One person died and four others were injured during an early morning structural fire at the Grand Teton Lodge Company's Colter Bay employee dormitory in Grand Teton National Park. A quick response by Grand Teton's structural firefighters and personnel from Jackson Hole Fire/EMS helped contain the fire to a single dorm room. Adjacent rooms sustained smoke damage. Approximately 70 people were evacuated from the two-story dormitory building and all were assessed for injuries and/or smoke inhalation by park EMS providers.
Teton Interagency Dispatch Center received an emergency call at 12:04 a.m. Friday, July 31, and immediately summoned multiple structural firefighters and equipment to the scene. The first responders used fire extinguishers in an attempt to suppress the blaze before fully-equipped park and county fire response teams could arrive.
A Grand Teton National Park fire engine stationed at Colter Bay arrived within 10 minutes of the call for help. Firefighters with Engine 2 were informed that at least one person and possibly others were still inside the dormitory on the second floor. They quickly located and carried out one individual, who was unresponsive, and helped evacuate others from the building. Although CPR was initiated on the unresponsive person—and paramedics continued CPR for nearly one hour—efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Four other people were treated for minor injuries and smoke inhalation. They were transported to St. John's Medical Center in Jackson for further care.
One additional structural fire engine and three ambulances from Grand Teton National Park, plus one aerial ladder truck, one engine, and one water tender from Jackson Hole Fire/EMS arrived shortly after the first fire engine, and quickly joined the suppression efforts. Those additional fire resources were: Engine 1 from Moose HQ campus located 20 miles away;Engine 41 and Tender 47 from Station 4, located 10 miles away at Moran Junction;and Ladder Truck 16 from Jackson, located 35 miles away.
The fire was suppressed by 2:00 a.m. While most rooms were not affected by the fire, residents of the facility were temporarily housed in other locations as a safety precaution for the remainder of the evening.
The name of the deceased is being withheld until family notifications are provided. The cause of the fire has not been determined. A joint investigation will be conducted by Grand Teton National Park with the assistance of a Jackson Hole Fire/EMS investigator and a State of Wyoming fire investigator from Cheyenne. Further details are not available at this time.
Park managers and staff work closely with Jackson Hole Fire/EMS to provide structural fire response and support within Grand Teton National Park and the northern portions of Teton County. Men and women on the park and county response teams train together weekly to keep their skills and structural firefighting knowledge up to standard. This incident was handled by multiple firefighting personnel and equipment and resources, which minimized spread to adjacent structures and nearby forested areas.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Friday, July 31, 2015
Two-day Closures Scheduled for Moose-Wilson Road in Grand Teton
To accommodate a dust abatement application, a brief travel closure will be in place for about 48 hours, beginning 4 a.m. Tuesday, August 4, on the unpaved section of the Moose-Wilson Road in Grand Teton National Park. The road will reopen by 8 a.m. Thursday, August 6.
Motorists and bicyclists should plan to use an alternate route on August 4-5 as this temporary closure will prevent making a 'through trip' on the Moose-Wilson Road from Granite Canyon Entrance Station to the Teton Park Road at Moose, Wyoming. This is the second dust abatement treatment for the 2015 season.
For those wishing to reach the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve or Death Canyon Trailhead, access will only be possible by heading south from the Teton Park Road junction near the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center.
To alert park visitors and local residents of the scheduled road closure, electronic signs will be placed on Wyoming Highway 390, beginning Monday, June 8. For travelers heading south to Teton Village from the Moose area, signs will also be placed at the junction of the Teton Park Road.
The product used for dust abatement is a slurry of magnesium chloride—the same product that is used to treat dirt roads in and around Jackson Hole. This product coats the road surface, but it can also adhere to the undercarriage of vehicles. Motorists who drive the unpaved portion of the Moose-Wilson Road after it reopens on Thursday may want to rinse off their vehicles to eliminate any residue.
Roadwork schedules may change, or be delayed, due to weather conditions, equipment malfunction, or other extenuating circumstances.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
For those wishing to reach the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve or Death Canyon Trailhead, access will only be possible by heading south from the Teton Park Road junction near the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center.
To alert park visitors and local residents of the scheduled road closure, electronic signs will be placed on Wyoming Highway 390, beginning Monday, June 8. For travelers heading south to Teton Village from the Moose area, signs will also be placed at the junction of the Teton Park Road.
The product used for dust abatement is a slurry of magnesium chloride—the same product that is used to treat dirt roads in and around Jackson Hole. This product coats the road surface, but it can also adhere to the undercarriage of vehicles. Motorists who drive the unpaved portion of the Moose-Wilson Road after it reopens on Thursday may want to rinse off their vehicles to eliminate any residue.
Roadwork schedules may change, or be delayed, due to weather conditions, equipment malfunction, or other extenuating circumstances.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Glacier National Park Wildfire Now 63% Contained
The following are some key updates on the Reynolds Creek Fire in Glacier National Park. The information comes from the Inciweb website, which was updated last night. Here are a few items:
* The Reynolds Creek Fire is burning along the north shore of Saint Mary Lake, in rocky, rugged terrain and burning in timber, brush, and grass. Due to the return of seasonal drier and warmer conditions, fire fighters are expecting interior fire behavior to increase. It is believed at this time that the fire was human caused.
* There are currently 670 personnel fighting the fire at this time.
* The official size of the fire is now estimated to be 3170 acres. The fire is now 63% contained.
* The Going-to-the-Sun Road remains closed between the St. Mary entrance on the east side and Logan Pass. At this time visitors can reach Logan Pass from the west side. Visitors are encouraged to take the park shuttle due to extremely limited parking. You should expect delays and congestion. If the road becomes too congested, rangers may turn vehicles around at Big Bend or Avalanche Creek for public safety.
* The St. Mary Visitor Center is now open to the public. Hours are from 8 am to 6 pm. The St. Mary Campground, the Rising Sun Motor Inn, and the Rising Sun Campground remain closed.
* The Sperry Trail is open from Lake McDonald Lodge to Sperry Chalet and Gunsight Pass. Travel beyond the pass is closed due to the fire. Lake Ellen Wilson Backcountry site is open. The Loop Trail to Granite Park Chalet is also open.
* Also, the Red Eagle Drainage is open for hiking access to Red Eagle Lake, Triple Divide and the Beaver Ponds. St. Mary Lake Trail will remain closed.
Although the fire continues to burn in the St. Mary Valley, the rest of the park is still open, with tons of outstanding hiking opportunities available. Remember, the park is more than one million acres in size. The Two Medicine, Many Glacier, Belly River, Bowman Lake and Lake McDonald areas all provide hikes that offer epic Glacier National Park scenery. For more information on many of the hikes in these areas, please click here.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
* The Reynolds Creek Fire is burning along the north shore of Saint Mary Lake, in rocky, rugged terrain and burning in timber, brush, and grass. Due to the return of seasonal drier and warmer conditions, fire fighters are expecting interior fire behavior to increase. It is believed at this time that the fire was human caused.
* The official size of the fire is now estimated to be 3170 acres. The fire is now 63% contained.
* The Going-to-the-Sun Road remains closed between the St. Mary entrance on the east side and Logan Pass. At this time visitors can reach Logan Pass from the west side. Visitors are encouraged to take the park shuttle due to extremely limited parking. You should expect delays and congestion. If the road becomes too congested, rangers may turn vehicles around at Big Bend or Avalanche Creek for public safety.
* The St. Mary Visitor Center is now open to the public. Hours are from 8 am to 6 pm. The St. Mary Campground, the Rising Sun Motor Inn, and the Rising Sun Campground remain closed.
* The Sperry Trail is open from Lake McDonald Lodge to Sperry Chalet and Gunsight Pass. Travel beyond the pass is closed due to the fire. Lake Ellen Wilson Backcountry site is open. The Loop Trail to Granite Park Chalet is also open.
* Also, the Red Eagle Drainage is open for hiking access to Red Eagle Lake, Triple Divide and the Beaver Ponds. St. Mary Lake Trail will remain closed.
Although the fire continues to burn in the St. Mary Valley, the rest of the park is still open, with tons of outstanding hiking opportunities available. Remember, the park is more than one million acres in size. The Two Medicine, Many Glacier, Belly River, Bowman Lake and Lake McDonald areas all provide hikes that offer epic Glacier National Park scenery. For more information on many of the hikes in these areas, please click here.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Fire Investigation Team Looking for Information on Glacier Wildfire
The National Park Service is seeking information that may assist with an investigation of the Reynolds Creek Fire in Glacier National Park.
Initial evidence suggests that the Reynolds Creek Fire was caused by human actions.
Park visitors that were hiking in the area of Reynolds Creek on the Gunsight Pass Trail or that may have been staying in or hiking through the Reynolds Creek Backcountry Campground, from July 14 to July 21, are encouraged to call 888-653-0009 or email nps_isb@nps.gov.
The fire was first reported at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21st, approximately six miles east of Logan Pass. To date, it has burned approximately 3,200 acres. As of this morning, the fire was 56% contained.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Park visitors that were hiking in the area of Reynolds Creek on the Gunsight Pass Trail or that may have been staying in or hiking through the Reynolds Creek Backcountry Campground, from July 14 to July 21, are encouraged to call 888-653-0009 or email nps_isb@nps.gov.
The fire was first reported at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21st, approximately six miles east of Logan Pass. To date, it has burned approximately 3,200 acres. As of this morning, the fire was 56% contained.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
West-Side Access to Logan Pass Planned For Tomorrow
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is planned to be open to Logan Pass from the west side of Glacier National Park tomorrow, Wednesday, July 29th. Visitors should expect delays and congestion along the road.
The east side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road remains closed to Logan Pass due to the Reynolds Creek Fire. It is unknown when the east side of the road will open.
Glacier National Park Superintendent Jeff Mow said, “Providing visitor access to Logan Pass is a priority for the park. It comes with some unique challenges as the east side of the road is closed due to the Reynolds Creek Fire, and we are in the peak of our visitor season.”
Mow said, “We always consider employee and visitor safety in our decisions and actions, as well as the logistical nuances. This is a unique situation and we respectfully request park visitors to be patient and flexible during this time.”
If the Going-to-the-Sun Road becomes too congested, park rangers may turn vehicles around at Big Bend or Avalanche Creek for public safety. Parking is limited at Logan Pass so visitors may not be able to park and go inside the visitor center.
Visitors are encouraged to use alternative transportation options to access Logan Pass, such as the park’s free shuttle system or concession-operated interpretive tours. The interpretive tours are conducted by park concessioners Glacier National Park Lodges and Sun Tours.
