Update on the Thompson Fire

Not much has changed since yesterday. The Thompson Fire is burning in the remote Thompson Creek and Nyack Creek drainages, west of Medicine Grizzly Peak where the Flathead and Glacier Counties border follows the Continental Divide. The fire is still estimated to be 14,900 acres in size, and at this time is still 0% contained.

The Thompson Fire has prompted closure of the Nyack and Coal Creek areas, including trails and backcountry campsites. There may be additional trail closures in the area due to increased fire activity. For updated information on trail status, click here.

Fortunately no structures have been lost or damaged. Structure protection is in place at the Lower Nyack Backcountry Patrol Cabin. The threat to the Upper Nyack Cabin was reduced when the fire burned around it.

A cold front is expected this afternoon with increasing winds and possible strong thunderstorms. A Red Flag Warning for fire behavior is in effect from noon to midnight. Strong winds will first come from a southerly direction, turning westerly behind the front. Strong thunderstorms capable of gusty winds and hail are also expected. Cooler weather and higher humidity are expected Saturday, with a return to seasonal conditions Sunday.

Some of the smoke to the east is from the Thompson Fire. However, much of the smoke in the region is from fires west of Glacier in California, Washington, Oregon and Idaho. There are 188 fires burning nationally, including 66 in the Northern Rockies.

You can visit the Inciweb website, or call (406) 314-1669 for updated fire information.



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