OXBOW, Oregon, Aug. 30, 2023 — Motorists should expect delays as well as dust and gravel on Hells Canyon Road starting Sept. 5, as crews begin chip‑sealing the road surface.

The chip-seal process is expected to take about three weeks. Traffic delays of up to 30 minutes may be necessary from Sept. 5-15, with shorter delays expected Sept. 16-27. The schedule is subject to change due to weather.

About Idaho Power
Idaho Power, headquartered in vibrant and fast-growing Boise, Idaho, has been a locally operated energy company since 1916. Today, it serves a 24,000-square-mile area in Idaho and Oregon. The company’s goal to provide 100% clean energy by 2045 builds on its long history as a clean-energy leader that provides reliable service at affordable prices. With 17 low-cost hydroelectric projects at the core of its diverse energy mix, Idaho Power’s residential, business and agricultural customers pay among the nation’s lowest prices for electricity. Its 2,000 employees proudly serve more than 620,000 customers with a culture of safety first, integrity always and respect for all.

IDACORP Inc. (NYSE: IDA), Idaho Power’s independent publicly traded parent company, is also headquartered in Boise, Idaho. To learn more, visit www.idahopower.com or idacorpinc.com.

Brad Bowlin, Communications Specialist

bbowlin@idahopower.com or 208-388-2803

The Bear Creek (Wallowa River) Bridge replacement project is moving along. The detour is no longer re-routing traffic around the bridge project. Travelers will instead experience single lane access controlled by an automated traffic signal. Remainder of the new structure will be completed in fall 2023.

For more information, visit the project webpage: OR 82: Bear Creek (Wallowa River) Bridge.

Now is an amazing time to enjoy the scenery along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway All-American Road. The hillsides are many shades of green and wildflowers are in full bloom. There is still snow on the high peaks, adding depth and character to your photos.

Please take the road slowly and watch for hazards such as speeding vehicles and larger vehicles taking wide corners. Although it is a paved, two-lane highway, it is a backroad through a forested area, and anything can happen at any time. Always use caution and be aware that cell phone service is often not available, so getting assistance can be daunting. Be prepared – fill your tank before setting out (Joseph and Halfway have fuel stations) and carry drinking water, snacks and jackets for changes in the weather. Forest Service campgrounds are open and serviced by mid-June.
To experience the canyon from the bottom looking up at the dramatic basalt cliffs, go to Copperfield and cross the bridge to the Idaho side, then follow the Snake River downstream to the Hells Canyon Dam (24 miles of paved highway) and the Hells Canyon Dam Interpretive Center. This is in the heart of the canyon and the scenery is spectacular. Then backtrack toward Halfway to where the FS Road 39 leads into the forest for the section that offers grand views from the top, looking down into canyon country from the Hells Canyon Overlook. (Don’t miss the turn-off to the 2-mile drive to the overlook!)

AS mentioned elsewhere, there are highway construction projects in a couple of places along the byway’s state highways. In our region, highway officials must cram a lot of work into a few months of good weather. You may have to wait for up to 20 minutes in some situations, or you may just experience a slow-down through sections where one lane is closed during weekdays. Please use caution – we all appreciate the work it takes to keep our highways safe.
One last note: be sure to also watch for livestock along all sections of the byway. Ranchers are turning their cattle out to summer grazing and cattle have the right-of-way in Oregon, so may be on the road in remote places that aren’t fenced or where fences haven’t yet been fixed after the impacts of winter. Cattle drives take place on byway roads, as well. When encountering a cattle drive, please slow down. Cattle, calves, horses and dogs can be very unpredictable around vehicles, especially when stressed. Honking the horn won’t help and can cause an accident. Watch for signals from people tending the livestock, as they will help you navigate through the herd, whether you are traveling with or against the flow of animals. We appreciate your patience and hope you will enjoy this enduring and necessary spectacle of the West.