The Logan Pass Visitor Center is anticipated to be open. The hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until further notice. The Highline Trail will be open, as well as the trail to the Hidden Lake Overlook and Hidden Lake. Logan Pass will be closed to overnight parking, and overnight parking along the Going-to-the-Sun Road is not encouraged at this time. Visitors will not be able to view the Reynolds Creek Fire from Logan Pass.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
The east side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road remains closed to Logan Pass due to the Reynolds Creek Fire. It is unknown when the east side of the road will open.
Mow said, “We always consider employee and visitor safety in our decisions and actions, as well as the logistical nuances. This is a unique situation and we respectfully request park visitors to be patient and flexible during this time.”
If the Going-to-the-Sun Road becomes too congested, park rangers may turn vehicles around at Big Bend or Avalanche Creek for public safety. Parking is limited at Logan Pass so visitors may not be able to park and go inside the visitor center.
Visitors are encouraged to use alternative transportation options to access Logan Pass, such as the park’s free shuttle system or concession-operated interpretive tours. The interpretive tours are conducted by park concessioners Glacier National Park Lodges and Sun Tours.
The Logan Pass Visitor Center is anticipated to be open. The hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until further notice. The Highline Trail will be open, as well as the trail to the Hidden Lake Overlook and Hidden Lake. Logan Pass will be closed to overnight parking, and overnight parking along the Going-to-the-Sun Road is not encouraged at this time. Visitors will not be able to view the Reynolds Creek Fire from Logan Pass.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Almost Half of Glacier National Park Wildfire is Now Contained
The following are some key updates on the Reynolds Creek Fire in Glacier National Park. The information comes from the Inciweb website, which was updated last night. Here are a few items:
* The Reynolds Creek Fire is burning along the north shore of Saint Mary Lake, in rocky, rugged terrain and burning in timber, brush, and grass. Some areas of the fire received heavy thundershowers yesterday, while firefighters paid close attention to the potential for flash flooding and debris movement in the burn area. The weather is expected to return to seasonable temperatures by Thursday. Firefighters will continue to protect structures at Rising Sun.
* There are currently 691 personnel fighting the fire at this time.
* The official size of the fire is now estimated to be 3170 acres. The fire is now 45% contained.
* The Going-to-the-Sun Road remains closed between the St. Mary entrance on the east side and Big Bend on the west side. In a public meeting over the weekend, the park has indicated that they intend to open the road to Logan Pass from the west side.
* The St. Mary Visitor Center is now open to the public. Hours are from 8 am to 6 pm. The St. Mary Campground, the Rising Sun Motor Inn, and the Rising Sun Campground remain closed.
* The Sperry Trail is open from Lake McDonald Lodge to Sperry Chalet and Gunsight Pass. Travel beyond the pass is closed due to the fire. Lake Ellen Wilson Backcountry site is open. The Loop Trail to Granite Park Chalet is also open.
Although the fire continues to burn in the St. Mary Valley, the rest of the park is still open, with tons of outstanding hiking opportunities available. Remember, the park is more than one million acres in size. The Two Medicine, Many Glacier, Belly River, Bowman Lake and Lake McDonald areas all provide hikes that offer epic Glacier National Park scenery. For more information on many of the hikes in these areas, please click here.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
* The Reynolds Creek Fire is burning along the north shore of Saint Mary Lake, in rocky, rugged terrain and burning in timber, brush, and grass. Some areas of the fire received heavy thundershowers yesterday, while firefighters paid close attention to the potential for flash flooding and debris movement in the burn area. The weather is expected to return to seasonable temperatures by Thursday. Firefighters will continue to protect structures at Rising Sun.
* The official size of the fire is now estimated to be 3170 acres. The fire is now 45% contained.
* The Going-to-the-Sun Road remains closed between the St. Mary entrance on the east side and Big Bend on the west side. In a public meeting over the weekend, the park has indicated that they intend to open the road to Logan Pass from the west side.
* The St. Mary Visitor Center is now open to the public. Hours are from 8 am to 6 pm. The St. Mary Campground, the Rising Sun Motor Inn, and the Rising Sun Campground remain closed.
* The Sperry Trail is open from Lake McDonald Lodge to Sperry Chalet and Gunsight Pass. Travel beyond the pass is closed due to the fire. Lake Ellen Wilson Backcountry site is open. The Loop Trail to Granite Park Chalet is also open.
Although the fire continues to burn in the St. Mary Valley, the rest of the park is still open, with tons of outstanding hiking opportunities available. Remember, the park is more than one million acres in size. The Two Medicine, Many Glacier, Belly River, Bowman Lake and Lake McDonald areas all provide hikes that offer epic Glacier National Park scenery. For more information on many of the hikes in these areas, please click here.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Monday, July 27, 2015
Two Climbers Take Sliding Fall on Middle Teton
On Saturday, July 25th, two climbers fell and slid on a patch of snow while descending from the Dike Pinnacle on the south face of the Middle Teton in Grand Teton National Park. The climbers, Jordan Lister and Carrie Schwartz, both 25 and residents of Jackson, Wyoming, slid approximately 200 feet on snow and rocky terrain before coming to a stop on a grassy ledge. Lister sustained serious injuries requiring an evacuation by helicopter, while Schwartz sustained minor injuries.
Teton Interagency Dispatch Center received a call for assistance at 5:22 p.m. from Schwartz. Park rangers quickly responded from the Jenny Lake Rescue Cache at Lupine Meadows. They were joined by the Teton Interagency contract helicopter, which had been assisting with an extensive search for a missing person near Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park. The helicopter was able to land relatively near to the grassy ledge and insert three park rangers who made a short climb to reach the injured climbers. Rangers provided medical care while preparations were made for an expeditious short-haul evacuation of Lister.
Lister and an attending park ranger were short-hauled from the grassy ledge directly to the rescue cache on the valley floor just before sunset. There, Lister was transferred to a waiting park ambulance and transported to St. John's Medical Center in Jackson, Wyoming. The helicopter then returned to the site of the accident and short-hauled Schwartz and the two remaining rangers to the rescue cache. The rescue mission was completed shortly after 9:00 p.m., just before darkness would have made further operations impossible.
Short-haul is a rescue technique where an individual is suspended below the helicopter on a 100 to 200 foot rope. This method is often used in the Teton Range where conditions make it difficult to land a helicopter because of the rugged and precipitous terrain.
The fall occurred while the two climbers were descending on snow about 400 feet below the summit of the Dike Pinnacle. This type of fall—one that occurs while descending on snow—is a very common cause of mountaineering-related injuries in Grand Teton National Park. Rangers encourage climbers to pay special attention while descending on snow, and to wear helmets whenever moving about in the vertical terrain of the Teton Range where rockfalls, or a slip and fall in rock-strewn areas, can pose a danger.
This rescue was the second helicopter-assisted rescue mission of the day in the park. Rangers also flew a climber who had become ill from the Lower Saddle of the Grand Teton around 7:30 on Saturday morning.
After completing this rescue, the Teton Interagency contract helicopter flew to Yellowstone to assist with the continuing search efforts for the missing person.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Lister and an attending park ranger were short-hauled from the grassy ledge directly to the rescue cache on the valley floor just before sunset. There, Lister was transferred to a waiting park ambulance and transported to St. John's Medical Center in Jackson, Wyoming. The helicopter then returned to the site of the accident and short-hauled Schwartz and the two remaining rangers to the rescue cache. The rescue mission was completed shortly after 9:00 p.m., just before darkness would have made further operations impossible.
Short-haul is a rescue technique where an individual is suspended below the helicopter on a 100 to 200 foot rope. This method is often used in the Teton Range where conditions make it difficult to land a helicopter because of the rugged and precipitous terrain.
The fall occurred while the two climbers were descending on snow about 400 feet below the summit of the Dike Pinnacle. This type of fall—one that occurs while descending on snow—is a very common cause of mountaineering-related injuries in Grand Teton National Park. Rangers encourage climbers to pay special attention while descending on snow, and to wear helmets whenever moving about in the vertical terrain of the Teton Range where rockfalls, or a slip and fall in rock-strewn areas, can pose a danger.
This rescue was the second helicopter-assisted rescue mission of the day in the park. Rangers also flew a climber who had become ill from the Lower Saddle of the Grand Teton around 7:30 on Saturday morning.
After completing this rescue, the Teton Interagency contract helicopter flew to Yellowstone to assist with the continuing search efforts for the missing person.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Progress Made on Glacier National Park Wildfire
The following are some key updates on the Reynolds Creek Fire in Glacier National Park. The information comes from the Inciweb website, which was updated last night. Here are a few items, including a map of the area impacted by the fire (click on photo for more details):
* The Reynolds Creek Fire is burning along the north shore of Saint Mary Lake, in rocky, rugged terrain and burning in timber, brush, and grass. Conditions remain dry, despite after thundershowers received yesterday afternoon. Beginning at 8 a.m. this morning, July 26th, the Level 1 (mandatory evacuation) along the west shore of Lower St. Mary Lake will be downgraded to Level 2 (warning). The Level 2 (warning) status of the east side of lower St. Mary Lake will be downgraded to Level 3 (advisory). The town site of St. Mary will continue to remain at a Level 3 (advisory).
* There are currently 570 personnel fighting the fire at this time.
* The official size of the fire has been re-estimated to be 3158 acres (rather than the 4000 acres previously reported). The fire is now 20% contained.
* The Going-to-the-Sun Road remains closed between the St. Mary entrance on the east side and Big Bend on the west side.
* The St. Mary Campground, the Rising Sun Motor Inn, and the Rising Sun Campground have been evacuated. The St. Mary Visitor Center is also closed to the public.
Although the fire continues to burn in the St. Mary Valley, the rest of the park is still open, with tons of outstanding hiking opportunities available. Remember, the park is more than one million acres in size. The Two Medicine, Many Glacier, Belly River, Bowman Lake and Lake McDonald areas all provide hikes that offer epic Glacier National Park scenery. For more information on many of the hikes in these areas, please click here.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
* The official size of the fire has been re-estimated to be 3158 acres (rather than the 4000 acres previously reported). The fire is now 20% contained.
* The Going-to-the-Sun Road remains closed between the St. Mary entrance on the east side and Big Bend on the west side.
* The St. Mary Campground, the Rising Sun Motor Inn, and the Rising Sun Campground have been evacuated. The St. Mary Visitor Center is also closed to the public.
Although the fire continues to burn in the St. Mary Valley, the rest of the park is still open, with tons of outstanding hiking opportunities available. Remember, the park is more than one million acres in size. The Two Medicine, Many Glacier, Belly River, Bowman Lake and Lake McDonald areas all provide hikes that offer epic Glacier National Park scenery. For more information on many of the hikes in these areas, please click here.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Update on Glacier Wildfire - Map of Closure Area
Unfortunately the park is no longer providing any updates on the Reynolds Creek Fire. The only information is coming from the Inciweb website, which was last updated last night. Here are a few items, including a map of the area impacted by the fire (click on photo for more details):
* There are currently 454 personnel fighting the fire at this time.
