Report of Drought Conditions in JNP

As Dave and I sit here under the blanket of snow from another spring storm we've had I am thankful for the mositure that we're getting. I just recieved an update today from the Jasper National Park Fire Management team on the status of the land in the Jasper National Park and it is clear that we are in need of moisture. At the same time, I keep in mind that the June monsoons that we sometimes get can change things in a hurry. Below is what the update had to say.

How dry is it out there?
• Jasper has experienced drought conditions for about the past nine years; so far, this spring has been the driest on record.
• The Drought Code - a rating of the moisture content in deep, organic layers below the surface - is the highest ever recorded for this time of year. This indicates that fires would burn deep and could be difficult to extinguish.
•This past winter (November 31 to March 31), we received about half of our normal average precipitation.The normal average is 85.3mm - we received 38.7mm.

What does this mean?
While most people’s thoughts turn toward hiking, camping and hot weather, fire managers and the Initial Attack Crew are focused on organising equipment and monitoring forest conditions for wildfire
potential. While fire is an important process on the landscape, their first priority is the safety of people and property.

Please remember to:
• be cautious with all sources of open flame;
• light campfires only in designated boxes and ensure they are out
• dispose of cigarettes in appropriate receptacles, and;
• report any suspicious smoke or fire by calling 911.

Parks Canada's Fire & Vegetation Management Newsletter www.pc.gc.ca/jasper