Chinook pass closed FYI

[Thenewguy]

Ours is across from the two ponds

[Naches Sportsman]

Still a long ways from the Indian flat cabins.

[Lucky Eric]

Thanks for the pictures and info guys, we cancelled our camping trip over there last night. Sounds like a good weekend to just stay home.

[BDildine]

Update from WSDOT Facebook
"Well, we did say fire conditions can change fast. A day after announcing SR 410 east of Chinook Pass would open for Labor Day weekend, the fire activity shifted significantly and now the highway will be closed 24/7 through at least Monday night, Sept. 4. It's closed eastbound east of the summit near milepost 69 and westbound at Bumping River Road at milepost 88.5. Drivers can detour using SR 123 and US 12/White Pass. There will be no access to trails or campgrounds in the closure area. We expect to have another update on Monday."

[yakimanoob]

Yep.  The MODIS data is showing new hot spots on either side of the road that sprung up yesterday/last night.

[Don_D]

17k acres now.

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5509/39736/

Much of the fire area saw a blanket of smoke Friday as an inversion set in on the area for most of the day. This helped limit fire growth by keeping winds low and reducing the lift that typically helps drive the fire’s progression.
Fire management personnel are cautioning for the potential of large growth and active fire behavior as warm dry air persists in the area. Temperatures are forecast in the upper 80s with humidity in the upper teens for the next several days. These factors, combined with unstable air in the upper atmosphere, have firefighters and management on high alert through the holiday weekend.
NORSE PEAK FIRE (16,175 acres): The Norse Peak Fire slowed in growth Friday, but remains high in terms of potential moving into the Labor Day weekend. The fire moved north and has taken hold in the Crow Creek area with more growth to the north and east anticipated. The fire continued to back down the hill toward State Route 410 in the Union Creek area and firefighters are monitoring its progress there.
Crews expanded hazard tree reduction operations along the 410 corridor and will continue to remove dead and dying trees that pose a threat to firefighter safety as well as provided more fuel for the fire. These operations are running from Hell’s Crossing east along the roadway and from Union Creek west.
Firefighters also continued their work preparing structures in the area by knocking back surrounding brush and getting sprinkler systems in place for structure defense operations if needed.

[Don_D]

Level 3 evac for Crystal Mtn tonight.

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5509/40037/

Both the Norse Peak and American fires saw substantial growth today as the inversion that had held smoke and fire activity down for several days was pushed out early by a shift in the wind.
With east and southeast winds fanning the fire for the first time since lightning struck the area August 11, Norse Peak grew to 18,882 acres and spread over the Pacific Crest Trail between Lake Basin and Crown Point.
This growth has triggered a Level 3 Evacuation Notice for Pierce County residents in the Gold Hill Community, Pick Handle Basin and the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort.
Level 3 is a “Go” situation as current conditions could pose immediate threats to life and safety. Residents might not be allowed to return until conditions are safe.
The American Fire also saw significant activity and grew to 500 acres but remains south of State Route 410 and west of American Ridge at this time.

[BDildine]

check out view from the crystal mtn webcam:

http://www.king5.com/weather/crystal-mountain-cam

(screenshot)

[Don_D]

check out view from the crystal mtn webcam:

http://www.king5.com/weather/crystal-mountain-cam

(screenshot)

Wow, yeah I can see why they gave the order. That's not far off.

[BDildine]

you have to deal with refreshing every few minutes, but heres a link (large view) of the camera

http://crystalmountainresort.com/devtest/mt-rainier-gondola-web-cam/

[BDildine]

Crystal is on her own now.....

[branches]

I hope that the fire does not make it to Corral Pass.

[dreamingbig]

This fire is getting discouraging in a hurry.  Praying for rain and for structures to be protected.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GUscottie]

I just looked at the MODIS...

HOLY CRAP! These fires are getting out of control. The Norse Peak fire is moving actively in all 4 directions.

[fishngamereaper]

This let it burn mentality is mind blowing. I understand forest management but when theses fires are small they need to throw everything at them to stop them. Now they are going to burn for months, in essence burning up whole GMU's and maybe small little towns. All the animals are moving to different areas where the browse cant support a mass in flux of game animals. These fires are going to have a profound affect for years to come.

And I sure hope they don't reach the small communities in their path. Pray for some rain cause that's the only thing that's going to stop them now.