NEWS RELEASE – Extreme Fire Danger

BAKER CITY, Ore. (July 8, 2021) – The Fire Danger Level is now “Extreme” across the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. At midnight tonight, the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) is moving to Level 4 as an additional fire-prevention measure. Public Use Restrictions (PURs) remain in Phase B this weekend on the Wallowa-Whitman. However, persistent wildfire risks may require a move to Phase C PURs in the near future.

IFPL 4 requires a general shutdown of chainsaws, power saws, and all heavy equipment operations. IFPLs also applies to fuelwood permit holders for both commercial and personal uses.

• Chainsaw and power saw use is not allowed.
• Tractor, skidder, feller-buncher, forwarder, or shovel logging operations are not allowed, nor are mechanized loading operations, hauling of any product or material, cable yarding, or blasting.
• Welding, metal cutting, or any other activities that can produce or emit a spark are not allowed.

Please be mindful of current Phase B Public Use Restrictions in addition to IFPL 4 restrictions.

• Campfires are not allowed outside of the fire pits provided at developed recreation sites, where all flammable material should be cleared 10 feet from the edge of the pit, and the pit should be free of overhanging material.
• Anyone with a campfire must have a tool that can serve as a shovel and at least one gallon of water. Campfires must be attended at all times and completely extinguished prior to leaving. Remember: “If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.”
• While campfires are still allowed in Wilderness Areas, year-around restrictions in the Eagle Cap Wilderness prohibit campfires within 100 feet of any lakes or posted wetlands. Campfires are also prohibited within ¼ mile (1320 feet) of the lakes listed on the back of Eagle Cap Wilderness permits.
• As a reminder, year-around campfire restrictions also apply to the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area within a ¼ mile of the Wild and Scenic portions of the Snake River, from Hells Canyon Dam downstream to the Oregon-Washington border.
• Public lands in Idaho follow separate Idaho Fire Restrictions.
• Generators are allowed only if fully contained in the bed of a pickup truck or in an area that has been cleared of all flammable material at least 10 feet away. Other internal combustion engines are prohibited, except for motor vehicles.
• Wood stoves and briquette fires are not permitted.
• Motor vehicle travel off developed forest roads and trails is not allowed due to the risk of a vehicle sparking a wildfire in the dry grass and roadside vegetation. Exception: Vehicles may be used to access campsites located within 300 feet of an open developed road. All motorized travel on roads closed by gates, barricades, berms, rocks, or logs is prohibited.
• Fireworks are always prohibited on public lands.
• Phase B PURs prohibit chainsaw use without a permit, and even with a permit, chainsaw use is not currently allowed under IFPL 4.

Remember, “Only you can prevent wildfires!” With tinder-dry forest fuels and high daytime temperatures, conditions are prime for human-caused wildfires. We ask everyone to be extremely careful with campfires. Please be vigilant with other ignition sources too: It just takes one spark from an unsecured chain while towing a trailer, or from a flat tire with an exposed wheel or hubcap.

Separate restrictions may be in effect on State and private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) in northeast Oregon. For more information, contact your local ODF office or visit the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center website (http://www.bmidc.org).

To learn more, contact your local Forest Service office or visit our website (www.fs.usda.gov/wallowa-whitman).

wildfire notice poster

Watch wildlife from a distance – June 10, 2021

Leave them where you find them

Young wild animals are rarely orphaned – mom’s probably just off foraging for food. So if you see a deer fawn, elk calf or other young animal alone, leave it where it is. Chances are an adult animal is nearby. Read more reasons why trying to “save” an animal may do more harm than good.

Best bets for weekend fishing

Weekend fishing opportunities include trout, salmon, steelhead, bass and warmwater species, and a variety of ocean fish. Check out the zone reports for details, including occasional updates.

https://myodfw.com/recreation-report/fishing-report/snake-zone

ODFW braces for drought

What anglers can expect – March, April and May of 2021 were among the driest spring months since the 1890s, and ODFW is bracing for a serious drought as summer arrives. Currently, 72 percent of the state is in severe or extreme drought status.

