Atmospheric River Events in the Western U.S.: January 11th update

 I begin todays post on the atmospheric rivers by sharing excerpts from the Short Range Forecast Discussion issued by the NWS Weather Prediction Center  on January 11th at 3AM EST where they discussed an atmospheric river forecasted to impact northern California and other areas of the pacific northwest on January 11th through January 12th.

Short Range Forecast Discussion

NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD

300 AM EST Wed Jan 11 2023

Valid 12Z Wed Jan 11 2023 - 12Z Fri Jan 13 2023

...Next Atmospheric River event to impact northern California today, spreading up the Pacific Northwest coast on Thursday...

Following another day of heavy precipitation and gusty winds across California, the storm system associated with the recent unrelenting series of atmospheric river events has moved well inland and is currently bringing mountain snows across the Intermountain West and into much of the central Rockies.  Meanwhile, an enormous cyclone rotating well off the West Coast will bring the next round of heavy precipitation and gusty winds today, this time targeting northern California.  Unlike the recent atmospheric river events, this upcoming event is forecast to impact areas farther north from northern California and up the coast of the Pacific Northwest through the next few days.  The heaviest rains are expected to impact northwestern California through the next couple of days with a few inches of rain possible.  By later on Thursday, the threat of heavy rain will reach the Olympic Peninsula where a few inches of rain is possible as well.

As I wrote yesterday, January 10th, I was speechless and saddened by the devastating impacts of the January 9th and 10th atmospheric river event in much of California. I did my best to try to peruse affected NWS Weather Forecast Offices that were impacted by this atmospheric river focusing on debris flows on wildland fire burn scars. I focused on the following four NWS Forecast Offices:

• NWS Forecast Office Los Angeles CA
• NWS Forecast Office San Francisco Bay Area CA
• NWS Forecast Office Sacramento CA
• NWS Forecast Office Hanford/San Joaquin Valley CA

From what I could see from following these Weather Forecast Offices and conversations with Meteorologists from three of the four aforementioned Weather Forecast Offices, I knew that they were working hard providing various forecasts, watches and warnings including but not limited to flash flood warnings, high wind warnings, and thunderstorm warnings. I also knew that they were monitoring burn scars in the forecast area for possible impacts from flash flooding and debris flows. Perhaps I am missing, something which is always possible, but I am not aware of any major damage from flash flooding and debris flows in or near recent burn scars. If I later become aware of such damage to burn scars, I will make another post. The Weather Prediction Center issued a storm summary on January 10th with an update on the then current situation in areas impacted by the atmospheric river, it may be found here (and I hope that this link will stay active), they report that the event which began on January 9th was coming to end and provided some snow fall and rain totals with some snow fall totals of over three feet and some rainfall totals over ten inches. Wind gusts are also included in that report with a number of reports of peak wind gusts of over 70 mph. 

According to a January 11th report on CNN 17 people have died and flood watches are continuing on January 11th affecting as many as 5 million people in California. As I write this, the CNN article also reports on the efforts to find a five-year boy who was swept from his mother's arms during the floods, damage to cars, destroyed homes, and a forecast for the next few days in the Pacific Northwest.

Here is a map from the Weather Prediction Center of rainfall that fell in California from December 24, 2022  through January 10, 2023.

As another Atmospheric River impacts the West, here's a look at the total precipitation from 12/24 - 1/10 across California. The excessive precipitation has resulted in many floods and even some mudslides, so be sure to protect yourself from the dangers presented by flooding. pic.twitter.com/2YZIwWtxQY

— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) January 10, 2023

I referred to coverage by the Weather Channel (with photos) and excellent coverage by the Capital Weather Gang of the Washington Post  in my January 10th article, if you are interested in reading those articles see my January 10th articles for the direct links. I subscribe to the New York Times where I have been following their coverage of the atmospheric river events in California. I read an excellent article just this morning, January 11th, in their live coverage under storm damage where they included photos and videos of four towns impacted by flood waters, with a map showing you where these towns are located. They also mapped out flooded roads and mudslides as well as river and stream flooding. As someone who is not intimately familiar with California geography I appreciated the maps and I hope you do as well. I am hopefully gifting you today's New York Times article with videos, photos, and maps of damage from the California storms (free access through January 20, 2023).

I continue to keep all those affected by these devastating atmospheric rivers and those yet to come in my thoughts and prayers. With a special shout out to the National Weather Service Weather Forecast Offices and the River Forecast Centers and all the first responders.

Atmospheric River Event in Western U.S.: Thoughts on January 10th

I was busy this morning sitting at my local auto dealership's service department waiting while my car was being serviced. It was not until early this afternoon that I was able to find out what has been going on in much of California after last nights atmospheric river event, see my January 9th article for more information. For example. I checked out the coverage on the Weather Channel, specifically their January 10th article with updates on the storm as well as a photo gallery.

Matthew Cappucci, Andrew Jeong, and Scott Dance from the Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang continue to report on the storms in California in a January 10th article, "California storm triggers more floods, tornado warnings as death toll climbs."

I have to admit that after looking at a lot of articles and photos reporting on the loss of life, flooding  damaging houses, rock slides and mud flows closing roads, power outages, on going evacuations, etc. that I am feeling a bit overwhelmed and at a loss for words. I am reflecting on what to say tomorrow. I write this to let y'all know that I am paying attention to the atmospheric rivers affecting much of California. I offer my thoughts and prayers to all affected by today's atmospheric river event and those over the last few days. I'd like to thank the Meteorologists at the NWS Weather Forecast Offices in Hanford/San Joaquin Valley, San Francisco and Sacramento who took a few minutes out of their busy day to talk to me about the atmospheric river event affecting their forecast area, helping me to get a clearer idea of what is going on as I prepare to write tomorrow's article.

Note: I subscribe to the Washington Post and as a subscriber I can gift ten articles a month for ten days free access (which will run out on January 20th). It is my intention to use one of my gift articles to share the January 10th article by Cappucci, Jeong, and Dance with you so you don't have to worry about a paywall. I hope this works out.

Atmospheric River Event in Western U.S.: January 9th Update

January 9, 2:50 PM EST

From the National Weather Service Forecast Office Los Angeles

Residents near recent burn areas are advised to monitor local weather, news, and https://t.co/qVlkZ3gRPO for up-to-date information.

