The Rough Fire is producing smoke that is making its way into the Eastern Sierra. The lightning caused Rough Fire located in Fresno County, north of Hume Lake is listed at 0% containment. While the Rough fire started back on July 31th, it really expanded over the past weekend. Smoke from the Rough fire first darkened Eastern Sierra views mid-afternoon Sunday.
The lightning caused fire near Hume Lake is having an effect on Eastern Sierra air quality. The fire started back on July 31st, but has grown rapidly in recent days. Here is the latest Forest Service update on the Rough Fire:
Summary
At this time the fire continues to follow the terrain, creating a mosaic effect between burned and unburned fuels. It continues to grow at a slow to moderate rate of spread in all directions; moving north towards Spanish Mountain; east into the Monarch Wilderness, crossing over Brush Canyon and backing down to Tombstone Creek; west into Rough Creek and south towards Kings River. A rapid rate of spread can be anticipated if the terrain, fuels and weather align together.
Wednesday additional overhead from a National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) team will join the Sierra National Forest, Type 3 organization in managing the fire.
Closures
Currently there are no closures on the Sierra or Sequoia National Forests. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks remain fully open with no closures.
Visitors may experience smoke impacts in many popular recreational areas including Wishon Reservoir, Hume Lake and Cedar Grove area. For air quality updates visit http://www.valleyair.org/aqinfo/forecast.htm for more information.
Fire Restrictions
Fire restrictions are in place for the Sierra National Forest. Campfires are only allowed in designated developed recreation sites.
statistics
Acres burned: 5,226
Containment: 0%
Fire Start: July 31, 2015
Cause: Lightening
Total personnel: 217
COVER PHOTO BY GARY YOUNG. Monday Evening view from Bishop.
Water Supplies Remain Critical:
Level 3 Water Shortage Conditions Still in Effect.
Information provided by the Mammoth Community Water District
In July, Mammoth Community Water District (MCWD) customers used 85.6 million gallons less than July of 2013. This 38 percent reduction exceeds the MCWD’s Level 3 reduction goal of 30 percent. General Manager Pat Hayes remarked, “These savings demonstrate the whole community understands the severity of the drought and they are pitching in to help our water supplies last through the summer. We’re still in a critical position with our water; everyone needs to keep up the conservation effort.” The year 2013 is being used as the baseline for comparison purposes by the state and MCWD.
The July rains and cooler temperatures in Mammoth Lakes did not replenish groundwater or surface water supplies used by MCWD for the community, according to MCWD Operations Superintendent, Karl Schnadt. As a result, MCWD customers remain under Level 3 Water Shortage conditions.
The MCWD has been almost entirely dependent on groundwater supplies from nine production wells since last year. After four years of below average runoff and higher than normal pumping, the water table is showing the effects of the drought. Three wells are operating on a limited basis due to low groundwater levels and a fourth is approaching the same status. Currently, the available surface water supply is being saved for emergency uses.
Under Level 3 restrictions, parks, schools and golf courses are operating under conservation plans that have been submitted to MCWD. These recreational facilities have reduced their irrigation usage by more than 30 percent in June and July and are allowed to irrigate outside of restricted days of the week and hours as long as they adhere to reductions outlined in their conservation plan. All customers are encouraged to visit the MCWD website for a list of the current restrictions.
Statement provided by the LA DWP:
Bishop, CA – Unexpected summer rainfall has provided sufficient water in the Los Angeles Aqueduct system for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to continue irrigation in Owens Valley through the end of August. Continued irrigation, in the absence of any savings elsewhere, is only possible because Los Angeles’ extreme reduction in water exports from the Eastern Sierra.
“This weather could not have come at a better time,” Manager of the Los Angeles Aqueduct James Yannotta said. “These rains are providing much-needed water that will help LADWP to continue irrigation through August.”
