A Cowboy Song About Mineral King

Does anyone know Tom Russell? He wrote a song called "Rayburn Crane" about Mineral King and uploaded it to YouTube. You can take a listen here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFVzGSOAjNo

SQF Complex Fire Update from NPS

 FYI, and gratitude for the wonderful firefighters who kept our community safe!

Sharon

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Fox, Dave P <Dave_Fox@nps.gov>
Date: Mon, Oct 26, 2020 at 9:14 AM
Subject: Updates

Friends,

While temperatures are much lower this current weather system is bringing higher winds and lower relative humidity leading to a red flag fire warning through tomorrow. The voluntary evacuation is still in place for the Mineral King Valley, but I anticipate that after this weather system passes through and the containment lines are tested, that will be evaluated for the potential to return the area to no warning. This is not going to change anything from the park's standpoint for reopening as Wednesday was the planned date for the seasonal closure.

We will be looking at the greater closure of wilderness later this week as well once this system departs. I am not making any predictions at this point, just letting you know that we have not just closed up and walked away. The Rattlesnake and Castle Fires are still somewhat active in the Lower Kern. 

I'm in a (virtual) class all week, so I may not be immediately available for calls or email. Next week I'm going to be on leave and won't be available. 

Thanks, 

Dave Fox

Sequoia District Ranger

"Disney's failed attempt to build a massive ski resort in the California wilderness"

At the link below is an interesting article published yesterday (October 22, 2020) by sfgate.com regarding the Disney Company's unsuccessful attempt at building a massive ski resort in the Mineral King Valley.

https://www.sfgate.com/disneyland/article/mineral-king-ski-resort-disney-failed-project-15662462.php

What wasn't mentioned was the massive avalanche during the winter of 1968-69 that killed one of two Disney employees sent to survey snow levels.  You can read a first-hand account by the survivor of that avalanche published by Quest magazine on our web site, specifically here:

https://www.mineralking.net/file/e24e5460-466b-11e9-b7f5-b902fa499f58 

Remains of the Crowley Resort after the avalanche during the winter of 1968-69.

Fire Update

From William Martin, EMK:

Adam Bree from the Bree Cabin just came down the hill. He conversed with fire crews. The fire is at a critical juncture. The fire has passed Evelyn Lake and Homer's Nose. I think there are at least 3 hot shot crews in and headed to Hockett to prevent Eastern movement in that area.

However, they felt they would be unlikely to prevent the fire from moving down Cahoon Canyon towards Horse Creek and the East Fork. It would come up the other side in the Atwell area and move east and north from there. In part because Silver City is on private land they will have more flexibility to use equipment to establish that area as their new fire line.

When I was up there Friday there were maybe 5 trucks and 15 fire personnel. Adam estimates over 25 trucks and over 100 personnel today.

There is considerable large truck traffic going up and down the road so, if you haven't already closed your cabin, you should not attempt to go up until after the fire is under control.

I'll be surprised if the road is not completely closed in the few days.

William Martin

Update on Woodstove Fires

From: Fox, Dave P <Dave_Fox@nps.gov>
Date: Tue, Oct 13, 2020 at 10:13 AM
Subject: Woodstove fires
 
Friends,
 
Over the weekend, the superintendent signed a variance to the ban on woodstove fires above 6,000 feet with the following restrictions:
·         The wood stove is rated for the cabin and has been inspected by the Authority Having Jurisdiction,
·         The cabin is presently occupied (no unattended fires),
·         The cabin occupant has provided defensible space around the cabin, 
·         A fire extinguisher readily available,
·         Low temperatures drop below 50 degrees Farenheit, AND
·         No ashes are disposed of outside while Stage 3 Fire Restrictions remain in effect. 
 
Thanks,
 
Dave Fox
Sequoia District Ranger

Mineral King Gate Locks

 From an East Mineral King cabin owner:

"Update on MK road gate locks. We went up to close our cabin yesterday, Friday. The locks on both gates were open and unable to be secured. While we were up closing the locks were replaced. On our way down the Conifer gate worked well. The gate below Lookout Point is cumbersome at best. We had to lift the canyon side of the gate in order for the bolt to fit into the locking position.