Gather loved ones, pets, supplies, and important documents in the event of an Evacuation Order by local authorities.

— Ready Los Angeles County (@ReadyLACounty) January 9, 2023

#WEATHER: An evacuation warning has been issued for residents in the Lake Hughes and Kings Canyon areas due to the threat of mudflows in recent burn areas. https://t.co/u0fH9psrJm

— KCAL News (@CBSLA) January 9, 2023

Flash Flood Warning including Santa Maria CA, Santa Barbara CA and Lompoc CA until 4:45 PM PST pic.twitter.com/MeHGXYDAP2

— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) January 9, 2023

January 9, 6:30 AM EST

I continue posting about the forecast atmospheric river event in California on January 9 through January 11th, see my post of January 8th where I first posted on this forecasted atmospheric event. If you are affected by the forecasted atmospheric river events or just want more information on a specific area please go the relevant NWS Weather Forecast Office for more information. Please heed any warnings and evacuation orders. Go to your local emergency management office for information on any warnings and evacuation orders that might affect you. Turn around don't drown

The Weather Prediction Center issued a short range forecast discussion on January 9th including a discussion of these forecasted atmospheric river events, I am copying the portion of the WPC discussion pertinent to California:

Short Range Forecast Discussion

NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD

300 AM EST Mon Jan 09 2023

Valid 12Z Mon Jan 09 2023 - 12Z Wed Jan 11 2023

...Two major episodes of heavy precipitation expected to impact California today and Tuesday...

Two major episodes of heavy rain and heavy mountain snow are expected to impact California in quick succession during the next couple of days in association with two of the more energetic and moisture-laden parade of cyclones that are aiming directly for California.  The heavy precipitation episode currently streaming into central California is expected to be the more robust of the two, resulting in heavy rainfall totals of 3-5 inches near the coast.  The second episode will quickly arrive on Tuesday with amounts slightly less heavy, but impacting locations farther south into southern California.  The Sierra Nevada will likely see heavy snow exceeding 6 feet across the higher elevations before the snow tapers off Wednesday morning.  The cumulative effect of successive heavy rainfall events will lead to additional instances of flooding. This includes rapid water rises, mudslides, and the potential for major river flooding. Susceptible terrain and areas near recent burn scars will be most at risk for debris flows and rapid runoff. For the higher terrain of the Sierra Nevada, extremely heavy snow and intense snowfall rates are anticipated to make travel very dangerous to impossible at times, including the potential for road closures. The amount of additional accumulating snow on top of an already well built snowpack is likely to increase the threat of avalanches and strain infrastructure. Gusty winds are also expected to spread onshore with the approaching system and could lead to the threat of downed trees and power outrages. The combination of saturated soil and gusty winds could exacerbate the tree damage threat. Residents and visitors across this region are advised to check their local forecast, never drive across flooded roadways (Turn Around Don't Drown!), and have both an emergency kit and evacuation plan in place.

To review, take a look at this graphic (I first posted this on December 30th) that explains what an atmospheric River on the west coast USA is. 

Obtained on December 30, 2022 from https://www.noaa.gov/stories/what-are-atmospheric-rivers

One of the reasons why I started posting on the atmospheric river events is because of the risk of debris flows on recent wildfire burn scars. For more information on the danger flooding rains pose to burn scars, see my January 6th post. Two NWS Weather Service Forecast Offices, San Francisco/Monterey and Los Angeles are warning that heavy rain may lead to debris flows on recent burn scars. See the graphic images below for more information. If you live near any of these burn scars or other burn scars not mentioned, please pay special attention to any evacuation orders.

obtained on January 9, 2023, 6 AM EST from NWS Forecast Office Los Angeles

obtained on January 9, 2023, 6AM EST from NWS Forecast Office San Francisco CA

Two other National Weather Service Forecast Offices in Sacramento and Hanford/San Joaquin Valley CA are expecting heavy rainfall from this forecast atmospheric river event. See the graphic images below.

obtained on January 9, 2023, 6AM EST from NWS Forecast Office Sacramento CA

obtained on January 9, 2023, 6AM EST from NWS Forecast Office Hanford/San Joaquin Valley CA

Atmospheric River Event in Western U.S.: January 8th Update

 

Obtained on January 8, 2022 at 7:20 AM EST from the Weather Prediction Center's Facebook Page

I would like to thank a Meteorologist friend in California for giving me the heads up about the atmospheric river event forecast for early this coming week (January 9 -11).  I am very thankful for the graphic update on this atmospheric river event that I shared above as they talk about the entire state of California making it  easier to write this post. At my Meteorologist friend's suggestion, I have been following the following these National Weather Service Forecast Offices in California:

• NWS Forecast Office Los Angeles
• NWS Forecast Office San Joaquin Valley/Hanford
• NWS Forecast Office Sacramento
• NWS Forecast Office San Francisco Bay Area

I am going to continue to follow these four Weather Forecast Offices but may won't post updates from each office, at least for now. 

Those of you reading this while this before, during, or just after this latest atmospheric river event forecast for January 9 through 11 with local interests might want to follow one of these four NWS Forecast Offices and follow your local emergency management office for emergency updates. Please heed any evacuations and take any Weather Emergency Alerts (WEA) that you may get on your smart phones seriously. Remember, turn around and don't drown.

I won't to close by mentioning a good article on the Washington Post that dated January 6th by Matthew Cappucci. Mr. Cappucci is a Meteorologist for the Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang. Cappucci's article has the following headline "California’s not done. Three more atmospheric rivers are on the way. The strips of deep tropical moisture are deluging the state, causing flood concerns and mountain snows." I enjoyed reading Cappucci's article, finding the article very informative. He writes about what an atmospheric river is, including a graphic. He says in part:

Atmospheric rivers are narrow filaments of tropical moisture that can stretch thousands of miles or more. They’re often only a couple hundred miles wide, but may be transporting more than a billion pounds of moisture overhead every second. Much of that moisture remains as water vapor or condensate in the form of cloud cover, but some falls as rain or snow. Unsurprisingly, precipitation totals can climb quickly.

Most atmospheric rivers carry the bulk of their moisture a mile or so above the ground. That’s why the greatest totals of rain or snow are usually found in the higher elevations. Additionally, moist air forced up the mountains frequently cools to its dew point, becoming saturated and ridding itself of excess moisture in the form of heavy precipitation.

