From dick at twohams.com  Wed Feb  1 18:37:07 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Wed Feb  1 18:44:52 2006
Subject: [SIERA] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060201153624.0409a150@mail.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
313 PM PST Wed Feb 1 2006

...Wind Advisory in effect until 4 am PST Thursday...

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Wind Advisory...
which is in effect until 4 am PST Thursday.

Wind speeds will increase to 20 to 35 mph...with gusts to 55
mph...later this evening and will remain strong overnight. The
winds should decrease before sunrise Thursday as precipitation
moves into western Nevada.

A Wind Advisory means that wind gusts of 45 mph are expected.
Winds this strong can make driving difficult...especially for
high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Expires:020715 gmt

--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
E-mail: k7vc@arrl.org

From w6sxx at gbis.com  Wed Feb  1 20:14:52 2006
From: w6sxx at gbis.com (Roger Carl)
Date: Wed Feb  1 20:22:47 2006
Subject: [SIERA] SIERA
Message-ID: <001a01c62796$12863200$bf7d3542@roger030u9qypw>

Hello to all,

Certain individuals within theSierra Intermountain Emergency Radio Association Inc .(SIERA) are despicable, brought about by jealously as has been previously stated regarding SIERA.  This matter has been swept under the rug so to speek.

I reference SIERA's letter to me dated November 10, 1993 from Bruce Pfeiffer N7CPP, president and George and Dorothy Uebele's letter dated October 15, 1995 to:

          Joseph T. Rarer, Jr. Major USAF

     cc: The Honorable Brabara F. Vucanovich
           Roger A. Carl  W6SXX
          SIERA Board of Directors

Nothing was done by SIERA or ever done in my behalf.  This caused me to be dismissed from the Air Force Military Affiliate Radio System (MARS) after 35 years of service.  As stated above, (No MARS traffic was passed) by me as stated by George and Dorothy Uebele.At this time, Bruce was a member of Army MARS.

I was finally able to be reinstated into MARS, not Air Force MARS, with the aid of John Ensign by him going directly to the Department of Defense.

All of this is fully documented and if interested in the value of Amateur Radio in the CarsonValley I will provide Carson Valley amateurs with
this documentation.

Roger Carl  W6SXX
1328 Banner Drive
Gardnerville, NV 89410-8858
From dick at twohams.com  Wed Feb  1 23:34:17 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Wed Feb  1 23:42:09 2006
Subject: [SIERA] FS: Butternut vertical
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060201201538.04087a10@mail.greatbasin.net>

I am selling my Butternut vertical $150(obo) with 10-160m bands.  I have 
the 160m coil.  The model of the antenna is HF6V.

Info : http://www.bencher.com/pdfs/00366IZV.pdf

Please send this around the email reflectors, swap areas.

I can be reached at w7nik@arrl.net, home phone is 775-626-7605

Radio 442.550 pl 110.  The antenna works great.  I want to try another 
antenna and my CC&R says only two 30 foot antennas(wife) .

Nicky Manzo

From dick at twohams.com  Thu Feb  2 17:41:15 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Thu Feb  2 17:49:10 2006
Subject: [SIERA] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060202144039.04098690@mail.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
232 PM PST Thu Feb 2 2006

...High wind watch in effect from Friday evening through Saturday
morning...

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a high wind
watch...which is in effect from Friday evening through Saturday
morning.

Winds will increase Friday evening as a Pacific storm approaches
the region. The winds are expected to remain strong through
Saturday morning.

A high wind watch means there is the potential for a hazardous
high wind event. Sustained winds of at least 40 mph...or gusts of
58 mph or stronger may occur. Continue to monitor NOAA Weather
Radio...or other local media...for the latest forecasts from the
National Weather Service.

Expires:030645 gmt
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
E-mail: k7vc@arrl.org

From dick at twohams.com  Fri Feb  3 11:28:13 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Fri Feb  3 11:36:18 2006
Subject: [SIERA] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060203082745.040b55c0@mail.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
417 am PST Fri Feb 3 2006

...High wind watch remains in effect from late tonight through
Saturday afternoon...

A high wind watch remains in effect from late tonight through
Saturday afternoon.

Winds will increase late Friday night as a cold front approaches
the region. The winds are expected to remain strong into Saturday
afternoon.

A high wind watch means there is the potential for a hazardous
high wind event. Sustained winds of at least 40 mph...or gusts of
58 mph or stronger may occur. Continue to monitor NOAA Weather
Radio...or other local media...for the latest forecasts from the
National Weather Service.

Expires:040000 gmt

--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
E-mail: k7vc@arrl.org

From dick at twohams.com  Mon Feb  6 17:57:43 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan K7VC)
Date: Mon Feb  6 21:34:30 2006
Subject: [SIERA] Week-Day Evening VE Session February 10
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060206145606.03279958@mail.greatbasin.net>

There will be an ARRL-affiliated Volunteer Examination session this coming
Friday evening, February 10, at 6:00 p.m. in the Carson Valley.

The session will be at the Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center at the
Minden/Tahoe airport between Minden and Carson City.  The Sierra Front
complex is at the end of Firebrand Road, off Heybourne Road midway between
Johnson Lane and Airport Road.  A map can be found at
http://www.cvrc.net/images/SierraFrontMap.gif.

All amateur examination elements will be offered.  The examination fee will
be $14.  Examinees should bring one picture ID or two non-picture IDs.  The
original and a copy of any current licenses or CSCEs should also be brought.

For those who cannot make morning or weekend VE sessions, this is a good
opportunity to get your license or upgrade.  The examinations are sponsored
by the Carson Valley Radio Club (http://www.cvrc.net).

For any additional information contact:

Dale Anderson KV7S
E-mail: kv7s@arrl.net
775-267-4218

73, Dick
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
E-mail: k7vc@arrl.org







From kd7jmr at msn.com  Thu Feb  9 19:18:30 2006
From: kd7jmr at msn.com (Dick Young)
Date: Thu Feb  9 19:22:01 2006
Subject: [SIERA] Fw: Congress salute to hams
Message-ID: <BAY110-DAV15044CEA302796150F5DD588020@phx.gbl>


Thought you would all like to see this. What a sense of pride with this. The congressman who wrote this is a ham, although I do not have a listing on his call sign. Enjoy and be proud of who and what you all are .. radio amateurs!! 73

February 8, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD?Extensions of Remarks E105 
A SALUTE TO HAM RADIO 
OPERATORS 
HON. MIKE ROSS 
OF ARKANSAS 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Wednesday, February 8, 2006 
Mr. ROSS. 

 Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of American citizens 
who are members of the Amateur Radio Relay League, known as HAM radio operators. Citizens throughout America dedicated to this hobby?a hobby that some people consider old fashioned or obsolete?were true heroes in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina as they were often the only line of communication 
available into the storm ravaged areas. 
Amateur radio operators are often overlooked in favor of flashier means of communication. As communities across the gulf coast and America learned this year, technology can be highly vulnerable. HAM radios, entirely selfcontained 
transmitters, require no cell towers or satellites, simply a battery and a strip of 
wire as an antenna. 
Just as after major earthquakes, tornadoes, and the terrorist attacks of 9/11, HAM operators around the country received an alert to stand by their radios to listen for calls for assistance. 
Following Hurricane Katrina, when cell phones and e-mail were useless, a HAM 
operator located in Connecticut alerted authorities about a woman trapped for 4 days without food or water and a Coast Guard Auxiliary in Cleveland arranged for a medevac for a woman in labor in New Orleans. These are just a few examples of the many lives that were saved with the critical intervention of HAM operators throughout the country. 
Now more than ever, I am proud to be a licensed amateur radio operator. It is important to realize that every HAM radio operator in the Amateur Radio Emergency Service is a volunteer. 
This year, when disaster struck, hundreds of HAMs moved to the gulf coast to help in every way they could. Every one of which did so on a volunteer basis and their only goal was to assist in what became one of the worst natural disasters in America. 
The dedication displayed by HAM radio operators in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina sets a tremendous example for us all. The people whose lives were rescued as a result of the tireless dedication of HAM radio operators will forever be grateful to these selfless public servants. 

Allen Pitts, W1AGP
Media and Public Relations Manager
ARRL 
-the national association for Amateur Radio-
(860) 594-0328


Don Carlson - KQ6FM
Nevada Section Emergency Coordinator /
Public Information coordinator

From dick at twohams.com  Sat Feb 11 12:59:01 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan K7VC)
Date: Sat Feb 11 13:02:56 2006
Subject: [SIERA] Monthly Nevada Section News Summary
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060211095552.035efec8@mail.greatbasin.net>

Nevada Section News Summary on February 10, 2006

See the Nevada Section website at http://nv.arrl.org for the complete
stories.

February 10, 2006 - ARES Monthly Report for January'06 SEC Summary - It
looks like the Nevada Section is hitting the ground running as the new year
begins. Many activities, mostly surrounding generating new hams and training
is on the drawing board all over the state. Planning also continues for
EMCOMMWEST 2006. The venue has been set, and the conference will be held at
the Atlantis Hotel and Resort in Reno. Publicity, website activation and
online registration will all be up and running during February. Forms have
already been sent to the ARRL so that this will become a league sponsored
special event. Invitations have been made to Director and Vice Director of
the Pacific Division, and other speakers and presenters are being arranged
for.

Having accepted the invitation, I plan on speaking to the SIERA Club in
Minden on February 16, and plans are being made to get together with the
Southern District folks on March 18 in Las Vegas. Our focus will be on goals
and plans for 2006 as a section and within the 3 districts. Doug KA7FOO
(Northwest DEC) is also planning a trip to Vegas sometime in April. Other
than that, the years first month got off to a fairly quiet start.

SOUTHERN DISTRICT REPORT: January was mostly a slow month. Planning being
made and an agenda being formulated for meeting with SEC in March (already
noted). Also, Bruce, K7LAF ran a signal check using his 5 element beam
directed toward the 147.150 repeater on Mt. Rose. Hopes are to be able to
tie into the the Northwest District nets held on that system. Noisy signals
initially, but work will continue. Two day class held on ICS, provided by
the office of Emergency Management from Nye County. 4 people attended. More
upcoming training on the way provided again by OEM. Nye County ARES will be
having a drill in March which is being planned. Clark County General meeting
held on January 28 which included a tour of Emergency Communications Center.
Meeting chaired by AEC/Ops and training, Very, K0EGA.

NORTHWEST DISTRICT REPORT: January started off with a flood, as mentioned in
the December report in the Reno/Sparks area. Skywarn was activated at NWS.
Many members helped with the event. Many members also helped with the one
day Ham Cram class in Reno, held at the Washoe County EOC. Of the 34
students who took the course, 30 passed, including one 10 year old girl, the
daughter of Andy, KD7ZEV, PIO for the WADG club. Andy, together with Bob,
WA6MTY (AEC) and Frank Walsh, KE7AJO were lead in putting the class together
and organizing the effort, and did a spectacular job. First week in February
they are planning a forum for the new hams to teach them about how to get
started in the hobby. We wish to offer a tremendous thank you to Dick
Creley, KJ7UK, who stepped down as Douglas County EC. He is one of those
from whom you learn a great deal, and is an outstanding leader. Dick will
remain as ASEC for the Nevada Section, supporting the SEC. Thanks Dick! New
EC for Douglas county is now Glenn Thomas, WB6W, who is also ACC for the
section. Glenn is former SM for SCV Section and also DCART leader now, as he
takes the reins from Mr. Creley. Glenn is also responsible for caring for
the Nevada Section website, so he has his plate full. DEC is now working on
summer events and activities, races and etc. Also plans are being formulated
to fill vacant EC spots in the district.

NORTHEAST DISTRICT REPORT: DEC met with new licensee in Ely (White Pine
County) who is interested in cultivating a new organization there, which is
a much needed commodity. Link installed to the Elko Amateur Radio Club s
linked repeater system at the Barrick Goldstrike Mine s Emergency Operations
Center. The 146.85 frequency has been installed in the same radio utilized
for communications with the local public service agencies. This center will
be activated during Level 3 incidents where the formal incident command
structure would be utilized such as the recent coal mine disasters in West
Virginia. It is also activated for drills with the mine rescue team and
local agencies. Several licensed amateurs are employed at the mine, and
would act as control operators should this radio ever need to be put into
amateur service. Nice job Joe!

February 3, 2006 - Quartzfest06 Report - Yours truely (WB6W) ventured down
to the Quartzfest06 happening in late January. I didn't originally plan to
bore y'all with my vacation pictures, but the demand on the Northwestern
ARES net was dramatic. I've finally got the thing built, such as it is, so
enjoy my Quartzfest in Quartzite AZ pix and descriptions!

