2013 Snowdown Parade of Lights

Snowdown is an annual tradition here in Durango. Since 1979, the People of Durango have held Winter's darkness at bay by throwing the biggest party this side of the Rockies..

I was disappointed by the performance of my camera at night and this was the only usable photo I was able to get

Fiery Sunset.

There has been sparked another wildfire around these parts. This one is south of Mancos, Colorado, in Weber Canyon. It was first reported around 4:30 PM, and has since then consumed around 600 acres, with spot fires remaining a constant threat. The silver lining to this situation is in the fact that this fire started near a road and should be easier to fight as compared to the Little Sand fire, near Pagosa Springs, which is deep within a roadless area.

Another silver lining behind wildfires is the sunsets. Nothing can come close to creating these ominous skies, so full of passion and excitement like the fire that spawned it

Little Sand Fire Smoke Plume

While at work outside of town, this smoke plume dominated the northeastern horizon. It is from the Little Sand Fire, which is burning 13 miles northwest of Pagosa Springs, Colorado and about 55 miles east-northeast of Durango. The fire was started by lightning on May 13 in rugged terrain managed by the San Juan National Forest. The burn area is north of the Piedra River and is currently estimated to cover 14,224 acres.

The smoke plume was visible from many places around the outside of town and serves as a reminder to residents and visitors that extremely dry conditions exist and care should be taken to prevent any other fires from sprouting up during these extreme fire conditions.

[Special Update] Wildfire!!!!

Conditions have been bone dry and the fire danger has been extreme. Today, on June 8th, all the elements necessary came together to spark this small (for now) fire on the north end of town. As you can see from the picture, it is burning on the steep slopes of Animas City Mountain within the ponderosa, pinyon/juniper, oak scrub. I am really hoping it is brought under control soon, because if it's not, things can get really ugly around here.