I will be keeping all who may be affected by the upcoming atmospheric river event in California in my thoughts and prayers. 

Note: I subscribe to the Washington Post and as a subscriber I can gift ten articles a month for ten days free access (which will run out on January 18th). It is my intention to use one of my gift articles to share Cappucci's January 6th article with you so you don't have to worry about a paywall. I hope this works out.

Atmospheric River Event in Western U.S.: January 6th Update

Hint, if you are using the Firefox browser and can not see the graphics on this post, you will need to turn off tracking protection temporarily to view this post or use another browser. Other browsers may have tracking protection or add ons that might block these graphics. And if you are your cell phone, turn your phone to landscape mode. 

I have been writing recently about the ongoing atmospheric river events (ARE) in California, see for example my January 4th post. I had some questions about the most recent ARE in California, specifically the rainfall totals. I turned to social media accounts from a couple of agencies within the National Weather Service because of their good science, easy to understand graphics with important commentary. For today's article I was looking for a map that I could share with you and I found one on the NWS Weather Prediction Center's twitter page, it was not shared on Facebook. This map (prepared on January 5th) depicts where the highest rainfall totals occurred in darker shades oranges and reds. The lighter amounts are in various shades of green and yellow.

Here are the precipitation totals so far for the series of atmospheric rivers affecting California that began on December 26, 2022. We will add to these totals in the next couple weeks as additional systems are expected. For more data, visit https://t.co/6wTyTSKPbx pic.twitter.com/yNSGtQuFE4

— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) January 5, 2023

I know that heavy rainfalls, especially on already saturated soils can lead to debris flows on recent burn scars. As I write this I do not know if there have been any debris flows on burn scars, but there may well be some that I do not know about. In any event, I found the following graphics from the National Weather Service IMET Office's Facebook page  dated January 4, 2023 illustrating the danger from debris flows on burn scars. If you click on each image you should be able to see a larger image.

Finally I suspected that there would be more ARE's in the forecast for California. I found this forecast from the NWS Weather Prediction Center, it is in a nice graphic from a January 5th post on the NWS Weather Prediction Center's Facebook page. AREs are forecast for this weekend and again on Monday. If you live in one of the affected areas, please check with your local NWS Weather Forecast Office for the latest forecast and any warnings; get emergency alerts from your local emergency management office, and check your local media outlets for their coverage. Please, please heed any evacuation orders. Turn around don't drown.

Atmospheric River Event in Western U.S.: January 4th & 5th Update

January 5th, 3:28 PM

I was not surprised to see a report a January 4th report from CBS Sacramento -- with thanks to my friends from NJFFS Section B10 for sharing the video today -- about the concern that there may be debris flows from this atmospheric river event that could impact recent burn scars. In addition, there will be road closures and high winds could lead to power outages. Rock slides and road washouts remain a concern

Direct link to video from CBS Sacramento on YouTube

January 5th, 9:32 AM EST

I woke up today with news from Fox Weather of the atmospheric river event overnight on January 4th to 5th, two more people have died, including an infant, see this January 5th article from Fox Weather for more information. See also this article (with ongoing updates) from NBC Bay Area and a January 5th update from CapRadio (NPR afflilate) in Sacramento. Flood and high wind warnings continue in northern California along with power outages. The Governor has issued a state of emergency for California.

I am sharing more graphics from the Weather Forecast Office in Sacramento, CA

Obtained on January 5, 2023 from the Weather Forecast Office in Sacramento, CA

Obtained on January 5, 2023 from the Weather Forecast Office in Sacramento, CA

 

January 4th, 8:02 AM EST

I am following up on the post I wrote yesterday on the forecasted atmospheric river event on January 4th and 5th in California. I have been following the Weather Forecast Office in Sacramento, CA, and I understand that this atmospheric river event will impact other areas in California outside of the Sacramento area. I will be posting updates to this atmospheric river event to this post.

I went to the webpage for the WFO in Sacramento to get an update on their forecast, I saw this graphic, that I am sharing below. Note the concern for debris flows in recent burn scars.

Obtained on January 4, 2023 from the Weather Forecast Office in Sacramento, CA

Another Atmospheric River Event for the West Coast USA on Jan 4th and 5th

the

Obtained on January 3rd at 10:45 AM EST from the National Weather Service Sacramento

Another atmospheric river event is forecast to impact California tomorrow (January 4th) and Thursday (January 5th). I again am focusing on the Sacramento area following up on my original post of December 30th and my follow-up post on January 2nd.

Here is an excerpt from the Forecast Discussion from the Weather Forecast Office (WFO) Sacramento on January 3rd at 3:25 AM PST for the current period (January 3rd through January 6th). Because the Weather Service updates the links to the Forecast Discussion, while I will cite where I obtained the Forecast Discussion, the link is likely to be outdated by the time you look at the link. This is because of the way that the National Weather Service updates each WFO Forecast Discussion.

A more potent weather system is forecast to impact NorCal  early morning Wednesday and continues through Thursday night which will bring very strong winds, heavy rain and mountain snow. This  storm taps into a moderate to strong Atmospheric River (AR). Therefore, another round of moderate to heavy precipitation is expected with more flooding concerns. Precipitation forecasts for the midweek storm continue to be around 2 to 3 inches possible in the Central Valley with 3 to 6 inches or more of liquid precip in the foothills and mountains. Based on latest guidance, a band of precipitation will move up from the southwest early morning Wednesday, with widespread rainfall expected for the morning commute. The heaviest rainfall is expected to be Wednesday afternoon and overnight. With already saturated soils, and rivers, creeks and streams already running high from the end of the year's heavy precipitation, additional heavy rain will likely lead to additional flooding concerns. Minor to moderate flooding is possible on area rivers and streams, as well as urban flooding.As such, a Flood Watch was issued, and will be in effect early Wednesday through Friday morning. Even though rainfall will be winding down Friday morning, flooding impacts can remain several hours (and even days) after the heaviest rainfall occurred. Reminder, if you encounter flooded roadways, Turn Around, Don't Drown! Be sure to be extra cautious when driving at night, when it may be difficult to see flooded roadways. (obtained on January 3rd, 10:45 AM EST from the National Weather Service Sacramento, Forecast Discussion for January 3, 2022 at 3:25 AM PST)

Follow-up: West Coast USA Atmospheric River Event Jan 1 update

I want to follow-up on my December 30th post reporting on the December 31, 2022 to January 1 2023 Atmospheric River Event (ARE) on the west coast of the United States. In my December 30th post, I focused on the Sacramento California area, understanding that this ARE impacted other areas of California. I want to begin by reminding everyone about the importance of following your local emergency management agency and signing up to receive alerts. In addition, your local Weather Forecast Office of the National Weather Service provides warnings such as flash flood warnings that you may receive on your smart phones, known as Wireless Emergency Alerts. 