January 31, 2006 - Change of Venue for UNR Breakfast - the UNR Breakfast
will be moving to Denny's on Wells Ave just off I-80. It will still be at
7am.

January 28, 2006 - New Ham Swap e-mail list started - Paul Cavnar, NN7B
reports, "This is to introduce the ECNV ham radio regional e-mail swap list.
The list is for 'regional' coverage of be Northern Nevada, Northern
California, Southern Oregon and Southern Idaho. That way it is more
practical than a nationwide net since it also allows someone the ability to
travel a reasonable distance to pick up material for deals made within the
area. Of course, small items can be shipped for a lesser amount due to most
everything being within one or two days shipping time.

January 21, 2006 - The Ninth Circuit Court has ruled in a case involving PCS
towers, SPRINT PCS ASSETS V CITY OF LA CANADA, that a city may not deny a
telecommunications company a permit to construct and to install a wireless
antenna based on aesthetic considerations. I'm not a lawyer and it is not
clear to me that the legal basis of this decision would apply to an Amateur
radio tower. IMHO the basic principle may be applicable though. - de WB6W
(tnx to NG1Q for pointing out this case!)

-30-

--------------------------------------------------------------------
ARRL Nevada Section
Section Manager: Dick Flanagan, K7VC
k7vc@arrl.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------

From jabrott at tele-net.net  Sat Feb 11 17:36:55 2006
From: jabrott at tele-net.net (John E. Abrott)
Date: Sat Feb 11 17:41:25 2006
Subject: [SIERA] February SIERA General Meeting
Message-ID: <IJENIGNMDFKILLMBACDEGEKNCAAA.jabrott@tele-net.net>

The general meeting for SIERA takes place this coming Thursday the 16th of
February ,7:00 PM, at the Carson Valley United Methodist Church building,
1375 Centerville Lane, Gardnerville, NV.

  Don Carlson, KQ6FM, the Nevada ARRL Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) is
the guest speaker for the SIERA General meeting. Don's topic is Emergency
Communications.  Don's presentation is very interesting, and should answer
many questions on emergency communications.  This is an invitation for
friends and members of SIERA to join us for Don's presentation.   Terry
Philbin KG0DU, the Pony Express Chairman has information about the Pony
Express,  and will address the group.  Dale Anderson, is coordinating the
upcoming Technician class, and will give class dates, and seeks instructor
volunteers as well.

See you at the meeting.


John Abrott
KD7NHC

--
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Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 267.15.6/257 - Release Date: 2/10/2006


From Wplewis2 at cs.com  Mon Feb 13 22:15:08 2006
From: Wplewis2 at cs.com (Wplewis2@cs.com)
Date: Mon Feb 13 22:15:32 2006
Subject: [SIERA] Bob Evans
Message-ID: <23d.6e2501b.3122a53c@cs.com>

Hello All,

We got a phone call from Bob this afternoon, and he expects to be at lunch 
(11:00 AM) at Jethrow's (on Kimmerling near the post office in the Ranchos) on 
Wednesday the 15th of February.  All are welcome.

He is about one week into the second course of therapy with the newest drug, 
and continues to feel better.  Imaging to see the results of chemotherapy are 
about a month away, but I'd like to believe that less pain means less tumor.

A few days ago he developed a painful, swollen knee that spread to be a 
painful swollen leg that is recovering nicely.  Cause unknown.

Will, KD7NIR
From dick at twohams.com  Tue Feb 14 14:08:49 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Tue Feb 14 14:09:32 2006
Subject: [SIERA] Special Weather Statement for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060214110750.046d1498@mail.greatbasin.net>

Special Weather Statement
330 am PST Tue Feb 14 2006

...Gusty winds this afternoon and tonight with much colder
temperatures Wednesday...

A cold front will drop south out of Canada and pass through western
Nevada and the eastern Sierra tonight and Wednesday. The front will
move into northwest Nevada and northeast California this evening and
will reach Mono and Mineral counties Wednesday morning.

South winds will increase to 15 to 25 mph with gusts near 45 mph
ahead of the cold front. Over the Sierra ridges...gusts could reach
80 mph. Travel may be difficult at times for high profile vehicles.

Cold Arctic air will move into the region behind the front. High
temperatures on Wednesday will be 20 to 25 degrees colder than
todays high temperatures. Overnight lows in the teens and single
digits are expected during this period in western Nevada valleys.
Low temperatures in some Sierra valleys could drop below zero.

The cold air is expected to remain in place through the coming
weekend...along with periods of snow over much of northern Nevada
and the Sierra.

Expires:150000 gmt

--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
E-mail: k7vc@arrl.org

From dick at twohams.com  Tue Feb 14 18:02:40 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Tue Feb 14 18:03:20 2006
Subject: [SIERA] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060214150216.0353ee40@mail.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
250 PM PST Tue Feb 14 2006

...Wind Advisory in effect from 6 PM this evening to 10 am PST
Wednesday...

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Wind Advisory...
which is in effect from 6 PM this evening to 10 am PST Wednesday.

A cold front will continue to move southward through western
Nevada and the eastern Sierra through tonight. South to southwest winds
ahead of the front will increase to 15 to 30 mph with gusts near 50
mph along Highway 395 from Reno to Mammoth Lakes and over much of
Mineral and southern Lyon counties. Winds will decrease on
Wednesday morning as the cold front moves into southern Nevada.

Travel will be difficult tonight through Wednesday morning...especially
for high profile vehicles...along Highways 395 and 95. Travelers
should use extra caution and check for vehicle restrictions before
heading out.

Expires:151200 gmt

--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
E-mail: k7vc@arrl.org

From dick at twohams.com  Fri Feb 17 01:39:22 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Fri Feb 17 01:40:24 2006
Subject: [SIERA] ARES E-Letter for February 15, 2006
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060216223822.0326e2a0@mail.greatbasin.net>

The ARES E-Letter
February 15, 2006
=================					

Rick Palm, K1CE, Editor

===================================
ARES reports, other related contributions, editorial questions or
comments: <k1ce@arrl.net>
===================================

+ The View from Flagler County

Orlando, Florida, February 11, 2006 - In the past, the Orlando
Hamcation was a national-scale event; not quite Dayton, but big. It
still is, judging by Saturday's crowd. The ARES Forum was "Standing
Room Only." A notable guest was John Fleming, WD4FFX, of the Florida
Division of Emergency Management staff. Without his support, it is
likely there would be little or no Amateur Radio involvement with the
state's EOC and its operations.