* The official size of the fire remains at approximately 4,000 acres, with 10% containment.
* The Going-to-the-Sun Road remains closed between the St. Mary entrance on the east side and Big Bend on the west side.
* The St. Mary Campground, the Rising Sun Motor Inn, and the Rising Sun Campground have been evacuated. The St. Mary Visitor Center is also closed to the public.
Although the fire continues to burn in the St. Mary Valley, the rest of the park is still open, with tons of outstanding hiking opportunities available. Remember, the park is more than one million acres in size. The Two Medicine, Many Glacier, Belly River, Bowman Lake and Lake McDonald areas all provide hikes that offer epic Glacier National Park scenery. For more information on many of the hikes in these areas, please click here.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
* The official size of the fire remains at approximately 4,000 acres, with 10% containment.
* The Going-to-the-Sun Road remains closed between the St. Mary entrance on the east side and Big Bend on the west side.
* The St. Mary Campground, the Rising Sun Motor Inn, and the Rising Sun Campground have been evacuated. The St. Mary Visitor Center is also closed to the public.
Although the fire continues to burn in the St. Mary Valley, the rest of the park is still open, with tons of outstanding hiking opportunities available. Remember, the park is more than one million acres in size. The Two Medicine, Many Glacier, Belly River, Bowman Lake and Lake McDonald areas all provide hikes that offer epic Glacier National Park scenery. For more information on many of the hikes in these areas, please click here.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Update on Wildfire in Glacier
Unfortunately there wasn't much new news provided by the park today regarding the Reynolds Creek Fire. The Inciweb website was updated about a half-hour ago, but provided very few new details. Here are a few items:
* A Type 1 Incident Management Team will assume command of the fire at 10:00p.m. Thursday evening. There are currently 200 personnel fighting the fire at this time.
* The official size of the fire remains at approximately 4,000 acres. Current suppression activities for Thursday include monitoring the southwest portion of the fire and trying to seize opportunities for anchoring the fire into St. Mary Lake.
* The Going-to-the-Sun Road remains closed between the St. Mary entrance on the east side and Big Bend on the west side.
* The St. Mary Campground, the Rising Sun Motor Inn, and the Rising Sun Campground have been evacuated. The St. Mary Visitor Center is closed to the public.
Although the fire continues to burn in the St. Mary Valley, the rest of the park is still open, with tons of outstanding hiking opportunities available. Remember, the park is more than one million acres in size. The Two Medicine, Many Glacier, Belly River, Bowman Lake and Lake McDonald areas all provide hikes that offer epic Glacier National Park scenery. For more information on many of the hikes in these areas, please click here.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
* The official size of the fire remains at approximately 4,000 acres. Current suppression activities for Thursday include monitoring the southwest portion of the fire and trying to seize opportunities for anchoring the fire into St. Mary Lake.
* The Going-to-the-Sun Road remains closed between the St. Mary entrance on the east side and Big Bend on the west side.
* The St. Mary Campground, the Rising Sun Motor Inn, and the Rising Sun Campground have been evacuated. The St. Mary Visitor Center is closed to the public.
Although the fire continues to burn in the St. Mary Valley, the rest of the park is still open, with tons of outstanding hiking opportunities available. Remember, the park is more than one million acres in size. The Two Medicine, Many Glacier, Belly River, Bowman Lake and Lake McDonald areas all provide hikes that offer epic Glacier National Park scenery. For more information on many of the hikes in these areas, please click here.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Fifth Person Injured By Bison in Yellowstone This Summer
A 43-year-old woman from Mississippi received minor injuries Tuesday when she turned her back on a bison to get a photo with it near the Fairy Falls trailhead in Yellowstone National Park. This is the fifth person injured after approaching bison this season.
The woman and her daughter were by the trailhead sign when they decided to take a picture with a bison that was approximately 6 yards away from them near the trail. When they turned their backs to the bison to take the picture, someone warned that they were too close. They heard the bison’s footsteps moving toward them and started to run, but the bison caught the mother on the right side, lifted her up and tossed her with its head. The woman’s father covered her with his body to protect her and the bison moved about 3 yards away. The family drove to the Old Faithful Clinic, where the woman was treated and released with minor injuries.
“The family said they read the warnings in both the park literature and the signage, but saw other people close to the bison, so they thought it would be OK,” said Colleen Rawlings, Old Faithful District Ranger. “People need to recognize that Yellowstone wildlife is wild, even though they seem docile. This woman was lucky that her injuries were not more severe.”
Wildlife should not be approached, regardless of how tame or calm they appear. When an animal is near a trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area, visitors must give it a wide berth and not approach it closer than the required minimum distances: 25 yards (23 m) away from all large animals - bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes and at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves.
Bison can run three times faster than humans can sprint and are unpredictable and dangerous. Visitors are advised to give the animals enough space and alter their plans to avoid interacting with an animal in close proximity.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
“The family said they read the warnings in both the park literature and the signage, but saw other people close to the bison, so they thought it would be OK,” said Colleen Rawlings, Old Faithful District Ranger. “People need to recognize that Yellowstone wildlife is wild, even though they seem docile. This woman was lucky that her injuries were not more severe.”
Wildlife should not be approached, regardless of how tame or calm they appear. When an animal is near a trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in a developed area, visitors must give it a wide berth and not approach it closer than the required minimum distances: 25 yards (23 m) away from all large animals - bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes and at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves.
Bison can run three times faster than humans can sprint and are unpredictable and dangerous. Visitors are advised to give the animals enough space and alter their plans to avoid interacting with an animal in close proximity.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Hiker/Climber Injured by Dislodged Boulder on the Grand Teton
On Tuesday, July 21, a large boulder dislodged and rolled over the arm of a hiker/climber, causing severe injury to his limb and prompting a helicopter-assisted rescue by Grand Teton National Park rangers. Tucker Zibilich, 26, of Jackson, Wyoming and his partner were on their descent after making a day trek to the Upper Saddle of the Grand Teton, elevation 13,285 feet, when he was injured by the boulder.
Teton Interagency Dispatch Center received an emergency call for help at 12:40 p.m. from Zibilich's partner and several other climbers, and park rangers immediately initiated a rescue operation. A backcountry ranger and a retired Jenny Lake Subdistrict ranger happened to be approaching the base of the headwall, just below the Lower Saddle of the Grand Teton, when the call came in. They promptly advanced to the Lower Saddle, picked up essential gear at the park's backcountry rescue cache, and ascended another 1,200+ feet to the accident site. They reached Zibilich at 2:15 p.m., assessed his condition, and provided emergency medical care until additional park rangers could arrive.
Due to nature of Zibilich's injury, and concern about attempting to hike him downslope over steep and rocky terrain to reach the Grand Teton's broad and somewhat flat Lower Saddle for an aerial evacuation, a decision was made to use the Teton Interagency contract helicopter to instead short-haul Zibilich directly from his high elevation site on the Grand Teton to the Jenny Lake Rescue Cache on the valley floor.
Whenever a helicopter is used to evacuate an injured person(s) from the Teton backcountry, it is preferable to fly the patient inside the ship. Short-haul is a rescue technique where an individual is suspended below the helicopter on a 100 to 200 foot rope. This method is often used in the Teton Range where conditions make it difficult to land a helicopter because of the rugged and precipitous terrain.
To prepare Zibilich for the short-haul flight, one additional park ranger was flown to the 11,600-foot Lower Saddle. Carrying additional emergency medical gear and a short-haul evacuation suit, the ranger hiked upslope to reach the accident site—a distance of nearly one mile and 1,200 vertical feet of steep terrain.
After he was placed into the evacuation suit and tethered to a short-haul line attached to the belly of the helicopter, Zibilich was flown at 5:15 p.m. suspended below the ship—and in tandem with an attending ranger—directly to the Jenny Lake Rescue Cache at Lupine Meadows, elevation 6,762 feet. He was then transferred to a waiting park ambulance and transported to St. John's Medical Center in Jackson.
It appears that Zibilich stepped on and dislodged several small boulders during his descent, which in turn loosened a large boulder and allowed it to roll over his arm. Because they were pursuing just a day hike to the Upper Saddle—and not attempting a technical climb—Zibilich and his partner did not have climbing ropes or harnesses with them. They did have helmets at the time of the incident.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Due to nature of Zibilich's injury, and concern about attempting to hike him downslope over steep and rocky terrain to reach the Grand Teton's broad and somewhat flat Lower Saddle for an aerial evacuation, a decision was made to use the Teton Interagency contract helicopter to instead short-haul Zibilich directly from his high elevation site on the Grand Teton to the Jenny Lake Rescue Cache on the valley floor.
Whenever a helicopter is used to evacuate an injured person(s) from the Teton backcountry, it is preferable to fly the patient inside the ship. Short-haul is a rescue technique where an individual is suspended below the helicopter on a 100 to 200 foot rope. This method is often used in the Teton Range where conditions make it difficult to land a helicopter because of the rugged and precipitous terrain.
To prepare Zibilich for the short-haul flight, one additional park ranger was flown to the 11,600-foot Lower Saddle. Carrying additional emergency medical gear and a short-haul evacuation suit, the ranger hiked upslope to reach the accident site—a distance of nearly one mile and 1,200 vertical feet of steep terrain.
After he was placed into the evacuation suit and tethered to a short-haul line attached to the belly of the helicopter, Zibilich was flown at 5:15 p.m. suspended below the ship—and in tandem with an attending ranger—directly to the Jenny Lake Rescue Cache at Lupine Meadows, elevation 6,762 feet. He was then transferred to a waiting park ambulance and transported to St. John's Medical Center in Jackson.
It appears that Zibilich stepped on and dislodged several small boulders during his descent, which in turn loosened a large boulder and allowed it to roll over his arm. Because they were pursuing just a day hike to the Upper Saddle—and not attempting a technical climb—Zibilich and his partner did not have climbing ropes or harnesses with them. They did have helmets at the time of the incident.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Glacier Wildfire Doubles in Size Again - Historic Cabin Destroyed
Extreme fire behavior continues on the Reynolds Creek Wildland Fire on the east side of Glacier National Park. Additional resources are arriving, including fire crews, helicopters, engines and an interagency incident command team. Due to windy conditions and extreme fire behavior, today’s suppression actions were limited to aerial water drops and some on-the-ground crew work.
The fire is moving northeast and is currently estimated to be 4,000 acres. It is located approximately 10 miles from the St. Mary Visitor Center along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Scattered light rain fell throughout the area, but strong winds and warm temperatures fueled additional acreage. The fire is moving quickly in dry, heavy timber with extreme spread potential. The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning in effect through 9 p.m. tonight for the area. This warning means that critical fire weather conditions exist.
