2024 Wildfire Season

[PrairieFella]

A nice way to kick off the first day of summer...


Executive Summary

 As of June 15th, snowpack is below normal, averaging 38% across B.C. (June 1st: 57%)

 Typically, three-quarters of the annual snowpack melts by June 15th. Despite a very early melt of low elevation snowpack in April, overall this year’s snow has melted at a typical rate, with 79% now melted.

 Last year, the average of all stations on June 15th was 4% of normal.

 Snowmelt-related flood hazard remains low. The greatest flood risk for the rest of the season is from widespread heavy rain events.

 Low seasonal snowpack, early snowmelt and lingering impacts from on-going drought are creating elevated drought hazards for the upcoming summer.

 This is the final Snow Bulletin of the 2024 season. The next Bulletin will be issued in early January 2025.


View attachment 86109






https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/environment/air-land-water/water/river-forecast/2024_june15.pdf

That is fucking dire. The BC interior is rapidly becoming a snow desert it seems.

 

[Rifleman62]

Some history on Smoke Jumpers in the USA:

The Smoke Jumper Tragedy of Mann Gulch (1949) A Wilderness Fire Disaster​

 

[foresterab]

On a more somber note:

1st fatality of the season.

Helicopter pilot dies fighting wildfire in Northwest Territories

A helicopter pilot has died while fighting a wildfire in the Northwest Territories.

www.ctvnews.ca

Large numbers of Bell 212's also being grounded by companies until they understand the cause but initial reports are talking about a critical part failure. Industry focuses on ‘critical’ part after fatal NWT helicopter crash

Also affecting active operations elsewhere due to the 212 being the primary bucket support airframe and used for many of the crew moves.