It was Fleming, along with Northern Florida Section Manager Rudy
Hubbard, WA4PUP, and former SEC George Thurston, W4MLE (SK), that set
the stage for the modern relationship with the state. Before
Hurricane Andrew in 1992, relations could be summed up by the state's
"Don't call us, we'll call you" policy. But after Andrew, the
Governor and FEMA patently needed new planning. Thurston called
Hubbard about a meeting to be held at Tallahassee. FEMA reps, the
Governor's staff, and several amateurs attended, including Thurston,
Hubbard, and John Hills, KC4N, current State Government Liaison.

The Governor replaced the staff at the state EOC with professionals
from South Carolina, veterans who had managed the Hurricane Hugo
disaster there in 1989. Hubbard gave the new staffers a copy of the
Northern Florida ARES Plan. They asked if ARES could provide the
communication service depicted in the plan. They were assured ARES
could, and the next meeting with ARES and the SEOC reflected a new
relationship between the two entities, one that has worked
exceptionally well since the mid-1990's. Fleming has been the point
man.

Fleming lauded amateurs involved in last year's incredible hurricane
season, passed out State Certificates of Recognition, a special
achievement award for Hubbard, and emphasized the importance of the
role of Amateur Radio and ARES at the state EOC. He noted the state's
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program had resulted in the large Brevard
County Amateur Radio Emergency Service van parked on display outside
the building. Fleming emphasized training and preparation for the
upcoming hurricane season, and informed the group of two conferences:
the Governor's Hurricane Conference in Ft. Lauderdale in May, and the
National Hurricane Conference in Orlando in April. Amateur Radio
sessions will be held at each event.

DEC KO4TT--Steve Richbourg's, professional presentation of the
Northern Florida ARES Plan was well received. Hubbard discussed the
state's "tracker" system for matching emergency communication needs
with assets, and emphasized that his ARES organization embraces all
modes as tools for communication, including "two coffee cans and
string, if necessary." The Northern Florida SEC Joe Bushel, W2DWR,
emotionally expressed his appreciation for hurricane efforts. I said
that the excellent response of the field organization was matched by
ARRL HQ staff members who took unprecedented steps to support its
field's efforts. Alabama Section Manager Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, spoke
of his appreciation for the ARES effort as well.

"Orlando" was an opportunity to put faces to call signs, and I was
especially pleased to meet Greg, Hillsborough County RACES Officer
and EC Gary Sessums, KC5QCN, who was another key player in the
Katrina response, and Harold Kramer, WJ1B, the League's Chief
Operating Officer (a former Emergency Coordinator). Harold is a great
guy and supporter of the ARES program. This ARES E-Letter was his
idea originally.

The Orlando Hamcation is held in the East Central District of the
Northern Florida section, and DEC Jay Musikar, AF2C, was on hand to
welcome attendees to his district. The ARES Forum was the highlight
of the weekend for me, and I suspect, many others. -- K1CE

===================
In This Issue:

+ New ARRL Committee to Evaluate National Emergency Response
+ Red Cross HQ Staff To Meet ARRL HQ Staff in Newington to Discuss
Katrina Issues
+ Hospital Disaster Support Communications System (California) News
+ Jackson Hamfest Hosts Katrina Review
+ Government Perspective of Communication Failures Not to Be Missed
+ NIMS/ICS Training Essential
+ Opinion: ARES Appointment Requirements Should Include FEMA/ARRL
Courses
+ International Beat: Working Group on Emergency Communications
(WGEC) Seeks to Enhance Region 2 Support
+ Collaboration, not Control: An "Outsider's" Perspective on Katrina
Operations
+ In Support of "Plain Language"
+ After Action Review and Reporting Philosophy
+ Delta Recognizes Amateurs
+ ARES Marketplace
+ K1CE For A Final
===================

+ New ARRL Committee to Evaluate National Emergency Response

At its Annual Meeting in January, the League's Board of Directors
established the National Emergency Response Planning Committee. The
rationale was evidence and personal interviews with staff that such a
committee would be necessary.  "The League's national emergency
response to large-scale disasters like Katrina warranted Board-level
understanding and support of such work, and the creation of this
committee takes care of that," said Dave Patton, NN1N, Manager, Field
and Educational Services Department, ARRL Headquarters.

+ Red Cross HQ Staff To Meet ARRL HQ Staff in Newington to Discuss
Katrina Issues

Members of the American Red Cross HQ staff will meet later this month
with ARRL HQ staff in Newington to discuss issues that arose from the
Katrina response. Some of those issues have been discussed in
previous issues of this newsletter.

In the past, the American Red Cross staff have always been
exceptionally receptive to reviewing what went right and wrong, and
more than cooperative in issuing clarifications and modifications to
the Statement of Understanding the League has enjoyed with the
Congresionally-sanctioned organization since 1949. Many of the Red
Cross staff are radio amateurs themselves. The Red Cross and the ARRL
continue to enjoy a fine relationship at all levels. We will report
meeting results in a future issue.

+ Hospital Disaster Support Communications System (California) News

HDSCS closed out its 25th year with the North Pole Network at
Children's Hospital of Orange County, capping its most active year
ever with 32 events with hospitals.  There were eight emergency
responses, eight standby operations, seven drills and nine public
service/demo events with hospitals during 2005.  The most active year
previously was 1994 with 31 events.

A "Year End/Year Beginning Finale Meeting" at Kindred
Hospital-Westminster recognized the "Disaster Dozen," the year's top
12 communicators.  To be active in HDSCS, members must earn a minimum
of five points in a year.  Those that made the Disaster Dozen earned
from 65 to more than 100 points.  They participated in drills,
responded to emergencies, helped out in standbys, attended meetings
with hospital representatives, and were regulars on the weekly nets.
They are: Paul Broden, K6MHD; Allen Bullock, KD6LCL; Bruce Chappell,
KE6TSM; Tom Gaccione, WB2LRH; Dennis Kidder, WA6NIA; Jim McLaughlin,
AB6UF; Joe Moell, K0OV; Dave Mofford, W7KTS; Cheryl Simpson, KD6MWZ;
Ken Simpson, W6KOS; Clay Stearns, KE6TZR; and Fred Wagner, KQ6Q. A
new AEC for HDSCS is Jim McLaughlin, AB6UF, a 15-year veteran of the
group.