The fire management priorities are safety of public and fire-fighting personnel, protection of property and values at risk, and containment of the fire.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed between the St. Mary entrance on the east side and Big Bend on the west side. The road closure is in response to the fire, firefighter and visitor safety, fire response activities, and park personnel priorities. The duration of the road closure is unknown.
Several evacuations in and around the St. Mary Visitor Center have been implemented as precautionary measures. Glacier County Sheriff’s Office and Blackfeet Law Enforcement have evacuated the west side of Lower St. Mary Lake and may continue with evacuations on the East shore of Lower St. Mary Lake. The townsite of St. Mary is being evaluated for possible evacuation. The National Park Service evacuated the employee housing area and administrative area early this evening.
Within the park, the St. Mary Campground was evacuated this morning, and the Rising Sun Motor Inn, operated by Glacier National Park Lodges, and the Rising Sun Campground were evacuated Tuesday evening. The St. Mary Visitor Center closed to the public at 12 p.m. today and will be used as a fire staging area. The duration of the closure is unknown at this time.
Several backpackers in the vicinity of the fire were located and found to be safe. Additional backpackers were located and will be escorted safely from the area. Park rangers and personnel will continue to search for backcountry hikers in the area to evacuate them and direct them to safety.
Today several visitors were able to retrieve their vehicles that were left along the Going-to-the-Sun Road yesterday due to fire activity in the area. One vehicle was consumed by the fire.
The historic Baring Creek Cabin, a National Park Service backcountry cabin, was lost due to the fire. No other structures have been burned, and no injuries have been reported.
All interpretive programs in the St. Mary Valley are cancelled until further notice. There is a temporary flight restriction over the fire area.
Below is some fairly dramatic video footage taken by a park visitor today:
Resources from Flathead National Forest, Glacier County, East Glacier, Babb, St Mary, Cutbank, Evergreen, and West Valley Fire Departments, Blackfeet Fire Management, Montana Department of Natural Resources, and Flathead County are assisting Glacier National Park. Glacier County and State of Montana Disaster Emergency Services are also assisting.
Fire information phone lines have been established at 406-732-7791 and 406-732-7790.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
The fire management priorities are safety of public and fire-fighting personnel, protection of property and values at risk, and containment of the fire.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed between the St. Mary entrance on the east side and Big Bend on the west side. The road closure is in response to the fire, firefighter and visitor safety, fire response activities, and park personnel priorities. The duration of the road closure is unknown.
Several evacuations in and around the St. Mary Visitor Center have been implemented as precautionary measures. Glacier County Sheriff’s Office and Blackfeet Law Enforcement have evacuated the west side of Lower St. Mary Lake and may continue with evacuations on the East shore of Lower St. Mary Lake. The townsite of St. Mary is being evaluated for possible evacuation. The National Park Service evacuated the employee housing area and administrative area early this evening.
Within the park, the St. Mary Campground was evacuated this morning, and the Rising Sun Motor Inn, operated by Glacier National Park Lodges, and the Rising Sun Campground were evacuated Tuesday evening. The St. Mary Visitor Center closed to the public at 12 p.m. today and will be used as a fire staging area. The duration of the closure is unknown at this time.
Several backpackers in the vicinity of the fire were located and found to be safe. Additional backpackers were located and will be escorted safely from the area. Park rangers and personnel will continue to search for backcountry hikers in the area to evacuate them and direct them to safety.
Today several visitors were able to retrieve their vehicles that were left along the Going-to-the-Sun Road yesterday due to fire activity in the area. One vehicle was consumed by the fire.
The historic Baring Creek Cabin, a National Park Service backcountry cabin, was lost due to the fire. No other structures have been burned, and no injuries have been reported.
All interpretive programs in the St. Mary Valley are cancelled until further notice. There is a temporary flight restriction over the fire area.
Below is some fairly dramatic video footage taken by a park visitor today:
Resources from Flathead National Forest, Glacier County, East Glacier, Babb, St Mary, Cutbank, Evergreen, and West Valley Fire Departments, Blackfeet Fire Management, Montana Department of Natural Resources, and Flathead County are assisting Glacier National Park. Glacier County and State of Montana Disaster Emergency Services are also assisting.
Fire information phone lines have been established at 406-732-7791 and 406-732-7790.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Glacier National Park Wildfire Prompts More Evacuations
Officials at Glacier National Park report that fire conditions and forecasted winds have prompted additional precautionary evacuations of the St. Mary area within Glacier National Park. These evacuations include the St. Mary Visitor Center and National Park Service administrative area. The St. Mary Campground, Rising Sun Campground, and the Rising Sun Motor Inn were previously evacuated.
Evacuations for areas adjacent to the park boundary were ordered by the Glacier County Sheriff and Blackfeet Emergency Services.
The wind-driven fire is moving quickly in dry, heavy timber and extreme fire behavior is reported. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. today for Glacier National Park. This warning means that critical fire weather conditions are anticipated, including strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures, factors contributing to the rapid fire growth.
At last report, the fire was estimated to be 2,000 acres. The fire management priorities are safety of public and fire-fighting personnel, protection of property and values at risk, and containment of the fire. A Type 1 Incident Management Team has been ordered.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed between the St. Mary entrance on the east side and Big Bend on the west side. The road closure is in response to the fire, firefighter and visitor safety, fire response activities, and park personnel priorities. The duration of the road closure is unknown.
Resources from Flathead National Forest, Glacier County, East Glacier, Babb, St Mary, and Cutbank, Fire Departments, Blackfeet Fire Management, Montana Department of Natural Resources, Evergreen and West Valley Fire Departments and Flathead County are assisting Glacier National Park.
Fire information phone lines have been established at (406) 732-7791 and (406) 732-7790.
The fire was first reported at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday and was located near Grizzly Point, approximately six miles east of Logan Pass. Park dispatch received numerous reports of the fire from shuttle bus drivers, Glacier Boat Company employees, park employees and visitors.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
The wind-driven fire is moving quickly in dry, heavy timber and extreme fire behavior is reported. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. today for Glacier National Park. This warning means that critical fire weather conditions are anticipated, including strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures, factors contributing to the rapid fire growth.
At last report, the fire was estimated to be 2,000 acres. The fire management priorities are safety of public and fire-fighting personnel, protection of property and values at risk, and containment of the fire. A Type 1 Incident Management Team has been ordered.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed between the St. Mary entrance on the east side and Big Bend on the west side. The road closure is in response to the fire, firefighter and visitor safety, fire response activities, and park personnel priorities. The duration of the road closure is unknown.
Resources from Flathead National Forest, Glacier County, East Glacier, Babb, St Mary, and Cutbank, Fire Departments, Blackfeet Fire Management, Montana Department of Natural Resources, Evergreen and West Valley Fire Departments and Flathead County are assisting Glacier National Park.
Fire information phone lines have been established at (406) 732-7791 and (406) 732-7790.
The fire was first reported at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday and was located near Grizzly Point, approximately six miles east of Logan Pass. Park dispatch received numerous reports of the fire from shuttle bus drivers, Glacier Boat Company employees, park employees and visitors.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Glacier National Park Wildfire Doubles in Size
Firefighters and fire-fighting resources continue to respond to the Reynolds Creek Wildland Fire on the east side of Glacier National Park. At this time, the fire is estimated to be approximately 2,000 acres. The fire management priorities are safety of public and fire-fighting personnel, protection of property and values at risk, and containment of the fire.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed between the St. Mary entrance on the east side and Big Bend on the west side. The road closure is in response to the fire, firefighter and visitor safety, fire response activities, and park personnel priorities. The duration of the road closure is unknown.
The St. Mary Campground is being evacuated. The campground has approximately 148 sites. The Rising Sun Motor Inn, operated by Glacier National Park Lodges, and the Rising Sun Campground were evacuated Tuesday evening.
The St. Mary Visitor Center will close to the public at 12 p.m. today, Wednesday, July 22. It will be used as a fire staging area. The duration of the closure is unknown at this time.
Park rangers and personnel are searching for backcountry hikers in the area to evacuate them and direct them to safety. The parking areas of the St. Mary Visitor Center and the Apgar Visitor Center have been established as gathering areas for park visitors that may have been separated from their group.
The park is assisting visitors retrieve their vehicles that were left along the Going-to-the-Sun Road yesterday due to fire activity in the area. One vehicle was consumed by the fire.
The fire is moving quickly in heavy timber with extreme spread potential. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning in effect from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. today for Glacier National Park. This warning means that critical fire weather conditions are anticipated, including strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures. These conditions may create explosive fire growth potential.
Pre-planning is being conducted for possible evacuation in the St. Mary area. National Park Service personnel are working in cooperation with Glacier County Sheriff's Office and Blackfeet Emergency Management.
All interpretive programs in the St. Mary Valley are cancelled until further notice. There is a temporary flight restriction over the fire area.
An interagency incident command team has been ordered and will arrive this afternoon. Resources from Flathead National Forest, Glacier County, East Glacier, Babb, St Mary, and Cutbank, Fire Departments, Blackfeet Fire Management, Montana Department of Natural Resources, Evergreen and West Valley Fire Departments and Flathead County are assisting Glacier National Park.
A fire information phone line has been established at 406-732-7791.
The fire was first reported at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday and was located near Grizzly Point, approximately six miles east of Logan Pass. Park dispatch received numerous reports of the fire from shuttle bus drivers, Glacier Boat Company employees, park employees and visitors.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed between the St. Mary entrance on the east side and Big Bend on the west side. The road closure is in response to the fire, firefighter and visitor safety, fire response activities, and park personnel priorities. The duration of the road closure is unknown.
The St. Mary Visitor Center will close to the public at 12 p.m. today, Wednesday, July 22. It will be used as a fire staging area. The duration of the closure is unknown at this time.
Park rangers and personnel are searching for backcountry hikers in the area to evacuate them and direct them to safety. The parking areas of the St. Mary Visitor Center and the Apgar Visitor Center have been established as gathering areas for park visitors that may have been separated from their group.
The park is assisting visitors retrieve their vehicles that were left along the Going-to-the-Sun Road yesterday due to fire activity in the area. One vehicle was consumed by the fire.
The fire is moving quickly in heavy timber with extreme spread potential. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning in effect from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. today for Glacier National Park. This warning means that critical fire weather conditions are anticipated, including strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures. These conditions may create explosive fire growth potential.
Pre-planning is being conducted for possible evacuation in the St. Mary area. National Park Service personnel are working in cooperation with Glacier County Sheriff's Office and Blackfeet Emergency Management.
All interpretive programs in the St. Mary Valley are cancelled until further notice. There is a temporary flight restriction over the fire area.
An interagency incident command team has been ordered and will arrive this afternoon. Resources from Flathead National Forest, Glacier County, East Glacier, Babb, St Mary, and Cutbank, Fire Departments, Blackfeet Fire Management, Montana Department of Natural Resources, Evergreen and West Valley Fire Departments and Flathead County are assisting Glacier National Park.
