Severe rainfall and flooding expected in the Catalinas

From the Forest Service:

"This weekend holds the potential for widespread and intense rainfall. According to the National Weather Service, some of the Sky Islands may receive 6 to 8 inches of rain over the next 3 days.   Some handy information below.
 
Excellent video prepared by Pima County on hiking safety:
30 second spot: https://youtu.be/PLokVZx1g60
45 second spot: https://youtu.be/GHXjbRE8N_g
 
Stay up to date with information from the National Weather Service and local emergency managers.
 
Forest users should:
  • Consider other activities this weekend.
  • Check forecasts for areas around you. It doesn’t have to be raining at your location for a flash flood to impact the area.
  • Avoid narrow canyons or dry ravines.
  • Don’t camp in washes.
  • Bring someone else with you and let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.
  • If you decide to recreate, be prepared with food, water and other essentials. Road damage that may leave you isolated.
 
The USFS is working with partners in advance of this weekend’s weather. We will be sharing any information on temporary closures, should they occur, on social media channels."


Stay safe out there friends!
- CASA
Stage II Fire Restrictions Begin May 15 - Coronado National Forest

TUCSON, AZ, May 14, 2020 – Effective Friday, May 15 all ranger districts of the Coronado National Forest will increase campfire and smoking restrictions in southeastern Arizona.
 
Beginning May 15, and until rescinded, the following are prohibited:

  • Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove including fires in developed campgrounds or improved sites.
  • Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
  • Discharging a firearm except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations.
  • Operating any internal combustion engine, except operating motorized vehicles on designated roads so long as you park in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.
  • Welding, or operating acetylene or other torches with an open flame.
  • Using an explosive.
 Fireworks are always prohibited year-round on federal lands.
 
LINK:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coronado/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD738403

Climbing in Bighorn Fire Burn Areas


- Avoid climbing in or traveling across areas that are burned to allow soil to stabilize and for plants to grow back

- Abide by Forest Service trail closures https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/coronado/alerts-notices

- If you must travel through burned areas please stay on established trails or routes, and walk on rocky areas where possible

- Watch where you put your pack and gear -- don't flatten or trample new vegetation

- Read the forest and trail closure updates below

Updated (May 1, 2021): Bighorn Fire Closure Order

May Closure Update
The Santa Catalina Ranger District has updated the Mount Lemmon closure order put in place as a result of the Bighorn Fire on Mount Lemmon and the Catalina Foothills. The new order expires October 1, 2021, and opens some trails that were closed under the prior order. 

The following trails in the Bighorn burn scar on the Santa Catalina Ranger District are open:
  • Oracle Ridge #1 (Arizona Trail)
  • Red Ridge Trail #2
  • Box Camp #22
  • Sabino West Fork Trail #24 (Arizona Trail)
  • Wilderness of Rocks Trail #44 (Arizona Trail)
  • Aspen Trail #93
  • Palisades #99
  • Catalina Camp Trail #401

The following trails are still RESTRICTED:
  • Esperero Trail #25 (3.3 miles)
  • Finger Rock Trail #42 (1.5 miles)
  • Pima Canyon Trail #62 (4 miles)
  • Ventana Trail #98 (2 miles)
  • Pontatoc Trail #410 (2 miles)

You can read the entire order here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd910411.pdf

Please obey the closures and minimize travel within the burn scar to allow the land to heal and to avoid potential hazards. 

The Forest Service will continue to open trails once they deem them safe to travel on. Expect more updates throughout the summer. 

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It's raptor breeding season!

Nesting raptors are protected by law.  CASA recognizes that any climbing area may be considered off limits subject to current nesting conditions.  Do your part to be on the right side of the law (and the birds!), and have fun and be safe out there!
The Climbing Association of Southern Arizona (CASA) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization that advocates for local climbers through stewardship, education, and partnership with land managers.

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