HDSCS was just contacted by Kindred Hospital-Santa Ana requesting
support of that facility.  Thirty-four hospitals now have HDSCS
support for any communications disruption or failure. Please see
<http://www.hdscs.org> -- April Moell, M.A., WA6OPS, Emergency
Coordinator, Hospital Disaster Support Communications System, Orange
County, California

+ Jackson Hamfest Hosts Katrina Review

The Katrina Relief Review forum at the recent Jackson (Mississippi)
Hamfest was productive and well attended.  ECs, DECs, and a host of
others were present. Positive interaction, valuable suggestions,
comments and lessons learned were discussed.  This was a good group
of amateurs and their dedication and enthusiasm for ARES shown
through. It was good to meet and talk with several of the amateurs
that I worked with during the Katrina relief effort.  Many
Mississippi amateurs passed along their thanks and appreciation.
Additional Katrina Relief Review forums will be held throughout the
coming year. - Greg Sarratt, W4OZK, Alabama Section Manager

+ Government Perspective of Communication Failures Not to Be Missed

The article "Missed Signals" appears in this month's issue of
"Government Executive Magazine." It should be required reading for
anyone involved in emergency communications, but especially ARES
leaders. We can't help solve the problems faced by our served
agencies until we understand them. See
<http://www.govexec.com/features/0206-01/0206-01s2.htm> -- Les
Rayburn, N1LF, ARES, SHARES, SKYWARN, ARRL EmComm Level 3 Certified,
Official Emergency Station

+ NIMS/ICS Training Essential

The Department of Homeland Security is requiring all first
responders, including volunteers, to complete training in the
National Incident Management System (NIMS) by 2007. This sounds
formidable, but in reality there is an Independent Study course from
FEMA that covers it. The course is IS-700 - go to
<http://www.training.fema.gov/EMIweb/IS/crslist.asp> and find the
course list. Follow directions and you will get to IS-700. Readers
can take the course on line or download the material and do it at
their own pace. It shouldn't take more than three hours in any case.
There's a final exam on line, but it isn't going to cost much sweat
(or any money - courses are all free). After passing the final, the
student will get notification by e-mail or regular mail.

Readers are encouraged to look at the rest of the course offerings on
the FEMA training Web site. They represent a wealth of knowledge,
organized so that us real people can get through them and actually
learn something. They aren't rocket science, just good stuff we need
to know! -- John Amos, KC6TVM, ADEC, Hospital Net Coordinator, Santa
Clara County, California. See also IS-100, and IS-200. -- Lloyd
Colston <kc5fm@ureach.com>  K3XO training also available:
<http://www.k3xo.net/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=5> The
ICS course is available free of charge. -- Rip Smith, K3XO

+ Opinion: ARES Appointment Requirements Should Include FEMA/ARRL
Courses

Successful completion of the ARRL Levels 1, 2, and 3 emcomm courses
and FEMA courses IS-100 and IS-700 should be a requirement for all
new SECs, DECs, ECs and Official Emergency Stations (OES). ARRL could
grandfather current appointees with the provision that they complete
the required course work within three years. These courses provide
the basics that every ARES appointee should have if they are to work
effectively with served agencies and each other. There is a need for
a new minimum level of training for ARES operators. - Dennis
Baumgarte, AE2EE, EC Dutchess County, New York; SEC Eastern New York;
and Radio Officer, Orange County, New York

+ International Beat: Working Group on Emergency Communications
(WGEC) Seeks to Enhance Region 2 Support

Following the first Global Amateur Radio Emergency Communications
Conference (GAREC 2005) held in Tampere, Finland last year, the IARU
Region 2 Executive Committee formed a Working Group on Emergency
Communications (WGEC) to make recommendations for the IARU Region 2
organization to better support its Member Societies and improve their
capability.

Noel E. Donawa, 9Y4NED, was appointed Chairman of the committee
(WGEC), along with members: Area Emergency Advisors Arnie Coro,
CO2KK, Cesar Santos, HR2P, and Steve Ewald, WV1X, of the ARRL staff;
telecomms expert Fred Kleber, K9VV; and IARU Region 2 Emergency
Coordinator (EMCOR) Rick Palm, K1CE.

The WGEC reviewed the existing EMCOR Terms of Reference and data
available from the EMCOR Web site <http://www.iaru-r2emcor.net>
including reports of operations following disaster events,
preparedness, response capability, mobility and performance, level of
training, ability to respond in rural areas, inventory of equipment,
availability of personnel for rapid response, relations with national
disaster management agencies and levels of certification for
operators. The study was done in light of the recent increase of
hurricane, earthquake, flooding and land slide disasters and the
implementation of ITU recommendations to governments to embrace the
resources of Amateur Radio operators.

The WGEC agreed that the EMCOR function should include offering
training materials and seminars to improve Region 2 performance.
Further, the WGEC proposed new EMCOR structure to better encourage
the region's Member Societies to set up emergency response assets
that can be deployed nationally into rural areas, and internationally
for purposes of mutual assistance.

The committee concluded that the IARU, the international organization
representing the interests of Amateur Radio globally, needs to foster
these goals across all three regions of the world. The WGEC is
concluding its work and expects to present its recommendations to the
Region 2 Executive Committee soon.

+ Collaboration, not Control: An "Outsider's" Perspective on Katrina
Operations

[The following is from an amateur who deployed from Georgia to the
affected areas, and offers the perspective of the "outsider." - ed.]

I didn't see any steamrolling by us, the non-locals; we were not
trying to take control of the response from local ARES constituents.
But it should be expected that local ECs and EOCs will be impacted by
the disaster effects, and may not be in a position to lead operations
early on. This was the case in several locations. ECs, their local
ARES groups, and EOCs should not be surprised to see outsiders in
"their" area if they have not been in operation and communication.

When ECs resurface after taking care of their own immediate needs and
concerns, the first step should be to assess what is and is not
working, and then think about integration. Determining who is in
control should come last, and should be collaborative with incoming
mutual assistance responders. In the areas I served, the first action
of the locals appeared to be the "I'm in charge here" type of
commands, followed by control struggles with no attempt to gain
mutual understanding and the need for integration. On the other hand,
external teams should be prepared to be assimilated into local ARES
efforts as they come on line.