Earlier in this extremely dry year LADWP recognized that there might be insufficient water supplies from the Los Angeles Aqueduct to meet all water demands in the Owens Valley and in the City of Los Angeles. The Long Term Water Agreement between the City of Los Angeles and Inyo County protects two end-goals: Providing a reliable source of water for Los Angeles and protecting the Owens Valley environment. The Agreement also contemplates the Parties approving a program to provide for reasonable reductions in irrigation water supply for Los Angeles-owned lands in the Owens Valley and for Enhancement and Mitigation (E/M) programs during periods of dry-year water shortages. Consequently, the Technical Group and the Standing Committee have attempted to evaluate and provide reasonable reductions in other areas to reallocate water for irrigation during the 2015 runoff year. Although the City and the County have not yet agreed to any reductions in E/M projects, the City of Los Angeles has almost entirely reduced the Owens Valley water supply to customers during this irrigation season.
The length and intensity of this four-year drought has surprised most water managers and regulators in the Southwest. The intensity of the scant Eastern Sierra snowpack and potential runoff was not fully realized until early April, which left little time to plan for its impacts, forcing the Department to evaluate operations on a virtual real-time basis. With respect to current conditions, the picture continues to be grim for Angelenos as LADWP will experience an 85% reduction from its normal export from the Eastern Sierra this runoff year.
“The only bright spot in our most recent forecasting is that it appears recent rain events provided additional water that we did not anticipate when we released our Annual Operations Plan in April,” Yannotta added. “Even though most, if not all, of the extremely low snowpack has already melted, recent storms are providing unanticipated run-off into the Eastern Sierra that will allow us to continue irrigating longer than we previously expected.”
The 2015 runoff year is unique in that snowpack was the lowest on record, measuring only 4% of normal, but summer precipitation is appearing somewhat above normal. The hydrologic conditions this year are so different from previous years that there isn’t another year from which to draw a fair comparison. As you would expect, the lack of comparable years has created operational challenges.
LADWP recently received preliminary draft runoff data and field information relating to water availability after the storms. Although Department management is verifying all information, LADWP is confident that there is sufficient water for irrigation in Owens Valley through the end of August.
cover photo by Gary Young
Mammoth Community Water District Joins California’s Conservation Efforts with the “Brown is the New Green” Lawn Sign Campaign.
Free lawn signs with the new message available to customers
The Mammoth Community Water District (MCWD) implemented Level 3 Water Shortage Conditions this year in early April when the runoff year started with just 2 percent of normal conditions. Reducing irrigation demand is critical to ensure they meet their 30% reduction target and have a reliable potable water supply. With irrigation starting up and water resources at critical levels, the MCWD is hoping lawn signs sporting the new conservation message, “Brown is the New Green” will encourage more customers to reduce landscape water use. The current irrigation schedule of 2 days a week with significantly reduced times, should allow for enough water to keep landscapes alive, but customers should expect to see some signs of stress.
“We’d like our customers to make sure their irrigation systems are running efficiently and find ways to cut back on their irrigation consumption where possible,” said Pat Hayes, General Manager at MCWD.
Simply turning back the run time for each cycle will likely do the trick. For example if you are running 10-minute cycles, dial it back to 7 minutes. Betty Hylton, GIS Specialist with MCWD, added, “If a customer is letting their lawn turn a little brown or die this summer, they can advertise their commitment to conservation with our new signs. We are hoping our customers evaluate whether their lawn is necessary and consider replacing it with plants that don’t need spray type sprinklers and use minimal water. These conversions will conserve our water resources every summer, not just during the drought.”
The District is stepping up water conservation enforcement. Customer data is reviewed daily and those who are not following the time of day and day of use requirements will be issued violation notices. After two violations, those not in compliance will be faced with a $50 per day fine and ultimately have water restrictors or shutoff occur.
To encourage and support customers decreasing irrigation during the drought, the MCWD is making a limited number of lawn signs available free to its customers. Ms. Hylton remarked, “the first ‘Brown is the New Green’ lawn sign will be planted in MCWD’s previously green lawn.”
Effective midnight on Sunday, June 28th, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Bishop Field Office and the Inyo National Forest are implementing fire restrictions.
The restrictions are in effect on all BLM public lands managed by the Bishop Field Office and all Inyo National Forest lands.
