Fire Conditions - July 15 2011 Report

July 15, 2011 - There are no active fires within WCPP but the area is very, very dry. At midnight tonight (July 15th) a Restricted Fire Zone will be put in place which simply means 'NO OPEN FIRES" of any kind. This is put in place to try and eliminate the risk of human caused fires during this dry time.

There appears to be no significant rainfall in the forseeable future so we expect that this fire ban will be in place for the next 10 days at least. Contact our office or come back here for more updates.

In addition, the water levels are falling pretty rapidly in the creek/river systems that have minimal flow.  For an example, I went in via Garner Lake (up the Garner River) beginning July 10th.  The river had a nice flow at that time and we had no issues with dragging bottom all the way to Haggart Lake.  We exited down the same river on the 19th/20th.  I'd say the water levels had dropped between 6 inches and a foot over that period making for a few lift overs on our exit.  Had the water been a inch or so lower or had we not been traveling in solo canoes which have minimal draft, we'd been out pulling over a few areas.

There was a small forest fire either on the north side of Donald or at some point beyond to the north beginning on the 17th.  We exited the area on the 18th with increased smoke (no visible fire).  I understand from park staff that whatever the cause, it is no longer an active event.  (I'd also say that Donald Lake dropped by about 1 inch while we were there ... and its a BIG LAKE!

dd

Well, with all the anticipation of going to the WCPP I've decided to wait until next year to do my trip. I have a friend who was trying to be there for his brother who had a liver transplant (from a cousin of mine) and things didn't go well and his brother died. In the mean time his transmission went out in his vehicle. Several of us are getting together and doing what we can to help him afford the repairs. Bailing on my trip for now is the only way I could have helped. I'm still doing the BW as I have all the food and it's so close. Chuck at Spring Creek Outfitters even offered to pick me up when I come out. So I'll miss the dry conditions for this year. Martin sent a message from "Poodle" Lake that water levels in that area are adequate... Man I wanted to go and was ready. I'll be more than ready next year. Good luck to all going to WCPP and we'll pray for rain... at night for you. :)

The Fire Ban was lifted.