Chris Peterson has a very interesting article in this week’s Hungry Horse News about the ongoing study of Glacier Park’s mountain goats. It seems humans are an excellent source of salt . . .
Hike the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail in Glacier National Park during the summer and you’re almost assured to see a mountain goat.
The region is excellent goat habitat, notes University of Montana biologist and researcher Wesley Sarmento. But the goats are also drawn there for another big reason: Salt.
Sarmento currently has 22 goats fitted with radio collars from the Logan Pass area as part of a three-year-study of the iconic creatures.
Thompson Fire in Glacier National Park backcountry, Aug. 16, 2015
Here are the highlights of the Thompson-Divide Complex evening update for Friday, August 17. The “Thompson-Divide Complex” is mostly the Thompson Fire, plus a couple of smaller ones just outside Glacier Park that the current incident management team is also handling now. Fire crews are stretched thin at present . . .
Containment: 0% Latitude 48.551, Longitude -113.613
Fire Update: The Thompson Fire, reported Aug. 9, is located in a remote south-central backcountry area of Glacier National Park about 15 miles east of the West Glacier entrance in the Thompson and Nyack drainages west of the Continental Divide.
Crews remained camped out and worked in the Nyack Creek drainage today. They did a burning operation to reduce fuels in avalanche chutes on the west side of the fire’s perimeter to contain the fire. Tomorrow they plan to do some cleanup of the burnout operation. Fire personnel in the Two Medicine and Cut Bank drainages will monitor for any fire that might cross to the east-side of the Continental Divide. The fire remains west of the Divide and poses no threat to communities around East Glacier and St. Mary.
Here are the highlights of the Thompson Fire evening update. No surprises, but some progress on the ground . . .
Fire Update: The Thompson Fire was reported at approximately 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9. It is located in a remote south-central backcountry area of Glacier National Park about 15 miles east of the West Glacier entrance and 12 miles southwest of the Saint Mary entrance. The fire is burning in the Thompson Creek and Nyack Creek drainages west of Medicine Grizzly Peak where the Flathead and Glacier Counties border follows the Continental Divide. No structures have been lost or damaged to date and no injuries have been reported.
Crews worked in the Nyack Creek area today. A helitack crew worked on cooling any remaining hot spots around Upper Nyack Backcountry Patrol Cabin to provide additional structure protection. Other crews began constructing a wet line along avalanche chutes on the west side of the fire’s perimeter to contain the fire. This includes the use of helicopter water drops and pumps and hose lays on the ground. Fire personnel in the Two Medicine and Cut Bank drainages continued their structure assessment for possible protection if the fire were to cross the Continental Divide. They are also monitoring for any fire that might cross the Divide.
Although buffeted by winds on Friday, the fire remains west of the Divide and has not made any advance to the east. Without spread east of the Divide, the fire poses no threat to communities around East Glacier and St. Mary. Limited growth of the fire was seen on Saturday on the west side in Nyack Creek.
Weather will remain unsettled through Monday night with the passage of a weak disturbance. This provides an opportunity for afternoon thunderstorms and a slight chance of rain, especially along the Divide. A high pressure ridge will begin building on Tuesday through Thursday bringing warmer and drier conditions. This will bring increased fire spread on the ground with isolated tree torching. As fuels in the burn area dry, there will likely be an increase in smoke production that may be seen from local communities on both sides of the Divide.
Approximate Size: 13,680 acres Containment: 0% Latitude 48.551, Longitude -113.613 Resources – Total Personnel: 111 Injuries: None Hand Crews: 1 Wildland Fire Management Module Air Support: Helicopters (1 Type-1 & 1 Type-3) 1 Helitack Crew
Fire Update: The Thompson Fire was reported at approximately 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9. It is located in a remote south-central backcountry area of Glacier National Park about 15 miles east of the West Glacier entrance and 12 miles southwest of the Saint Mary entrance. The fire is burning in the Thompson Creek and Nyack Creek drainages west of Medicine Grizzly Peak where the Flathead and Glacier Counties border follows the Continental Divide. No structures have been lost or damaged to date and no injuries have been reported.
A crew was flown into the Nyack drainage area Saturday evening and established a spike camp to operate from. They will provide additional structure protection measures for the Upper Nyack Backcountry Patrol Cabin, including helicopter water drops if needed. They are constructing a wet line along avalanche chutes to contain fire from further spread. This includes the use of helicopter water drops and pumps and hose lays on the ground. A helitack crew is positioned at the helibase along US Highway 2 to provide support to Glacier NP fire managers in the event of any new fire starts. Fire personnel in the Two Medicine and Cut Bank drainages are assessing structures for possible protection if the fire crosses the Continental Divide. They are also monitoring for any fire slopover across the Divide.
Although buffeted by winds on Friday, the fire remains west of the Divide and has not made any advance to the east. Without spread east of the Divide, the fire poses no threat to communities around East Glacier and St. Mary. Limited growth of the fire was seen on the west side in Nyack Creek.
