Posted on August 29, 2013 by Bob Berwyn
Debate rages over potential health, environmental impacts
By Summit Voice
The radioactive ocean plume from the 2011 nuclear plant disaster at Fukushima, Japan, will reach the shores of the U.S. sometime in 2014, but is likely to be harmless, according to a new paper in the journal Deep-Sea Research 1.
While atmospheric radiation was detected on the US west coast within days of the incident, the radioactive particles in the ocean plume take considerably longer to travel the same distance.
In the paper, researchers from the Centre of Excellence for Climate System Science and others used a range of ocean simulations to track the path of the radiation from the Fukushima incident. Continue reading
Filed under: Environment | Tagged: Environment, Fukushima, Kuroshio Current, oceans, United States, West Coast of the United States | 1 Comment »
Posted on June 8, 2013 by Bob Berwyn
Hot and dry conditions in the Four Corners have prompted a red flag warning.
Record-high temps possible Sunday and Monday
By Summit Voice
FRISCO — While a cool and wet spring prevailed in the north-central mountains, it’s a different story in the southwestern part of the state, where a prolonged period of above normal temperatures and minimal precipitation have left fuels ready to burn at lower elevations.
Parts of the Four Corners area will be facing significant fire danger this weekend and early next week as temperatures rise to record or near-record highs. A Red Flag warning is in effect from 1 p.m. through 8 p.m. for the San Juan mountains below 9,000 feet and extending into the Jemez Mountains and the upper Rio Grande Valley of northern New Mexico.
Winds will gust up to 30 mph with relative humidity values in the lower teens combining to create critical fire conditions. Any fires that start are likely to spread rapidly, according to the National Weather Service.
Strong high pressure over the desert Southwest has already led to record highs in parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, and the heat wave is expected to intensify. For western Colorado, temps are expected to run about 10 degrees above average Sunday and nudge up to near record levels Monday.
Filed under: climate and weather, Colorado, wildfires | Tagged: Colorado weather, fire danger, Four Corners region, Jemez Mountains, Red flag warning, Rio Grande Valley, United States, weather, Wildfires | Leave a comment »
Posted on June 3, 2013 by Bob Berwyn
Get out and hike!
Feds designate new trail segments in 28 states
By Summit Voice
SUMMIT COUNTY — Along with looking forward to summer, hikers have another reason to rejoice. Top federal officials this week announced the designation of 28 new national recreation trails, adding almost 650 miles of trails to the National Trails System.
“From coast to coast, the National Trails System helps connect American families with the wonders of the great outdoors,” said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. “These 28 new national recreation trails, established through partnerships with local communities and stakeholders, connect federal, state and local lands and waters to provide access to inexpensive, enjoyable outdoor activities for all Americans,” Jewell said.
The announcement was timed to coincide with June 1, National Trails Day, which was marked by hundreds of organized activities including hikes, educational programs, bike rides, trail rehabilitation projects, festivals, paddle trips, and trail dedications all around the country. Continue reading
Filed under: hiking, recreation | Tagged: hiking, National Recreation Trails, National Trail Day, National Trails System, outdoor recreation, United States | Leave a comment »