The USA Disaster Situation Report
The Daily USA Disaster Situation Report
For August 16, 2000
Christopher Effgen, Editor, host{at}disastercenter.com
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IN THIS ISSUE
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=> USA Daily Temperature Extremes
=> Special Request - Do you have a disaster related question for the
presidential candidates?
=> Current Atlantic Hurricane Forecast
=> Current Active National Weather Service Warnings:
=> Severe Weather Probability Forecast
=> Precipitation Forecast and Excessive Rainfall Forecast
=> USA Flood Report
=> USA Fire Report and Forecast
=> USA Earthquake Report
=> Yesterday's USA Severe Weather Reports
=> Guest Column
=> U.S. Severe Weather Threats Assessment August 18, 2000 - Tuesday, August
29, 2000.
=> Summary of Fire Activity Across The United States:
=> FEMA Authorizes Fourth Fire Suppression Grant For Montana
=> Town Meeting With FEMA In Los Alamos Aug. 21, 2000
=> Classified Ads
=> Links Area
=> How to Be Featured as our Guest Columnist
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SPONSORSHIP SPACE
The Disaster Center
www.disastercenter.com
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=> Subscribe/Unsubscribe information
The Daily USA Disaster Situation Report
For August 16, 2000
Christopher Effgen, Editor, host{at}disastercenter.com
------------------------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE
------------------------------------------------------------
=> USA Daily Temperature Extremes
=> Special Request
Do you have a disaster related question for the presidential candidates?
I am planning to send each of the major candidates a list of questions
regarding their policies on funding for the National Weather Service,
disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery and warnings. If you
have a question that you think should be asked please send an email to
host{at}disastercenter.com
=> Current Atlantic Hurricane Forecast
The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Tropical Storm
Alberto...located about 775 miles west-southwest of the westernmost Azores
Islands.
The tropical wave now located about 850 miles east of the Lesser Antilles
has become a little better organized this morning. This system is moving
westward at about 15 mph...and has some potential for further development
over the next day or two.
The tropical wave in the far eastern atlantic a few hundred miles
south-southwest of the Cape Verde Islands remains disorganized.
Elsewhere...tropical storm formation is not expected through thursday.
=> Current Active National Weather Service Warnings:
Active Warnings:
Updated Wed Aug 16 11:52:33 2000
Hurricane/Tropical Storm
United States
PROBABILITIES FOR GUIDANCE IN HURRICANE PROTECTION
PLANNING BY GOVERNMENT AND DISASTER OFFICIALS
AT 5 AM AST...0900Z...THE CENTER OF ALBERTO WAS LOCATED NEAR
LATITUDE 35.2 NORTH...LONGITUDE 40.6 WEST
CHANCES OF CENTER OF THE STORM PASSING WITHIN 65 NAUTICAL MILES
OF LISTED LOCATIONS THROUGH 2AM AST SAT AUG 19 2000
LOCATION A B C D E LOCATION A B C D E
34.0N 43.3W 39 1 X X 40 34.0N 47.0W 8 7 2 1 18
33.7N 45.2W 19 2 1 1 23
COLUMN DEFINITION PROBABILITIES IN PERCENT
A IS PROBABILITY FROM NOW TO 2AM THU
FOLLOWING ARE ADDITIONAL PROBABILITIES
B FROM 2AM THU TO 2PM THU
C FROM 2PM THU TO 2AM FRI
D FROM 2AM FRI TO 2AM SAT
E IS TOTAL PROBABILITY FROM NOW TO 2AM SAT
X MEANS LESS THAN ONE PERCENT
Special Marine
Florida
* SPECIAL MARINE WARNING FOR... CRAIG KEY TO THE WEST END OF THE 7 MILE
BRIDGE OUT 20 NM WEST END OF THE 7 MILE BRIDGE TO KEY WEST OUT 20 NM GULF
SIDE OF THE LOWER KEYS OUT 20 NM * UNTIL 1150 AM EDT
Louisiana
Non Precipitation
Arkansas
...HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY FOR PORTIONS OF CENTRAL AND
SOUTHERN ARKANSAS...
Montana
...LAKE WIND ADVISORY FOR FORT PECK LAKE TODAY...
Severe Thunderstorm
North Dakota
* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR... NORTHERN STUTSMAN COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST
NORTH DAKOTA * UNTIL 1115 AM CDT
* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR... BARNES COUNTY IN SOUTHEAST NORTH
DAKOTA... * UNTIL 1045 AM CDT
=> Severe Weather Probability Forecast
The forecast probability of an event is by the stated percentage or greater
for the event, within 25 miles of any point for the area described.
Tornado Risk - Slight
There is less than a 2% probability of a tornado within 25 miles of any
point
Hail Risk - Slightly Moderate
There are two areas with a 5% or greater probability of hail 3/4 inch or
larger.
One covers central and eastern Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts,
Vermont, New Hampshire, southern Maine, and a portion of northeast New York.
The other area covers north northeast Nebraska, the southeast 1/4 of South
Dakota, southern Minnesota, Iowa, southwest Wisconsin, and northern
Illinois.
The 15% probability area covers far southeast South Dakota, far northeast
Nebraska, far southwest Minnesota, central and northern Iowa, and northwest
Illinois.