Sunday’s weather will remain cool with temperatures on the fire in the lower to mid-50s. Humidity will remain higher around 50%. Wind will be lighter at 12-16 mph from the southwest on ridges. Decreasing winds are predicted for the area by morning with a slight chance for showers. Temperatures will slowly increase and humidity decrease over the next several days, with a return to seasonal conditions. There is a slight chance for isolated thunderstorms and rain later in the day on Sunday.
A column of smoke from the Glacier National Park Thompson Fire could be seen rising over the Rocky Mountain Front at sunset Aug. 12, 2015. The remote backcountry fire has burned about 14,900 acres. (Photo by Jonathan Moor)
Short version: Cooler weather and last night’s rain should cause the fire to lay down a bit. They still intend to fly in a couple of ground crews . . .
If weather and smoke conditions permit today, two crews will fly into the backcountry area near the fire to work on control measures. One crew will land near Cutbank Pass to suppress hot spots along the fire’s edge and direct helicopter water drops. The other crew will work in the Nyack Drainage area to provide additional structure protection measures for the Upper Nyack Backcountry Patrol Cabin; cool down hot spots along the fire perimeter; direct helicopter water drops; and use pumps and hoses on any hot spots along the perimeter.
Gusty winds are predicted for the area through the morning with a chance for showers. Cooler weather and higher humidity are expected today, with a return to seasonal conditions Sunday. With cooler weather and recent rains, the fire is expected to smolder within its perimeter today. West Glacier received about 0.06 inches of rain in the past 24 hours: St. Mary received 0.19 inches…
Thompson Fire burning on west side of Cut Bank Pass, Aug 12, 2015
From this evening’s incident update on the Thompson Fire we learn that the fire’s size estimate has been trimmed slightly to 13,202 acres and that they hope to start flying fire crews into the backcountry to fight the blaze on the ground . . .
A small fire was detected today on the west side of Waterton Lake on the U.S. side in Glacier National Park. Fire personnel are responding.
The Thompson Fire was reported at approximately 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9. It is located in a remote south-central backcountry area of Glacier National Park about 15 miles east of the West Glacier entrance and 12 miles southwest of the Saint Mary entrance. The fire is burning in the Thompson Creek and Nyack Creek drainages west of Medicine Grizzly Peak where the Flathead and Glacier Counties border follows the Continental Divide.
If weather and smoke conditions permit, two crews will fly into the backcountry area near the fire to work on control measures. One crew will land near Cutbank Pass to suppress hot spots along the fire’s edge and direct helicopter water drops. The other crew will work in the Nyack Drainage area to provide additional structure protection measures for the Upper Nyack Backcountry Patrol Cabin; cool down hot spots along the fire perimeter; direct helicopter water drops; and use pumps and hoses on any hot spots along the perimeter.
A column of smoke from the Glacier National Park Thompson Fire could be seen rising over the Rocky Mountain Front at sunset Aug. 12, 2015. The remote backcountry fire has burned about 14,900 acres. (Photo by Jonathan Moor)
This morning’s press release on the Thompson Fire . . .
Northern Rockies Type II Incident Management Team
Irv Leach Incident Commander
Daily Fact Sheet Aug. 14, 8:00 a.m.
Link to http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4468/Fire Information: (406) 314-1669 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Approximate Size: 14,900 acres Containment: 0% Latitude 48.551, Longitude -113.613
Fire Update: The Thompson Fire was reported at approximately 1:30pm on Sunday, August 9. It is located in a remote south-central backcountry area of Glacier National Park about 15 miles east of the West Glacier entrance and 12 miles southwest of the Saint Mary entrance. The fire is burning in the Thompson Creek and Nyack Creek drainages west of Medicine Grizzly Peak where the Flathead and Glacier Counties border follows the Continental Divide.
The safety of public and incident personnel is the highest priority on all incidents. Aerial resources are being used on the Thompson Fire to control fire spread. Helicopters dropped water on hot spots in the Nyack Creek drainage.
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.
Call (406) 314-1669 for updated fire information.
Glacier National Park is under Stage I Fire Restrictions. Campfires are not allowed in the backcountry of Glacier National Park. Campfires are still allowed in developed campgrounds that have park-provided concrete or metal fire rings.
Closures: 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, visit http://home.nps.gov/applications/glac/infobull/closures.cfm.
