99% sure that's rd 45. Those slides don't look terrible, neither does the fire
Nice photos Rob, that's a lot of rocks! I'm sure that's just what ODOT is afraid of happening to 224, which is why I've heard it'll remain closed indefinitely, not exactly the type of phrasing I'd like to hear. Here's two of the latest articles about the road closure:
http://www.oregonlive.com/wildfires/index.ssf/2014/09/estacada_fire_odot_says_5_mile.html
At least the good news is that the fire seems like it's pretty contained and finally under control now.
Excellent photos - its good to see green foliage in much of the area above the burn. Interesting that ODOT was trying to address instability problems on 224 and now the fire has gone thru the same area.
How long 224 stays shut will depend on what happens when the burnt slopes are fully lubricated with rain in a month or two. I remember the Gorge Scenic Highway buried in sections as high as the stone guardrails after major storms following the Falls Fire years back.
I hadn't seen any updates for a while, so I went and checked it out today. Sounds like they are about done with what they can do. As of yesterday, there are only 31 people assigned to the fire now, and it is 80% contained, which is as good as they can do - I quote from the last report:
Due to the steep terrain and concerns for firefighter safety in these two areas, the containment percentage (80%) will remain constant until a season ending event occurs.
224 is still closed, and they don't give any estimate on when it might re-open. Sounds like it might be a while. I wish they would re-open at least part of the 45 road from Hillockburn...But it sounds like it might not be until next year.
I've been assuming no news is good news.. incredible how many people were working the fire lines at one point. Though the way they're wording the closures isn't exactly making me optimistic they'll reopen roads anytime soon. I still wish there was a bit more information being posted online about the closures/what the game plan is. Kind of frustrating to have no idea what they're planning to do up there.