Watch for higher-than-normal stream flow, especially as the snow melts. Burned areas may melt snow more quickly, resulting in higher-than-normal flows where the trail crosses a stream.ĭaily written updates for the Four Corners Fire are no longer being produced. Be extra cautious when leaving the trail to go pee or poo, especially at night. Notice white ash as it may be retaining extreme heat or be a sign of a potential sinkhole. These holes can keep burning for months after the rest of the fire is out. They may be invisible until your foot breaks through. Watch for burned-out holes in the ground. When stumps, root structures and duff burns, deep hollow cavities can be left below the trail surface. Trail retaining walls might be damaged and ready to fall down the mountain. Debris fallen from uphill can take out the trail tread. The trail tread might be unstable, and it may collapse. Signs may have burned meaning you’re on your own when navigating. On hillsides, if you encounter a downed log or pile of fallen rocks, go one person at a time in case the material shifts. These dangers can increase as the freeze-thaw cycle loosens things up. Landslides and rock fall danger means you should be careful on hillsides. Stripped of its understory vegetation, burned soil is loose, so boulders, logs, and the soil can move. Don’t camp in natural swales or drainages because of debris flows. Look for dead trees that might fall toward your tent and steep slopes that could send rocks or landslides down on you. Travel through burn areas quickly. Minimize the risk you face by not lingering in dangerous places.īe extra cautious when choosing a campsite. Don’t camp in a risky area. Debris can act like a dam, releasing a huge flash flood of water, mud, and debris that will destroy everything downstream. And drainages can become clogged with trees, rocks, and debris. Water runs more quickly off the burned soil. And even if it’s just rainy, the chances of landslides and flash floods goes up. Rainy weather is also dangerous. Wind often accompanies rain. Leave the area immediately if the wind picks up and there are hazards around you. Windy days are especially dangerous. Don’t go out in a burn area if it’s forecast to be windy. Do not sit down and take a break under a fire-weakened or dead tree. Take note of fire-weakened trees, snags and overhead dangling branches. Watch for falling branches as well. Look up often. As the years pass, dead root systems rot and the likelihood of the tree falling increases.
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