A virtual public meeting will be held on Wednesday, Aug 17 at 6pm on the Salmon-Challis Nat’l Forest Facebook Page.

Due to increased fire activity along the Salmon River from Pine Creek to Panther Creek, the portion of the Salmon River Road (#030) between Spring Creek and Panther Creek will be closed until further notice.  Panther Creek Rd is the alternate route to access Corn Creek.  The alternate route is unpaved, curvy and will have fire-related traffic present so please drive carefully and plan for extra travel time.

 

Northern Rockies Team 2 assumed command of the Moose Fire at 0600 this morning. Despite the forecast calling for hot and dry weather through Thursday, winds are expected to remain light, which reduces the likelihood of widespread fire growth and spotting. The western edge of the fire remains the most active, backing down the Salmon Breaks toward the Salmon River Road, causing debris to fall down to the road. Crews today will be engaged in fire suppression activities and may utilize strategic firing operations in this area to remove fuels from the path of the fire edge on these steep slopes. Air resources will be utilized, as well, where appropriate and safe to do so. Yesterday, the hot spot in the cottonwoods along Highway 93 near Fourth of July Creek was worked by firefighters, utilizing rafts to ferry firefighters and equipment across the river. Crews will continue to keep an eye on that area today. A finger extending to the west from Moose Creek kicked up today and put out some smoke that settled in the valleys. Both ground and aerial resources responded dropping buckets and reinforcing the line in this area. Hand and engine crews continued to go direct in areas of the “horseshoe” including Napoleon Area, Napoleon Hill, and Moose Meadows, but had to back off in some areas due to increased fire activity rendering it unsafe. Structure protection within the “horseshoe” is ongoing. Aerial resources assisted to cool these areas with bucket drops and crews will reassess the ability to engage the fire edge again today.

EVACUATIONS: Zone 14 (Salmon River Rd south along Panther Creek Rd to Trail Creek Rd) is now in “Ready” status. Zones 5 and 6 are no longer in an Evacuation Status. Residents in Zone 8 (Squaw Creek to Pine Creek bridge) and Zone 1 (Fairgrounds to Tower Creek west of Highway 93) remain in “SET” status. All other zones are in “READY” status. The latest updates can be found at https://www.lemhicountyidaho.org/site-home/urgent-alerts/latest-updates-moose-creek-fire.  

 CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS: A Salmon-Challis National Forest closure order remains in effect for the Moose Fire Emergency Area, Road, and Trail Closure, Order #04-13-22-506. Salmon River Road is closed to two-way traffic from Spring Creek to Panther Creek. Details and a closure map can be found at https://bit.ly/3BotHEf. Morgan Bar Campground is temporarily closed to public use; see on.doi.gov/3bCSeLx. For your safety, please stay out of the fire area north of the Salmon River, as well as other burned areas. Loose rocks, hazard trees, and lingering hot spots can all be extremely dangerous. Stage 1 Fire restrictions are in effect on the Salmon-Challis National Forest, BLM, and State of Idaho lands in Custer and Lemhi Counties, excluding wilderness areas. There is a temporary flight restriction over the fire area; see https://tfr.faa.gov. Thank you for respecting the TFR. If you fly, we can’t. Don’t be the reason that a firefighting air operation must divert from the mission.

Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook and ‘Follow Us’ on Twitter @salmonchallisnf

 

 The Salmon River Road (#030) between Spring Creek and Panther Creek is closed until further notice due to hazards associated with the increased fire activity which includes rolling material such as large rocks, logs, and other debris.Alternative routes exist to access and exit from Corn Creek via the Panther Creek Road.

 

SALMON RIVER ROAD UPDATE AUGUST 15, 2022

The Central Idaho Dispatch Zone is at EXTREME Fire Danger CENTRAL IDAHO FIRE RESTRICTIONS AREA IS IN STAGE I FIRE RESTRICTIONS

On InciWeb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8249/

Due to active fire behavior and fire growth along the Main Salmon River from Pine Creek to Panther Creek, starting today, August 15th, there is a high probability that a portion of the Salmon River Road (#030) between Spring Creek and Panther Creek will be closed intermittently. This potential closure is due to hazards associated with the increased fire activity which includes rolling material such as large rocks, logs, and other debris. In addition, there will be an increase in fire related traffic to support fire suppression actions associated with suppression of the fire, including a potential firing operation along the road to aid in reducing the intensity of the fire in that area when it becomes clear fire is going to impact landscape in that area.

Alternative routes exist to access and exit from Corn Creek via the Panther Creek Road.
Visit our website at: www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/, ‘Like Us’ on Facebook @salmonchallisnf, and ‘Follow Us’ on Twitter @salmonchallisnf.

