Single Publication

Crater Creek Fire Update
August 23, 2023

Tonasket, WA: The fire is burning in remote and rugged terrain with poor access, it is not currently threatening critical infrastructure or municipal watershed integrity. A confine/contain suppression strategy is being implemented. The majority of work on the ground today is a continuation of last operational period. Recreation values are being assessed and mapped for protection. Crews are working on opening shoulders of the Crazy Cow Creek Rd to improve access to the eastern containment lines and were able to make good progress yesterday. Clearing and chipping operations on the FS 39 Road continue, as well as the scouting and establishing of indirect line on the eastern side of the containment area. With the smoke lifting, aerial resources may be able to perform reconnaissance flights.

Please check up to date road closure information on the websites below, be considerate of these areas for not only public safety but also the safety of the firefighters and machinery. Daily communication with British Columbia fire officials is ongoing. 

Weather: Forecast is based on an elevation range of 6000 to 7500 feet. The high today is 55 degrees with a minimum humidity of 43 percent. Winds have the potential to gust 14 mph this afternoon and evening. There is a 20 percent chance of rain or snow showers at higher elevations. Higher pressure will build Thursday and Friday, allowing for a warming trend that will peak on Monday.

Closures: Closure Orders have been issued by the US Forest Service, BLM, and DNR.
USFS: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and the Colville National Forest for the following campgrounds, roads, and trails:
Developed Campgrounds Closed

Long Swamp Campground, 14 Mile Campground

Roads Closed

FSR 3900100, 110, 105, FSR 3900395, FSR 3900415, FSR 3900500 (Iron Gate), 502, 505, 510, 515

Trails Closed

Trail No. 340 Long Draw, Trail No. 341 Deer Park, Trail No. 342 Windy Peak, Trail No. 343 Clutch Peak, Trail No. 360 Basin Creek, Trail No. 362 Windy Peak, Trail No. 375 Albert Camp, Trail No. 387 Middle Fork, Trail No. 505 Coleman Ridge from junction with Trail No. 561 north to junction with Trail No. 510, Trail No. 510 Chewuch from junction with 510A Cathedral Driveway north to junction with Trail No. 565 Lesamiz, Trail No. 533 Boundary Trail (Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail) from the junction of the lower Cathedral Lake Trail No. 545 junction east to the Forest Service boundary with the Loomis State Forest, Trail No. 533.2 Smith Lake, Trail No. 534 Tungsten Creek, Trail No. 561 Fire Creek

https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/colville/alerts-notices or https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices

WA DNR: The WA Department of Natural Resources has closed the northern block of the Loomis NRCA. This closure includes the Disappointment Trailhead, as well as Cold Springs Campground, Cold Springs Overlook, and Chopaka Lake Campground. The Cold Springs Road is closed 6 miles past the intersection with Toats Coulee Road, and the Fourteen Mile Road is closed 1 mile past the intersection with Toats Coulee Road. https://www.dnr.wa.gov/LoomisLoupLoup