Slippery Slopes
Emergency work to seal cracks in the pavement
A message from Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center: “Don’t let the lure of fresh snow cloud your judgment today.” According to ESAC, intermittent winter storm patterns could make for exceptionally dangerous avalanche conditions. The Eastern Sierra is currently classified as a level three of five on the North American Public Avalanche Danger Scale, meaning our area is under “considerable” risk. With our current snowpack, natural avalanches are possible and humantriggered avalanches are likely. “Modest storms and incremental loading could lead to a spooky scenario for backcountry enthusiasts where human-triggered avalanches become more likely over time as new snow consolidates into a more cohesive slab and additional storms add bulk to the snowpack,” ESAC warns. “Patience remains the key ingredient.” Get the latest info on avalanche conditions by heading to esavalanche.org.
This photo shows cracks on State Route 158 S. (South June Lake Loop) east of the town of June Lake.
Caltrans has closed a section of State Route 158 S/south June Lake Loop to conduct emergency pavement repairs. Operations started on Tuesday, Jan. 2. The highway will be closed between North Shore Drive and just east of the town of June Lake, within the traditional avalanche closure area.
An emergency work order was issued to Lee Vining-based Conspec Inc. to repair the highway. According to involved agen
ESIA Offers Interpretive Guide Training
Eastern Sierra Interpretative Association will be holding a National Association for Interpretation Certified Training Certification class Jan. 22 - 25. The class will be held at the White Mountain Research Station, 3000 E Line St. in Bishop. The sessions will be held each day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those interested can register at www.interpnet.com. The NAI Certification program is intended to help people new in the field demonstrate they have what it takes to make interpretation their career and help those who have been interpreters for some time demonstrate that they have gained the experience, and collected knowledge, skills, and abilities that make them accomplished professionals in their field. Interpreters connect visitors to important natural, cultural, and historical resources at parks, nature centers, historical sites, aquariums, zoos, and anywhere that people come to learn about places. Interpretation is defined as a purposeful approach to communication that facilitates meaningful, relevant, and inclusive experiences that deepen the understanding, broaden perspectives, and inspire engagement with the world around us. The ESIA is one of the oldest nonprofit organizations in the Eastern Sierra. ESIA is currently partnered with Inyo National Forest, Humboldt-toiyabe National Forest, Tahoe National Forest, Death Valley National Park, Devils Postpile National Monument, Manzanar National Historic Site, and the Bureau of Land Management. For more information about the Certified Interpretative Guide course, contact ESIA’S Executive Director Jeff Gabriel at 760-272-1220 or at admin@esiaonline. org.
2023 Wood Stove Replacement Program
The Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District is offering vouchers to replace non-epa-certified wood stoves, fireplace inserts, or open-hearth fireplaces used as a primary source of heat with new, cleaner burning devices. The new device may be an Epa-certified wood or pellet freestanding stove insert an electric heating device, or a ductless mini-split heat pump. Applications will be accepted beginning Dec. 1 and will be accepted until project dollars are depleted. The Program is designed to help households replace an uncertified woodstove, wood insert, or fireplace used as a primary source of heat with a cleaner burning and more efficient device. Town residents using uncertified woodstoves or wood inserts manufactured before July 1, 1988 or fireplaces as a primary source of heat are eligible for this Program. The Program will offer incentives towards the purchase and installation of a qualifying device. For more information, visit www.townofmammothlakes.ca.gov/1158/2023-woodstove-replacement-program.