“Ongoing drought conditions and well below average rain and snowfall this past winter have led to very dry conditions for this time of year,” said Inyo National Forest Supervisor, Ed Armenta. “These conditions can create an active fire season here in the Eastern Sierra.”
Beginning June 29th, and until further notice, the following restrictions will be in effect:
NO CAMPFIRES, briquette barbeques, or stove fires are allowed outside of designated developed recreation sites and specifically posted campsites or areas. A list of designated campgrounds and recreation sites is available at local Ranger Stations and Visitor Centers, and on the Inyo National Forest website, www.fs.usda.gov/inyo.
Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit (available free of charge at any Ranger Station or Visitor Center) are not exempt from the prohibitions but are allowed to use portable stoves or lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel.
NO FIREWORKS. It is prohibited to possess or discharge any fireworks.
NO SMOKING, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
NO WELDING or operating an acetylene torch with open flames, except by permit.
NO USE OF EXPLOSIVES, except by permit.
Inyo National Forest wilderness areas which are exempt from this order are Hoover, John Muir, Ansel Adams, Boundary Peak, White Mountains, Golden Trout, and South Sierra. Resorts, pack stations, recreation residences and other sites operated under special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service or BLM may be exempt from the special orders, as long as any fire activity is conducted in compliance with their permit. Special use permit holders should contact their permit administrator to make sure they are on the list of exempt sites, or check the information for special use permit exemptions on the Inyo National Forest Website, www.fs.usda.gov/inyo.
Steve Nelson, BLM Bishop Field Manager and Ed Armenta urge the public’s cooperation in helping to prevent wildfires in this year of very high fire danger, and they remind both residents and visitors that fireworks, even “Safe and Sane” are not allowed at any time on public lands.
Inyo and Mono County Public health Officer Dr. Richard Johnson is passing along an important message. Several risk factors are in play this weekend, high temperatures, thunderstorms, and smoke from wildfires. Please take note and be safe.
From Dr. Richard Johnson:
Below is a summary of key points to keep in mind for the next few days —
http://www.gbuapcd.org/healthadvisory/
As temperatures rise over the next few days, we are reminding residents and visitors that heat-related illnesses can be deadly and are urging people to take precautions to avoid them. There are simple steps people can take to keep risk at a minimum.
1. Drink Plenty of Fluids – Even If You Don’t Feel Thirsty
Increase your fluid intake regardless of your activity level. During heavy exercise in hot weather, drink 2-4 glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour.
2. Stay Cool Indoors–The most efficient way to beat the heat is to stay in an air conditioned area. If you do not have an air conditioner or evaporative cooling unit, consider a visit to a shopping mall or public library for a few hours.
3. Stay Cool Outdoors
Plan activities so that you are outdoors either before noon or in the evening. In the hot sun, a wide-brimmed hat will keep the head cool. While outdoors, rest frequently in a shady area.
4. Monitor Those at High Risk
If you are 65 years of age or older, have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave. If you know anyone in this age group, check on them at least twice a day. When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your coworkers and have someone do the same for you.
5. Pace Yourself
If you are unaccustomed to working or exercising in hot weather, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, stop all activity, get into a cool or shady area, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or feel faint.
6. Use Common Sense
Do not leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car. Bring your pets indoors with you to protect them. Give your outdoor animals plenty of fresh water, leave the water in a shady area, and consider wetting the animal down. Those at highest risk of heat-related illness are the very young, the elderly, and those who must work outdoors in extremely high temperatures. Sudden rise in body temperature and dehydration can lead to heat stroke or heat exhaustion. If not addressed quickly, brain damage or death can result. “High temperatures like those we expect in the next few days and throughout the summer can have serious health consequences.” People can avoid lots of problems if they just use a little common sense such as: never leaving infants, children or pets in a parked car, as temperatures can soar rapidly and cause severe brain injury or even death; drinking plenty of fluids that don’t contain caffeine or alcohol (these cause dehydration); staying indoors preferably in an air-conditioned environment such as libraries, stores, or restaurants; and, limiting strenuous activities between noon to 6 p.m., when temperatures tend to be highest.
cover photo by Gary Young. Haze in Bishop from the Washington Fire near Markleeville
Rain in May Helped Conservation Efforts But Fail to Replenish Surface Water Supplies.