As the summer progresses, anglers should continue to expect changes to fish stocking, and possible emergency regulations. See more details here. The weekly Recreation Report will be your best source of information on conditions and any emergency regulations.

New map shows wildfire impacts on recreation

Natural resource agencies in Oregon have teamed up to create an interagency status map that shows open, closed and reduced service areas on a single map, regardless of reason for closure. The map now also includes an updated boat ramp status map.

Register for shotgun skills, pheasant hunting workshops

ODFW is offering several of its popular shotgun skills and pheasant hunting workshops beginning in June. A shotgun skills class is a prerequisite to a pheasant hunting workshop. These classes fill quickly, so sign up soon. See more details and register.

ENTERPRISE, OR__On the morning of June 11, at 6:00 a.m., NW Team 7 transitioned management of the fire back to local agencies. Northwest Team 7 would like to thank the entire Wallowa County community for their support as well as firefighters for all their hard work throughout this incident. Local agencies will continue to monitor conditions and will remain ready in the event there are changes to the current status.

Joseph Canyon Fire –   Start Date: June 4, 2021     Cause: Lightning     Size: 7,610 acres     Containment: 95%  Location: The Joseph Canyon Fire is located in steep rugged terrain of Joseph Canyon area of northern Wallowa County, Oregon.

Status: Weather patterns continued to provide favorable conditions for suppression actions due to cooler temperatures and scattered showers in the fire area yesterday. Minimal fire behavior occurred due to higher fine fuel moisture.

Dry Creek Fire – Start Date: June 3-4, 2021     Cause: Lightning     Size: 1,585 acres     Containment: 95%
Location:  The Dry Creek Fire is located in a remote and rugged part of Hells Canyon, northeast of Joseph, OR.

Status: Weather patterns continued to provide favorable conditions yesterday for suppression efforts due to cooler temperatures and scattered showers in the fire area. Minimal fire behavior occurred due to higher fine fuel moisture and precipitation.

Weather: Cloudy skies are expected, with a slight chance for afternoon showers. South winds of 5-10 mph.

Evacuations: There are currently no evacuation orders associated with the Joseph Canyon and Dry Creek fires.

Closures: The Nez Perce Tribe has temporarily closed the Precious Lands Wildlife Management Area in Northeastern Oregon: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7513/59633/

Fire Season Declared: Oregon Department of Forestry’s Northeast Oregon District proclaimed fire season began Wednesday, June 9, at 12:01 a.m. They have new fire restriction signs located throughout the district, with a Fire Prevention information line; (541) 975-3027 and a QR code which will take you to www.bmidc.org, for current information on fire restrictions.

Prevention Message: Whether we are out in nature or home in our backyards, remember that it’s our role to protect the lands we love by preventing wildfires and recreating responsibly.

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The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest issued the following press release, June 5, 2021. Please be extra cautious when traveling and recreating throughout Eastern Oregon, as fire danger is high early this season, due to drought conditions and low humidity.

JOSEPH, OREGON__Lightning activity from thunderstorms passing through the area Thursday night and Friday morning ignited multiple wildfires in the northeast corner of the state. Responding resources have successfully contained some of the ignitions, however others remain active and uncontained.
The Joseph Canyon Fire, initially reported Friday morning by Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is burning in steep rugged terrain in the Joseph Canyon area of northern Wallowa County, Oregon. Low humidity, warm temperatures, and breezy winds hampered firefighting efforts Friday and the fire rapidly spread through the grassy vegetation within the canyon and crossed over the state line into Washington. The fire continued to burn actively overnight in the flashy fuels and is estimated to be approximately 2,000 acres.
The fire is burning on lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry and Bureau of Land Management. A local interagency Type 3 team will shadow firefighters today and transition management of the fire to the team at 6 p.m. tonight.
A second fire, Dry Creek, is burning just to the east of the Joseph Canyon Fire. It is estimated to be 328 acres and is located solely on Wallowa-Whitman National Forest land.
All jurisdictions involved share common objectives in managing these fires, which is to fight the fires aggressively while maximizing the safety of the public and all fire staff involved. Due to the remote location and steep rugged terrain, the fires are mostly being fought by air attack. Rappelers, smoke jumpers and air tankers were brought in for initial suppression efforts. Three large airtankers dropped retardant along the perimeter of the Joseph Canyon Fire Friday to slow the fire growth. In addition to firefighter delivery, three Type 2 helicopters were used to drop water on hot spots. These aerial resources will continue to support firefighters on the ground today, as well as the addition of Single Engine Air Tankers. Active fire behavior is expected today with low humidity and increasing winds as a cold front passes through.