A fire information phone line has been established at 406-732-7791.
The fire was first reported at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday and was located near Grizzly Point, approximately six miles east of Logan Pass. Park dispatch received numerous reports of the fire from shuttle bus drivers, Glacier Boat Company employees, park employees and visitors.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Wildfire Shuts Down The Going-to-the-Sun Road
Firefighters and fire-fighting resources are responding to the Reynolds Creek Wildland Fire on the east side of Glacier National Park. The fire is currently estimated to be approximately 800-1000 acres.
The fire is moving quickly in heavy timber with extreme spread potential.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed between the St. Mary entrance on the east side and Avalanche on the west side. The road closure is in response to the fire, firefighter and visitor safety, fire response activities, and park personnel priorities. The duration of the road closure is unknown.
There is no access to any trails or backcountry areas from the Going-to-the-Sun Road at this time. Backcountry visitors are encouraged to contact the park’s backcountry office for more information.
The Rising Sun Motor Inn, operated by Glacier National Park Lodges, and the Rising Sun Campground were evacuated yesterday evening. Park rangers and personnel are searching for backcountry hikers in the area to evacuate them and direct them to safety. The parking areas of the St. Mary Visitor Center and the Apgar Visitor Center have been established as gathering areas for park visitors that may have been separated from their group.
All interpretive programs in the St. Mary Valley are cancelled until further notice. There is a temporary flight restriction over the fire area.
A Type II Interagency Incident Command Team has been ordered and should arrive on Wednesday. Resources from Flathead National Forest, Glacier County, East Glacier, Babb, St Mary, and Cutbank, Fire Departments, Blackfeet Fire Management, Montana Department of Natural Resources, Evergreen and West Valley Fire Departments and Flathead County are assisting Glacier National Park.
A fire information phone line has been established at 406-732-7791.
The fire was first reported at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday and was located near Grizzly Point, approximately six miles east of Logan Pass. Park dispatch received numerous reports of the fire from shuttle bus drivers, Glacier Boat Company employees, park employees and visitors
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed between the St. Mary entrance on the east side and Avalanche on the west side. The road closure is in response to the fire, firefighter and visitor safety, fire response activities, and park personnel priorities. The duration of the road closure is unknown.
There is no access to any trails or backcountry areas from the Going-to-the-Sun Road at this time. Backcountry visitors are encouraged to contact the park’s backcountry office for more information.
The Rising Sun Motor Inn, operated by Glacier National Park Lodges, and the Rising Sun Campground were evacuated yesterday evening. Park rangers and personnel are searching for backcountry hikers in the area to evacuate them and direct them to safety. The parking areas of the St. Mary Visitor Center and the Apgar Visitor Center have been established as gathering areas for park visitors that may have been separated from their group.
All interpretive programs in the St. Mary Valley are cancelled until further notice. There is a temporary flight restriction over the fire area.
A Type II Interagency Incident Command Team has been ordered and should arrive on Wednesday. Resources from Flathead National Forest, Glacier County, East Glacier, Babb, St Mary, and Cutbank, Fire Departments, Blackfeet Fire Management, Montana Department of Natural Resources, Evergreen and West Valley Fire Departments and Flathead County are assisting Glacier National Park.
A fire information phone line has been established at 406-732-7791.
The fire was first reported at approximately 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday and was located near Grizzly Point, approximately six miles east of Logan Pass. Park dispatch received numerous reports of the fire from shuttle bus drivers, Glacier Boat Company employees, park employees and visitors
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Friday, July 17, 2015
Recreational Trails Program Grants Awarded in Montana
Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) announced today that 60 trail organizations, communities, and various land-managing agencies throughout Montana will receive federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP) federal grant awards for their projects in 2015.
A record 89 RTP applications were received this year from a variety of eligible applicants, including federal and state agencies, towns, cities, counties, and private clubs and organizations.
The funds are appropriated to the states in the 2014 Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (Map-21) legislation passed by Congress with additional extensions for fiscal year 2015. The Recreational Trails Program current awards total approximately $982,500 in federal funds with the remaining awards to be released later this fall as funding becomes available. On May 31, 2015 Congress passed appropriations legislation to fund the current surface transportation program for two-thirds (through July 31, 2015) of the current Federal fiscal year. Funds have been allocated to the highest-scoring 33 projects based upon their relative scores and State Trails Advisory Committee recommendations.
The RTP Program awards grants through an annual competitive application process. Projects can range from construction and maintenance of trails, development of trailside and trailhead facilities, ethics and avalanche education and trainings, and interpretive programs.
A list of the successful 2015 Recreational Trails Program grant recipients is available here.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
A record 89 RTP applications were received this year from a variety of eligible applicants, including federal and state agencies, towns, cities, counties, and private clubs and organizations.
The funds are appropriated to the states in the 2014 Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (Map-21) legislation passed by Congress with additional extensions for fiscal year 2015. The Recreational Trails Program current awards total approximately $982,500 in federal funds with the remaining awards to be released later this fall as funding becomes available. On May 31, 2015 Congress passed appropriations legislation to fund the current surface transportation program for two-thirds (through July 31, 2015) of the current Federal fiscal year. Funds have been allocated to the highest-scoring 33 projects based upon their relative scores and State Trails Advisory Committee recommendations.
The RTP Program awards grants through an annual competitive application process. Projects can range from construction and maintenance of trails, development of trailside and trailhead facilities, ethics and avalanche education and trainings, and interpretive programs.
A list of the successful 2015 Recreational Trails Program grant recipients is available here.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Comments Encouraged on Inside North Fork Road
Glacier National Park is preparing an environmental assessment for the management of the inside North Fork Road and encouraging public comment by August 3. Public comments will help identify issues and alternatives to be considered and evaluated in the planning process.
The inside North Fork Road is located within the park. It is a seasonal gravel road approximately 40 miles in length. It begins near the south end of Lake McDonald continuing to Kintla Lake near the Canadian border. The road was constructed in 1901 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Currently, the road is open between the Fish Creek Campground and Camas Creek on the south end of the road, and between Polebridge and the Logging Creek Ranger Station on the north end of the road. Hikers and bikers may utilize the entirety of the inside North Fork Road. The middle section of the road is not open to motorized use due to road damage.
Since 2006 annual flooding has caused significant and recurring damage to the inside North Fork Road, particularly near the Anaconda Creek and Logging Creek areas. Another area of the road, near the North Fork of the Flathead River between Quartz Lake and Logging Creek, known as Lover’s Leap, is also an area of concern. The river is beginning to undercut this section of the road due to sloughing of the riverbank. Culvert additions and replacements along much of the road and new road base are needed in several locations.
In response, the park has brought in materials to mend damaged areas over the past several years. These fixes have been short-lived and resulted in deposition of road base and sediment into waterways, raising concern for fisheries and the health of riparian communities. In 2014, the park contracted an engineering firm to analyze options for road repairs at Anaconda and Logging Creeks, and Lover’s Leap. Cost estimates for these three repairs ranged from $682,000 to $735,000.
The park’s general management plan calls for preservation of the area’s wild character, with provision of only rustic visitor facilities. The road provides access to four primitive auto campgrounds and several trailheads. These few developments are surrounded by recommended wilderness.
Bull trout, a federally listed threatened species, and westslope cutthroat trout, a Montana State listed species of concern, utilize riparian habitat on and near the North Fork of the Flathead River, including federally designated critical habitat for bull trout. Road failures near Anaconda Bridge and Logging Creek are causing localized stream habitat degradation, with the potential to adversely impact bull trout critical habitat.
Given the repairs needed, associated costs, and ongoing maintenance requirements and resource concerns, the park is considering the overall future of the inside North Fork Road. An environmental assessment is being prepared for the management of the road. Objectives include developing a sustainable approach for maintenance and repair of the road, improving natural stream function in riparian areas, reducing adverse impacts on fisheries, and continuing to provide recreation opportunities in the North Fork area of the park.
A scoping brochure is available online, and comments and concerns regarding the project should be submitted online at www.parkplanning.nps.gov/InsideNorthForkRoad. Comments and concerns can also be mailed to Superintendent, Glacier National Park, Attn: inside North Fork Road, PO Box 128, West Glacier, MT 59936. Comments should be submitted by August 3.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
The inside North Fork Road is located within the park. It is a seasonal gravel road approximately 40 miles in length. It begins near the south end of Lake McDonald continuing to Kintla Lake near the Canadian border. The road was constructed in 1901 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Currently, the road is open between the Fish Creek Campground and Camas Creek on the south end of the road, and between Polebridge and the Logging Creek Ranger Station on the north end of the road. Hikers and bikers may utilize the entirety of the inside North Fork Road. The middle section of the road is not open to motorized use due to road damage.
Since 2006 annual flooding has caused significant and recurring damage to the inside North Fork Road, particularly near the Anaconda Creek and Logging Creek areas. Another area of the road, near the North Fork of the Flathead River between Quartz Lake and Logging Creek, known as Lover’s Leap, is also an area of concern. The river is beginning to undercut this section of the road due to sloughing of the riverbank. Culvert additions and replacements along much of the road and new road base are needed in several locations.
In response, the park has brought in materials to mend damaged areas over the past several years. These fixes have been short-lived and resulted in deposition of road base and sediment into waterways, raising concern for fisheries and the health of riparian communities. In 2014, the park contracted an engineering firm to analyze options for road repairs at Anaconda and Logging Creeks, and Lover’s Leap. Cost estimates for these three repairs ranged from $682,000 to $735,000.
The park’s general management plan calls for preservation of the area’s wild character, with provision of only rustic visitor facilities. The road provides access to four primitive auto campgrounds and several trailheads. These few developments are surrounded by recommended wilderness.
Bull trout, a federally listed threatened species, and westslope cutthroat trout, a Montana State listed species of concern, utilize riparian habitat on and near the North Fork of the Flathead River, including federally designated critical habitat for bull trout. Road failures near Anaconda Bridge and Logging Creek are causing localized stream habitat degradation, with the potential to adversely impact bull trout critical habitat.
Given the repairs needed, associated costs, and ongoing maintenance requirements and resource concerns, the park is considering the overall future of the inside North Fork Road. An environmental assessment is being prepared for the management of the road. Objectives include developing a sustainable approach for maintenance and repair of the road, improving natural stream function in riparian areas, reducing adverse impacts on fisheries, and continuing to provide recreation opportunities in the North Fork area of the park.