During our Katrina response, while we were able to do significant
good, we were underutilized despite the need and our capabilities. A
Red Cross shelter manager said "the first contact we had with anyone
was when the Army helicopter landed 2-3 days after the hurricane
passed; our second contact was with the Amateur Radio team that
showed up." That team was dispatched via the Montgomery staging area,
not part of the local ARES organization, which legitimately had
problems of their own to deal with. The point is, don't discount the
utility of the outsider ARES operator coming in to assist the local
effort. - Alan Barrow, KM4BA

+ In Support of "Plain Language"

 From the FEMA NIMS FAQ: The use of plain language in emergency
response situations is a matter of public safety, especially the
safety of first responders and those affected by the incident. It is
critical that all local responders, as well as those coming into the
impacted area from other jurisdictions, know and use commonly
established operational structures, terminology, policies and
procedures. This is what NIMS and the Incident Command System (ICS)
are all about - achieving interoperability across jurisdictions and
disciplines.

The use of common terminology is about the ability of area
commanders, state and local EOC personnel, federal operational
coordinators, and responders to communicate clearly with each other
and effectively coordinate response activities, no matter what the
size, scope or complexity of the incident. FEMA requires that plain
English be used for multi-agency, multi-jurisdiction and
multi-discipline events, such as major disasters and exercises.
Beginning in the fiscal year that starts on Oct. 1, 2007, federal
preparedness grant funding is contingent on the use of plain English
in major incidents requiring assistance from responders from other
agencies, jurisdictions and functional disciplines. It is important
to practice everyday terminology and procedures that will need to be
used in emergency incidents and disasters. NIMS implementation is a
long-term effort and it's probably not possible to persuade everyone
to change ingrained habits overnight. But over time, everyone will
understand the importance of using common terminology, that is, plain
English, every day. See
<http://faq.fema.gov/cgi-bin/fema.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php> --
Submitted by Les Rayburn, N1LF

+ After Action Review and Reporting Philosophy

Having been part of numerous "Lessons Learned" meetings in industry,
there are both public and private aspects of these reviews. The
review itself must be restricted to only those parties that actually
participated. Press, and staff/management more than a level or two
removed should not be present or the necessary honesty will not be
forthcoming.  In addition, the published report should avoid
identifying individuals.

The report itself must be public within the appropriate community -
in this case the amateur emcomm community.  It is part of the
long-term validation cycle that drives improvement.  Without a public
report that identifies successes and failures, there is no way for
the community to decide what needs to be preserved, fixed, or
discarded.  Entities that did well will not receive the benefit of
their success. Entities that did poorly have no incentive to
demonstrate improvement.

Should the report's information be published to the public at large;
i.e., QST?  Not without serious filtering and judgment. The general
QST readership does not have the background to place all of the
report's information in context. It is entirely appropriate for QST
coverage to identify specific points of organizational failure.
Wherever possible, the expected response should also be included so
that the readers will know what actions to expect.  If possible,
there should also be follow-up coverage to major events such as
Katrina.

Balancing the public's need-to-know with an organization's need for
accountability and an individual's need for support in his or her job
is very difficult, particularly in a situation where things did not
go well across the board.  All three must be accommodated, however,
if the capabilities of the community are to improve. -- Ward Silver,
N0AX, EC Vashon Island ARES

+ Delta Recognizes Amateurs

Amateur Radio and its contributions in the realm of emergency
communications recognized again, this time by Delta Airlines:
<http://www.delta-sky.com/2006_02/RolePlaying/index.html>  -- Jay
Musikar, AF2C, District EC, East Central District, Northern Florida
Section ARES

+ ARES Marketplace

A handsome all-brass ARES belt buckle is available:
<http://www.ItsUrCall.com>. The company has a marketing agreement
with the ARRL and is producing the belt buckles with an ARES theme.
ARRL receives a portion of each sale. They're not cheap, but I know
I'm going to get one. - K1CE

HAMTHREADS <http://www.hamthreads.com> makes ARES, RACES, and SKYWARN
hats, shirts, jackets and vests, with 3M Reflective Tape for high
visibility. Club discounts provided. - Dave Birdsley, KF8WS, B & B
Embroidery/Ham Threads

+ K1CE for a Final

Got an ARES Net this week? Try running the net exclusively in plain
language - no jargon! It should be an interesting and fun exercise.
Let me know how it goes: <k1ce@arrl.net>. I'm an RN at the city
hospital in Daytona Beach, and we are also striving to use plain
language instead of medical jargon; for example, "right eye" instead
of "O.D." or "oculus dexter."	

I am going to take FEMA's NIMS/ICS on-line training before the next
release of this newsletter. I'll let you know how it goes in the next
issue.

======================================================================
The ARES E-Letter is published on the third Wednesday of each month
by the American Radio Relay League--The National Association For
Amateur Radio--225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111; tel 860-594-0200;
fax 860-594-0259; <http://www.arrl.org/>. Jim Haynie, W5JBP,
President.

The ARES E-Letter is an e-mail digest of news and information of
interest to active members of the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency
Service (ARES).

Material from The ARES E-Letter may be republished or reproduced in
whole or in part in any form without additional permission. Credit
must be given to The ARES E-Letter and The American Radio Relay
League.

Editorial questions or comments: Rick Palm, K1CE, k1ce@arrl.net
Delivery problems (ARRL direct delivery only!): ares-el-dlvy@arrl.org

To subscribe, unsubscribe or change your address for e-mail delivery:
ARRL members first must register on the Members Only Web Site,
http://www.arrl.org/members/. You'll have an opportunity during
registration to sign up for e-mail delivery of the The ARES E-Letter,
W1AW bulletins, and other material. ARRL members may subscribe to The
ARES E-Letter by going to the Member Data Page at:
http://www.arrl.org/members-only/memdata.html?modify=1

Note that you must be logged in to the site to access this page.
Scroll down to the section "Which of the following would you like
to receive automatically via email from ARRL?" Check the box for
"ARES E-Letter (monthly public service and emergency communications
news)" and you're all set.

Past issues of The ARES E-Letter are available at
http://www.arrl.org/ares-el/. Issues are posted to this page after
publication.
======================================================================
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
E-mail: k7vc@arrl.org

From glennt at charter.net  Mon Feb 20 03:30:56 2006
From: glennt at charter.net (Glenn Thomas)
Date: Mon Feb 20 03:32:27 2006
Subject: [SIERA] Monday DCART meeting
Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060220002226.033dfbd8@charter.net>

Hi all!

This is a reminder to DCART members that the next DCART meeting will 
be at 6:30PM this coming Monday, February 20, 2006 at the usual place 
at Minden Airport. All who attend should bring the 2 meter radio they 
would bring on a callout and its instruction manual!

