LETTER: Fire danger in the Spring Mountains

Indications are that we may have a dangerous wildfire season in the Spring Mountains this summer. Last spring, I hiked in Wildhorse Canyon at an elevation of more than 8,000 feet. The canyon had several springs and running water. As the summer of 2020 progressed, I notice it drying out as the monsoon rains failed to come. This spring the canyon is already dry.

Every Memorial Day for the past 10 years or so, I led a hike to Big Falls in Kyle Canyon. This year it is reported to be dry, and I have canceled my hike.

We have been in a drought in Southern Nevada — and throughout the Colorado River Basin and beyond — since the turn of the century. If the monsoon rains fail to come again this year, the fire danger in the Spring Mountains will be at a very high level. And if they do come, the lightning that often accompanies the rain may spark fires in spite of the rain.

All hikers and campers need to be especially careful to prevent a fire from starting.