Rocky Mountain Journal: October 2020

Sunday, October 25, 2020

Extreme Winds, Low Humidity Cause Fire Growth Inside Rocky Mountain National Park

Yesterday, due to extreme winds, the East Troublesome Fire (Thompson Zone) intensified and continued to make a significant run to the east from the Continental Divide toward Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park causing additional mandatory evacuations of the Estes Valley. The fire split into two fingers with one moving northeast along the Big Thompson River to Moraine Park and one east along Mill Creek into Hollowell Park. Structural engines from Colorado and beyond stood ready to defend structures within Rocky Mountain National Park and the Estes Park community.

Firefighters developed and deployed offensive and defensive tactics when and where they safely could. Firefighters were in a defensive mode focusing on structure preparation and strengthening the indirect lines near the border of Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park. Crews took advantage of previous fuel treatments conducted by park staff and were able to aggressively execute direct attack on front of the fire. In the Upper Beaver Meadows area and west of the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, crews took numerous aggressive actions including conducting firing operations off of existing roads, using fuel type changes such as wetlands, and other features to piece together three miles of fireline to deflect the fire from progressing further east. Due to these efforts and changing weather, the fire is continue to hold west of Bear Lake Road and Trail Ridge Road, within the park. Swing shift and night operations continued to patrol and implement structure protection as needed.

With winds lessening and snow and moisture that fell across the fire last night, no active spread is anticipated today. Day and night operations will continue to monitor the fire’s edge, conduct structure assessments and protect values at risk.

The Grand Zone of the East Troublesome Fire, on the west side of the park, saw minimal growth yesterday despite the red flag warning and high winds. Firefighters had a productive day and made good progress on the containment effort. The team assigned resources to the Holzwarth Historic Site area of the Kawuneechee Valley to begin prep work in the event the fire crosses the access road approximately 1 mile to the south.

The East Troublesome Fire, which started on October 14, has grown to over 190,000 acres. The fire was initially burning outside of Rocky Mountain National Park’s boundary. However, on October 21, the fire grew over 100,000 acres and expanded onto the western side of the park then spotted over the Continental Divide to the east side of the park.

All of Rocky Mountain National Park remains closed. For the most up-to-date information on the East Troublesome Fire visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7242/ For the most up-to-date information on the Cameron Peak Fire visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6964/

Varying evacuation orders are in place for both the East Troublesome Fire as well as the Cameron Peak Fire.

Updates are provided by Grand County Emergency Management at gcemergency.com. Sign up for the Grand County CodeRed system, which will notify your mobile device of changing evacuation conditions.

Updates are provided by Larimer County Emergency Management at www.nocoalert.org Sign up for the Larimer County LETA system, which will notify your mobile device of changing evacuation conditions.

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Friday, October 23, 2020

East Troublesome Fire Moves Into Rocky Mountain National Park Both Sides Of Continental Divide

On Wednesday, October 21, the East Troublesome Fire ran approximately 18 miles before it moved into the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, where rapid evacuations began for the Grand Lake community and park staff. There appears to be some structure loss on the west side of the park, but initial assessment indicate that it is minimal. We are unable to fully assess those impacts, at this time.

On the morning of Thursday, October 22, a heat signature from the National Weather Service was picked up in the Spruce Creek drainage, on the east side of the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park. The East Troublesome Fire had spotted approximately 1.5 miles from the head of Tonahutu Creek to the head of Spruce Creek. Low clouds contributed to the challenge of assessing where smoke was coming from. Park fire lookouts from near the Ute Trail along Trail Ridge Road were able to confirm a smoke column out of Spruce Creek. Due to the location of the fire in the lower Spruce Creek drainage and confluence of Forest Canyon, evacuations began for areas of Estes Park. Humidity levels yesterday greatly assisted in stopping the fire growth and it appears it has remained in that general location. It is in the same general area as the Fern Lake Fire of 2012.

On the west side of the park, resources were focused on continual life and safety priorities and ongoing evacuations from the night before. Numerous trees were down on the west side of Trail Ridge Road, north of the Green Mountain Trailhead, blocking that area as a means to evacuate on Wednesday night, October 21. Weather conditions on the west of the Continental Divide were very different than the east side yesterday, with low humidity and winds continuing to add to the fire growth. As of last night, the East Troublesome Fire had moved north of the Coyote Valley Trailhead.