I begin by sharing a screen shot I took of the Sacramento California area from Apple Maps on my iMac. I hope that I captured some of the areas that were severely impacted by the flooding rains that hit the Sacramento area this past weekend. I normally save images from Google Earth when I want to show a map of an area that I am referring to in this blog. In this case, I wanted to show CA Highway 99 on a map and it was easier to take a screen shot from Apple Maps to show you some of the highways. Sections of CA Highway 99 were among the roads and highways that were flooded over the weekend. Evacuations were ordered in the Point Pleasant area (south of Sacramento) on January 1st. As I write this on January 2nd, I am uncertain if this evacuation order is still in place. 

Three day rainfall totals for the three days ending on January 1st ranged from 1.5 inches to over 9 inches (see the video below), with snow in the higher elevations. More rain is forecast for later this week (January 2 through 7). The storm resulted in power outages.

Sacramento CA area, screenshot from Apple Maps

The National Public Radio affiliate in Sacramento, CapRadio, has a nice report on the Sacramento Storm on January 1st (but no video). I like to see images and videos so I am embeding a video from KCRA in Sacramento (January 1, approximately 5:30 PM PST), it is over 16 minutes that I thought that some of you might find useful. I got a lot out of this video because I wanted an overview of the heavy rain fall and resultant flooding over the weekend. I got this from watching the entire video. Of course, the shots of the flooding will mean more to those of you who are familiar with the area.

For those who are short of time and have specific concerns here are some approximate time points in the video in minutes:seconds:

• 5:12 current weather report and precipitation totals
• 6:48 flooding
• 10:28 power outages
• 14:47 weather forecast 

Direct link from KCRA on YouTube

Atmospheric River Event on West Coast (December 31 2022 to January 1 2023)

Rain and snow came to portions of the west coast of the United States earlier this week caused by Atmospheric Rivers and are forecast to occur this coming weekend. What are atmospheric Rivers, this document ,"What are Atmospheric Rivers" by NOAA provides some of the meteorology behind atmospheric rivers, they say in part:

Atmospheric rivers are relatively long, narrow regions in the atmosphere – like rivers in the sky – that transport most of the water vapor outside of the tropics. These columns of vapor move with the weather, carrying an amount of water vapor roughly equivalent to the average flow of water at the mouth of the Mississippi River. When the atmospheric rivers make landfall, they often release this water vapor in the form of rain or snow. Although atmospheric rivers come in many shapes and sizes, those that contain the largest amounts of water vapor and the strongest winds can create extreme rainfall and floods, often by stalling over watersheds vulnerable to flooding. These events can disrupt travel, induce mudslides and cause catastrophic damage to life and property. A well-known example is the "Pineapple Express," a strong atmospheric river that is capable of bringing moisture from the tropics near Hawaii over to the U.S. West Coast.

Take a look at this graphic that explains what an atmospheric River on the west coast USA is. 

Obtained on December 30, 2022 from https://www.noaa.gov/stories/what-are-atmospheric-rivers

I first got wind of the atmospheric river that occured on the west coast USA from this Washington Post article by Matthew Cappucci on December 27th, Cappucci reports in part:

The West Coast, ordinarily known for being parched and drought-stricken, is facing a barrage of atmospheric rivers — plumes of deep tropical moisture known for bringing heavy rain and snow. Parts of coastal California, including the Bay Area, are under flood watches, initial signs from the first of several atmospheric rivers set to drench the West in the days ahead.

Weather alerts — for heavy rain in the lowlands, and snow and wind in the mountains — blanket most of central and Northern California. Coastal and central Oregon and Washington are largely under flood watches and high wind warnings, with winter storm warnings in the Cascades and Columbia River Basin.

I am interested in these forecasted atmospheric rivers because I know how much the drought-stricken west coast needs rain. While I doubt that this atmospheric river event will be a drought buster, any precipitation will help. I understand that the atmospheric river event, see for example the graphic below from the Sacramento Weather Forecast Office of the National Weather Service will take place over a couple of days possibly bringing from one to nine inches depending on location:

Obtained on December 30, 2022 from https://www.weather.gov/sto/

Here is what I hope is a good link from KCRA in Sacramento with this weekend's wet weather forecast, forecasting an atmospheric river event.

It seems like this upcoming atmospheric river event will be over a couple of days, which hopefully will minimize any detrimental effects on recent wildfire burn scars.

 

 

Airtankers from 2010

 I have been thinking recently of the Airtankers that were still flying when I started this blog in 2009, in particular the P2V from Neptune Aviation and the Lockheed P-3 Orion from Aero Union. Both are no longer flying. The last P2V was retired a couple of years ago and Lockheed shut down operations about 11 years ago. I wanted to share a video featuring these tankers and remembered a video by Alan Simmons.

In this eight minute video by Alan Simmons shot around 2009 and 2010 you will see the Grumman S2-T flown by CAL Fire (still in service), P2V Neptune, Lockheed P-3 Orion, Canadair CL-215 and 415 (I belive the 415 is still in service, not sure about the 215), and a DC-10 tanker (the DC-10 tanker in this video is no longer flying but 10 Tanker Carrier has a fleet DC-10 tankers flying fires). Alan ends with a section of what were historic tankers at the time he shot this video. Some of you may remember this video as I have shared it here before on a couple of occasions. It is worth seeing again.

Direct link to video by Alan Simmons on YouTube

2022 wildfire season: Grayback Forestry

 Enjoy this video highlighting Grayback Foretry's 2022 fire season. Thanks Grayback wildfire crews for all you did to keep us safe from wildfires.

