Friday, October 11, 2024

Last day for visitors to drive Beartooth Highway (US-212) between Red Lodge and Cooke City, Montana, will be Oct. 14

The last day for visitors to drive the Beartooth Highway (US-212) between Red Lodge, Montana, and Yellowstone National Park’s Northeast Entrance near Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana, is Monday, Oct. 14. The highway will be closed for the season Oct. 15.

Automobile travel east of Cooke City, Montana, to the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway is possible until early November, weather dependent.

Check the Montana and Wyoming departments of transportation websites for road updates and status.



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Thursday, October 10, 2024

Western Wyoming Forests Caution Fire Danger

As unusually dry and warm weather persists across the West, so does fire season for Wyoming public lands. The Shoshone and Bridger-Teton national forests remind outdoor enthusiasts to be cautious while hunting and recreating this fall.

Currently, both the Shoshone and Bridger-Teton forests are in “Very High” fire danger, this means fires can start easily from most causes and may spread rapidly. Small fires can quickly become large fires and exhibit extreme fire behavior, such as long-distance spotting, especially with the windy conditions experienced recently.

The National Multi-Agency Coordination Group has raised the national preparedness level to 5, which is the highest preparedness level. This means firefighting resources are currently extremely scarce. A highly unusual weather pattern is forecast for the next two weeks, with above normal temperatures and dry conditions across the West. Temperatures will likely average 10 to 20 degrees above normal with very low relative humidity.

While most of eastern Wyoming remains under fire restrictions, many areas in western Wyoming are not. Please be aware of local public safety area closures, take precautions before venturing out, and be careful with anything that could start a fire.

“With a little extra effort and caution we can all ensure that human-caused fires are not contributing to the challenging situation we find ourselves in,” states Fred Tucker, Shoshone National Forest Fire Management Officer. “Just like everyone else, we’re all hoping for a significant rain or snow event that will bring the 2024 fire season to a close.”



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Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Yellowstone researchers discover cause of July's Biscuit Basin explosion

The USGS Volcanoes posted this bit of news regarding the Biscuit Basin explosion in Yellowstone on their social media recently:
Let’s get you caught up on what we’ve learned about the July 23, 2024, hydrothermal explosion in Biscuit Basin, in this #Yellowstone Volcano Observatory Monthly Update for October 2024.

On July 23, 2024, there was an explosion from Black Diamond Pool at Biscuit Basin in Yellowstone National Park. Since that time since, we've learned quite a lot about this event.

The explosion was not caused by the direct interaction of magma and water, with magma causing water to flash to steam. Rather, the explosion was caused by the accumulation of boiling water and steam at shallow levels. We know it was shallow because the rocks that came out during the explosion are glacial debris - sandstone and siltstone - that are sourced at very shallow levels. None of the rock is rhyolite from bedrock that's about 175 feet beneath the surface.

The seismometers, cameras, and thermal probes that were put out after the explosion have detected surges of water from Black Diamond Pool. The surges haven’t been big, but they have moved rocks around and deposited silt on the shores of the pool. From citizen science reports and photographs prior to the explosion, we’ve learned that there may have been a precursory surge from the pool, probably on the night of July 16 or 17, based on how rocks moved around between those two time periods.

So, we've learned quite a bit about this previously underappreciated hazard (hydrothermal explosions) which are the most likely hazard to occur in the Yellowstone Region on human timescales.

During the month of September 2024, the University of Utah Seismograph Stations, which monitors and operates the Yellowstone seismic network, located 54 earthquakes, which is consistent with background levels of activity. Deformation trends observed since 2015 continue with a seasonal pause in subsidence. While Steamboat Geyser did not have a water eruption in September, frequent minor activity suggests that an eruption is likely in the coming days to weeks.

Yellowstone Volcano remains at normal, background levels of activity.
Here's a short video with more information:





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Monday, October 7, 2024

Bridger-Teton Seeks Input on Commissary Ridge Trails

The Bridger-Teton National Forest is beginning a multi-year project to improve the Commissary Ridge Trail System in the southern Wyoming Range and is asking for your input.

The Commissary Ridge Trail System is 180 miles of backcountry multi-use non-motorized trails on the Kemmerer Ranger District in Southwest Wyoming. With 34 different trails and 17 trailheads, the Commissary Ridge Trail System is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

The trail system has been largely unmaintained for over two decades. Natural factors such as erosion, fallen trees, fire, and overgrowth have taken a toll on the trails, making some sections unsafe and difficult to navigate. This overall decline in the quality of the trail system has negatively impacted the visitor experience.

In response to this critical need, the Kemmerer Ranger District is proposing a three-year project to revitalize and enhance the trail system. The project aims to restore and improve the existing trails, making them safer and more enjoyable for visitors.

The first phase of the project is to inventory the expansive trail system to identify areas of concern. The second phase will be the on-the-ground restoration of both trails and trailheads.

The project is a collaborative effort between the Forest Service, state and non-governmental partners, local communities, and volunteers. It highlights the importance of responsible and sustainable recreational use of public lands.

The Kemmerer Ranger District is seeking peoples’ knowledge and desires for the Commissary Ridge Trail System. Everyone is encouraged take a few moments to complete the brief questionnaire. Feedback received will help managers make informed decisions on how best to move forward with the renovation project.

For more information you can call 307-739-5500 or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/



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Saturday, October 5, 2024

Flathead National Forest conducts National Visitor Use Monitoring survey

The National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM) surveys began this week and will be conducted across the Flathead National Forest through September 30, 2025. The primary function of the survey is to gauge National Forest visitor satisfaction. It provides National Forest managers with an estimate of how many people recreate on the Flathead National Forest, what activities they engage in while there, and how satisfied people were with their visit. Surveys are voluntary and all responses are confidential; names are not included. Interviews include basic visitor information and last about 10 minutes.

Visitors to Flathead National Forest will encounter Forest Service employees conducting interviews in developed and dispersed recreation sites and along Forest Service roads. They will be out in all types of weather conditions, wearing bright orange vests, and will be near a sign that says, “Traffic Survey Ahead”.

“Although the survey is entirely voluntary, participation is extremely important so we can assess visitor experiences on the Forest and strive to make it a better place to visit,” said Forest Supervisor Anthony Botello. “We would appreciate it if visitors would pull over and answer a few questions. We would like to hear from local people using the forest, as well as out-of-area visitors, so all types of visitors are represented in the study.”

Additional information about the National Visitor Use Monitoring program can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/nvum



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