A scoping brochure is available online, and comments and concerns regarding the project should be submitted online at www.parkplanning.nps.gov/InsideNorthForkRoad. Comments and concerns can also be mailed to Superintendent, Glacier National Park, Attn: inside North Fork Road, PO Box 128, West Glacier, MT 59936. Comments should be submitted by August 3.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Monday, July 13, 2015
Project To Preserve Mormon Row Historic District Begins
Some projects are already underway—and several are about to begin—at the Mormon Row Historic District in Grand Teton National Park. These projects will launch a 'summer of preserving the past' throughout an important cultural area located near Antelope Flats Road. This series of projects will stabilize historic structures, upgrade visitor services through parking improvements and the addition of a vault toilet, and provide new interpretive information about the significance of this historic district. Some project work will require a temporary closure and limited public access around the T.A. Moulton Barn and also the John Moulton "pink house" and other historic structures that lie north of the Antelope Flats Road.
Work on the historic structures will be partially financed through private funds provided by Grand Teton National Park Foundation donors, and a matching grant awarded through the National Park Service Centennial Initiative.
In early June, a five-person crew from the Western Center for Historic Preservation started preservation and stabilization work on the exterior of several historic buildings located within the Mormon Row district, and their activities will continue through September 30. Under direction from the staff of the Western Center for Historic Preservation, a Student Conservation Association crew will complete preservation maintenance projects from mid-July through early August.
From late July through late August, two separate volunteer groups will conduct stabilization and restoration work, with a primary focus on the T.A. Moulton barn. One of the groups—the Michigan Volunteers—will be working from August 1-15 under the guidance of renowned historic preservationist, Harrison Goodall. This group will mark their 20th anniversary of volunteerism at Grand Teton National Park, which includes substantial labor completed during 2013. That year, park staff joined members of the Moulton family, the Michigan Volunteers, and many Jackson Hole residents for a public event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the T.A. Moulton barn. From late August through early September, a contracted crew will repair the steeply pitched Moulton barn roof.
In addition to the preservation work on historic buildings, other project work will include: construction of an interpretive trail that will run parallel to Mormon Row Road from the Antelope Flats Road to the Andy Chambers homestead cabin—a distance of .5 mile; construction of a southern parking area near the T.A. Moulton barn; installation of a vault toilet near the southern parking area; formalization of the parking area at the junction of Antelope Flat Road and Mormon Row Road; and construction of a bus turnaround spot on the Antelope Flats Road adjacent to the northern parking area. These infrastructure projects will require temporary closures and prevent public access for brief periods of time between mid-July and mid-August.
The Mormon Row Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. The Chambers Homestead was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990, and included as part of the larger Mormon Row district in 1997. Several picturesque barns located in the Mormon Row Historic District attract visitors and photographers from around the world. These and other historic structures at Mormon Row were built by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) who settled this area of Jackson Hole, east of Blacktail Butte, in the 1890s. Settlers established 27 homesteads in the area because of the relatively fertile soil, shelter from winds, and access to the Gros Ventre River for irrigation and other water needs. For park visitors, the Mormon Row buildings serve as reminders of the pioneer life in Jackson Hole.
The most extensive historic complex remaining on Mormon Row is the Andy Chambers homestead. Andy Chambers claimed land in 1912 and secured the title under the Homestead Act by building a log cabin and stable and clearing ground to grow grain. He also built a windmill to produce electricity, which still stands on the homestead.
For information about Mormon Row Historic District and the Moulton barns or Andy Chambers homestead, click here and use the cultural history link for additional topics.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Work on the historic structures will be partially financed through private funds provided by Grand Teton National Park Foundation donors, and a matching grant awarded through the National Park Service Centennial Initiative.
In early June, a five-person crew from the Western Center for Historic Preservation started preservation and stabilization work on the exterior of several historic buildings located within the Mormon Row district, and their activities will continue through September 30. Under direction from the staff of the Western Center for Historic Preservation, a Student Conservation Association crew will complete preservation maintenance projects from mid-July through early August.
In addition to the preservation work on historic buildings, other project work will include: construction of an interpretive trail that will run parallel to Mormon Row Road from the Antelope Flats Road to the Andy Chambers homestead cabin—a distance of .5 mile; construction of a southern parking area near the T.A. Moulton barn; installation of a vault toilet near the southern parking area; formalization of the parking area at the junction of Antelope Flat Road and Mormon Row Road; and construction of a bus turnaround spot on the Antelope Flats Road adjacent to the northern parking area. These infrastructure projects will require temporary closures and prevent public access for brief periods of time between mid-July and mid-August.
The most extensive historic complex remaining on Mormon Row is the Andy Chambers homestead. Andy Chambers claimed land in 1912 and secured the title under the Homestead Act by building a log cabin and stable and clearing ground to grow grain. He also built a windmill to produce electricity, which still stands on the homestead.
For information about Mormon Row Historic District and the Moulton barns or Andy Chambers homestead, click here and use the cultural history link for additional topics.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Gray Wolf Killed in Vehicle Collision near Elk Ranch Flats
A yearling male wolf was hit and killed by a passing vehicle late Tuesday night, July 7, on Highway 26/89/191 (Hwy 89) near Elk Ranch Flats in Grand Teton National Park. The black-colored wolf, weighing 75 pounds, is likely a member of the Phantom Springs wolf pack that frequents the eastern portion of Grand Teton. This pack has existed since 2008 and maintained a territory in this area since 2010. Park rangers discovered the dead wolf lying in the road at 11:45 p.m. and later received a call from the driver who stated that the wolf suddenly darted out into the traffic lane and he could not swerve to avoid hitting the animal.
According to the Code of Federal Regulations, a motor vehicle operator is required to report an accident involving property damage, personal injury, or death—which includes the injury or death of wildlife.
The expanse between Moran Junction and Triangle X Ranch, which includes Elk Ranch Flats, is a wildlife-rich area of the park. Stretches of Hwy 89 in this area contain dense roadside vegetation that can reduce the visibility of animals that may be lingering nearby. Wildlife are frequently found near riparian areas, and motorists should slow down, be more alert and use extra caution while driving through riparian areas with limited roadside visibility. Two such areas lie south of the Moran Junction and also Gros Ventre Junction.
Vehicles take a significant toll on park wildlife, resulting in the deaths of well over 100 animals per year.
In the past five years, five wolves and twelve bears (grizzly and/or black bears) were involved in vehicle collisions in Grand Teton National Park that resulted in the injury or death of the animal. The tally includes: 2010, two wolves and five bears (one grizzly bear); 2011, one wolf and two black bears; 2012, two wolves and four bears (two grizzlies); and 2014, one black bear. In addition to wolves and bears, other wildlife such as elk, moose, bison, deer, pronghorn antelope, and smaller creatures such as beavers, marmots, and porcupines have been killed in vehicle collisions, as well. Encounters between vehicles and bears or wolves—among other wildlife—serve as a reminder that animals actively use areas near park roads and also cross these roads without warning.
Motorists are reminded to drive the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop suddenly for wildlife.
In 2011, Grand Teton park managers lowered the nighttime speed limit to 45 mph in an effort to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. Many collisions with wildlife occur from dusk to dawn when a combination of low light and speed increases the chance for hitting an animal. It is important to note that driving defensively and lowering vehicle speeds can increase the margin of safety for both people and wildlife. Collisions with wildlife may result in severe damage to a vehicle, serious or fatal injuries to the occupants of that vehicle, and/or death for the animal involved.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
The expanse between Moran Junction and Triangle X Ranch, which includes Elk Ranch Flats, is a wildlife-rich area of the park. Stretches of Hwy 89 in this area contain dense roadside vegetation that can reduce the visibility of animals that may be lingering nearby. Wildlife are frequently found near riparian areas, and motorists should slow down, be more alert and use extra caution while driving through riparian areas with limited roadside visibility. Two such areas lie south of the Moran Junction and also Gros Ventre Junction.
Vehicles take a significant toll on park wildlife, resulting in the deaths of well over 100 animals per year.
In the past five years, five wolves and twelve bears (grizzly and/or black bears) were involved in vehicle collisions in Grand Teton National Park that resulted in the injury or death of the animal. The tally includes: 2010, two wolves and five bears (one grizzly bear); 2011, one wolf and two black bears; 2012, two wolves and four bears (two grizzlies); and 2014, one black bear. In addition to wolves and bears, other wildlife such as elk, moose, bison, deer, pronghorn antelope, and smaller creatures such as beavers, marmots, and porcupines have been killed in vehicle collisions, as well. Encounters between vehicles and bears or wolves—among other wildlife—serve as a reminder that animals actively use areas near park roads and also cross these roads without warning.
Motorists are reminded to drive the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop suddenly for wildlife.
In 2011, Grand Teton park managers lowered the nighttime speed limit to 45 mph in an effort to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. Many collisions with wildlife occur from dusk to dawn when a combination of low light and speed increases the chance for hitting an animal. It is important to note that driving defensively and lowering vehicle speeds can increase the margin of safety for both people and wildlife. Collisions with wildlife may result in severe damage to a vehicle, serious or fatal injuries to the occupants of that vehicle, and/or death for the animal involved.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Friday, July 10, 2015
Three Missing Hikers Found in Gros Ventre Wilderness
A search for three missing females in the Gros Ventre Wilderness culminated in a successful find at approximately 10:00 this morning. Megan, Erin, and Kelsi Andrews-Sharer were spotted by a Teton Interagency contract helicopter in a remote area in upper Horse Creek drainage, approximately 7 miles west of where their vehicle was found on Wednesday, July 8 at the Swift Creek trailhead on the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Yesterday, a permitted guide with Horse Creek Outfitters noted a person wearing a white rain jacket in an area with no trails. He phoned the information in to the Teton County Sheriff’s Office this morning when he became aware there was a search in progress. His accurate description of their location proved critical. The incident management team immediately redirected the helicopter to the coordinates the guide provided, and the girls were located within 20 minutes.
The hikers were cold, wet, and hungry but otherwise healthy, having spent several nights in the backcountry. Their experience and planning allowed them to be prepared for their unexpected situation. By staying together, using their tent, and having proper clothing, they were able to wait out the event without further incident.
The girls were flown to the Swift Creek trailhead and reunited with their father.
“We’re so pleased with the outcome of this search and the safety of the missing hikers and all the rescue personnel,” said Sheriff Jim Whalen, Incident Commander for the Search and Rescue event.
Responders from Teton and Sublette Counties, multiple federal agencies, and volunteers were involved in the search. Close to 100 people assisted in today’s search efforts.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Yesterday, a permitted guide with Horse Creek Outfitters noted a person wearing a white rain jacket in an area with no trails. He phoned the information in to the Teton County Sheriff’s Office this morning when he became aware there was a search in progress. His accurate description of their location proved critical. The incident management team immediately redirected the helicopter to the coordinates the guide provided, and the girls were located within 20 minutes.
The hikers were cold, wet, and hungry but otherwise healthy, having spent several nights in the backcountry. Their experience and planning allowed them to be prepared for their unexpected situation. By staying together, using their tent, and having proper clothing, they were able to wait out the event without further incident.