CONTACTS: Sara Bethscheider (541-426-5585) or Christie Shaw (541-263-0661)

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From Wallowa-Whitman National Forest: Wallowa Mountain Loop not currently open to wheeled vehicles for public safety

More information: Peter Fargo, Public Affairs Officer, 541-519-2809 or  peter.fargo@usda.gov

BAKER CITY, OR (March 12, 2021)__This winter, local authorities have assisted with multiple search and rescue efforts along the Wallowa Mountain Loop Road after cars and trucks became stuck in the snow.  To reduce this risk, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is reminding drivers that actively groomed snowmobile routes are not legal for wheeled vehicle travel under Oregon law (ORS 821.295).  This applies to the Wallowa Mountain Loop Road between Highway 86 junction near Halfway and the Salt Creek Summit Snow Park near Joseph.  The law also applies to the 39 Road from its intersection with the Imnaha River Road just south of the Imnaha Fish Weir.

The Wallowa Mountain Loop Road, also known as the 39 Road or North Pine Road, passes through the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.  It is a groomed snowmobile route during the winter and will remain open to snowmobiles and individuals accessing private property.  Reflective barricades are in place on the south end of the road to deter wheeled vehicles from driving onto the groomed snowmobile route.  While the barricades are painted bright orange and reflective, all vehicle operators are advised to avoid a collision by noting the location of the barriers and nearby landmarks.  Please be extra cautious in low-light conditions.

“We plan to accommodate spring recreators and hunters by moving the barricades up the mountain as the snow recedes,” said Dan Story, Whitman District Road Engineer.  “This is a popular destination during all seasons, and especially for summer motorists, so we will be removing the barricades as soon as we can clear the road of down trees, boulders, and other obstacles.”

Mountain driving always has its risks.  Snow-covered roads may appear drivable until the vehicle reaches an obstacle, such as a tree or snow drift, and the driver is forced to stop, reverse, or turn around.  Many vehicles become stuck when the driver attempts to turn around and loses traction in the softer margins of the road.  Also, many on-board navigation systems are not up to date with seasonal conditions, especially in remote and rural areas.  Across the western US, there is a growing trend of these devices directing drivers to take backcountry routes that are not passable in winter.  It is best to check local information sources and know before you go.

Tips for a safer mountain driving experience during the winter and early spring:

• Use snow tires or chains as snow, ice, and water can create dangerously slippery roads.
• Be prepared to spend the night in your vehicle.
• Bring extra layers, handwarmers, sleeping bags, food, water, flashlights, extra batteries, and a kit to start a fire if necessary.
• Bring a satellite-based phone or emergency beacon in case you are out of cell range.
• Most importantly, make a plan and tell somebody else where you are going, your travel route, when you plan to return, and when you will check back in with them.
• Expect snowpack conditions to change as roads change in elevation and know that conditions at high elevations may remain impassable into July. Barricades are still in place at the junction of the Wallowa Mountain Loop Road and Highway 86 near Halfway, Oregon.

__________________________

From ODOT: Bridge repair work starts near Elgin March 29; Plan for delays

More information: Tom Strandberg, 541-663-6261 or thomas.m.strandberg@odot.state.or.us

ELGIN, OR (March 18, 2021)__Starting March 29, the Oregon Department of Transportation will be repairing the Grande Ronde River (South Elgin) Bridge along OR 82. The structure is located at milepost 19.2, less than a mile southwest of Elgin. Traffic impacts starting April 1 will include single lane travel across the bridge with traffic controlled by flaggers for the first day or two, as crews install temporary barriers down the middle of the bridge and temporary traffic signals at both ends of the bridge. Expect up to 20-minute delays.