Trail Closures:
Siyeh Pass Trail, from Siyeh Pass to Sun Rift Gorge
Sunrift Gorge, Saint Mary Falls, and Virginia Falls
Red Eagle Trail, towards Saint Mary Falls
Otokomi Trail
Coal Creek Trail
Nyack Creek Trail
Cutbank Pass Trail, in the Nyack drainage
Park Creek to Coal Creek cutoff trail
Dry Fork Trail, from Pitamakan Pass to Two Medicine Campground trailhead and Two Medicine Entrance
Morning Star Trail, from Cutbank Auto Campground to Pitamakan Pass
Atlantic Creek Trail, from Cutbank Auto Campground to Triple Divide Pass
Medicine Grizzly Lake Trail
Dawson Pass Trail / North Shore of Two Medicine Lake
North Shore Two Medicine Junction to Dawson / Pitamakan
Upper Two Medicine Lake Trail
Campground Closures:
Cutbank Frontcountry Campground
Rising Sun Frontcountry Campground
Otokomi Backcountry Campground
Reynolds Backcountry Campground
Lower Nyack Backcountry Campground
Upper Nyack Backcountry Campground
Beaver Woman Lake Backcountry Campground
Nyack/Coal Creek Camping Zone
Coal Creek Backcountry Campground
Atlantic Creek Backcountry Campground
Morning Star Backcountry Campground
Oldman Lake Backcountry Campground
No Name Backcountry Campground
Upper Two Medicine Lake Backcountry Campground
The Reynolds Creek Fire continues to burn within the fire perimeter on the east side of the park. For information on fires within Glacier National Park, please visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/state/27/.
The Thompson Fire has not impacted any park roads. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is open.
Glacier Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is open 24×7 again . . .
The night closure on the east side of Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park has been lifted. The entire 52 miles of Sun Road are open to vehicles.
Visitors will not be able to stop or park along the road in the Reynolds Creek Fire area on the east side of Sun Road and are reminded to drive cautiously, according to a news release from Glacier Park.
Night traffic had been prohibited since the road east of Logan Pass reopened to motorists on Friday. It had been closed since the fire started on July 21 and burned a long stretch north of St. Mary Lake.
Thompson Fire burning on west side of Continental Divide, Aug 12, 2015
The Thompson Fire grew to 14,900 acres (over 23 square miles) today and a Type II management team takes over tomorrow. Here’s the official news release . . .
The Thompson Fire expanded east yesterday and today into the higher elevations of the upper Nyack Creek area, located in the south-central region of Glacier National Park. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The Thompson Fire is now estimated to be 14,900 acres. Dry vegetation coupled with high temperatures and low humidity resulted in extreme fire behavior and fire growth yesterday and today. The smoke plume has been visible from many locations on both sides of the Continental Divide.
A Type III Interagency Incident Command Team has been working with Glacier National Park to manage the fire using a contain and confine strategy. A Type II Incident Management Team has been ordered and will assume command of the fire tomorrow morning.
The safety of public and incident personnel is the highest priority on all incidents. At this time, ground resources cannot be safely used due to the remote, rugged terrain and the lack of safety zones in the area. The National Park Service’s Upper and Lower Nyack Backcountry Patrol Cabins remain threatened by the fire.
Yesterday’s fire activity has prompted expansion of the trail and campground closure order. For the most up-to-date information on the expanded trail and area closure statuses, visit http://home.nps.gov/applications/glac/infobull/closures.cfm.
As of Wednesday, August 12, campfires will not be allowed in the backcountry of Glacier National Park. Campfires will continue to be allowed only in designated sites in frontcountry campgrounds. Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in effect for Northwest Montana. For further information visit: http://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/news/fire-restrictions-for-back-country-of-park.htm.
The Reynolds Creek Fire continues to burn within the fire perimeter on the east side of the park. For information on fires within Glacier National Park, please visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/state/27/.
Smoke Plume from the Thompson Fire as seen from Logan Pass – NPS PHOTO-Andrew Englehorn
From an August 11, 2015 Glacier National Park press release . . .
As of Wednesday, August 12, campfires will not be allowed in the back country of Glacier National Park. Campfires will continue to be allowed only in designated sites in front country campgrounds.
Glacier National Park Superintendent Jeff Mow said, “The park is experiencing extreme fire conditions and to help reduce the risk of fire, we are implementing fire restrictions for our back country campgrounds and recreation sites.” Mow continued, “The back country restrictions will help to protect public and employee safety, as well as protect park resources and facilities.”
Only liquid petroleum or LPG-fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices will be allowed in back country campgrounds in Glacier National Park.
At this time, campfires are only allowed in park-provided metal or concrete fire rings located in front country campgrounds in Glacier National Park. These campgrounds include:
Apgar
Avalanche
Bowman Lake
Cut Bank
Fish Creek
Kintla Lake
Logging Creek
Many Glacier
Quartz Lake
Sprague Creek
St. Mary
Two Medicine
PLEASE NOTE: Stage 1 fire restrictions remain in effect for Northwest Montana. Stage I fire restrictions apply to campfires and smoking. During Stage I, “Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire” is prohibited unless noted in the exemptions. Exemptions include fires fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG, or other activities for which there is a permit or written authorization. In addition to the campfire restrictions, smoking is prohibited unless within an enclosed vehicle, building, or in an area three feet in diameter, that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. Stage 1 restrictions apply to:
* Flathead National Forest
* Kootenai National Forest
* Bob Marshall Wilderness Lands within the Flathead National Forest
* Glacier National Park
* Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
* U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
* MT-DNRC Northwestern Land Office
* Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Region 1
* Counties: Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, and Sanders
* Property within city limits in the area are EXEMPT from this order
The restrictions will remain in effect until there is a significant long-term change in fire danger.