SILVER CITY, NM, Aug. 19, 2022 — The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team continues to work on the implementation of its proposed post-fire treatments for the Black Fire area. A major concern is the National Forest System Roads. Currently, the Gila National Forest Road crew is performing post-fire storm inspection and response on numerous forest roads located within the fire area.

Crews are working on Forest Roads 150, 152, 226, 226A, 225, 18, 500 and 62. Personnel are utilizing two graders, three backhoes and a dozer. Due to the high amount of rainfall in the burn area, portions of these roads have become impassable at times because of washouts, debris, and large rocks on roadways. Forest road 150 has been very problematic in Rocky Canyon and the Diamond Creek area.

Very heavy amounts of rainfall are expected Friday and Saturday over the fire area with anticipated portions of roads being impassable. This amount of precipitation could cause issues in areas outside the fire area.

It’s important to remember to always use caution on wet roadways. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. Even larger vehicles are at risk of sinking and getting stuck in many areas across the Forest. A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just two feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

Se publican los resúmenes de la evaluación BAER (Burned Area Emergency Response) de las fases 1, 2 y 3 de tras el incendio HPCC (Hermits Peak Calf Canyon)

Se publica el resumen de la evaluación BAER de la fases 1, 2, y 3 posterior al incendio de Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon

El Servicio Forestal del Bosque Nacional Santa Fe (USFS-United States Forest Service Santa Fe National Forest) completó sus evaluaciones BAER de las fases 1, 2 y 3 posteriores al incendio de las áreas quemadas de Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon y de las cuencas afectadas para determinar su respuesta, las condiciones del suelo, las amenazas potenciales y las medidas y acciones de estabilización de emergencia BAER recomendadas en las tierras del Sistema Forestal Nacional (NFS National Forest System). Los tratamientos y actividades de emergencia BAER están diseñados para disminuir los posibles impactos a los valores críticos de las áreas quemadas durante los eventos de tormenta, tales como: la vida y la seguridad, la propiedad, los recursos naturales críticos y los recursos culturales.

NOTA: A continuación se adjunta como "Información relacionada" un documento en formato PDF denominado "Resumen de la evaluación BAER de la fase 1," "Resumen de la evaluación BAER de la fase 2" y "Resumen de la evaluación BAER de la fase 3".

MENSAJE DE SEGURIDAD DE BAER: Todas las personas que se encuentren cerca de las áreas quemadas y aguas abajo de las mismas deben permanecer alertas y estar al tanto de las condiciones meteorológicas que puedan provocar lluvias y un aumento de la escorrentía. Las inundaciones repentinas pueden ocurrir rápidamente durante los eventos de lluvia. Esté preparado para actuar. Las notificaciones meteorológicas y de emergencia actuales se pueden encontrar en el sitio web del Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (NWS National Weather Service): www.weather.gov/abq/.

Hermits Peak & Calf Canyon Aerial Seeding/Mulching Update:

As of 08/17, 2,500 acres have been aerially seeded. Aerial mulching with wood shred and straw has begun.

 Calf Canyon Fire 100% Contained

 Acres: 341,735
 Containment: 100%
 Total personnel: 470
 Start Date: Hermits Peak: April 6, 2022; Calf Canyon: April 19, 2022
 Cause: Hermits Peak: Spot fires from prescribed burn; Calf Canyon: Holdover fire from prescribed pile burn
 Location: 12 miles NW of Las Vegas, NM
 Fuels: Heavy mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, brush, and grass

Highlights: Today fire managers on the Calf Canyon Fire announced that it is 100% contained. Containment signifies that a control line has been completed around the fire’s perimeter, which can reasonably be expected to stop the fire's spread. Based on robust monsoonal moisture and monitoring of the fire perimeter for the last month, fire mangers have high confidence there are no remaining heat sources and no additional growth will occur.
The Calf Canyon Fire is still being managed as a wildfire, and fire personnel continue to work on the incident. Before a fire is declared “out,” it must first be contained, then controlled. There is still ongoing suppression repair, burned area emergency response (BAER), flooding mitigation and monitoring activities to be completed. 

Southwest Area Incident Management Team 4 led by Incident Commander Aaron Hulburd will assume command of the Calf Canyon Fire today, Sunday August 21, 2022, at 6:00 p.m.  
Closures and Restrictions: The Santa Fe National Forest has reduced the fire closure area opening additional access to the Pecos Wilderness. To view the new closure order and map visit  Santa Fe - Alerts & Notices (usda.gov). Monsoon weather and completion of suppression repair activities play a part in the decision to lift closure orders and the safety of the public, firefighter, and incident support personnel is always our first priority.  
 
