Intensification of the Dollar Ridge fire was very evident today as I descended from the summit of Mt. Nebo. The photos below are in chronological order and were taken from 11:21 AM to 1:52 PM. This is a very common occurrence as temperatures climb and the the so-called boundary layer, in which thermals and turbulence generated at the Earth's surface occur, deepens. Note the formation of pyrocumulus clouds as well. Sadly I only had the cell phone.
Portable weather stations at about 9000 feet near the fire showed temperatures in the 70s, relative humidities near 10% and winds gusting to 30 mph. It doesn't get much worse than that. The low humidity was very apparent on my hike as I consumed 64 ounces of water, despite an early start, and still returned to the trailhead completely parched.
Fires and fireworks should simply be avoided this holiday week.
We were driving home from Colorado and the fire was impressive/scary/sad viewed from Highway 6 b/w Price and Spanish Fork yesterday.
ReplyDeleteColorado wisely had fireworks and camp fires banned almost everywhere (and yet there were still wildfires all over). I was happy to sacrifice the camp fire and head into the tent earlier given how dry it was. I wish Utah folks would wise up. Had to bee-line it home yesterday and then stand guard at home last night to make sure our neighbors didn't set our yard on fire.