"Important note: the new locks are different in that the lock will not close unless the correct code is held in place, and the lock must be held closed while the code numbers are changed. This is a change from the previous locks.

"There's still lots of smoke, so not a good place to be with even mild respiratory issues. Hopefully the air will improve this weekend."

Report From Silver City, 10/9/2020

"Two individuals came down yesterday. They talked to three different Park people. They have about twenty trucks, more or less, surveying the area. Individuals from MK also stated that they felt SC and MK are in no danger after also talking to the Park personnel. The Park also stated that they had no plans to close the road. The fire is on the Hockett plateau and if the helicopters can get in tomorrow, they will thoroughly try to stop the movement of the fire.

"People at the [Silver City] resort are starting to do the final close. So we all hope for containment soon."

Fwd: Registration is Open: Running Wild to Whitney, A Virtual Race!

Join us for 61.5-mile race to support Sequoia Parks Conservancy

SEQUOIA PARKS CONSERVANCY PRESENTS RUNNING WILD TO WHITNEY A Virtual Race Sequoia Parks Conservancy is excited to announce Running Wild to Whitney, a virtual race event  from Crescent Meadow to the summit of Mt. Whitney! Participants will have 30 days beginning November 1, 2020, to run, bike, walk, swim, or hike the 61.5 miles to complete the race.  EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Photo: Ambrose_2979 Throughout Running Wild to Whitney, participants will have the opportunity to set up their own fundraising page through our race website to raise funds for Sequoia Parks Conservancy, the official nonprofit partner to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Racers can complete the mileage as individuals or they can compete as a team. We suggest asking friends and family to support your efforts by donating a lump sum or an amount per mile completed. Please note that you must download a free Strava account to participate in the race. SIGN UP NOW FOR RUNNING WILD TO WHITNEY DOWNLOAD STRAVA Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we encourage all participants to safely complete the mileage wherever you live - a place that brings you joy. It can be a nearby trail, a mountain, a stationary bike, a treadmill, a pool, or a walk in your neighborhood. We simply ask that you abide by social distancing rules no matter where you participate. Photo: Ambrose_2686 Lastly, Running Wild to Whitney should be FUN! Whether you walk at your own pace or run marathons, we encourage all ages and levels to participate in the first annual Running Wild event.   Prizes will be given out to the first individual and team to "summit" Mt. Whitney and to the individual and team who raise the most money. This is Important Due to safety concerns, please do not complete the event in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.  Questions? Email events@sequoiaparks.org or call 559-565-4251 Thank you to our sponsors! Abbott NYC: Sequoia Personal Fragrance Buckeye Tree Lodge National Park Geek Subpar Parks To learn more about how Sequoia Parks Conservancy supports Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, visit our website to learn more about the work we do. ‌ ‌ ‌

Sequoia Parks Conservancy | 47050 Generals Hwy Unit 10, Three Rivers, CA 93271

Update on SQF Complex Fire

From a Silver City resident who has friends on the fire line:

As of this morning (October 6, 2020), the fire has appeared to make a run up and over Homer’s Nose. I believe we will start to see the fire creep downhill towards the East Fork.

With the high pressure system starting to move on, we will begin to see an increase in fire activity. The only saving grace to this is, as the smoke lifts, it will allow better air for the use of aircraft.

We have a few things going in our favor: a weather change with an increase of humidity, the fire will be burning downhill in more gradual sloping topography, and lastly, the fire will be slowed as it reaches the recent burn scar of the Eden fire from 2 years ago.

I do find it interesting that they will be using Mineral King Road as a contingency line. I will provide a link to this updated map.

It is my understanding that the park has agreed to full suppression efforts on this fire. I’d imagine access will be a major issue on this portion of the fire.

With all of that said, it would not surprise me if there was a hard closure of Mineral King Road in the near future.

Secure Our Gates!

 Fellow Cabin Owners,

Once again, one of our gates has been damaged. This time it’s the lower gate. This damage is directly attributed to someone leaving the gate open. This open gate allowed the entry of an unauthorized vehicle. This vehicle was trapped after a responsible person closed the open gate. Apparently, the gate was damaged when that vehicle rammed the gate trying to get out. All of our cabins’ safety relies on proper gate closure. Please close the gate behind you, lock it and spin the combination.