All of Rocky Mountain National Park remains closed. For the most up-to-date information on the East Troublesome Fire visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7242/ For the most up-to-date information on the Cameron Peak Fire visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6964/

Varying evacuation orders are in place for both the East Troublesome Fire as well as the Cameron Peak Fire. Updates are provided by Grand County Emergency Management at gcemergency.com. Sign up for the Grand County CodeRed system, which will notify your mobile device of changing evacuation conditions.

Updates are provided by Larimer County Emergency Management at www.nocoalert.org Sign up for the Larimer County LETA system, which will notify your mobile device of changing evacuation conditions.

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Thursday, October 22, 2020

West Side Of Rocky Mountain National Park Closed Due To East Troublesome Creek Fire Growth Outside Of Park

The west side of Rocky Mountain National Park is closed to park visitors due to significant fire activity on the East Troublesome Creek Fire outside of the park. Grand Lake area residents are following evacuation orders to evacuate south on US 34 toward Granby. Trail Ridge Road is currently open for evacuation east bound if needed. There is low visibility reported due to smoke on Trail Ridge Road. Trail Ridge Road is closed west bound at Rainbow Curve. Travelers should be aware of smoke, wind, weather and fire conditions as fire activity is rapidly changing and road closures may be put in place quickly.

Information is currently being updated on the park’s website and social media. For further information about Rocky Mountain National Park, please visit www.nps.gov/romo or contact the park’s Information Office at 970-586-1206. The park's recorded Fire Information Line is (970) 586-1381.

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

TetonHikingTrails.com Adds 12 Hikes From Yellowstone National Park

As mentioned a few weeks ago, my wife and I visited both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park last month. In addition to the two hikes from Grand Teton we added to our website, TetonHikingTrails.com, we have also added 12 new hikes from Yellowstone National Park (which reside on our Other Wyoming Hikes directory). They are as follows:

  * North Rim Trail

  * Avalanche Peak

  * Bunsen Peak - Osprey Falls Loop

  * South Rim - Clear Lake Loop

  * Osprey Falls

  * Bunsen Peak

  * Mystic Falls

  * Yellowstone Lake Overlook

  * Trout Lake

  * Lamar River Trail

  * Grand Prismatic Overlook

  * Cascade Lake

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

TetonHikingTrails.com Adds Two New Hikes

As mentioned a few weeks ago, my wife and I visited Grand Teton National Park last month. As a result of that trip we were able to add two new hikes to our website, TetonHikingTrails.com. These two highly scenic hikes are:

Surprise Lake:

Schwabacher Landing Trail:

Sunday, October 18, 2020

Upper Bear Lake Road Will Be Closed This Week For Road Work

The upper portion of Bear Lake Road, past the Glacier Gorge parking area, will be closed the week of October 19 for road work. This work is being done to mitigate the effects of a weeping spring that has caused damage to this section of road. This closure will begin late Sunday night, October 18, and last through Friday, October 23.

Due to this road work, the Bear Lake parking area will be closed. The Glacier Gorge Trailhead parking area will be open and has limited parking that fills early in the day. Park visitors are encouraged to park at the Park & Ride lot to board a shuttle bus. The shuttle bus schedule has been extended for this project and will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, shuttles will be limited to 20 percent of the bus capacity or about 20 riders per shuttle.

Visitors seeking to hike around Bear Lake and surrounding trails to Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lake or Flattop Mountain, will need to hike the approximate 3/4 mile trail from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead to Bear Lake.

Friday, October 16, 2020

Closures Expand In Rocky Mountain National Park Due To Cameron Peak Fire Activity

Due to recent fire activity and weather forecasts on the Cameron Peak Fire, closure areas in Rocky Mountain National Park have expanded in the northern section of the park.

Additional closures implemented today include the Lawn Lake Trail and surrounding area. The Cow Creek Trail, the Black Canyon Trail, the Gem Lake Trail and the Lumpy Ridge area were closed on Sunday, October 11, as well as associated cross country zones. Area closures began on August 18 in the northwest section of the park and continued in the northeast area of the park on September 7. Currently the northern part of Rocky Mountain National Park is closed to all recreational access. Old Fall River Road remains closed. Trail Ridge Road and other areas of the park remain open.

Closures in Rocky Mountain National Park, including a map, can be found at: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

A complete fire ban has been in effect in Rocky Mountain National Park since Friday, August 14. Campfires, including charcoal briquette fires, are not permitted anywhere within the park. However, petroleum fueled stoves and grills will still be permitted in developed campgrounds, picnic areas and in designated backcountry campsites. Stoves must be able to be turned on and off. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, or stopped within a developed paved area devoid of vegetation for at least three feet. Visitors are reminded to properly extinguish all lighted smoking materials and dispose of properly. Fireworks are always prohibited within the park.