Direct link to video on YouTube from Galen Huntsman

Holiday Greetings 2022: The Shepard

My tradition during the end of the year holiday season is to post The Shepard by Frederic Forsyth as read by Alan Maitland on CBC radio. Please join me in pausing and remembering all first responders including but not limited to wildland firefighters who may be away from their families. I wish all of you a happy and safe holiday season.

Direct link to video on YouTube

Coulson Aviation: 2022-23 international operations

As many of you may know, one of the aviation companies that have wildland firefighting contracts for their air tankers and helitankers in the United States and outside the U.S. is Coulson Aviation. Coulson has been on my mind of late because it is wildfire/bush fire season in the southern hemisphere and I know that Coulson has contracts in the southern hemisphere. I recently saw a December 5th article on Aerial Fire reporting that Coulson just signed a four-year contract with the Western Australian Government for one of their C-130 air tankers. Knowing that Fire Aviation would have reported about this contract, I found this December 5th article on Fire Aviation by Kelly Andersson reporting on the contract for the C-130 and another contract for a 737 air tanker. So Coulson will have two of their large air tankers on contract in Western Australia during their summer fire season. According to this December 13th Facebook post by the Dept. of Fire and Emergency Services in Western Australia, Coulson’s C-130 saw action on or about December 12th.

Among the other countries with Coulson's firefighting aircraft are according to Coulson's May 2022 news release Argentina purchased a Coulson 737, also see Bill Gabberts May 12th article on Fire Aviation. This year according to this December 20th Coulson Aviation Facebook post Coulson also has a C-130 air tanker and a CH-47 helitanker in Chile. To the best of my knowledge Coulson still has a presence in New South Wales, Australia this season, see Coulson Aviation's Australia website for more information. I know that in prior years, Coulson have had a presence in on or two other countries that I have not listed here. 

Direct link to video by Coulson Aviation on YouTube

Aviation History: Wright Brothers First Flight on December 17, 1903

A couple of the sites that I follow for reporting on wildfire news are taking a well deserved break until after the New Year and since it seems to be quiet in the world of wildfires, at least in the United States, famous last words. I just jinxed it. LOL. Anyway, I will keep posting during the holidays, but it may or may not be my usual fare. I will try to keep current on any major wildfires here in the U.S. In the meantime, December 17, was the ninety-ninth anniversary of the Wright Brother's First Flight. Enjoy this footage from early fights of the Wright Brothers shared by airailimages on YouTube. 

Direct link to video from Airailimages on YouTube

Changes in Wildfire Today and Fire Aviation websites

I have sad news to report about Bill Gabbert of Wildfire Today and Fire Aviation. Bill is ill with pancreatic cancer. Many of you follow Bill's reporting on wildfires and fire aviation and probably already know this news. Bill I am holding you and your family in the light. According to this December 9th post on Wildfire Today Bill is giving his rights to both sites to the International Association of Wildland Fire:

The WildfireToday site was launched in January 2008 and the FireAviation website followed four years later in 2012. 'I have long had a passion for wildland fire,' says Mr. Gabbert, 'and it requires continuous learning. I’ve always been a student of wildfire, and I wanted to create a venue for the fire community that encouraged students of wildfire. I am certain that I don’t want that venue squandered. I therefore have decided to give all rights to both websites to the International Association of Wildland Fire. The IAWF shares my values, and my commitment to preserving these two websites and 15 years of collected data, knowledge, and experience gathered from thousands of people who share our passion for wildland fire.'

Those of you who are not familiar with this transition in Wildfire Today and Fire Aviation may want to read the entire December 9th post on Wildfire Today I understand that this transition will take a little time and I look forward to continuing to follow both Wildfire Today and Fire Aviation. Both sites have always been among my go to places for reporting on wildfires and fire aviation, and it is only fitting to pause and thank Bill for his fifteen years of reporting and to say that I will continue to follow both sites under the reporting of the IAWF. 

2022 wildfire season: Bald Mountain Helitack 2022 season

I continue posting 2022 season summary videos from various wildland fire crews. Today's offering is from Bald Mountain Helitack 517, located in Stanislaus National Forest southeast of Sacramento, California. As I have no first hand experience of working on a wildfire crew, nor will I in the future, the best way that I can share with you what life is like is through sharing videos like the one I am sharing today. More importantly I hope that the wildland fire crews know that I have deep respect for all that you do to keep us safe and the sacrifices you make in time away from your loved ones. 

I enjoyed getting a feeling of the crew's season including on the fireline, resting, and crew interactions during downtime. I also enjoyed the footage of their helicopter. Enjoy! Allow about 12 minutes to watch the video.

 

Direct link to video by Mark Welsh

Grindstone Fire in Pilot Mountain NC: one year later

 I do try to pay special attention to wildfires in the eastern and southern United States. So I took special notice of the video that was posted by my friends at the NJ Forest Service Section B10 website who posted a 17 minute video from the North Carolina Forest Fire Service on the one-year anniversary of the wildfire in the Pilot Mountain State Park. I have not been to the Pilot Mountain area of North Carolina, but I have visited other areas in the mountains of North Carolina. 

The wildfire on Pilot Mountain, aka the Grindstone Fire, was first reported on Nov. 27, 2021 in a remote area of the park. The fire eventually burned 1,050 acres. I wrote three articles on this fire last year, with my final article being on December 3, 2021

I was very interested in this video on the fire from the NC Forest Service. Not only did I learn about the origin of the wildfire and the difficulties in finding the ignition point of the fire. They talk about the history and importance of prescribed burning in Pilot Mountain. I was perhaps most interested where they talked about how the vegetation and wildlife came back after the fire.

Direct link to video from the NCForestService on YouTube

Holiday safety: water your live indoor Christmas tree

 

Mary Barr: first female pilot flying for the US Forest Fire Service

In my wonderings around the internet over the years, I suspect that I had heard of Mary Barr, the first woman who flew for the US Forest Fire Service (USFS). I admit that it was an oversight that I did not make a note about Mary Barr to write about her in my blog. Perhaps there was a reason why this happened as just today I was on social media and noticed that in August of 2022, Mary's daughters -- Molly and Nevada -- were on National Public Radio's Story Corps. Mary, who died in 2010, flew as a contract pilot for the USFS before flying as a lead plane pilot full time in 1974, she also flew smokejumpers for a short time. She was one of the first four women to fly in the Reno Air Races. Wikipedia has a short bio on Mary Barr that may be found here.