Statement from the Mammoth Community Water District:
Conservation, cooler temperatures and rainfall in May contributed to a significant reduction in water consumption by Mammoth Community Water District (MCWD) customers compared to May 2013. Unfortunately, not enough rain fell to raise Mammoth Creek flows to levels that would allow MCWD to store water in Lake Mary or to divert water to customers. As a result, MCWD would like to remind customers that water supplies remain at a critical level as we start the summer irrigation season.
May water demand from MCWD customers this year was 54 percent lower than May 2013, saving 55 million gallons of water. This reduction exceeds the MCWD’s Level 3 reduction goal of 30 percent. Although this May received an inch more rain than in 2013, the savings is still significant. General Manager Pat Hayes remarked “Our customers are keenly aware of their environment and are seeing the effects of the drought. It seems this connection is translating into turning down the spigot.” The year 2013 is being used as the baseline for comparison purposes by the state and MCWD.
The MCWD has been almost entirely dependent on groundwater supplies since last year. Surface water has been limited or unavailable as Mammoth Creek flows have been too low to divert for drinking water supplies. These limits to storage and diversions are embedded in MCWD’s water right permit and licenses to protect Mammoth Creek resources. Fortunately, the MCWD can turn to their nine groundwater production wells this summer to supply the community. MCWD is keeping a close watch on groundwater levels this summer as we transition into the irrigation season. For MCWD customers, Level 3 Water Shortage Restrictions remain in effect until conditions improve. All customers are encouraged to visit the MCWD website for a list of the restrictions.
http://www.mcwd.dst.ca.us/
cover photo courtesy of the Mammoth Community Water District
Dr Richard Johnson, Inyo and Mono county health director, issued a statement today (Monday, June 22) addressing wildfire smoke. The Washington fire near the community of Markleeville is estimated near 8,000 acres. The lightning caused fire started on Friday, June 19th.
Dr. Johnson’s statement:
Those of you in Mono County from the communities of Walker and north have undoubtedly seen the smoke from the Washington Fire burning in Alpine County. Although most of the smoke is blowing over us and into Nevada, as the wind has died down during the night, smoke has settled into the valleys this morning. Keep in mind that this is a very fluid and ever changing situation, dependent on the fire, fuel, control efforts, and the wind. Our prayers are with the large numbers of dedicated personnel who are making tremendous efforts to protect all of us, our homes, and the environment.
Some communities in the Eastern Sierra have access to continuous particulate matter (PM) monitoring. These monitors provide an instant reading of particulate matter concentrations averaged over one hour. Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees and other plant materials. It is these fine particles which are contained in wildfire smoke which make it so hazardous to our health. Smoke can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases.
Unfortunately, there is no monitoring in the areas currently impacted by smoke. Areas without monitoring need other ways to estimate particle levels. The following index is useful in judging the levels near you on a continual basis.
Good (can see 11 miles or more) – No cautionary statements.
Moderate (can see 6-10 miles) – Unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (can see 3-5 miles) – People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
Unhealthy (can see 1½-3 miles) – People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Everyone else should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.
Very Unhealthy (can see 1-1½ mile) – People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should avoid all physical activity outdoors. Everyone else should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.
Hazardous (can see 1 mile or less) – Everyone should avoid all physical activity outdoors; people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should remain indoors and keep activity levels low.
How to tell if smoke is affecting you:
Smoke can cause—
Coughing, A scratchy throat, Irritated sinuses, Shortness of breath, Chest pain, Headaches, Stinging eyes, A runny nose, Asthma exacerbations. If you have heart or lung disease, smoke might make your symptoms worse.
People who have heart disease might experience—
Chest pain, Rapid heartbeat, Shortness of breath, Fatigue.
Smoke may worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions, such as respiratory allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in the following ways:
Inability to breathe normally, Cough with or without mucus, Chest discomfort, Wheezing and shortness of breath.