The first part of the meeting will be a discussion of what skills and 
knowledge a DCART responder should know when they are dispatched. 
This discussion will drive training topics at future meetings. I also 
plan to establish a weekly DCART net for the purposes of ensuring 
that our personal radios are working, to become better acquainted 
with each other and to provide a modicum of training (including 
experience as net control) for all who check in.

After a short refreshment break, we will do this months exercise. The 
point of it is to ensure that everyone is familiar enough with their 
radio to put it on an arbitrary frequency and establish communications there.

My apologies for sending this reminder so late. Hopefully I'll do 
better next month...

See you all there!

73 de Glenn Thomas WB6W

From glennt at charter.net  Tue Feb 21 01:48:05 2006
From: glennt at charter.net (Glenn Thomas)
Date: Tue Feb 21 01:49:49 2006
Subject: [SIERA] DCART Meeting results
Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060220221027.03378518@charter.net>

Hi all!

Here are the results from the DCART meeting held on 20Feb06. In 
attendance were WB6W, KB7BZE, KV7J, KF6MBH, KD7OKI, KD7NIR, KD7JMR, 
KV7S, KD7NHC.

We will be starting a weekly DCART net. The first meeting will be 
next Monday, 27Feb06 at 1830L and will be every Monday that DCART 
doesn't have a regular meeting. The net will meet on the 147.27+ 
(123.0 PL) repeater.

Ed Tune KV7J provided copies of the ICS 420-1 document, "Field 
Ooperations Guide" (or "FOG"). It's a concise description of ICS. The 
version we have is dated January 2001. I have an older version, dated 
September 1983 and it's only a third as thick!

The rest of the meeting...

The first item discussed was DCART organization. There is a need for 
at least two Assistent ECs (AEC's) in DCART. They will be acting EC 
in the event that the EC isn't available for some reason.

Cynthia Bagley KB7BZE will be writing a DCART SOP for self announcing 
events. An example of a self announcing event is an earthquake - no 
explicit call up should be necessary.

Glenn Thomas WB6W will be revising the call up tree for events that 
do not announce themselves. This will be a system where everyone may 
be called twice. There is reliability in redundancy! I'll also be 
pruning the membership list so that the people who may be called are 
those who wish to be.

Judy Thomas KF6MBH provided refreshments for the meeting. Phyllis 
Lewis KD7OKI volunteered to provide refreshments for the March 
meeting. Hopefully we'll be able to spread this chore around so that 
everyone can enjoy and no one will get stuck with it.

The need for a weekly net was discussed and Monday's at 1830L on the 
147.27+ (123 Hz). The purpose of the net is to keep DCART members 
better in touch with each other, test emergency 2m gear every week 
and provide additional training.

In the next few months we will establish a DCART PBBS, based on JNOS. 
Initially it will be stand alone but is expected to be linked into 
other ARES/RACES packet systems as they come on line. One of the 
monthly DCART meetings will be dedicated to training on use of the 
DCART PBBS system.

Our served agencies will be approached to provide training on their 
"way of doing business". Agencies/topics may include, ICS from 
whoever is qualified (county fire?), "Into to Disaster Services" from 
Red Cross, same general topic from Salvation Army. Also other topics 
as suggested by agencies.

After refreshments, an exercise was held. The goal was to have each 
member in attendance program their 2m radio to a frequency they 
likely have never used before and demonstrate their success by making 
contact with another DCART member who had just done the same thing! 
Everyone successfully completed this exercise.

Hopefully I haven't butchered anyones name or call in this note. If 
so, my apologies and please correct me so I won't do it again. See 
you all on the net next Monday at 1830L, 147.27+ (123 Hz)!

73 de Glenn Thomas WB6W
ARES EC/Douglas county


WAR IS PEACE!
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY!
IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH!

From dick at twohams.com  Fri Feb 24 16:08:15 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Fri Feb 24 16:10:36 2006
Subject: [SIERA] March QST delivery may be delayed.
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060224130705.033458f8@mail.greatbasin.net>

March QST delivery may be delayed (Feb 24, 2006) -- The March 2006 issue
of QST may arrive several days later than normal. "We are aware of
widespread delays," said ARRL Marketing Manager Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R.
"Our sincere apologies." The issue was mailed four to five days later
than usual in order to meet the printer/distributor's schedule
requirements. Recent severe winter weather coupled with no mail delivery
on Presidents' Day, February 20, also may be contributing to delivery
delays. ARRL anticipates that most US members will receive their copies
of the March issue by Monday, February 27. The Circulation Department
will begin honoring requests for replacement copies on Tuesday, February
28.

73, Dick
--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
E-mail: k7vc@arrl.org

From vhfplus at bmg50.com  Sat Feb 25 12:33:33 2006
From: vhfplus at bmg50.com (Jack/AE7DX)
Date: Sat Feb 25 12:33:47 2006
Subject: [SIERA] Antennas for sale
Message-ID: <440094ED.6020700@bmg50.com>

Reposting this and adding the triband beam:

I have 4 antennas for sale:

1) M-Squared 2M5WL, excellent condition, $75.00

2) Homebrew K2RIW 432 yagi...19 elements on a 13 foot boom built from
the old K2RIW kit. I have another set of parts so will rebuild a second
432 yagi later. Excellent condition, $35.00

3) Cushcraft 5BTV 80-10 meter vertical (no WARC). I had it ground
mounted a few weeks ago to use on 20 and 80 meters where it worked fine.
VSWR on 15 was a bit high but I did not have time to pursue that. I did
not try 40 or 10 meters. Basically in good shape with some corroded
hardware (I guess Cushcraft did not use stainless) and there is a chip
out of one edge of a base insulator but nothing that compromises
operation. $35.00 with a copy of the manual.

3) Cushcraft A3S triband beam. Good condition, just needs a couple of 
bracket to mast u-clamps that broke last time I took the antenna down 
The boom to bracket u-clamps are fine). I have used this antenna in a 
temporary configuration several time in the past 6 months and it works 
very well. Comes with a copy of the instruciton manual. $60.00

Local pickup on all antennas which are located in Silver Springs. The 
VHF/UHF yagis are on my short tower now but will be taken down this 
tomorrow (Sunday).


Jack, AE7DX

(1-775-577-4621 any time this weekend or from 3-7PM weekdays)



From dick at twohams.com  Sat Feb 25 15:23:31 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Sat Feb 25 15:26:08 2006
Subject: [SIERA] Special Weather Statement for Reno/Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060225122211.04758480@mail.greatbasin.net>

Special Weather Statement
330 am PST Sat Feb 25 2006

...Significant precipitation event with hydrological concerns from
Sunday night through Tuesday...