Story Corp did provide an embed code and I hoped to be able to embed the actual interview here for easy listening. Unfortunately, the embed code does not work. That happens sometimes. However you can listed to the four minute Story Corp interview at this direct link to the Story Corp interview where Mary and Nevada talk about their Mother, Mary Barr.

I would have enjoyed knowing Mary. I have much respect and appreciation for women like Mary Barr who helped pave the way for other women in aviation. 

2022 wildfire season: Clackamas crew 30

Let's just say that I am a bit superstitious so I am not going to suggest any commentary on current wildfires. The beginnings of a major wildfire could start at any time. That being said, it is the time of year when I like to post videos from various wildfire crews summarizing their 2022 wildfire season. Here is a video from the Clackamas crew 30 providing with a look at their just completed fire season. I believe but am not certain that Clackamas is located in Oregon.

Direct link to video from Cuttin' Chris on YouTube

2022 wildfire season: Diamond Mountain Hotshots 2022 fire season

Enjoy this wonderful video by 6shopfilms summarizing the Diamond Mountain Hotshots 2022 fire season. Allow nine minutes to watch the video. You will see scenes of the hotshots on the fireline, some helicopter bucket work, a couple of airtankers over the fire, a larger helicopter dropping on a fire along with some fire footage.

Direct link to video by 6shopfilms on YouTube 

2022 wildfires: Hurricane Ridge Fire (Haywood County NC)

As I am interested in current wildfires of any size currently burning in the United States because I know that in this day and age, wildfire season can run all year or at least from early spring into late fall in areas that receive snowfall. I did a little checking around to find out what  was going on. In my wonderings, I had seen reference to the Hurricane Ridge Fire in a remote section of North Carolina was first reported on November 23rd. I understand this fire has burned about 500 acres. There may be a specific page on the web devoted to this fire outside of media, but I have not found it. However, there is some media coverage, current as of the day I am writing this. ABC13 News out of Asheville NC has some coverage dated November 19th that may be found here, there have been smokey conditions along nearby highways. Rainfall Tuesday night into Wednesday November 30th may help firefighters as the work to contain the fire.

Here is a video report that I found on YouTube from WSPA 7News dated November 29th reporting on the Hurricane Ridge Fire.

Direct link to video from WSPA 7News on YouTube

Reflections: 2016 Chimney2Fire Gaitlinburg Tennesse

There is hardly a day that passes when I do not about wildland fires on the ground with the support of aviation resources. Today is no exception. While I often think about areas in California that have seen major wildfires this time of year, in part due to the Santa Anna winds, wildfires can happen elsewhere. I recall the Chimney2 Fire that burned over 17,000 acres killing 14 people in the Great Smokey Mountains in Tennessee and Gatlinburg Tennessee, see my December 2 and December 5, 2016 articles. Today I pause and remember all those who died in that fire, those who lost homes, and the wildland firefighters on the ground supported by aviation resources.

On a personal note, I have not been the Great Smokeys in Tennessee, but I have been the Great Smokies in western North Carolina and can appreciate the rough terrain and the challenges this terrain poses to wildland firefighters.

Direct link to article from WBIR Channel 10

Friday Fun: Ag Aviation Demo

Enjoy this video of Ag Aviation airplanes -- an Air Tractor AT-802A and a Thrusy 510P demonstrating crop dusting at the 2021 EAA AirVenture. 

Direct link to video by AirshowStuffVideos

Happy Thanksgiving

As many of us are celebrating Thanksgiving here in the United States with our family and friends, please join me in pausing to remember and be grateful for the service of wildland firefighters, structure firefighters, law enforcement, emergency medical responders and other first responders are on duty today, away from their families, to keep us safe.

via GIPHY

Cranberry operations in the NJ Pine Barrens revisited

Happy Thanksgiving a day early. For those of you who are planning to travel this holiday weekend, I wish you safe travels. Many of you will be having a Turkey dinner that will include cranberries. New Jersey has some cranberry bogs in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Perhaps some of the cranberries that you will have tomorrow were grown in New Jersey. The video I shared above was shot by New York Live two years ago focusing on the Pine Island Cranberry growers.

Just over ten years ago, the folk at Downstown Aero Crop Services invited me down to their strip near Chatsworth NJ where they were spraying near by cranberry bogs where in addition to seeing Downstown's Ag aviation operations. In addition, I visited two nearby cranberry growers: Pine Island and Lee Brothers. On October 26, 2012 I shared a video compilation of still photos and a short video of Ag Cats that Downstown owned at the time taking off and then spraying the Pine Island cranberry bogs. In honor of New Jersey cranberries, I am sharing my October 2012 compilation again.

Direct link to video on YouTube

In my October 31, 2012 I wrote the first of two posts about Pine Island's cranberry operations, in part one I shared links to a Pine Island Blog where they wrote of their cranberry operations (the links are still working as I write this ten years later). I posted my second article about Pine Island on November 2, 2012, focusing on their packing house. Finally on November 5, 2012 I shared some photos I took at Lee Brothers (near Speedwell NJ).

Thanksgiving Week 2022 Monday Fun: Aeroshell Aerobatic Team

It is Thanksgiving week here in the United States and I am planning to take a time out and share some fun airplane videos. Of course, I do try to keep an eye out as best I can for major wildfires and related news and if that happens I will share about major developments here.

One of the YouTube Channels that I go to when I am looking for something fun to share is AirshowStuffVideos, they have oodles of videos taken at various air shows. AirShowStuff may be found on the web here. I was going through their videos this morning looking for something a little different and fun to share with you when I came across a video that AirshowStuffVideos shot at the 2021Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland, Florida. The video showcases the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, a team of four flying beautifully restored North American AT-6 "Texans", an aircraft dating back to the late 1930s used to train World War II military pilots. I had a lot of fun watching this 10 minute video of the Aeroshell Team twilight aerobatic show. Watch for the crescent moon at about 6:50 and 8:20. Enjoy!

