Click to View the Full Thread

Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Group Forum: Woodland Caribou Provincial Park :: Red Lake Radio Station
 
Author Message Text
SinglePortage
07/31/2018 10:53AM
  
Is there a radio station in Red Lake that gives good weather/fire danger reports covering WCPP? I was hoping that I could get updates by bringing my C Crane radio with me.
 
jcavenagh
08/01/2018 08:16AM
  
There are 2 FM stations and at least 1 AM station that I know of.
I don't know if the AM station has much power, but the FMs should cover the park.
 
Marten
08/02/2018 02:49PM
  
I have noted so many threads this year with the same solution: Garmin Inreach.


When the huge fire started on the Gammon in Manitoba July 15 I noted the Northern Tier Boy Scouts had everyone out by the 18th. Some of those groups were probably on Some pretty small waters and had to hustle to where a plane could land. Not sure how many they snatched but it could have been a few hundred.
 
SinglePortage
08/03/2018 09:58AM
  
Marten: "I have noted so many threads this year with the same solution: Garmin Inreach.



When the huge fire started on the Gammon in Manitoba July 15 I noted the Northern Tier Boy Scouts had everyone out by the 18th. Some of those groups were probably on Some pretty small waters and had to hustle to where a plane could land. Not sure how many they snatched but it could have been a few hundred."


How will the Garmin tell me about fire dangers?
 
Marten
08/03/2018 01:48PM
  
Jaywalker: "SinglePortage: "How will the Garmin tell me about fire dangers?"
I'm wondering this too. Perhaps I don't fully understand, but wouldn't this require someone outside the park tracking where you are and sending you text messages warning of fire hazards?? I don't have someone to play that role. Is there some other option?"


YOU do need someone willing to keep you informed. In a season like this hire someone to prevent paddling into a fire trap. With the way things improve I would expect such a service in the near future.

Last year as we started a trip toward Carroll via the Obukowin 3 mile portages We could see a massive fire column in our line of travel. We made camp with an easy escape and called my wife on the satellite phone, She checked on-line and found that it was 15 miles north on Walking Stick Lake, Winds were forecast in our favor and confidently we headed into those long treks across land. I could not have pushed on without the facts.



 
SinglePortage
08/03/2018 09:55AM
  
Jaywalker: "jcavenagh: "There are 2 FM stations and at least 1 AM station that I know of.
I don't know if the AM station has much power, but the FMs should cover the park."
Yes, but the big question is are they broadcasting regular updates about the fires? It would be nice to be able to tune in at certain times of the day and at least hear if any new ones have started or old ones have flared up. Better yet, it would be great if any significant growth in fires were reported via WeatherRadio Canada, just like getting an alert for severe thunderstorms. "


I remember the Ely station giving regular reports back in the day, which was helpful.
 
Jaywalker
08/03/2018 01:15PM
  
SinglePortage: "How will the Garmin tell me about fire dangers?"
I'm wondering this too. Perhaps I don't fully understand, but wouldn't this require someone outside the park tracking where you are and sending you text messages warning of fire hazards?? I don't have someone to play that role. Is there some other option?
 
jcavenagh
08/04/2018 09:34AM
  
Jaywalker - If you travel solo you should have at least one person designated as an emergency contact.
That person should also have a copy of your expected itinerary.
EDIT: I suppose you know this already.
Then if you use the InReach, that person should get the text/email communications and could give warning if fire is a danger to you.
If you travel with 1 or more others, there will definitely be someone who can be the contact.
 
SinglePortage
08/05/2018 11:17AM
  
Marten: "Jaywalker: "SinglePortage: "How will the Garmin tell me about fire dangers?"
I'm wondering this too. Perhaps I don't fully understand, but wouldn't this require someone outside the park tracking where you are and sending you text messages warning of fire hazards?? I don't have someone to play that role. Is there some other option?"



YOU do need someone willing to keep you informed. In a season like this hire someone to prevent paddling into a fire trap. With the way things improve I would expect such a service in the near future.



"


I was planning on having a Garmin InReach to send "I'm OK" messages back home to reassure my wife, but I was hoping to minimize the back and forth so I could maximize the wilderness experience.
 
Jaywalker
08/02/2018 12:49PM
  
jcavenagh: "There are 2 FM stations and at least 1 AM station that I know of.
I don't know if the AM station has much power, but the FMs should cover the park."
Yes, but the big question is are they broadcasting regular updates about the fires? It would be nice to be able to tune in at certain times of the day and at least hear if any new ones have started or old ones have flared up. Better yet, it would be great if any significant growth in fires were reported via WeatherRadio Canada, just like getting an alert for severe thunderstorms.