Wind Risk - Slight
The 5% probability area for winds in excess of 50 knots covers southeast
South Dakota, far northeast Nebraska, far southwest Minnesota, Iowa except
the far southwestern and far northeast areas, and a portion of northwest
Illinois.
Tomorrow's Risk - Slight
The risk area tomorrow covers Illinois except the far northern and southern
areas, Indiana except the far southwestern and far northeastern areas,
southern Ohio, and northern Kentucky.
The areas at a lesser degree of risk include southeast Wyoming, Kansas,
Missouri, southeast Iowa, Kentucky and western West Virginia.
=> Precipitation Forecast and Excessive Rainfall Forecast
Precipitation Forecast
The current 24 hr precipitation forecast is calling for over an inch of
rainfall over a portion of southern Minnesota.
The 24 - 48 hr precipitation forecast is calling for over an inch of
rainfall over far southeastern Michigan, far southwestern Minnesota, far
northeast Illinois, northeast Indiana, and northwest Ohio.
Excessive Rainfall Forecast
Flash flood values may be exceeded over southeastern Minnesota, far central
north Iowa, and central west Wisconsin
=> USA Flood Report
NATIONAL HYDROLOGIC SUMMARY
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HEADQUARTERS
0900 AM EDT WED AUG 16 2000
FLOOD SUMMARY
SCATTERED FLASH FLOODING
Minor flooding continued in New Jersey as rivers recede; Urban
and small stream flooding affected the desert southwest which
included the southern section of California, Nevada, and Arizona;
Tropical moisture in southern Texas produced 1-2 inches of heavy
rain; Intense thunderstorms yielded 3-5 inches of rain causing
small stream and urban flooding over northern Colorado and
southern Wyoming.
Moderate showers and thunderstorms are expected across the
Dakotas into Wisconsin; scattered showers over the desert
southwest and southern Rockies; and across northern New England.
FLASH FLOODING:
Flood/Flash Flood Warnings and/or Urban and Small Stream Flood
Advisories were issued over the last day for the following
locations (in alphabetical order, by state):
Arizona: La Paz and Pima Counties
California: Riverside and San Bernardino Counties
Colorado: Larimer, Montezuma, and Weld Counties
Nevada: Clark County
Texas: Cameron and Hidalgo Counties
Wyoming: Laramie County
RIVER FLOODING:
Rivers and streams with locations either above flood stage or
expected to rise above flood stage include (in alphabetical
order, by state):
Alaska: Chena, Salcha, and Tanana Rivers
New Jersey: Passaic and Rockaway Rivers
=> USA Fire Report and Forecast
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SITUATION REPORT
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2000 - 0530 MDT
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS LEVEL V
CURRENT SITUATION:
Nine new large fires were reported, including three each in the Eastern
Great Basin and Northern Rockies Area. Containment was reached on three
fires in the Northwest and Southern Areas. Initial attack activity was
light to moderate, with some precipitation received in the four corners
states. Winds are forecast to diminish today which will assist crews in
making progress toward containment of large fires. Mobilization of
available aircraft, crews, equipment and overhead continues at a steady
pace through the National Interagency Coordination Center. Very high to
extreme fire indices have been reported in all 11 western states, plus
North Dakota and Texas.
NORTHERN ROCKIES AREA LARGE FIRES:
An Area Command Team (Edrington) is assigned to manage the large fires in
the Hamilton area. An Area Command Team (Mann) is assigned to manage the
large fires in southwestern Montana. An Area Command Team (Meuchel) is
assigned to manage the large fires in central Montana. Priorities are
being established by the Northern Rockies Multi-Agency Coordinating Group
based on information submitted via Wildfire Situation Analysis reports and
Incident Status Summary (ICS-209) forms.
BLODGETT TRAILHEAD, Bitterroot National Forest. A Type I Incident
Management Team (Gage) is assigned. This fire is three miles northwest of
Hamilton, MT. The fire continues to move west toward in the Selway-
Bitterroot Wilderness. Inversion and smoke are hampering aerial
reconnaissance and mapping of the incident. Fire activity is more
vigorous above 6000 feet elevation.
VALLEY COMPLEX, Bitterroot National Forest. Two Type I Incident
Management Teams (Frye and Meyer) are assigned. These fires are seven
miles south of Darby, MT. This complex now includes the fire formerly
known as the Sula Complex. Moderate runs with torching and spotting in
timber have been observed. Structure protection operations continue in
the Sleeping Child, Little Sleeping Child, East Fork, Springer, Bonanza,
West Fork, Hughes Creek and Lost Trail Pass areas, where approximately 800
residences are threatened.
WILDERNESS COMPLEX, Bitterroot National Forest. A Type II Incident
Management Team (Cook) is assigned. The complex consists of 24 fires in
the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church River of No Return Wildernesses, 40
miles southwest of Hamilton, MT. The Hamilton and Lonely fires have
probably grown together, but visibility has been obscured by a smoke
inversion.
RAZOR, Bitterroot National Forest. This fire is 25 miles southwest of
Darby, MT. The fire was started by lightning on 8/13 and was not staffed
until 8/14 due to its remote location. It has made a major run, pushed by
strong winds. Flame lengths 100 feet in length have been observed. The
upper West Fork area has been evacuated. After today, this fire will be
reported with the Valley Complex.
