kevbert wrote:You might want to call McCall or Salmon Air and get a smoke report before heading out into the Idaho backcountry. New fires keep popping up around here. A couple of days ago two fires started just north of New Meadows, now merged into one that is 3,700 acres. IFR conditions here in Council this morning, now about 2 mile visibility, presumably much worse in New Meadows, and when the wind is right there will be problems for McCall as well.

The local airplane mechanic tried flying out to Chamberlain Basin a few days ago, and he said there was so much smoke there (from the fire at Dixie, which is now 25,000 acres) that he couldn't see to land. He hit Reed Ranch on the way back, as it was fairly clear there.

So, be prepared to find another strip if your destination is unavailable, and bring enough provisions to last a few days if the wind shifts and smoke prevents your departure.