Rocky Mountain National Park always has Stage 1 fire restrictions in place, where campfires are prohibited in the park, except within designated campfire rings in picnic areas and front-country campgrounds.

The park also Tweeted this afternoon that, "The RED FLAG WARNING in #RMNP for high winds and low humidity extends through tonight and all of tomorrow. It covers all of the park and the surrounding areas."

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Wildfires Close the Entire Canyon Lakes Ranger District

Due to recent fire activity and weather forecasts on the Cameron Peak Fire burning in Larimer County, the Forest Service is closing the entire Canyon Lakes Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest. The general area now closed is all National Forest System lands west of the National Forest boundary; east of the Colorado State Forest State Park and Rocky Mountain National Park; south of the Colorado state line; and north of Johnny Park Road. This new order includes the addition of lands south of Highway 34. Details of the updated closure and a map are available on our website.

This closure impacts numerous recreation sites, including all campgrounds, trails, and Forest Service Roads. These are listed on our website. This closure also impacts numerous dispersed areas, often used for hunting this time of year. Colorado Parks and Wildlife have information for impacted hunters available on their website.

This closure is in place for public safety and to support firefighting efforts. These areas are very popular with recreationists but also, in many cases, remote. Roads and trails are greatly interconnected. If evacuations are necessary, it can be difficult to reach people and can take emergency responders a great deal of time to make sure everyone is out safely. Public and firefighter safety is our number one priority.

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Cameron Peak Fire is threatening Colorado cities, including Estes Park

The Cameron Peak Fire has gotten a lot worse throughout the day, and is now threatening towns and cities in northern Colorado. The fire ignited on August 13 on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests near Cameron Pass and Chambers Lake, and has now grown to 135,556 acres in size. This was posted on the Inciweb website at roughly 5:00 pm MST:

The Cameron Peak Fire Operations Section advised at 4:20 pm that the fire has crossed CR27 near 44H (Buckhorn Road) but it is unknown at this time how far the fire has moved. Some structures have been impacted during today's extreme fire activity. Fire officials are working closely with the Larimer County Sheriff's Office to determine where and to what extent these impacts have occurred. Once fire behavior moderates, and it's safe to do so, structure assessments can be completed. Additional type 1 structure engines are arriving with more on the way.

Here are some of the latest tweets:

Dan Henry @Fox4Weather

The Cameron Peak Fire west of Fort Collins exploded again today becoming the largest wildfire in Colorado history having now consumed 158,000 acres. Evacuations may become necessary for nearby Fort Collins and Estes Park if the fire continues to grow.

Town of Estes Park @TownofEstesPark

While no orders or advisories have been issued for the Estes Valley due to wind direction, the #cameronpeakfire is close. We need to be aware of current information. Tune in tonight: https://facebook.com/events/372643754116679. Our hearts are with our neighbors from evacuation areas to the north.

Town of Estes Park @TownofEstesPark

Voluntary evacuation alert for communities to the north due to increased fire activity and forecasted high winds on the #cameronpeakfire. Ensure you are signed up for alerts at https://nocoalert.org. Currently no impact to the Estes Valley, but we should always be prepared.

Aurora Fire Rescue @AuroraFireDpt

Tender 13 arrived back at the #CameronPeakFire and is assigned to division Victor. Crews are staged in Estes Park as they prepare for operations.

Denver7 News @DenverChannel

Highway 34 has been shut down between Loveland and Estes Park due to ongoing evacuations from the #CameronPeakFire, according to the National Weather Service. Many new evacuation orders have been issued this afternoon.

Incident Media @InciMedia

Electricity Shut Off From Top of Switchbacks Thru Glen Haven and Down CR43 (Cameron Peak Fire Wildfire): At the request of Cameron Peak Fire officials working to protect the evacuated area, power has been shut off to all customers of Estes Park

Live Events @coeventslive

#CameronPeakFire Fire has moved east about 16 miles since about 0100 this morning. #WindDriven

There are mandatory evacuations west of Ft. Collins (map): https://twitter.com/trish_zornio/status/1316511805355810817/photo/1

Here are the latest evacuation orders in Larimer County: https://nocoalert.org/alerts/

Numerous trails and areas within RMNP have been closed: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/fire-information-and-regulations.htm

Amazing video clips taken earlier today: https://twitter.com/russ_schumacher/status/1316443792988352522

https://twitter.com/Colorado_Drone/status/1316457460169756673

This post will be updated when more information is known.