Weather: After the soaking cool rain from yesterday, temperatures will remain below average today. Shower coverage will substantially decrease with more isolated to scattered afternoon showers/storms. The flash flood threat will remain low. Daily isolated to scattered showers and storms will continue each afternoon/evening into the middle portion of the week with a low to moderate flash flood threat.
 
Fire Flooding and Recovery Resources: 2022 Wildland Fires Resources Hotline | After Wildfire New Mexico Guide  |  Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon Fires Burned Area Emergency Response 

For questions or concerns related to flooding, please call the New Mexico State Emergency Operations Center at 1-800-432-2080. For federal disaster with fire or flood damage to your primary residence, please call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.  

Private Land Suppression Repair Survey (English and Spanish). Call 720-417-8048 for assistance in English, or 505-398-3889 for assistance in Spanish.  

Fire Information: Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Phone: 505-356-2636 | Email: 2022.hermitspeak@firenet.gov 
 
Online Fire Information Resources: Inciweb | Santa Fe National Forest Facebook | nmfireinfo.com |Santa Fe National Forest Twitter | YouTube | Santa Fe National Forest| Carson National Forest

  Las Vegas/ Mora –The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued Flood Watch for The Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon burn scar for Mora County and San Miguel County in northeastern New Mexico.

FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM MDT THIS MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.

*  WHERE...Portions  of  central  and  north  central  New  Mexico,  including  the  following  areas,  in  central  New  Mexico, South Central Mountains. In north central New Mexico, East Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Jemez Mountains,  and Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains. * WHEN...From 11 AM MDT this morning through this evening.

*  IMPACTS...Excessive  runoff  may  result  in  flooding  of  rivers,  creeks,  streams,  and  other  low-lying and flood-prone locations.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Scattered showers and thunderstorms producing locally heavy rainfall will once again pose a threat of flash flooding to recent burn scars.

Be sure to stay up to date with information from local authorities. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding of  low-lying  areas,  urbanized  street  flooding,  and  debris  flows  in  and  near  recent  wildfire  burn  scars.  Significant runoff may cause flooding of creeks and rivers.

 Las Vegas –The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued a Flood Advisory for Portions of San Miguel County.

* WHAT...Arroyo and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. 

*  WHERE...Portions  of  east  central  and  northeast  New  Mexico,  including  the  following  counties,  in  east  central New Mexico, Quay. In northeast New Mexico, San Miguel.

* WHEN...Until 130 PM MDT.  * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... -  At  1023  AM  MDT,  Doppler  radar  indicated  heavy  rain  due  to  thunderstorms.  This  will  cause  arroyo  and  small stream flooding. Between 0.25 and 0.75 inches of rain have fallen. - Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are expected over the area. This additional rain will result in minor flooding.

- Some locations that will experience flooding include... Tucumcari, Logan, San Jon, Ute Lake State Park and Bard. - 

This  includes  the  following  highways...  State  Road  104  between  Mile  Markers  95  and  105.  Interstate  40  between Mile Markers 315 and 362.  

 Las Vegas/ Mora –The National Weather Service in Albuquerque has issued Flood Watch for The Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon burn scar for Mora County and San Miguel County in northeastern New Mexico.

FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THIS EVENING...  * WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.

* WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, northeast, and west central New Mexico, including the  following  areas,  in  central  New  Mexico,  Central  Highlands,  Estancia  Valley,  Middle  Rio  Grande  Valley  including the Albuquerque Metro Area and Sandia and Manzano Mountains including Edgewood. In east central New Mexico, Curry County, De Baca County, Guadalupe County, Quay County and Roosevelt County. In northcentral New Mexico, Espanola Valley, Glorieta Mesa Including Glorieta Pass, Santa Fe Metro Area and Southern Sangre  de  Cristo  Mountains.  In  northeast  New  Mexico,  Eastern  San  Miguel  County,  Far  Northeast  Highlands,  Harding County and Northeast Highlands. In west central New Mexico, West Central Highlands.

* WHEN...Through this evening.

*  IMPACTS...Excessive  runoff  may  result  in  flooding  of  rivers,  creeks,  streams,  and  other  low-lying and flood-prone locations.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Widespread light to moderate rain with isolated thunderstorms will continue today. Rainfall amounts of 0.50 to  1.5  inches  are  expected  across  northern,  central,  and  western  NM  with  2  to  4  inches  expected  across  the  south and east.

Be sure to stay up to date with information from local authorities. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding of  low-lying  areas,  urbanized  street  flooding,  and  debris  flows  in  and  near  recent  wildfire  burn  scars.  Significant runoff may cause flooding of creeks and rivers.