Direct link to video by AirShowStuffVideos on YouTube

CH47 Chinook

Several years ago when I was still going on occasional scenic flights with a pilot friend, I have a memory of seeing a CH47 Chinook. If memory serves, my pilot friend saw it first, and then I saw it. The Chinook was probably a few miles away so it appeared to be small. However, considering that I can recall seeing small single engine aircraft from the same distance that looked like a large dot in the sky, the fact that we could recognize the Chinook said something about its size. That was the first and last time I was even close to seeing one in person, so to speak. For some reason I was thinking about this apparent sighting of a Chinook while on a scenic ride this morning and decided to focus o the CH47 Chinook today. Knowing that the CH47 is being used for wildland firefighting I wanted to devote today's post to the CH47.

The CH47 has a sixty plus year history dating back to the Vietnam War era, for specifications, history, and some photos of the CH47 go to this page from Military.com. 

Some CH47 Chinook's have been repurposed for use as a heavy lift helicopter that can be used in wildland firefighting and other heavy lift operations. Billings Flying Service out of Billings, Montana operates CH47 Chinooks. With a range of 360 miles, a maximum gross weight of 50,000 pounds, a maximum air speed of 140 knots and a hook that carry about the 26,000 pounds (Billing's CH47 Chinook page for this and more specifications and information about their CH47 Chinooks) they are an impressive helicopter. The Billing's CH47 Chinooks, with a tank capacity of 2,500 gallons and a bucket capacity of 2,700 gallons, are used for wildland firefighting, see Billings aerial firefighting page for more information.

In the video below from Earl Watters featuring a Billings Chinook CH47, you will see some shots of the instrument panel, shots of dipping to fill her tanks, shots from the cockpit of dropping water, and shots on the ground getting her read to fly a fire. The CH47 was working a fire near Folsom California in August 2022. Enjoy. Allow just under five minutes to watch the video.

Direct link to video from Earl Watters on YouTube

Sikorsky S-70i Fire Hawk helicopters revisited (2 of 2)

I am following up on the post I made on November 14th about the Sikorsky S-70i Firehawk. Bill Gabbert of Fire Aviation has a list of these Fire Hawks and the agency who operates them in his March 12, 2022 article, all are operated by agencies based in California. I want to close with embedding a couple of videos of CAL FIRE's S-70i Fire Hawk.

I start with a short video by Eli Hunter of an S-70i Fire Hawk landing.

Direct link to video by Eli Hunter on YouTube

Here is a video by Firedudes of an S-70-i Fire Hawk refilling.

Direct link to video by Firedudes on YouTube

I was not able to find a short video of an S70-i Fire Hawk working a fire, but in this short video below by CAL FIRE at about 35 seconds you will see a Fire Hawk dropping on what appears to be wildfire or a controlled burn. I am sure that there are videos out there of the S70-i Fire Hawk in action over a wildfire that I was not able to find.

Direct link to video by CAL FIRE on YouTube

Sikorsky S-70i Fire Hawk helicopters revisited (1 of 2)

 I suspect that many of you, especially those of you living on the west coast of the United States know about the Sikorsky S-70i Fire Hawk helicopters. Lockheedmartin has a nice webpage about the Fire Hawk saying that the Fire Hawk starts out as a Black Hawk. This web page has a video a walk around graphic and drawings of different configurations based on how the Fire Hawk is used (firefighter transport, water drops on fires, medical transport, search and rescue and humanitarian assistance).

Not only have I seen a number of videos of the S70i Fire Hawk, Bill Gabbert of Fire Aviation has done his usual excellent job as he has written several articles on the S-70i Fire Hawk, go here to see his posts tagged as Sikorsky S-70-i. As you scroll through Bill's articles you will see reporting on agency purchases of the S-70i (see for example his May 2022 article on the delivery of a Fire Hawk to CAL Fire in Prado CA and his November 2022 article about Orange County California's purchase of two Fire Hawks) and an excellent article from March 12 2022 about the agreement between Sikorsky and United Rotor for the production of the Fire Hawk. Bill was reporting from the 2022 HAI Heli-Expo, he says in part

This week at HAI Heli-Expo Sikorsky and United Rotorcraft signed an agreement formalizing how the two companies will collaborate to produce Firehawk helicopters. These specialized aircraft are configured to assist wildland firefighters, dropping up to 1,000 gallons of water to slow the spread of a wildfire, allowing personnel on the ground to more safely move in and suppress the fire.

Bill goes on to say that

An S-70 Blackhawk aircraft becomes a Firehawk helicopter when United Rotorcraft adds a 1,000-gallon (3,785-liter) water tank system, a raised landing gear (to accommodate the tank), and associated integrated avionics, a process that typically takes six months. United Rotorcraft has been the Firehawk completion teammate of Sikorsky since the late 1990s working closely with Sikorsky and first customer County of Los Angeles Fire Department, which today operates two S-70i and three S-70A Firehawk aircraft. Other operators include CAL FIRE and the City of San Diego Fire-Rescue.

For any of you that want to dive deep into the Sikorsky S-70i Fire Hawk, I urge you again to check out Bill Gabbert's posts on the Sikorsky S-70-i  as well his posts tagged Firehawk on his Fire Aviation site.

Finally, I leave you with two videos from Vertical Magazine from 2020. I first embedded these two videos in my June 19, 2020 post, I think they are worth seeing again so I am embedding them here for your convenience.

S-70i Fire Hawk avionics

Direct link to video from Vertical Magazine on YouTube

S-70i Fire Hawk walk around

Direct link to video from Vertical Magazine on YouTube

 

Remembering Veterans on Veterans Day 2022

 Today is Veterans Day here in the United States where we remember and honor all the men and women, past and present who have served in the military. I pause to say thank-you to all veterans for your service. 

I offer this four-year old video by Richard Tavernaro as remembrance and tribute to all who served in the military.