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Tuesday, October 13, 2020

The "Air Ambulance Jet Suit"

A few weeks ago I saw a post on Twitter about an "air ambulance jet suit" being tested in the Lake District of northern England. If this invention is proven to be viable, it could mean that a paramedic could "fly" to an injured hiker or climber in difficult terrain (think Grand Canyon) in a matter of minutes, rather than taking hours or more on foot. If this is the case, it could mean the difference between life and death for some accident victims.

Here's a clip from CBS News showing footage from the test:

Friday, October 9, 2020

Rocky Mountain National Park To End Timed Entry Permit Reservation System On October 13, 2020

Rocky Mountain National Park is announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state public health authorities, as the park continues to increase public access and services. The National Park Service is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Rocky Mountain National Park will be modifying park operations beginning on October 13, 2020, ending the timed entry permit reservation system that has been in place since June 4. Timed entry permit reservations will be in place through October 12. To secure a timed entry permit reservation, please visit www.recreation.gov. Entrance passes are still required in all areas of the park, including but not exclusive to Lumpy Ridge, Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Wild Basin, East Inlet and North Inlet.

“We would like to extend our appreciation to all park visitors, our local communities and our partners for their support of our modified operations this summer,” said Superintendent Darla Sidles. “With the health and safety of park visitors, employees and surrounding community residents guiding our decisions, the timed entry permit system enabled us to more safely manage the pace and flow of visitor use throughout the day, reduce crowding, and provide an improved visitor experience in alignment with the park’s safe operational capacity during these extraordinary times.”

Rocky Mountain National Park continues to urge visitors to do their part. Please do not visit if you are sick or were recently exposed to COVID-19. When recreating, park visitors should follow local area health orders, maintain social distance, wear a cloth face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com

Ramble On: A History of Hiking
Exploring Glacier National Park
Exploring Grand Teton National Park

Sunday, October 4, 2020

Revised: Old Fall River Road Will Remain Open To Vehicles Until Further Notice

Due to access for fire personnel, Old Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park will remain open to vehicles until further notice. The road reopened on September 30, after being closed to vehicles since September 5, due to the Cameron Peak Fire.

Beginning in 2016, Old Fall River Road has been closed the first Monday in October for the season to vehicles. After winterization road maintenance occurs, the road reopens to bicyclists and pedestrians until December 1, when it reverts to winter trail status.

Fire vehicles will continue to use Old Fall River Road. For safety reasons, park managers will delay the exclusive use by cyclists and pedestrians and will keep the road open to vehicles until further notice.

In an abundance of caution, the trailhead at Chapin Pass has closed again due to forecast weather conditions on the Cameron Peak Fire.

Old Fall River Road was built between 1913 and 1920. It is an unpaved road which travels from Endovalley Picnic Area to above treeline at Fall River Pass, following the steep slope of Mount Chapin’s south face. Due to the winding, narrow nature of the road, the scenic 9.4-mile route leading to Trail Ridge Road is one-way only. Vehicles over 25 feet and vehicles pulling trailers are prohibited on the road. Access to Chasm Falls is still open.

Thursday, October 1, 2020

Grizzly Kills Bull Elk in the Yellowstone River

Earlier this week I returned from a two week trip out to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. On Sunday, September 20th, we drove from the North Entrance to begin our second leg of the trip in Grand Teton. Along the way we ran into our first "bear jam" of the trip, just south of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River in the Hayden Valley. Across the river a grizzly bear was lying on top of a bull elk, and had been there since Friday morning protecting its quarry. Remarkably, the kill was captured on video. I should warn here that some people might find this video a little disturbing, due to seeing a wild animal lose its life. The bull elk appears to have made a critical error by running into the Yellowstone River:

Here's another video of the bear as he works to partially bury its quarry over the next 24 hours. To wildlife officials this bear is known as "grizzly 791":

Here's another video showing a lone wolf trying to grab a bite of meat for himself five days after the kill. The bear is quite passive in allowing the wolf to get within inches of the kill, but that's as close as it will get:

Finally, here's one last video showing two bears fighting over the same carcass on the morning of September 26th. It appears that another bear has taken possesion of the carcass (note the collar on the bear standing on the bank). Perhaps the challenger in the river is the original owner?