THOMPSON FLAT COMPLEX, Lolo National Forest. A Type II Incident
Management Team (Hoff) is assigned. This is a complex of six fires within
three miles of Superior, MT. Crews continue to make progress with
fireline construction and holding actions along Johnson Creek. The fire
is quite active near the head of Johnson Creek. A burnout operation
around several homes in the Trout Creek drainage is underway.
RYAN GULCH, Southwestern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural
Resources and Conservation. A Type I Incident Management Team (Melton) is
assigned. This fire is 12 miles southeast of Clinton, MT. The east side
of the fire is being pressured by strong and gusty winds. The fireline
was crossed once, but the slopover was attacked by dozers supported by a
helicopter with bucket. Residents within the Bear Creek area have been
evacuated.
UPPER NINEMILE COMPLEX, Lolo National Forest. A Type I Incident
Management Team (Bennett) is assigned. The Army's 20th Engineers
Battalion from Ft. Hood, Texas, commanded by LTC Shumway, is assigned.
These fires are burning near Huson, MT. Crews had to be pulled off the
fireline on the Alpine fire due to strong winds which caused extreme fire
behavior. Both the Alpine and the Ninemile fires have spotted over
containment lines again.
CLEAR CREEK DIVIDE COMPLEX, Flathead Agency, BIA. A Type I Incident
Management Team (MacGregor) is assigned. This complex, 60 miles northwest
of Missoula, consists of the Clear Creek, Vanderburg, Siegel and Magpie
fires. Direct attack on the east side of the Vanderburg fire and
helicopter bucket work on the southeast side have been implemented
successfully. Communities along Highway 200 are threatened.
CROOKED, Clearwater National Forest. A Type I Incident Management Team
(Hefner) is assigned. The fire is 50 miles southwest of Missoula, MT,
near Lolo Pass. The fire has made upslope runs within established
firelines with individual torching observed. The estimated containment
date has been pushed back, due to steep terrain and strong afternoon winds
which are hampering direct tactical operations.
MONTURE/SPREAD RIDGE, Lolo National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Waterbury) is assigned. This fire is 19 miles east of Seeley Lake,
MT. Significant winds in the afternoon have caused the fire to become
more active. Torching with some short crowning runs have been observed.
Unburned islands within the fire's perimeter continue to burn out.
BOULDER COMPLEX, Central Land Office, Montana Department of Natural
Resources and Conservation. A Type I Incident Management Team (Humphrey)
is assigned. This complex, three miles northeast of Basin, MT, consists
of the Boulder Hill and High Ore Road fires. Fire activity has been
limited to isolated flare-ups in unburned areas. There are hot spots
remaining near the fireline that become active in the heat of the
afternoon. Some demobilization is underway.
MUSSIGBROD COMPLEX, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. A Type II
Incident Management Team (Swope) is assigned. This complex includes the
Mussigbrod and Maynard fires, which are 12 miles northwest of Wisdom, MT.
Strong winds have caused both fires to experience extreme behavior. Crews
were forced to retreat from the fireline. The Full Circle fire has burned
into the Maynard fire and is threatening to move across Highway 93 towards
the Big Hole Valley.
MIDDLE FORK COMPLEX, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. A Type I
Incident Management Team (Carvelho) is assigned. The complex consists of
the Falls Creek, Cougar Creek/Coyote Springs, Skalkaho Pass, Lick Creek
and Copper Creek fires, 30 miles southwest of Philipsburg, MT. The
Cougar/Coyote fire has made a significant run toward Medicine Lake.
Structure protection measures are continuing.
CANYON FERRY COMPLEX, Helena National Forest. This complex, located 12
miles north of Helena, MT, consists of the Bucksnort and Cave Gulch fires.
Fire activity has been minimal, although it did pick up and become a bit
more active during the afternoon hours.
JUDITH COMPLEX, Lewis and Clark National Forest. A Type II Incident
Management Team (Szczepanik) is assigned. This complex consists of the
Studhorse, Lost Fork and High Springs fires, which are 25 miles southwest
of Stanford, MT. Occasional torching and minor runs on steep slopes have
been observed. Threatened resources include timber, a watershed and
endangered species habitat.
BURNT FLATS, Clearwater area, Idaho State Department of Lands. A Type II
Incident Management Team (Ostman) is assigned. The fire is three miles
from Whitebird, ID. The fire has been active in three sub-drainages. The
fire is moving to the east through timber and brush. Short crown runs,
torching and mid-range spotting have been noted. Some spotting across
Jimmie Creek has occurred.
BEAVER CREEK, Gallatin National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Duke) is assigned. This fire is south of Big Sky, MT. The fire has
been particularly active along the west perimeter and continues to back
downhill in the Cub Creek drainage. Two U.S. Forest Service and two
private cabins are threatened.
KOOTENAI COMPLEX, Kootenai National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Cowin) is assigned. This complex consists of 34 fires that are 20
miles northwest of Libby, MT. Ten of these fires have been staffed.
Torching and spotting have been noted in the afternoon and the fire is
remaining active until late at night. Structure protection plans are
being made.
ELK MOUNTAIN, Northwestern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural
Resources and Conservation. A Type II Incident Management Team (Gauger)
is assigned. This fire is 26 miles west of Whitefish, MT. Fire activity
has increased due to strong winds, high temperature and low relative
humidities. Long range spotting has occurred on the southeast side of the
fire.
