Elbow Pass Complex Update 9-6
Incident: Elbow Pass Fire Complex Wildfire
Released: 9/6/2012
Fire Information - Elbow Pass Complex
September 6, 2012 10:00 AM
Incident Team: Type 3 IMT Kyle Inabnit, Brett Witte (T)
Cause: Lightning
Acres: 21,069 acres Containment 0%
Resources: 1 helicopter Total Personnel: 18
Contact: Dave Cunningham 406 791-7754
With the fire activity being relatively stable and with slow growth, we will begin issuing an update every 3-5 days; however if fire activity increases, information will be promote frequently. The next update is projected for Monday September 10 unless conditions change. Inciweb will be updated to reflect changing fire conditions and current area and trail closures. Maps will be posted on inciweb and at fire information boards for the Elbow Pass Fire Complex. http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3066/
The Elbow Pass Fire Complex continues to burn on the southern and western perimeters. Over the past two weeks, it has spread 1,316 acres along the western and southern perimeter. The fire is the result of five different lightning ignitions from July 12 through July 31. The fires are generally located 25 miles west southwest of Augusta, Montana. We expect the fire to continue to burn until there is a significant season ending rain. The Fire Team will continue to monitor fire behavior and movement. At this time, the fire is moving slowly in areas towards natural barriers and burn scars and not approaching previously identified points of concern.
The weather forecast shows cloudy conditions with cooler temperatures today and higher relative humidity. North-northeast winds shifting to southwest winds are projected to be light for several days and relative humidity should be slightly higher than it has been. There is a slight chance of thunderstorms but a wetting rain is not predicted. Fire behavior is expected to be similar to the past week with slow growth where there continues to be heat in the South Fork Sun River on the side slopes, Rapid Creek area moving towards Sugarloaf Mountain, and south of the Flint Mountain on the south side of the Continental Divide. Fire activity will continue with widespread single and group tree torching , and short uphill runs where heat, wind and slope align. Fire managers will continue aerial reconnaissance and fuels sampling to estimate fire behavior. One helicopter is currently assigned to the fire and is available for water drops to cool fire spread if needed, and to assist with initial attack. The lookouts are staffed.
The Incident Management Team will remain a Type 3 organization. We appreciate the continued assistance of cooperating agencies, firefighting resources, and residents of Augusta and surrounding communities during this long fire season. Thank you for your support.
Recreation Opportunities: While the Benchmark Road is open, the area is closed beginning a half mile west of the road. Numerous trails remain closed. Please check with local offices for specific recreation information. Please note that vehicles parked at the trailhead could be at fire risk due to possible future fire activity. The Benchmark Air Strip is closed, the Augusta air strip is open.
For more information on these or other wildland fires, and related information visit:
http://www.inciweb.org/ or call:
Augusta Information Station 406-562-3247 Choteau District Office 406-466-5341
Seeley Lake Ranger District 406-677-2233 Spotted Bear Ranger District 406-758-5376
TRAIL and AREA Closures for the Elbow Pass Complex
September 6, 2012
AREA CLOSURES on the Lewis and Clark National Forest, Flathead National Forest, and Lolo National Forest remain in effect.
In addition, these trails remain closed:
Trail Closures for Elbow Pass Complex:
- South Fork Sun River Trail # 202 : the portion of the trail south of the South Fork Sun River Pack Bridge
- Straight Creek Trail #212: the portion of the trail north of Straight Creek Pass)
- Hoadley Creek trail #226
- Patrol Mountain Lookout Trail #213
- Ellis Creek Trail #227
- East Fork Ahorn Trail # 225 : the portion of the trail south of Grizzly Basin
- Observation Pass Trail #246
- Elbow Pass Trail # 248
- Cigarette Rock Trail #247
- Green Fork Trail # 228
- Petty-Crown Trail #232
- Crown Mountain Trail #270
- Halfmoon Creek Trail #216
- Telephone Creek Trail #274
Prisoner Fire trail restrictions
The Lewis and Clark NF will be rescinding the following trail closure on Saturday September 8, 2012.
· Indian Creek Trail #211 to White River Pass
