Fire & Smoke Update

The purpose of the page is to keep our guests updated on current conditions in our area.

It will be updated as often as we can get to it but always reference the recourses listed below for real time information. 

We will not be updating this page unless conditions get bad again.
Feel free to utilize the resources below as needed.

Current Status as of 9/19

Operating normally, keeping an eye on AQI and smoke

No respiratory warning in place, N95 masks are recommended for those guests in very sensitive groups

(Please see condition gallery at the bottom of the page, it’s very helpful to visualize things)

 

As a reminder we will not operate if the smoke causes limited visibility at our crossings or the AQI level exceeds 150.

Please arrive for your trip being aware of the possibility that we may be forced to alter or cancel the trip.

 

There are at least three fires in the surrounding area, thanks to the recent rains they are dwindling in intensity.

The fires are in the wilderness and not in areas that poses a direct threat to our operations or travel to our starting points.

 

Joseph

As of 9/19, – 9/13 things have improved considerably. Recent storms have helped to stifle the fires and clear the smoke. There are more storms predicted to come through in the next few days which should continue to help.  We will work to condense trips when needed. If conditions are poor this gives us more flexibility to push the trip to another time in the day to see if things make a change for the better. There is still a little bit of smoke haze across the mountains. In the event that you can’t see them at all it means you are missing out on half of what the trip is all about, without that awesome view it’s not as good as it could be fore sure. In these instances we encourage you to visit another time in the future. Our 2023 schedule is now available for booking so there is a whole season of rescheduling options.

Conditions are generally expected to stay the same as the fires seem be getting smaller and the air quality is quite a bit improved.

 

Minam

We had successful Minam trips all this week. The weather was beautiful, the skies were clear, they were amazing trips.

There are more storms predicted to come through in the next few days. We are hopeful that this continues to help keep conditions nice.

 

What does this mean for your trip?

We currently plan to continue to run trips as scheduled (condensing things when possible) and evaluating conditions at the time of the trip if needed.

We are keeping a close eye on the smoke and AQI levels. Something as simple as a change in the winds in these conditions can make all the difference.

We are excited that things seem to be doing much better.

 

We (by far) have the most strict air quality limits for any local outdoor adventure businesses. We have to keep a close eye on things to make sure we keep our Guests and Crew safe.

We appreciate your patience and understanding with these uncontrollable events.

Resources to monitor conditions

 Visual Smoke Levels

Monitor real-time Joseph webcams here:

https://www.josephoregonweather.com/josephcams.php

Air Quality Levels

Joseph Guests:

We have an onsite AQI meter that you may view in the current weather section. 

Minam Guests:

 We use “airnow.gov” along with the “Air Visual” app (both utilize EPA data). There are no stations where we ride so we average the numbers from zipcode 97885 & 97827 which are the nearest stations.

Your guide also has a real time AQI meter in Minam and will make final travel decisions based on that device.

Current Weather at our Joseph Depot

(meter is in direct sun so afternoon high temps may not be accurate)

If you are concerned and would like to make a change to your reservation

Reschedule

Our trip options for the remainder of the season are dwindling, both due to the slowing of the season as well as the fact that we have recently lost some of our Crew however there are still lots of opportunities to Railride before our season ends. Also our 2023 season has been posted and is able to be booked so there is a whole season of rescheduling possibilities available to you now.

Please review our remaining trips and if there is an option available that fits your schedule we would be happy to assist you with rescheduling. Reach out via email to info@jbrailriders.com and provide your request.

 You may also elect to receive a gift card for future use. These are helpful for us as it allows us to retain your investment to continue to fund our operations while allowing you to rebook at your leisure in the future.

Cancellations

If you are outside of our 72 hr cancellation window you may cancel your trip at your leisure by using the “Manage This Booking” button in your confirmation email. This will take you to your booking management page with our booking system where you may cancel your trip if so desired.

If you are within our 72 hr cancellation window you may still cancel however your cancellation will be subject to our normal cancellation policy

In a nutshell, you will receive a full booking value Rain Check Gift Card to ride with us in the future (all normal cancellation fees will be waived at this time due to the uncontrollable conditions)

In the event that we make the decision to cancel a trip you will be refunded via a full value Rain Check gift card.

In the event that we alter the length of a trip due to weather we will refund the difference in the form of a Rain Check Gift Card.

Smoke Gallery

Gallery Joseph 9/19

Gallery Joseph 9/16

Gallery Joseph 9/15

Gallery Joseph 9/14

Gallery Joseph 9/13

Gallery Joseph 9/12

Gallery Joseph 9/11

Gallery Joseph 9/10

Gallery Joseph 9/9

Gallery Joseph 9/8

Gallery Joseph 9/7

Gallery Joseph 9/6

Gallery Joseph 9/5

Gallery Joseph 9/4

Gallery Joseph 9/3

Gallery 9/2

Gallery Joseph 9/1

Gallery Joseph 8/31