MALONEY CREEK, Clearwater Area, Idaho State Department of Lands. A Type
II Incident Management Team (Specht) is assigned. This fire is 12 miles
southeast of Craigmont, ID. The fire continues to burn under the
powerline and is active on the west and south flanks. An estimated 25
power poles have been destroyed. The fire is exhibiting high activity
levels both night and day.
STONE YOUNG, Kootenai National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Colla) has been ordered. The complex consists of four fires. The Young
fire has burned into Canada. The Lydia fire has potential to threaten
structures. The other two fires in the complex are the Stone Hill and the
Cliff Point fires.
TROY SOUTH, Kootenai National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Berndt) is assigned. This complex of 37 fires is near Troy, MT. Five of
the fires are high priority due to threats to a municipal watershed and
structures in the city of Troy. A structure protection plan is being
developed.
NORTHWEST LAND OFFICE (NWLO) IA COMPLEX, Northwestern Land Office, Montana
Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. These fires are all
within the northwest Montana zone. The total number of fires in the
complex is 27. The fires have been actively burning in some areas, with
spotting and isolated torching noted on the Bald Hill fire.
CHIPMUNK, Flathead National Forest. The fire is burning in spruce,
subalpine fir and brush 45 miles southeast of Kalispell, MT. Firefighters
are locating strategic points and beginning structure protection planning.
The fire is observed to have a rate of spread of one to two miles per hour
with some torching.
THREE BEARS, Nez Perce National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Cones) is assigned. This fire, 29 miles from Elk City, ID,
continues to burn actively on both sides of the Salmon River, pushed by
southwest winds. Site protection measures have been completed at Arctic
Creek and are being developed for Mallard Creek, Cook Ranch and
Whitewater.
HELEN CREEK, Flathead National Forest. This fire is 22 miles south of
Spotted Bear, MT. Flame lengths are less than two feet and the fire has
been observed to be creeping on the surface. Threatened resources are
three administrative structures and one pack bridge.
HUMP CREEK, Northwestern Land Office, Montana Department of Natural
Resources and Conservation. This fire is four miles southwest of Reed
Point. A total of 26 structures are threatened. A burnout operation is
planned for today.
KNF ABC, Kootenai National Forest. There are 35 active fires in this
complex, 27 staffed and eight unstaffed. Four of the larger fires will be
assigned to the Stone Young Complex. All fires are within the Kootenai
National Forest.
HAWKS GROUND, Clearwater Area, Idaho State Department of Lands. The fire
is burning four miles northeast of Winchester, ID. Containment is being
hampered by steep canyons, poor access and rolling debris.
MCDONALD II, Lewis and Clark National Forest. The fire is 36 miles
southwest of Choteau, MT. Hot spots and torching are increasing in the
southwest corner.
HIDDEN CREEK, Clearwater National Forest. The fire is 12 miles southeast
of Powell, ID. The fire is active on the north perimeter, moving toward
Big Sand Creek, with flame lengths of two to four feet. The fire is being
monitored by US Forest Service personnel.
FROG LAKE, Clearwater National Forest. The fire is 16 miles southeast of
Powell, ID. The fire is being monitored by US Forest Service personnel.
ELIZABETH, Clearwater National Forest. The fire is 33 miles northeast of
Pierce, ID. The fire is being monitored by US Forest Service personnel.
SNOW CREEK, Clearwater National Forest. The fire is 30 miles northeast of
Pierce, ID. The fire is being monitored by US Forest Service personnel.
EASTERN GREAT BASIN AREA LARGE FIRES:
Priorities are being established by the Great Basin Multi-Agency
Coordinating Group based on information submitted via Wildfire Situation
Analysis reports and Incident Status Summary (ICS-209) forms.
RANKIN, Salmon-Challis National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Suwyn) is assigned. This fire is 40 miles west of Challis, ID. The
northern perimeter of the fire at Rankin Creek is holding as the fire
slowly burns toward a dozer fireline and an old burn.
SWAINS, South Central State of Utah. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Burdick) is assigned. This human-caused fire is burning east of Holden,
UT. Intense fire activity has been observed as several interior areas
torch. Firefighters were able to hold the fireline on a ridge as the fire
made a run toward it. Some rain fell on the fire as a thunderstorm moved
through the area.
BOULDER, Bridger-Teton National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Zimmerman) is assigned. This fire is 15 miles east of Jackson, WY,
in the Gros Ventre Wilderness. Firefighters continue efforts to contain
the fire east of Little Granite Creek.
GLADE, Grand Teton National Park. This lightning-caused fire is 12 miles
north of Colter Bay, WY. Flagg Ranch Lodge, a campground, residences and
National Park Service residences have been evacuated. Air tankers were
successful in slowing fire spread to the east, toward the lodge and south
of the Grassy Lake road. Spotting has been observed one-quarter to
one-half mile ahead of the main fire. Crews continue to work on the spot
fires.
ELK VALLEY, Caribou National Forest. This lightning-caused fire is 20
miles northeast of Montpelier, ID. There has been some spotting across
firelines, but all spots have been contained.
MORAN, Grand Teton National Park. This fire is burning in the Teton
Range, west of Jackson Lake at Moran Canyon. The fire is burning with
great intensity in very heavy fuels. The Moran patrol cabin has been
confirmed destroyed. The Lower Berry patrol cabins, six miles to the
north, will be wrapped and sprinkled.