As for the fire, progress is being made.  As of last week, the National Forest Fire has once again taken over incident command of the SQF Fire from Cal Fire.  We thank Cal Fire for their great work!  We also want to thank the National Forest, NPS and Tulare County Fire department for their past and their ongoing battle with this difficult and stubborn fire. The threat from this fire is real and as such we are still under a voluntary evacuation.  If you go up to your cabin, please monitor the fire situation as conditions can rapidly change.

As a reminder, we are under winter access meaning we are only allowed access to and from our cabins. In addition, the road will not be maintained by NPS. On November 1st, the gate combo will be changed to the new combination.  If you go up that weekend make sure you have both the new and old combinations.  If you need these numbers contact one of the board members.

Regards,
David Hopper
Silver City Service Club President

Update on SQF Complex Fire

(From a Silver City resident on October 4 with "inside information.")

"The park has committed to full suppression efforts along the northern edge as it progresses further into the park. This is directly from a conversation I had with [NPS Fire Information and Education Specialist] Mike Thuene last week. Furthermore, through various channels, the protection of our cabins has been brought to the attention of the upper echelon at cal fire. They have sent crews into the area and have a plan in place.

"The optic of the situation would appear that our area was forgotten. This is simply not true. With limited resources, management had to prioritize where to put crews.

"Now that they are wrapping up operations around camp Nelson, they will start moving crews to the north end to tie end the containment line, and stop the fires progression north.

"Yesterday morning was a bit of a pucker moment for me as I had seen the fire well established north of south fork. Fortunately, they were able to hit it hard with aircraft to slow it. I’m feeling a bit more at ease looking at this morning’s heat maps showing little new growth. As the high pressure system moves on, we will see the smoke lift and increased fire activity. Hopefully they will have crews in place when this happens. I’m still optimistic they will contain it. I will begin to worry if the fire progresses north of homer’s nose 

"An example of a few of the crews that are currently staging in silver city."

Mineral King Evacuation Update

Guy Wollenman (WMK-1) spoke with a NPS official who said things are still positive on the SQF Complex Fire front, and the Mineral King area remains under a Voluntary Evacuation order.  BUT the fire is still progressing on certain flanks, and can turn around in an instant, depending on wind and temperature.  We're especially keeping an eye on the South Fork portion of the fire by Homer's Nose, Cahoon Ridge and Hockett Meadow.

The road is still open to cabin owners (make sure you lock yourself in, and lock yourself out) but it could be shut down at any time. They will try and give us 48 hours' notice (which I will pass along), but if you still need to close your cabin for the winter, you might think about doing it this weekend.  Access by next week could change.

The WMK water system will not be turned on until next spring, so bring your own potable water if you plan to go up. Wood fires are not permitted inside or outside your cabins (propane-run appliances are OK).

Stay safe!

Fire Restrictions

 Someone asked the Sequoia District Ranger if wood fires inside the cabins in the Mineral King area were permitted yet. His response:

We are still in stage 3 fire restrictions. Wood fires are prohibited.

Thanks,

Dave Fox

Sequoia District Ranger

559-565-3710 office

(Propane-run appliances are OK to use.)

Updated Cabin Information

 From: Fox, Dave P <Dave_Fox@nps.gov>

Date: Thu, Oct 1, 2020 at 9:08 AM
Subject: Closure

Friends,

You have all likely seen the change in the evacuation order that occurred while I was on days off. I just want to clarify where we stand.

You are now authorized to go to your cabins and winterize or remove items. The area remains under an evacuation warning and is closed to recreation. This means you are not authorized to go further than your cabins. The current closure order permits access to your cabin from the entrance via the most expedient route. Please respect the closure. The fire is still burning toward Mineral King, and if I have to conduct an evacuation, we will not be able to go looking for residents. I expect to find you in or immediately around your cabin to make the notification. 

As you have likely already heard, we will not be able to get the water system up and running due to requirements by the state. I recognize this is a change from how we used to do things. We do have to comply with state law. As it would take longer to get the system up and running than it would to shut it back down for winter so we won't be able to get it on line. You'll need to bring your own water with you.

Thanks, 

Dave Fox

Sequoia District Ranger

559-565-3710 office