Once the traffic signals are operational, wait times will be shorter, depending on traffic volumes. The temporary signals, lane closures and construction delays will continue 24/7 through the summer months.

Please be patient and plan extra travel time along this route. Obey flaggers and traffic signals at all times to keep everyone safe. Construction crews are working to repair deteriorating bridge conditions and improve safety for motorist, bicyclists and pedestrians.

Work includes removing and replacing the existing concrete overlay and bridge rail, and replacing the deck joints. All work is scheduled to be completed and lane restrictions removed by July15, 2021. Remember, traffic fines double in work zones.

We greatly appreciate your support and patience for this and all highway construction projects.

For more information check out the OR 82: Grande Ronde (South Elgin) Bridge Repairs project information page at www.tinyurl.com/odot5 .

https://www.bakercityherald.com/news/local/sheriff-frees-stuck-driver/article_70448e9e-310a-11eb-b175-4f7375d07ea7.html

Whether traveling the backroads or on freeways in winter, it is important to slow down and always carry warm coats, boots, gloves, blankets, food, water and a flashlight. From whichever direction you travel to reach or pass through northeast Oregon, you will be going over mountain passes. Storms can come any time and roads may be closed due to blowing and drifting snow or icy conditions. Be prepared to safely wait it out in your vehicle if needed. Here is a link to safety tips for winter driving from the Oregon Department of Transportation, covering all kinds of conditions. Look for a full list of recommended emergency supplies and travel safely.

https://www.oregon.gov/odot/pages/winter-driving.aspx 

Keep an eye on www.tripcheck.com to view road cameras and learn about driving alerts.

The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest issued the following press release Friday. Please stay safe, comply with all restrictions and take every precaution to keep our forests green.

BAKER CITY, Ore. (September 11, 2020) — Due to continued hot temperatures, lack of moisture and extreme fire danger, National Forest officials have announced that effective 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2020, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest moved to Phase C of public use restrictions (PURs). With concern for public safety and the increased potential for human caused wildfires, officials remind forest visitors to use extreme caution when visiting the forest; under current conditions, even a spark can rapidly become a large wildfire.
Phase C PURs is the third level of restrictions and includes:

• Campfires are prohibited on the Forest. Use liquid and bottle (propane) gas stoves only.
• No internal combustion engine operation (including chainsaws), except for motorized vehicles.
• Electrical generators operated under the following conditions are allowed: o in the center of an area at least 10 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material, or;
  • when fully contained within a pickup truck bed that is empty of all flammable material, or;
  • when factory installed in a recreational vehicle and the generator exhaust discharge is located in the center of an area at least 10 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

• No off-road/off-trail vehicle travel or travel on roads not cleared of standing grass or other flammable material. Vehicle travel is never permitted on currently closed forest service roads where access has been impeded or blocked by earthen berms, logs, boulders, barriers, barricades or gates, or as otherwise identified in a closure order.

• Smoking is allowed only in enclosed vehicles and buildings, developed recreation sites, or in cleared areas.

Please remember that it is your responsibility to know what restrictions are in place when visiting public lands.
To report a wildfire call 911, or contact:

• Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center 541-963-7171
• John Day Interagency Dispatch Center 541-575-1321

Regulated closures are in effect on State and private lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) in northeast and central Oregon. Please check with your local Oregon Department of Forestry office for public use restrictions on lands protected by ODF. For more complete information contact a local Oregon Department of Forestry office or visit one of the interagency dispatch center’s webpages:
Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch webpage: www.bmidc.org
John Day Interagency Dispatch webpage: http://bicc-jdidc.org/index.shtml

Similar restrictions may be in effect on State and private lands protected by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (WA-DNR). More information can be found on the WA-DNR website at: http://www.dnr.wa.gov/.

