Drought - The Colorado Trail

imported
#1

Hello,
I have been hearing that there is a major drought in colorado this year, with a major forest fire just a couple miles from the trail- With snow packs 25% of normal. Any ideas on how this is affecting this years hiking season? When there is a “drought”, how much do the water supplies suffer? I guess this will help our early departure time of June 15th by lessening snow crossings, but I am really worried about water.

Also, my wife was asking me about what we do if a forest fire “attacks” :slight_smile: us. i couldnt really give her an answer. Other than run and hide in the stream that dried up due to the drought, Any ideas?

Do the afternoon thunderstorms bring rain as well; where in an emergency we could gather rain water w/ tarps? (this sounds to me like a stupid question, but i am just not familiar w/ colorado and western weather)

I am going to call the forest rangers in the area later this afternoon after you coloradoans wake up.

thanks
Justen

Justen

#2

Fire:Heck, I don’t know what to do if you get stuck in a fire. I guess the best advice is to avoid them :slight_smile:


I think for the most part you will be able to know where the fires are and people won’t let you near them.


Water:You concern over water is reasonable, but I don’t think you will have any problems. I would avoid passing a good water source thinking that there might be another place to get water in a mile or so. Most of my hike I carried a lot more water then I needed, and I found water when I didn’t expect it.

Leif