NICK, Payette National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Saleen) is assigned. This fire is burning in subalpine fir 12 miles east
of McCall, ID. Firefighters have established structure protection zones
around Krassel work station and the Zena Ranch. The area around the fire
has been closed to recreational activities.
CLEAR CREEK, Salmon-Challis National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Hart) is assigned. A Type I Incident Management Team (Hutchinson)
has been assigned to transition with Hart's team. The fire is 12 miles
west of Salmon, ID. The 3rd Battalion 5th Marines from Camp Pendleton,
California, commanded by Col. Callihan, is assigned. The size of the fire
combined with minimal firelines is allowing for rapid fire growth.
BURGDORF JUNCTION, Payette National Forest. A Type I Incident Management
Team (Vail) is assigned. A Type I Incident Management Team (Dague) has
been assigned to transition with Vail's team. The fire is 23 miles north
of McCall, ID. The 3rd Battalion 16th Field Artillery from Ft. Hood,
Texas, commanded by LTC Darryl Williams, is assigned. Fifty-nine
personnel from the Idaho National Guard and 24 personnel from the 116th
Calvary are providing the military with air and medical support and four
Blackhawk helicopters. Primary fire spread is toward the west in the
northwest corner. The spot fire east of Rabbit Creek continues to spread
slowly towards Republican Flats. Contingencies are in place to provide
the Nez Perce National Forest with initial attack forces should the fire
cross the Salmon River.
HALF MOON, Bridger-Teton National Forest. This fire is near Pinedale, WY.
Active burning and torching has been observed as the fire moves to the
east. Spotting has occurred across Pole Creek. One 30 acre spot fire and
several smaller spots are causing containment problems.
DRY FORK II, Vernal Field Office, BLM. The fire is burning in pinyon
pine, juniper, aspen, fir and lodgepole pine 20 miles northwest of Vernal,
UT. Light rain fell over the fire with little effect. The fire has
burned from Ashley Gorge to the bottom of Black Canyon.
MORSE, Salmon-Challis National Forest. The fire is burning in grass,
sagebrush and douglas fir 12 miles southeast of Ellis, ID. One U.S.
Forest Service campground continues to be threatened.
TRAIL CREEK, Boise National Forest. This fire is five miles south of
Atlanta, ID. The fire grew rapidly under red flag conditions. Two U.S.
Forest Service engines will be used to patrol the town of Atlanta to
provide contact with residents and begin initial removal of campers from
the local backcountry campsites.
LOOKOUT POINT, Payette National Forest. The fire is 51 miles east of
McCall, ID. Structure protection at Taylor Ranch and Cabin Creek is being
provided by 12 smokejumpers. This fire is expected to burn into the
Diamond Peak fire in the near future.
FONTENELLE, Bridger-Teton National Forest. This lightning-caused fire is
northeast of Cokeville, WY. Extreme fire behavior has been noted.
Current threats are to many natural gas wells.
BLIND, Bridger-Teton National Forest. The fire is southeast of Alpine,
WY. Dry fuels and windy conditions have caused extreme fire behavior,
including crowing and long range spotting.
FRANKLIN CANYON, Northwest Utah State. This fire is six miles west of
Coalville, UT. Fire activity is intense, with torching and crowning
observed. One section of powerlines was destroyed and another section is
threatened. Concerns include poor access and threatened structures.
ENOS, Bridger-Teton National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Zimmerman) is assigned. This fire is burning in the Teton Wilderness 33
miles northeast of Jackson, WY. Intense fire activity continues.
Concerns are U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service patrol cabins,
outfitter camps and developments south of the fire in the Buffalo Creek
area.
FLOSSIE COMPLEX, Payette National Forest. This fire is 50 miles northeast
of McCall, ID. Fire activity moderated yesterday.
NORTH FORK WILDERNESS COMPLEX, Salmon-Challis National Forest. The ten
fires in this complex, including the Butts and Filly fires, are 40 miles
northwest of Salmon, ID. The fires have been very active. Structure
protection is in place at the Salmon River Lodge.
SOUTH ZONE WILDERNESS, Salmon-Challis National Forest. This fire is 50
miles northwest of Challis, ID. This fire is being monitored for fire
growth and behavior. No new information was received.
TRIANGLE, Bridger-Teton National Forest. This fire is burning near
Pinedale, WY. The fire is burning to the east in the Wind River Range.
No new information was reported.
DIAMOND PEAK, Payette National Forest. This lightning-caused fire is 42
miles northeast of McCall, ID. The fire has made a run and could be at
Cabin Creek by tonight. It should burn into the Lookout Point fire soon.
Two smokejumpers are providing structure protection.
INDIAN/PROSPECT, Payette National Forest. The fire is 33 miles east of
McCall, ID. The fire has been considerably calmer and there was no
significant movement. NORTH SHELLROCK, Payette National Forest. The fire
is 55 miles east of McCall, ID. It is currently being monitored from the
air.
CHOURNOS, Northwest Utah State. This fire is 30 miles west of Ogden, UT.
The fire behavior is still very intense.
WESTERN GREAT BASIN AREA LARGE FIRES:
Priorities are being established by the Great Basin Multi-Agency
Coordinating Group based on information submitted via Wildfire Situation
Analysis reports and Incident Status Summary (ICS-209) forms.