The girls were flown to the Swift Creek trailhead and reunited with their father.
“We’re so pleased with the outcome of this search and the safety of the missing hikers and all the rescue personnel,” said Sheriff Jim Whalen, Incident Commander for the Search and Rescue event.
Responders from Teton and Sublette Counties, multiple federal agencies, and volunteers were involved in the search. Close to 100 people assisted in today’s search efforts.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Thursday, July 9, 2015
A Wild Way to Move
This is a pretty cool video from Parks Canada, which shows how wildlife crossing structures and highway fencing in Banff National Park have reduced large animal deaths by more than 80%.
As you travel through Banff, animals are traveling as well - over your roof and under your wheels. So which animals adopted these crossing structures first? Which animals prefers overpasses versus underpasses? This video captures five years of wildlife movement through the lens of a remote camera in Banff National Park, and provides some interesting insights on how these structures have saved the lives of both animals and humans:
You can learn more about this project here and here.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
As you travel through Banff, animals are traveling as well - over your roof and under your wheels. So which animals adopted these crossing structures first? Which animals prefers overpasses versus underpasses? This video captures five years of wildlife movement through the lens of a remote camera in Banff National Park, and provides some interesting insights on how these structures have saved the lives of both animals and humans:
You can learn more about this project here and here.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Fire Danger Drops to ‘Moderate’ in Tetons
Recent rains received throughout the Teton Interagency area have resulted in the fire danger dropping to 'Moderate.' The Teton Interagency Fire area includes Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, the National Elk Refuge, as well as Lincoln, Sublette, and Teton counties.
Fires can still start easily during 'Moderate' fire danger. Visitors to the greater Jackson Hole area are reminded to remain vigilant with fire while recreating on public lands. Campfires always need to be cold to the touch before leaving them.
In Grand Teton National Park, wood and/or charcoal fires are allowed at picnic areas and campgrounds as long as they are limited to established fire pits or fire grates. Fires in the backcountry are allowed only in established fire rings at lakeshore campsites and must be attended at all times. Permits are required to camp in any of the park's backcountry sites.
The Bridger-Teton National Forest also allows wood and/or charcoal campfires in backcountry locations in established fire rings only. Camping permits are not required for private parties using the backcountry in the national forest areas
All park visitors and forest users are required to attend their campfires at all times. Unattended or abandoned campfires can quickly escalate into wildland fires. Additionally, only dead and down wood may be used as firewood in both the forest and park.These regulations are in place to provide for human safety, to protect personal property, and to preserve the area's natural resources.
While recent rains have reduced fire activity, long-term drought conditions continue to persist, and the fire danger rating could be elevated again if conditions change.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Fires can still start easily during 'Moderate' fire danger. Visitors to the greater Jackson Hole area are reminded to remain vigilant with fire while recreating on public lands. Campfires always need to be cold to the touch before leaving them.
In Grand Teton National Park, wood and/or charcoal fires are allowed at picnic areas and campgrounds as long as they are limited to established fire pits or fire grates. Fires in the backcountry are allowed only in established fire rings at lakeshore campsites and must be attended at all times. Permits are required to camp in any of the park's backcountry sites.
The Bridger-Teton National Forest also allows wood and/or charcoal campfires in backcountry locations in established fire rings only. Camping permits are not required for private parties using the backcountry in the national forest areas
All park visitors and forest users are required to attend their campfires at all times. Unattended or abandoned campfires can quickly escalate into wildland fires. Additionally, only dead and down wood may be used as firewood in both the forest and park.These regulations are in place to provide for human safety, to protect personal property, and to preserve the area's natural resources.
While recent rains have reduced fire activity, long-term drought conditions continue to persist, and the fire danger rating could be elevated again if conditions change.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Climber Seriously Injured In Rockfall On Middle Teton
A large boulder struck and seriously injured a climber during a rockfall yesterday morning. Michael Polmear, 27, of Bethesda, Maryland, was ascending the Middle Teton near its black dike feature when a boulder—described by his wife, Stephanie, as “the size of five to six microwave ovens”—suddenly rolled down slope toward Polmear and hit his left arm, causing severe injuries.
A former park employee, who happened to be nearby, reported hearing the rockfall and a subsequent call for help at approximately 8:30 a.m. He immediately made his way to the rockfall site and began to help Stephanie Polmear stabilize her husband’s injured arm. He placed an emergency call to Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 9:00 a.m. that activated a rescue response by park rangers with aerial support from a Teton Interagency contract helicopter. At the request of Grand Teton’s rescue coordinator, this first responder moved Polmear roughly 200 feet away from the accident site because of concern for additional rockfall activity.
Stephanie Polmear reported that she was belaying her husband up the initial pitch of the Black Dike route on the Middle Teton and that he was approximately 30 to 35 meters above her when the boulder came crashing down the slope without warning. Fortunately, Stephanie was not hit by any of the debris. Although severely injured, Michael used his non-injured arm to create an anchor and his wife was able to lower him by rope to her location.
Three park rangers were flown to a provisional helispot near the Cave Couloir at the base of the Middle Teton (approximately 600 linear feet and 300 vertical feet from Polmear) at 10:00 a.m. They provided emergency medical care, stabilized Polmear’s injured arm and helped him traverse the distance to the waiting helicopter. Polmear, accompanied by one attending ranger, was flown to the Jenny Lake Rescue Cache at Lupine Meadows, where he was then transferred to a park ambulance and transported to St. John’s Medical Center. Once the helicopter cleared the mountain helispot, the other two rangers ascended from the accident site to the Lower Saddle of the Grand Teton to begin a scheduled backcountry patrol.
The cause of the sudden rockfall is undetermined. However, recent thunderstorms and a sequence of mountain showers may have loosened the boulder and nearby soils. It appears that Polmear was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time when this natural event took place.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
A former park employee, who happened to be nearby, reported hearing the rockfall and a subsequent call for help at approximately 8:30 a.m. He immediately made his way to the rockfall site and began to help Stephanie Polmear stabilize her husband’s injured arm. He placed an emergency call to Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 9:00 a.m. that activated a rescue response by park rangers with aerial support from a Teton Interagency contract helicopter. At the request of Grand Teton’s rescue coordinator, this first responder moved Polmear roughly 200 feet away from the accident site because of concern for additional rockfall activity.
Three park rangers were flown to a provisional helispot near the Cave Couloir at the base of the Middle Teton (approximately 600 linear feet and 300 vertical feet from Polmear) at 10:00 a.m. They provided emergency medical care, stabilized Polmear’s injured arm and helped him traverse the distance to the waiting helicopter. Polmear, accompanied by one attending ranger, was flown to the Jenny Lake Rescue Cache at Lupine Meadows, where he was then transferred to a park ambulance and transported to St. John’s Medical Center. Once the helicopter cleared the mountain helispot, the other two rangers ascended from the accident site to the Lower Saddle of the Grand Teton to begin a scheduled backcountry patrol.
The cause of the sudden rockfall is undetermined. However, recent thunderstorms and a sequence of mountain showers may have loosened the boulder and nearby soils. It appears that Polmear was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time when this natural event took place.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Two More People Injured By Bison In Yellowstone
As Yellowstone National Park enters the busiest month of the year, visitors are reminded that they are responsible for their safety, which includes viewing wildlife from safe distances of at least 25 yards. In recent separate incidents, two people were injured after getting too close to bison. The first encounter occurred on June 23 when an off-duty concession employee came upon a bison while walking off trail after dark in the Lower Geyser Basin area. The second incident occurred July 1, when a visitor encountered a bison while hiking the Storm Point trail in the Yellowstone Lake area.
The first incident happened when a 19-year-old female from Georgia and three friends were returning to their car after swimming in the Firehole River late at night. The girl and a companion were walking in the dark when they came upon a bison lying down about 10 feet from them. The companion turned and ran from the bison, but before the girl could react, the bison charged her and tossed her in the air. Her friends helped her to their car and drove back to Canyon Village, where all four live and work. At Canyon, the girl went to bed, but awoke a short time later feeling ill. Around one in the morning, the party called the Yellowstone Interagency Communication Center asking for medical help. Rangers transported the victim by ground ambulance to a hospital outside the park and she was released with minor injuries later that day.
The second incident occurred when a 68-year-old female from Georgia was hiking on the Storm Point trail, approximately 300 yards from the trailhead, and encountered a bison near the trail. The woman continued on the trail and as she passed the bison, it charged and gored her. A witness ran up the trail to report the incident to an Interpretive ranger leading a hike in the area. Shortly before 4:30 p.m., the ranger reported the incident to the Yellowstone Interagency Communication Center. Due to serious injuries, the woman was transported to Lake Clinic by ground ambulance and then by helicopter ambulance to a hospital outside the park.
These are the third and fourth bison encounters in Yellowstone National Park this summer. The other two occurred when visitors to the Old Faithful area approached too close to bison. Both visitors in those incidents were flown by helicopter ambulance to a hospital due to their injuries.
Visitors should remember that while many of the bison and elk in the park may appear tame, they are wild animals and should never be approached. Bison can sprint three times faster than humans can run and are unpredictable and dangerous. Park regulations require visitors stay at least 25 yards (23 m) away from all large animals - bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes and at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves. If a visitor comes upon a bison or elk along a trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in developed areas, visitors must give the animal at least 25 yards by either safely going around the animal or turning around, altering their plans, and not approaching the animal.
For further information on park safety, please visit http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/safety.htm.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
The second incident occurred when a 68-year-old female from Georgia was hiking on the Storm Point trail, approximately 300 yards from the trailhead, and encountered a bison near the trail. The woman continued on the trail and as she passed the bison, it charged and gored her. A witness ran up the trail to report the incident to an Interpretive ranger leading a hike in the area. Shortly before 4:30 p.m., the ranger reported the incident to the Yellowstone Interagency Communication Center. Due to serious injuries, the woman was transported to Lake Clinic by ground ambulance and then by helicopter ambulance to a hospital outside the park.
These are the third and fourth bison encounters in Yellowstone National Park this summer. The other two occurred when visitors to the Old Faithful area approached too close to bison. Both visitors in those incidents were flown by helicopter ambulance to a hospital due to their injuries.
Visitors should remember that while many of the bison and elk in the park may appear tame, they are wild animals and should never be approached. Bison can sprint three times faster than humans can run and are unpredictable and dangerous. Park regulations require visitors stay at least 25 yards (23 m) away from all large animals - bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and coyotes and at least 100 yards (91 m) away from bears and wolves. If a visitor comes upon a bison or elk along a trail, boardwalk, parking lot, or in developed areas, visitors must give the animal at least 25 yards by either safely going around the animal or turning around, altering their plans, and not approaching the animal.