For more information regarding Phase C Public Use Restrictions, please contact:
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
Information Hotlines: Baker City (541) 523-6391; La Grande (541) 962-8679; Joseph (541) 426-5552
www.facebook.com/WallowaWhitmanNF     

Twitter: @WallowaWhitman

Start the scenic Union County Farm Loop at Avella Orchard, 2807 N. Fir Street, La Grande. Begun in the 1950s, the 2-acre orchard within the city limits boasts over 250 unusual, rare and local pioneer fruit and nut trees. Tours by arrangement. www.avellaorchard.blogspot.com

Next stop is Evergreen Family Farm, 62402 Evergreen Road, La Grande, where the whole family uses organic practices to grow vegetables, fruit and cut flowers. You can also find them at the La Grande Farmers Market, Saturday mornings in downtown La Grande.

Head north of La Grande on Hunter Road to find Mount Emily Farmstead, where Hanoverion horses compete for your attention with eggs, goat milk, sauerkraut, native plants and flowers, dried herbs, garlic and garden produce. Call 541.786.6015 before visiting to ensure the farmers are available.

Cross the broad and fertile Grande Ronde Valley and wind along the base of the mountains to pass the location of the annual Pick‘N Patch. Open all of October, under bright blue skies, Frisch Farms’ invites you to explore the corn maze and choose from a huge selection of pumpkins and fall décor to take home and enjoy. The corn maze can be seen from the road in various stages throughout summer. www.facebook.com/PickNPatchfarm

Union County Farm Loop map 2020 digital

You’ve found your way to Cove, a sleepy little town that stretches its arms up the steep sides of Mt. Fanny and is best known for sweet cherries. There are six farm stands to visit here, with products ranging from garlic ristras to honey, garden greens to local fruits, vegetables, eggs, raw goat milk, flowers and fruit preserves. Bring a cooler so you can stock up! Nella Mae’s Farm Stand is open 24/7 and self-serve. Almosta Farm welcomes visitors and lodgers to their guest rental year-round – just contact them in advance. Contact the other farms for their hours and days or to arrange a visit.

Owners of Apple Spring Micro Farm in Cove say they love having children visit. “Our alpacas are friendly, our gardens are beautiful, our spring fed stream is clean water…all neat things for kids to explore!” says Dana Dobbs. Visitors also find delicious freshly baked treats, fruits and veggies picked that morning, and a special take away item for the kids!

If you call in advance, you can arrange a tour of the Grande Ronde Goat Dairy, between the towns of Cove and Union. This dairy milks around 800 does, using a rotary milking system, and sends its milk to California to be made into gourmet cheese you can find in your supermarket or specialty food store. There are often adorable goat kids to cuddle during tours. This is a working dairy, so please call or text before you visit: 541.805.9622.

In Union, stop by Platz Family Farm stand and fill the rest of the cooler with fruit, eggs and vegetables from the large, well organized garden and greenhouse. You will also find locally made crafts, jams and jellies and frozen beef from just down the road. Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., late May through October. www.platzfamilyfarm.com 

Just across the highway is Cat’s Paw Mercantile, an easy to spot little white building with pink trim, flowers and a big metal horse in the parking lot. It’s filled with colorful and fragrant goat milk soaps, lotions and pet potions, small-batch sauces and salsas and much more. Most of the products are made from ingredients produced at the on-site farm. Take time to giggle at the gaggle of domestic geese and watch the goats at play. www.catspawfarm.com

Still want more time down on the farm? Prearrange a visit with “Babydoll Southdown” sheep and learn about felting wool at Ladd View Ranch, www.laddviewbabydollsheep.com or tour a beef cattle operation at Boothman Ranch (call or text 541.962.9287 to tour), both on Hot Lake Lane.

Back in downtown La Grande, stop at Community Merchants to stock the freezer with local beef, pork, lamb and chicken, or pick up a souvenir from a local artist or craft maker. Treat yourself with gelato ice cream, made on-site. www.facebook.com/CommunityMerchants 

Click to view and download the Union County Farm Loop map 2020 digital.