TWIN PEAKS, Carson City Field Office, BLM. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Praytor) is assigned. This fire is burning in pinyon pine and
juniper 50 miles east of Fallon, NV. The fire continues to make runs
through unburned drainages located within the fire perimeter.
SOUTH WILLOW, Winnemucca Field Office, BLM. The fire is burning in
sagebrush, grass and juniper 60 miles west of Winnemucca, NV. The fire
continues to burn actively, exhibiting extreme rates of spread, torching
and spotting. Current threats are to a structure, a historical site,
rangeland and sage grouse habitat.
PARSNIP, Ely Field Office, BLM. This fire is burning in sagebrush, dense
pinyon pine and juniper 30 miles northeast of Caliente, NV in a wilderness
study area. The fire received light precipitation.
WHISKEY, Battle Mountain Field Office, BLM. This fire is burning in
pinyon pine, juniper and sage fuels 15 miles south of Battle Mountain, NV.
Fire activity has slowed and crews have begun cold-trailing the fire
perimeter.
PHILLIPS RANCH, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The fire is 50 miles
southeast of Ely, NV. USFS personnel are monitoring the fire. No active
fire behavior has been observed.
MAMMOTH, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The fire is burning in white
fir 75 miles southwest of Ely, NV. It started on 8/2 in the Grant Range
Wilderness Area. On 8/11 the fire grew to its present size due to strong
gusty winds. No new information was received.
O'NEIL BASIN COMPLEX, Elko Field Office, BLM. A Type II Incident
Management Team (Murphy) is assigned. This complex, consisting of the
Camp Creek, Cold Springs and Mahogany fires, is 40 miles southeast of
Jackpot, NV. Unburned fuels are still smoldering in the interior of the
Camp Creek fire.
CHERRY, Ely Field Office, BLM. This fire is 30 miles northwest of Ely,
NV. Due to its inaccessibility, the fire is being monitored by BLM
personnel. Crews are arriving on the fire today to begin efforts to
contain it.
LITTLE WATER, Humboldt National Forest. This fire is 60 miles southeast
of Elko, NV. It is being monitored from the air.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN AREA LARGE FIRES:
KATE'S BASIN COMPLEX, Wind River Agency, BIA. A Type I Incident
Management Team (Lohrey) is assigned. This complex includes the Kate's
Basin and the Blondie #2 fires, eight miles southwest of Thermopolis, WY.
The west flank and the northeast corner of the fire were burned out to
control lines. The fire made runs through unburned fuels in the interior.
Control problems include steep rugged terrain and cliffs, limited access
and extremely dry fuels.
FLAGPOLE MOUNTAIN, South Dakota State Forestry. A Type II Incident
Management Team (Gardner) is assigned. This fire is near the town of Hot
Springs, SD. The fire has exhibited activity in isolated areas and within
firelines. Minimal fire growth has been noted.
ENCAMPMENT COMPLEX, Rawlins District, BLM. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Hartman) is assigned. This complex consisting of the Blackhall and
Hell Canton fires are southeast of Encampment, WY. Fire activity has been
moderate and firefighters have made significant progress toward
containment.
SHEEP MOUNTAIN, Rock Springs District, BLM. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Carlson) is assigned. This lightning-caused fire is near Rock
Springs, WY. Intense fire behavior was observed when thunderstorms went
through the area. However, firefighters have been able to hold the fire
with little acreage gain.
BURRO FLATS, Shoshone National Forest. The fire is 12 miles south of
Dubois, WY. It is burning in the Fitzpatrick Wilderness at high
elevations. The fire is being held in check with retardant and helicopter
water drops. A crew has been air lifted to the fire to build fireline.
WOODS CANYON, Custer Dispatch Center Counties. The fire is 10 miles
northwest of Hulett, WY. It is being staffed by Wyoming State and Crook
County resources. Fire behavior is moderate, with occasional torching
observed. A burnout operation has been completed.
HOGBACK, Craig Dispatch Center Counties. This fire is five miles south of
Meeker, CO. No new information was received.
NORTHWEST AREA LARGE FIRES:
MILEPOST 244, Umatilla National Forest. A Type II Incident Management
Team (Jackson) is assigned. The fire is burning in grass, brush and
timber five miles southeast of Gibbon, OR. Extreme fire behavior has been
observed, including flame lengths of 50 to 100 feet. Resources were
pulled off from the head of the fire yesterday afternoon and crews are
currently working the fire's flanks. Threats are to tribal lands,
railroad facilities, private property and wildlife habitat.
BUFFALO LAKE, Colville Agency, BIA. A Type II Incident Management Team
(Furlong) is assigned. This fire is burning in grass, sagebrush, timber
and slash four miles northeast of Coulee Dam, WA. Crews are continuing to
improve fireline and mopup along the east flank. Aerial ignition of
unburned interior islands near the fireline is occurring on the south and
east flanks.
FLAT CREEK, Wenatchee National Forest. This lightning-caused fire is 18
miles northwest of Stehekin, WA, in the Glacier Peak Wilderness.
Monitoring by agency personnel from a viewpoint and by helicopter
continues.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA LARGE FIRES:
HIGHWAY, Fresno-Kings Ranger Unit, California Department of Forestry and
Fire Protection. This human-caused fire is 28 miles northeast of Fresno,
CA. Continued hot temperatures and steep terrain are challenging
containment efforts. Demobilization of some resources has begun.