For further information on park safety, please visit http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/safety.htm.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Shuttle Service on the Going-to-the-Sun Road Begins Today
Glacier National Park’s free, optional shuttle system that provides shuttle services along the Going-to-the-Sun Road will begin operations July 1 and run through September 7.
On the west-side of the park, shuttle services begin at the Apgar Visitor Center. Service to all west-side shuttle stop locations begins at 9:00 a.m. with shuttles departing every 15-30 minutes until 7:00 p.m., when the last shuttle leaves Logan Pass.
Prior to 9:00 a.m. there is limited service to some spots on the west-side:
• At 7:00 a.m. and 7:18 a.m. there are express trips from the Apgar Visitor Center straight to Logan Pass, without any intermediate stops, and then continuing on to St. Mary making all regularly scheduled stops.
• At 7:36 a.m. an express shuttle departs the Apgar Visitor Center straight to Logan Pass, where a connection can be made to the St. Mary Shuttle
• At 7:56 a.m. shuttles begin service about every 15-30 minutes from the Apgar Visitor Center, with stops at Avalanche Creek, The Loop, and Logan Pass. This shuttle will not stop at Apgar Village, Apgar Campground, Sprague Creek, or Lake McDonald Lodge.
The St. Mary Visitor Center is the transit hub for shuttle services on the east-side of the park. East-side shuttles begin service at 7:00 a.m. from the visitor center and depart every 40 to 60 minutes. The last shuttles of the day leave Logan Pass for the Apgar Transit Center and St. Mary Visitor Center at 7:00 p.m. For more information on the shuttle system, click here.
For the majority of the summer season, travelers should expect construction activities between Siyeh Bend and St. Mary on the Going-to-the-Sun Road on the east-side of the park. The majority of the work involves paving the 15-mile segment from Siyeh Bend to St. Mary. Many points of interest on the east-side will be difficult to access by private vehicle during construction operations. Shuttle access is recommended for all access points and trailheads along the east-side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
There will be no construction work or delays due to roadwork over the 4th of July weekend, Friday through Monday on the east side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Following the holiday weekend, road construction will resume seven days a week. Delays will be up to 30 minutes.
Bicyclists must comply with all traffic regulations and must ride under control at all times The following sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road are closed to bicycle use between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. through Labor Day:
• Eastbound and westbound from the Apgar turnoff to Sprague Creek Campground, and
• Eastbound from Logan Creek to Logan Pass.
Visitors are reminded to be prepared for changing weather conditions throughout the park and use caution around water and snow. Some higher elevation trails in the park still have snow-covered areas. Hikers should exercise caution when walking on snow and be alert of possible collapsible snow and steep slide areas. The Highline Trail is open and the Ptarmigan Tunnel is open to foot traffic. Hidden Lake Overlook Trail still has significant snow-coverage. Current status of all trails within the park is available here.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Prior to 9:00 a.m. there is limited service to some spots on the west-side:
• At 7:00 a.m. and 7:18 a.m. there are express trips from the Apgar Visitor Center straight to Logan Pass, without any intermediate stops, and then continuing on to St. Mary making all regularly scheduled stops.
• At 7:36 a.m. an express shuttle departs the Apgar Visitor Center straight to Logan Pass, where a connection can be made to the St. Mary Shuttle
• At 7:56 a.m. shuttles begin service about every 15-30 minutes from the Apgar Visitor Center, with stops at Avalanche Creek, The Loop, and Logan Pass. This shuttle will not stop at Apgar Village, Apgar Campground, Sprague Creek, or Lake McDonald Lodge.
The St. Mary Visitor Center is the transit hub for shuttle services on the east-side of the park. East-side shuttles begin service at 7:00 a.m. from the visitor center and depart every 40 to 60 minutes. The last shuttles of the day leave Logan Pass for the Apgar Transit Center and St. Mary Visitor Center at 7:00 p.m. For more information on the shuttle system, click here.
For the majority of the summer season, travelers should expect construction activities between Siyeh Bend and St. Mary on the Going-to-the-Sun Road on the east-side of the park. The majority of the work involves paving the 15-mile segment from Siyeh Bend to St. Mary. Many points of interest on the east-side will be difficult to access by private vehicle during construction operations. Shuttle access is recommended for all access points and trailheads along the east-side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
There will be no construction work or delays due to roadwork over the 4th of July weekend, Friday through Monday on the east side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Following the holiday weekend, road construction will resume seven days a week. Delays will be up to 30 minutes.
Bicyclists must comply with all traffic regulations and must ride under control at all times The following sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road are closed to bicycle use between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. through Labor Day:
• Eastbound and westbound from the Apgar turnoff to Sprague Creek Campground, and
• Eastbound from Logan Creek to Logan Pass.
Visitors are reminded to be prepared for changing weather conditions throughout the park and use caution around water and snow. Some higher elevation trails in the park still have snow-covered areas. Hikers should exercise caution when walking on snow and be alert of possible collapsible snow and steep slide areas. The Highline Trail is open and the Ptarmigan Tunnel is open to foot traffic. Hidden Lake Overlook Trail still has significant snow-coverage. Current status of all trails within the park is available here.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Many Glacier Hotel Centennial Celebration
The Many Glacier Hotel in Glacier National Park celebrates its 100- year anniversary this year. A celebration is planned for July 4th, but centennial activities will be offered throughout the summer.
Free ranger-led historic walking tours of Many Glacier Hotel will be offered at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. on July 4th. The free tours are also offered daily at 4 p.m. throughout the summer and an exhibit about the hotel is on display. Visitors are encouraged to attend a tour and visit the exhibit to learn about the hotel’s history and restoration.
Beginning at 2:00 p.m. on July 4th, representatives from Glacier National Park, Glacier National Park Lodges, the Glacier National Park Conservancy, and the Glacier Park Foundation will give brief presentations in the St. Moritz Room of the Many Glacier Hotel. Other activities, including music, a ranger talk, and a reminiscent hootenanny are also planned.
Parking is limited in the Many Glacier Hotel area.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Beginning at 2:00 p.m. on July 4th, representatives from Glacier National Park, Glacier National Park Lodges, the Glacier National Park Conservancy, and the Glacier Park Foundation will give brief presentations in the St. Moritz Room of the Many Glacier Hotel. Other activities, including music, a ranger talk, and a reminiscent hootenanny are also planned.
Parking is limited in the Many Glacier Hotel area.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Grand Teton National Park Foundation receives $100,000 Grant
Grand Teton National Park Foundation has received a grant of $100,000 from Wells Fargo to support conservation, recreation and education efforts.
The Wells Fargo Environmental Solutions for Communities grant program, funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation and administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), awarded $75,000 to support Inspiring Journeys: A Campaign for Jenny Lake. This public-private collaboration will transform Jenny Lake’s trails, bridges, key destinations and visitor complex. Additionally, Wells Fargo’s Wyoming Region awarded $25,000 for the park’s Youth Conservation Program, a teen education, stewardship and employment opportunity that provides much-needed repairs and improvements on heavily used park trails and historic sites.
Established in 2012, the Wells Fargo Environmental Solutions for Communities five-year grant program has awarded $12 million to 207 grantees and funded 247 projects to date that promote conservation and environmental sustainability.
“It’s an important time for the Foundation as we’re heading into the last year of our campaign,” said Grand Teton National Park Foundation’s president, Leslie Mattson. “The generosity of the Wells Fargo Foundation in partnership with NFWF puts us just over $12 million of our $14 million project goal to be raised in time for the NPS centennial next August. The local support of Wells Fargo is incredible, and we’re lucky to have found such a wonderful partner for the park right here in our own community.”
As part of Wells Fargo’s $100 million philanthropy commitment to nonprofits and universities by 2020, a $15 million, five-year relationship with NFWF was created and launched in 2012 to promote environmental stewardship across the country. The goal of the Wells Fargo-NFWF grant partnership and program is to provide grants for highly impactful projects that link economic development and community well-being to the stewardship and health of the environment. The program will fund proposals in select cities/regions (see website for full list) in the following areas:
• sustainable agriculture and forestry
• conservation of land and water resources
• restoration of urban ecosystems
• clean energy infrastructure
Grand Teton National Park Foundation was selected from among more than 450 requests submitted by local team members and nonprofits Wells Fargo identified as being in need of extra help with green revitalization projects. In April 2012, Wells Fargo released a set of environmental commitments to be achieved by 2020; including reducing the company’s environmental impact, financing the transition to a greener economy and encouraging stronger and more sustainable communities. Part of this goal includes a $100 million environmental grants commitment by 2020 to create a “greener” future for the communities they serve.
Details of the Wells Fargo Environmental Solutions for Communities grant program and a link to the 2016 application (available in September 2015) can be found at the NFWF application website. Projects benefiting underserved communities and encouraging volunteerism are given priority consideration. The Wells Fargo Environmental Solutions for Communities grant program is funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation to promote environmental stewardship across the country.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Established in 2012, the Wells Fargo Environmental Solutions for Communities five-year grant program has awarded $12 million to 207 grantees and funded 247 projects to date that promote conservation and environmental sustainability.
“It’s an important time for the Foundation as we’re heading into the last year of our campaign,” said Grand Teton National Park Foundation’s president, Leslie Mattson. “The generosity of the Wells Fargo Foundation in partnership with NFWF puts us just over $12 million of our $14 million project goal to be raised in time for the NPS centennial next August. The local support of Wells Fargo is incredible, and we’re lucky to have found such a wonderful partner for the park right here in our own community.”
As part of Wells Fargo’s $100 million philanthropy commitment to nonprofits and universities by 2020, a $15 million, five-year relationship with NFWF was created and launched in 2012 to promote environmental stewardship across the country. The goal of the Wells Fargo-NFWF grant partnership and program is to provide grants for highly impactful projects that link economic development and community well-being to the stewardship and health of the environment. The program will fund proposals in select cities/regions (see website for full list) in the following areas:
• sustainable agriculture and forestry
• conservation of land and water resources
• restoration of urban ecosystems
• clean energy infrastructure
Grand Teton National Park Foundation was selected from among more than 450 requests submitted by local team members and nonprofits Wells Fargo identified as being in need of extra help with green revitalization projects. In April 2012, Wells Fargo released a set of environmental commitments to be achieved by 2020; including reducing the company’s environmental impact, financing the transition to a greener economy and encouraging stronger and more sustainable communities. Part of this goal includes a $100 million environmental grants commitment by 2020 to create a “greener” future for the communities they serve.
Details of the Wells Fargo Environmental Solutions for Communities grant program and a link to the 2016 application (available in September 2015) can be found at the NFWF application website. Projects benefiting underserved communities and encouraging volunteerism are given priority consideration. The Wells Fargo Environmental Solutions for Communities grant program is funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation to promote environmental stewardship across the country.
Jeff
HikinginGlacier.com
TetonHikingTrails.com
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
HikingintheSmokys.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)