage! Please report any existing wildfire
& smoke that is effecting the Sierra. Also report whether these conditions affected
your trip in any way.

Well. Now we start. Fire season is upon us.

http://www.mariposacounty.org/index.aspx?nid=215" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Blow by blow updates.

and the news report. http://www.kcra.com/news/hunters-fire-b ... e/26178730" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

hopefully, we don't end up smoked out this year, but we probably will, given the conditions.

Noted a little smoke over the Ritter Range on Memorial Day while camped at Garnet Lake. No smoke the following days.

Mike

6/2 Smoke spotted from Franklin Pass - looked to be in the Cliff creek drainage, wasn't visible the next day on the way down to MK

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3895/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
2,646 acres 75% contained, but winds of 45 mph expected today.

Red flag warning for eastern Sierra with lightening and winds to 60 mph. Hope markskor and I don't get washed or blown away!

Mike

New fire, again in the Lake Isabella area, named the Nicolls Fire.
http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3944/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

While driving home yesterday from the HST Meetup witnessed the effects of
the fire that is effecting the entire Yosemite area.
Medium heavy smoke in the Tuolumne Meadows area, and getting progressively
worse driving westward. Views accross Tenaya were difficult, and from Olmstead
Point you could barely make out Clouds Rest, forget Half Dome.
If your planning a trip this coming week to Yosemite, and possibly surrounding
areas, would highly consider postponing your trip, you will have very bad visibility,
and will be smelling smoke all day. Get updates before departing, there will be
thunderstorm activity for the next few days which could start even more fires.
Big Oak Flat Road to the Valley is closed, as are several campgrounds
http://www.nps.gov/yose/blogs/fireinfo.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here's a photo from Leopold Lake in the Emigrant Wilderness on Saturday afternoon. This scene reminded us so much of the Rim Fire last year.



Hope they get this under control soon....

We'll post more photos from the trip later

Thats about the same view we had from Margaret Lakes on Saturday afternoon. Not good!