SAWMILL, Inyo National Forest. The fire is ten miles north of
Independence, CA. Progress is being made toward containment despite steep
terrain.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA LARGE FIRES:
UNION, Shasta-Trinity Ranger Unit, California Department of Forestry and
Fire Protection. This human-caused fire is ten miles north of Redding,
CA. Three residences, one mobile home, one travel trailer, four vehicles
and two outbuildings have been confirmed destroyed. Containment was
expected late last night.
SOUTHWEST AREA LARGE FIRES:
PEAK, Tonto National Forest. A Type II Incident Management Team (Joki) is
assigned. The fire is burning in dense brush and steep terrain six miles
south of Globe, AZ. Fire activity has been minimal.
RATTLESNAKE, Prescott National Forest. The fire was ignited on 8/7 near
Black Canyon City, AZ. The fire is burning in a canyon with limited
access in the Castle Creek Wilderness. The fire is being monitored by
USFS personnel.
SOUTHERN AREA LARGE FIRES:
VISTULA, Texas State Forest Service. The fire is 100 miles northwest of
Houston. It is burning in a pine plantation and cut over area. A
National Guard helicopter assisted crews in saving two structures.
1943, Texas State Forest Service. The fire is burning in a pine
plantation 75 miles northeast of Warren, TX. No new information was
received.
LAKE BROWN, Texas State Forest Service. This fire is burning in brush,
cedar and juniper 50 miles southeast of Abilene, TX. No new information
was received.
OUTLOOK:
*** A RED FLAG WARNING IS POSTED IN SOUTHWEST SOUTH DAKOTA AND NORTHEAST
WYOMING FOR A FRONTAL PASSAGE AND DRY LIGHTNING THIS MORNING ***
A dry southwest to west flow aloft will prevail over Washington, Oregon,
Idaho and Montana. Winds will be much lighter over this area as the
previous disturbance moves off to the east. Further south, monsoon
moisture will continue to bring a possibility of thunderstorms to the four
corners states and to Nevada and Wyoming. Dry thunderstorms may persist
into this morning in southwest South Dakota. Winds will generally be
southwest to west at 10 to 20 mph.
High temperatures will range from the mid 70's to the mid 90's in most
areas and up to 110 in the deserts of western Utah, northern Arizona and
southern Nevada. Up to 115 degree temperatures will occur across the
southern California and Arizona desert areas. Afternoon relative
humidities will range from the low teens to the 20's in most areas, except
drier in the hottest deserts and valleys.
A fire weather watch is posted in northeast Florida for low relative
humidities.
=> USA Earthquake Report
UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
NATIONAL EARTHQUAKE INFORMATION CENTER
GOLDEN, COLORADO
LISTS OF U.S. EARTHQUAKES IN THE LAST 30 HOURS
Prepared by USGS/NEIC 2000 AUG 16 at 00:15 UTC
EARTHQUAKES IN WEST CENTRAL UNITED STATES
(35.8 TO 40.3 N, 102.0 TO 125.0 W)
Date Time (UTC) Lat Long Depth Magnitude
2000 AUG 14 18:18:00.00 39.3 N 123.0 W 9 km 2.9
15 miles NE of Ukiah, California
2000 AUG 15 21:07:05.00 37.5 N 118.6 W 12 km 3.0
15 miles NW of Bishop, California
EARTHQUAKES IN STATE OF ALASKA
Date Time (UTC) Lat Long Depth Magnitude
2000 AUG 14 19:24:33.57 56.2 N 157.3 W 50 km 4.2
40 miles E of Chignik, Alaska
=> Yesterday's USA Severe Weather Reports
Note: All data is considered preliminary
Tornado Reports
No reports received
Hail Reports
No reports received
Wind Reports
Time Speed Location County State Lat Lon Comments
0306 UNK WARREN COUNTY WARREN PA 4179 7928 TREES DOWN ON RT 62 (CTP)
0345 UNK KANE MCKEAN PA 4166 7883 TREES DOWN NEAR KANE (CTP)
0400 UNK WILCOX ELK PA 4158 7869 TREES DOWN (CTP)
0405 UNK LEMONT ELK PA 4081 7780 TREES DOWN (CTP)
0410 UNK CAPE VINCENT JEFFERSON NY 4413 7633 TREES AND POWER LINES DOWN
(BUF)
Fields marked UNK are unknown
All Times UTC
Wind Gusts in MPH
Hail Sizes in 1/100 of an Inch (75 = 0.75")
=> Guest Column
No Column Today
=> U.S. Severe Weather Threats Assessment August 18, 2000 - Tuesday, August
29, 2000.
Summary of Forecasts & Threats
SYNOPSIS: Models predict, on average, troughs in the Northeast and Northwest
and a ridge in the Nation's interior to continue, but with large day-to-day
variations likely in the strength and position of the ridge and the eastern
trough.
THREATS
Global atmosphere-ocean conditions have returned to near-normal over the
central and western tropical Pacific. The atmosphere in the global tropics
continues cooler than average, while the middle latitudes continue to
exhibit enhanced ridges.
Conditions favor a slightly enhanced Atlantic hurricane season.