When smoke levels are high enough, even healthy people may experience some of these symptoms. Know whether you are at risk
If you have heart or lung disease, such as congestive heart failure, angina, COPD, emphysema, or asthma, you are at higher risk of having health problems than healthy people. Older adults are more likely to be affected by smoke, possibly because they are more likely to have heart or lung diseases than younger people. Children are more likely to be affected by health threats from smoke because their airways are still developing and because they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults. Children also are more likely to be active outdoors.
What should you be doing:
1. Stay indoors with windows and doors closed; run air-conditioner on “recirculate” setting. Keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. Minimize the use of swamp coolers. If it becomes too warm indoors, individuals may consider leaving the area to seek alternative shelter.
2. Do not add to indoor pollution. When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces, or gas stoves. Do not vacuum, because vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home. Do not smoke, because smoking puts even more pollution into the air.
3. Follow your doctor’s advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease, Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen. If you evacuate, make sure you take all essential medications along with you.
4. Do not rely on dust masks or N95 respirators for protection. If you wish to wear something, use a wet handkerchief or bandana to cover your mouth and nose. The key – keep it moist.
5. When driving make sure to drive with the windows rolled up and the air conditioner on “recirculate.” Also, buckle up – and do not drink and drive!
6. Minimize or stop outdoor activities, especially exercise, during smoky conditions.
7. People who must spend time outdoors should drink plenty of fluids.
8. Additionally, pet owners should consider bringing their pets indoors out of the unhealthy air conditions, if possible. This is especially important for older pets.
9. Stay tuned to local radio and TV for emergency announcements about air quality.
10. Stay in touch with family and friends, especially if you live alone. Exercise your communications plan.
cover photo, smoke rising from the Round Fire, photo by Gary Young
Thom Heller, Fire Marshall for the Mammoth lakes fire protection district, is passing along the following fireworks information.
All fireworks are prohibited in the Town of Mammoth Lakes, regardless if “safe and sane” or not. In addition, personal use of fireworks is prohibited in the non-incorporated areas of Mono County, on the Inyo National Forest (INF), and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands.
Due to VERY HIGH TO EXTREME FIRE DANGER, both the Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District and Mammoth Lakes Police Department will enforce a “zero tolerance” policy with respect to the possession and use of fireworks. Fireworks violations will be strictly enforced.
Enjoy and celebrate the holiday in a safe and responsible manner, and feel free to attend the scheduled Fourth of July firework shows. There will be a fireworks show on Saturday, July 4 at Crowley Lake and in The Village at Mammoth on Sunday, July 5.
For additional information on the fireworks restrictions, please contact the Mammoth Lakes Fire Department at (760) 934-2300 or the Mammoth Lakes Police Department at (760) 934-2011. Please enjoy our national holiday in a safe and responsible manner.
Weeds have been treated and new irrigation infrastructure is being installed. Bishop Unified School District Superintendent Barry Simpson updated the board of trustees at this weeks regular meeting. “Its something that needs to be done. What we found is really two issues with the field. First it gets a lot of use, following football season we roll right into our soccer season. By the time the soccer season is done, we have really pounded that field, the grass is pretty much gone, to be quite honest, its almost unsafe.”
To give the main field time to rest the school has been working with the City of Bishop to install a practice field in the rear of the city park. Due to the ongoing drought, that effort has stalled as the city is holding off seeding the new field. Simpson is hopeful the new city park field will be planted this fall.
Superintendent Simpson notes the second reason the field is suffering is due to a poor irrigation system. “The irrigation system was really not meeting the needs of that field, we were not getting the coverage from the sprinklers, and so we were not getting the kind of regrowth that we needed.”
To address the irrigation system, new infrastructure in being installed. The track and field are currently closes as open trenches exist near the finish line of the track and the length of the 50-yard line. Following the irrigation upgrade field treatments will continue.
“There are some applications to get rid of the weeds that have taken hold, that is going on now. Following the irritation system installation and getting sprinklers up and running, we will do some aeration , over-seeding , and apply fertilizer. We are working with two local companies, they feel we can defiantly bring that field back and get it ready for the mid august start of football season.”
The first scheduled home game for the Broncos is set for Friday, August 28th. The Broncos will open at home with Whittier Christian.