Direct link to video on YouTube

Erickson Aircrane (2022)

After I devoted this blog to aerial wildland firefighting and related issues in early 2009 it did not take me long to learn about the Erickson Aircrane. Over thirteen years later, I still enjoy watching videos of the Aircrane working wildfires or performing other heavy lift activities. Erickson has a nice webpage chock full of information. If you go their page on their aviation fleet you will see a link for specifications on the S-64E with a link (pdf file) for technical and performance information for the S-64E. Here is an overview of the specifications for the S-64E:

• power plant: 2 pratt and whitney JFTD12A-4A 
• 2 to 3 crew
• fuselage length 70 ft (21.3 meters)
• Maximum external cargo: 20,000 lbs (9,072 kg)
• max speed: 115 kts.
• max range: 217 NM

Mission specific equipment includes but is not limited to:

• hoists
• night vision goggles
• fire tank
• foam cannon
• sea snorkle
• pond snorkle

According to Erickson's aerial firefighting webpage the Aircrane has been used for aerial firefighting by these U.S. agencies and international agencies:

• SDGE (San Diego Gas and Electric)
• Los Angeles City Fire (California)
• U.S. Forest Service
• Oregon Department of Forestry
• California Deptartment of Forestry and Fire Protection
• Hellenic Fire Service (Greece)
• The National Aerial Firefighting Center (Australia)
• Forestal Arauco S.A. (Chile)

Erickson's aerial firefighting webpage has some short case study write-ups of some past seasons around the world along with a nice photo gallery.

Here a couple of videos I found to share with you. The first video shows an Aircrane working a wildfire in Greece.

Direct link to video from gvlacom on YouTube

The last video is from Australia.

Direct link to video from Ian Fuller on Youtube

Aircraft engaging in aerial firefighting: maintenance, winter and otherwise

 I know that regular maintenance of aircraft is important, including but not limited to aircraft engaged in aerial wildland firefighting. Maintenance in the United States and in other countries does not happen on a haphazard schedule but is on a schedule partly dependent on how many take-offs and landings (one  take-off and landing is called a cycle) the aircraft has flown. However, I believe that there is more to the frequency of maintenance than just cycles flown. As I am not airframe and powertrain mechanic nor do I work for a company flying aircraft on wildland fires so I am not in a position to speak knowledgeable about the specifics of aircraft maintenance. But I can say that I know enough to know how important it is that the maintenance be performed on schedule, rigorously and thoroughly. 

In June 2021, Coulson's Australia Division shared a short video on their Facebook page describing winter maintenance of their aircraft based in Australia. While a different country, they do provide an overview of the maintenance performed during the Australian winter. I shared this video (under two minutes) on my blog in June 2021

While wildfire season is almost year round in some parts of the western United States, most but not all aircraft flying fires are on some kind of contract with the federal or a state government agency. This means that they are off contract for a part of the years and it is during this time when maintenance requiring a longer time to perform is done. Earlier this year, March 4, 2022 to be exact, Aerial Fire had a nice article on Neptune Aviation Servces' Winter Maintenance Assures Year-Round Readiness, this article may be found on this page from Aerial Fire. It is a very good article (with pictures), I appreciated the article and am a little more knowledgeable about maintaining an airtanker. Clifford Lynn, Neptune's Director of Maintenance. I encourage you to take a few moments to read this article. According to Mr. Lynn:

Neptune’s maintenance team designed the FAA-approved airframe inspection program (AIP), which builds upon BAE Systems’ OEM maintenance protocol for the aircraft as a commercial jet.

As he described it, every year, each aircraft gets an A Check, a C phase check, and a D phase check.  Every two years the C check is completed and every four years the D check is completed.  These C and D phase checks include a corrosion control and structural inspection program.  The airframe, retardant tanks, and the engines are what the winter maintenance primarily targets.

“We schedule our winter maintenance, so anything due in the next 12 months, 400 hours, and/or 600 cycles is complied with during the heavy (C and D) check,” said Lynn.  “To date, the nine air tankers are averaging 300 cycles per year.  Some line replaceable units (LRU) are not changed during the checks if they have significant time on them remaining.”

Lynn added that for most life-limited components such as the landing gear, oxygen, and fire bottles, Neptune follows the OEM maintenance protocol.

Because of the stressful environment in which the aircraft fly, some components have to be inspected at more frequent intervals, he noted.  “Also, we have some additional tank-related inspections.” (obtained on November 7, 2022 from https://aerialfiremag.com/2022/03/04/neptune-aviation-services-winter-maintenance-assures-year-round-readiness/

I am sure that other aircraft companies perform appropriate maintenance on all their aircraft including but not limited to aircraft flying fires in some capacity. Thanks to all who flew fires this year helping the crews on the ground put out the wildfires.

Friday Fun: Bell 47 helicopter ride along

 I am overdue for another Friday Fun post. As I have been sharing videos about helicopters recently I wanted to find a fun and family friendly video showcasing a helicopter. I did some poking around this morning and had a hard time finding something suitable for Friday Fun when I came across a video of ride in a Bell 47 helicopter. According to The Bell 47 Light Helicopter Project, USA site, there were 16 variants of the Bell 47 with the Bell47B being a military version:

Bell 47 is a single-engine light helicopter designed by Arthur M Young and manufactured by Bell Helicopter Textron in the US. It can be used for agriculture spraying and smoke jumping. It took its maiden flight in December 1945. It became the first helicopter to be certified for commercial use in March 1946. The helicopter entered into service in the same year.

The helicopter recorded an altitude of 18,500ft in May 1949. It was used as the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s first aircraft in 1957 for firefighting support. About 5,600 of these helicopters are currently in service worldwide. Bell 47 type certificates were migrated to Scott helicopters in 2010.

The Bell 47 has 16 variants. ...

The Bell 47B is a military version and is powered by the Franklin O-335-1 piston engine. (obtained from The Bell 47 Light Helicopter Project, USA site on Nov 4, 2022.)

I believe that the Bell 47 was used in the Korean War and may have been featured on M*A*S*H.

Direct link to video from letsflyinter on YouTube

2022 wildfire season: WZ (Superior National Forest) 2022 crew video

 I am always on the look out for fire crews based in the region covered by the Eastern Area Coordination Center (EACC), for a map of the EACC region go here. I saw this WZ 2022 fire crew video when I was looking at 2022 fire crew videos on YouTube. From the description on the about page of the video (see the direct link below), the crew featured in the video is from the Superior National Forest (Minnesota), for information about the fire and aviation program at the Superior National Forest go to this webpage. When I saw this video and then realized that the crew featured in the video is based in the EACC region, I knew that I had to share this with you sooner rather than later. While based in northern Minnesota, from the description of the video in the closing credits, the crew worked all over the western United States in addition to service in the EACC and in Texas.

Direct link to video by Luke Macho on YouTube