General risk of locally heavy rain and flash flooding through period in
Northeast and East, possibly aggrevated by tropical storm activity.
Excessive heat index (temperature+humidity) are expected over much of the
Great Plains, at least through the weekend.
General risk of wildfires will remain high over most of the interior West
due to continued warm temperatures, dry air and lack of widespread rain.
Long-term drought will continue over portions of the Southeast.
DETAILED SUMMARY
For Friday August 18 through Sunday August 20: Models predict a trough in
the Northeast which hosts the passage of short waves, showers and cool
temperatures. A ridge is predicted to continue in the Southwest and extend
into the Plains, while the persistent trough continues in the West.
For Monday August 21 through Tuesday August 29: Models currently predict the
ridge to weaken early in the week as short waves pass over the northern U.S.
border states. The ridge settles in the West late in the week as the eastern
trough deepens again.
=> Summary of Fire Activity Across The United States:
Fires
Yesterday 220
Year to Date 64,693
Ten Year Average 55,523
Acres Burned
Yesterday 96,065
Year to Date 4,420,539
Ten Year Average 2,365,609
Estimated Daily Cost
$8.1 million
=> FEMA Authorizes Fourth Fire Suppression Grant For Montana
Washington, August 15, 2000 -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) reported today that federal firefighting funds have been authorized
for the fourth time to help Montana battle another outbreak of multiple
wildfires burning in the northwestern part of the state.
According to the agency, the fire suppression aid requested by the state was
approved last night after learning that the Northwest Zone 1 Fire Complex
posed a threat to populated areas in the counties of Flathead, Lake, Lincoln
and Sanders. An estimated 200 to 300 fires have been burning in the area
since late last week.
Montana fires previously authorized for federal fire suppression funds were
the Central Zone 3C Fire Complex in Beaverhead and Madison counties (August
8); the Southwestern Zone 2 Fire Complex in Deer Lodge, Granite, Mineral,
Missoula, Powell, Ravalli and Silver Bow counties (August 6); and the
Central Zone 3B Fire Complex in Broadwater, Jefferson, and Lewis and Clark
counties (July 24).
Under the authorizations, the state's eligible costs for fighting the fires
are being funded at 100 percent federal share.
Federal fire suppression aid is provided through the President's Disaster
Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires when they
threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible state firefighting costs
covered by the aid can include expenses for field camps; equipment use,
repair and replacement; tools, materials and supplies; and mobilization and
demobilization activities.
=> Town Meeting With FEMA In Los Alamos Aug. 21, 2000
Washington, August 14, 2000 -- FEMA Director James Lee Witt will be in New
Mexico on Monday, Aug. 21, 2000 to meet with the people of Los Alamos and
surrounding areas about the implementation of the Cerro Grande Fire
Assistance Act. The Los Alamos Town Meeting will be held at the Los Alamos
High School's Smith Auditorium, 1400 Diamond Dr., Los Alamos, NM.
FEMA is on a fast track to publish final regulations for implementing the
Act and needs to hear from the people who suffered losses because of the
fire. On Tuesday, Aug. 22, Witt also plans to meet with officials from other
areas affected by the fire.
When: 6:30 p.m., Aug. 21, 2000
=> Classified Ads
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Our Associates can expect to make between $100,000 to $150,000 per year and
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for additional information.
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=> Links Area
W. Pacific
Tropical storm Ewiniar was located east of Japan near 35.5N 150.2E at 12:00
UTC. The storm has been moving in a east-northeasterly direction at 6 knots
with maximum sustained winds estimated at 75 knots, gusts to 90 knots.
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Tropical/W_Pacific/TRCewiniar228_GM.jpg
E. Atlantic
Tropical storm Alberto was located near 36.9N 38.6 W at 15:00 UTC. Alberto
was moving in a southerly direction at 9 knots with maximum sustained winds
estimated at 45 knots, gusts to 55 knots.
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Tropical/Atlantic/TRCalberto228_G8.jpg
E. Pacific
TS Hector and TS Ileana located in the eastern Pacific off Baja, California,
Mexico, and TD Beryl located in central Mexico were captured in this GOES-10
image.
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Tropical/E_Pacific/TRChector228_G10.jpg
Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and British Columbia
Numerous heat signatures (red) and dense smoke (light blue) are visible from
fires burning in southeastern British Columbia, Idaho, western Montana, and
Wyoming.
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Fires/US_Northwest/FSMHSusMT228_N2.jpg
Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Utah
This image provides a wider view of the heat signatures and smoke from the
various fires burning in west/northwestern US.
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Fires/US_Northwest/FSMHSusID228_N2.jpg
N. America
TOMS aerosol plots shows a plume of smoke extending eastward into Wisconsin.
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Fires/US_Northwest/FSMusMT228_TOMS.jpg
N. America
Smoke from the fires in Idaho and western Montana covers most of Montana,
northern Wyoming, and much of the Dakotas.
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Fires/US_Northwest/FSMHSusMT228A_G8.jpg
N. America
Dense smoke (yellow) from the fires in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming cover
much of Montana and extend eastward into the Dakotas and possibly Minnesota
in this GOES-8 image.
http://www.osei.noaa.gov/Events/Fires/US_Northwest/FSMHSusMT228B_G8.jpg
=> How to Be Featured as our Guest Columnist
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