08/13/2008 Daily Fire Update
Incident: Snow Hole Wildland Fire
Released: 8/13/2008
Although the Snow Hole Fire was less active during the day on Tuesday, an inversion allowed the fire to pick up activity late in the afternoon. A weak cold front passed through the area late in the day increasing cloud cover over the fire, which in turn kept temperatures warmer at the fire through the night. As a result, the fire stayed active all night and continued its westward track.
Tuesday, numerous hand crews and aerial resources worked to extend and strengthen containment lines along the eastern flank of the fire in the Burnt Creek drainage. To date, that line has held; however, risk of rolling debris still exists as the area is extremely steep and rugged.
Dozer line construction at the top of the ridges (between the headwaters of Home Sweet Home and Rickman Creek drainages) progressed well Tuesday, yet more work remains to be done.
Due to the remote location of the fire, numerous crews and equipment will be "spiked" (camped) out south of the fire, near containment lines. Wednesday, in an effort to contain the western flank of the fire, firefighters will be hustling to construct handline from the dozer line at the ridgetops back down to the river. In this area, there are few places that are feasible as good topographic breaks on which to construct containment lines. Incident Commander Rick Kusicko said, "We need to do what we're here to do, as long as we can do it safely." Upslope winds, along with shifting winds associated with the passage of the cold front, will continue to be a concern for firefighters and potential fire growth.
Heavy smoke along the Salmon River and active helicopter operations may impact recreational rafting in the area; however, river closures are not anticipated. Rafters are still encouraged to phone the Cottonwood BLM office (208-962-3245) prior to departure to check the current fire status, and BLM River Rangers will remain stationed at White House Bar to keep river users advised.
