Heat wave coming, officials urge careful recreation

Mother Nature did south Lincoln County a favor in terms of wildfire risk as rain has fallen on several days in the last few weeks.

But things are expected to change rapidly as temperatures are expected to rise into the 

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat watch next Tuesday and Wednesday in the Kootenai/Cabinet and Lower Clark Fork regions.

It calls for dangerously hot conditions with major risk of heat effects possible. The level of heat affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Impacts likely in some health systems, heat-sensitive industries and infrastructure.

Officials recommend drinking plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.

They also says young children and pets should not be left in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

While night-time temperatures are expected to remain in the 50s, beginning Saturday, day-time highs will range from 92 to about 100 on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“Currently the moisture we have been getting appears to have kept fire season at bay,” Lincoln County Emergency Management Director Boyd White said. “The risk has grown slightly but I expect it will start to increase more rapidly as we enter what are normally the hot dry weeks of summer.”

Kootenai National Forest officials reminded people that burn permits are no longer being issued and debris burning activities are now prohibited.

They also ask those enjoying the Kootenai National Forest to use extra caution and do all you can to help prevent wildfires. That includes making sure all campfires are dead out, avoid parking in tall, dry grass and that fireworks are illegal on all national forest lands.

Officials are also reminding people about driving or boating while under the influence.

“Always drive sober, there will be extra patrols out by the Lincoln County DUI Task Force throughout the weekend,” Libby Police Chief Cody Ercanbrack said. “Finding a designated driver can save someone’s life.”

Fireworks are not permitted on U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-managed lands, in the city of Libby. In Troy, they are allowed between the hours of 8 a.m. on July 4 and 10 p.m. on July 5 of each year.

For those recreating on or near water, despite warmer weather, water temperatures remain cold.

Libby Dam officials reported Wednesday afternoon that outflows into the Kootenai River have gone up to 11,000 cubic feet per second due to the rain that has fallen recently. It will remain there until further notice. 

Inflow into the reservoir/Lake Koocanusa: is at 28,600 cubic feet per second and the water temperature is at a very chilly 52 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Corps and state Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials are urging recreationists to wear a properly fitted life jacket on or near water.

FWP water safety tips

- Falling into cold water can kill in just minutes—the colder the water, the greater the risk. One's swimming ability does not improve one's chances of survival. Research shows that a sudden immersion into cold water (65° (F) or less) starts as a series of incapacitating reflexes that increase the risk of drowning. - Many waterbodies in Montana are fed from high mountain springs and don't get above 65° even in the summer, making cold water immersion a threat all year long.

- Stay up to date on Montana water temperatures here: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/current/?type=quality

Tips for Surviving Cold Water Immersion

- Wear a life jacket. It will increase your chance of survival.

- Try to avoid entering the water. If you must enter the water, do it slowly. If experiencing cold shock, hold onto something until breathing settles down.

- Keep your head, neck and face out of the water.

- Get out of the water as soon as possible. Climb aboard a boat or on top of an overturned boat if you are unable to right it. Do not attempt to swim for shore as this will cause greater exposure to the water unless you are in a stream or river current.

- Assume the Heat Escape Lessening Position (H.E.L.P. or Huddle) to protect the body's core organs. While floating in a lifejacket, draw your knees together toward your chest and hold your upper arms tightly to your sides.

- Remain as still as possible. Excessive movement in cold water cools the body 35 times faster. Thrashing flushes the warmer water away from the body.

- Clothing provides some protection against heat loss in water, especially a waterproof outer layer. Do not attempt to remove clothing, which traps water that is warmed by the body's heat.

- Carry survival gear, including a blanket, hat, and extra dry clothing on board.