A powerful Pacific storm will push warm air and subtropical moisture
over California and western Nevada on Sunday. Heavy rain and high
elevation snow will affect most of the region through Tuesday
morning. Snow levels will remain above 7000 feet...and will likely
rise as high as 8000 feet in the Tahoe basin and as high as 9000
feet over southern Mono County. The combination of high snow levels
and extended period of heavy rain raises a concern for flooding.

A Flood Watch has been issued for the potential flooding on rivers
and streams in the lower elevations of northeastern California...the
Sierra and western Nevada. All those with interests near
rivers...streams...and washes should be aware of the flood potential
beginning late Sunday and continuing through Tuesday. Be alert for
quick rises on rivers and streams and be prepared to move to higher
ground.

This storm will likely produce several feet of snow above 8000 feet
in the Tahoe basin and above 9000 feet in Mono County.  At this time
snow is not expected to accumulate on mountain passes below 8000
feet until late Monday night as a cold front approaches the area.
Strong winds will also accompany the storm.  Gusts over the Sierra
ridges could reach 100 mph...with 40 to 50 mph gusts in the western
Nevada valleys.

The cold front is expected to blast through the region by Tuesday
morning...lowering snow levels to 4000 feet or less.  There is a
potential for a foot or more of snow below 7000 feet in the Sierra
and several inches of snow in the lower elevations of northeast
California and western Nevada to accumulate before the storm ends
Tuesday afternoon.

Rain...snow and strong winds will cause difficult travel conditions
starting Sunday night and continuing through Tuesday.  Travelers
should plan accordingly for these conditions...and continue to
monitor forecasts and statements from the National Weather Service.

Another colder storm is expected to reach the area on Wednesday
night and continue through Friday. Snow may accumulate down to the
valley floors with significant snowfall possible above 5000 feet.

Expires:260000 gmt

--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
E-mail: k7vc@arrl.org

From glennt at charter.net  Sun Feb 26 12:42:30 2006
From: glennt at charter.net (Glenn Thomas)
Date: Sun Feb 26 12:45:16 2006
Subject: [SIERA] potential DCART callup
Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060226092946.034536a0@charter.net>

Hi all!

Douglas county has requested that we be ready to staff the Douglas 
county EOC. While there is no callup yet, we should be prepared 
starting at 3PM today (Sunday). The modified callup tree is not yet 
in place, so the old system will be used. In the meantime, please 
monitor 147.27+, 123PL for updates.

The storm, apparently a "pineapple express" is expected to push warm 
air and subtropical moisture into our area. Heavy rain and high 
elevation snow is anticipated in our area through Tuesday morning.

I'll post more information here and announce it on 147.27 as it 
becomes available.

Also, I'll have a statement about the current conditions on the DCART 
net, 6:30PM on Monday.

73 de Glenn WB6W
ARES EC/Douglas County

From dick at twohams.com  Sun Feb 26 12:48:12 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Sun Feb 26 12:50:51 2006
Subject: [SIERA] Special Weather Statement for Reno/Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060226094710.037b79c0@mail.greatbasin.net>

Special Weather Statement
414 am PST sun Feb 26 2006

...Two strong storms are expected to bring heavy precipitation to
eastern California and western Nevada this week...

A powerful Pacific storm will push a warm and very moist air mass
over California and western Nevada later today with rain and high
elevation snow reaching the Sierra by late afternoon. Rain will
spread across eastern California and portions of western Nevada
tonight...becoming heavy at times from Monday through Monday
night. Snow levels will remain above 7000 feet...and will likely
rise as high as 8000 feet in the Tahoe basin and as high as 9000
feet over southern Mono County. The combination of high snow
levels and extended period of heavy rain raises a concern for
flooding.

A Flood Watch has been issued for the potential flooding on rivers
and streams in the lower elevations of northeastern California...the
Sierra and western Nevada. All those with interests near rivers...
streams...and washes should be aware of the flood potential
beginning late Sunday and continuing through Tuesday. Be alert
for quick rises on rivers and streams and be prepared to move to
higher ground. Flash flooding and debris flows are also a concern
near the Waterfall fire burn area west of Carson City.

This storm will likely produce several feet of snow above 8000 feet
in the Tahoe basin and above 9000 feet in Mono County. At this
time snow is not expected to accumulate on mountain passes below
8000 feet until late Monday night as a cold front approaches the
area. Strong winds will also accompany the storm. Gusts over the
Sierra ridges could exceed 100 mph...with 40 to 50 mph gusts in
the western Nevada valleys.

The cold front is expected to blast through the region early Tuesday
morning...lowering snow levels to 4000 feet or less. There is a
potential for a rapid snow accumulation of a foot or more below
7000 feet in the Sierra...with several inches of snow possible in
the lower elevations of northeast California and western Nevada on
Tuesday morning.

Another colder storm is expected to reach the area on Wednesday
night and continue through Friday. Snow may accumulate down to the
valley floors with significant snowfall possible. At this time
the greatest potential for heavy snow would occur on Thursday
night in the lower elevations of eastern California and western
Nevada...including the Reno and Carson City areas.

Rain...snow and strong winds will cause difficult travel conditions
for much of this week. Travelers should plan accordingly for these
conditions...and continue to monitor forecasts and statements from
the National Weather Service.

Expires:270000 gmt

--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
E-mail: k7vc@arrl.org

From dick at twohams.com  Sun Feb 26 13:59:23 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Sun Feb 26 14:02:00 2006
Subject: [SIERA] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060226105857.00c5fc60@mail.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
1031 am PST sun Feb 26 2006

...Wind Advisory in effect from 4 PM this afternoon to 10 am PST
Monday...

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Wind Advisory...
which is in effect from 4 PM this afternoon to 10 am PST Monday.

A cold front will approach the Sierra and western Nevada Sunday
night. South winds ahead of the front will increase to 20 to 30
mph...with gusts to 50 mph along the Highway 395 corridor from
Cedarville to the Reno and Carson City areas. Winds will decrease
as the heavier rainfall begins by midday Monday.

A Wind Advisory means that wind gusts of 45 mph are expected.
Winds this strong can make driving difficult...especially for
drivers of high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Expires:270245 gmt
VTEC:/O.NEW.KREV.WI.Y.0011.060227T0000Z-060227T1800Z/

--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
E-mail: k7vc@arrl.org

From glennt at charter.net  Mon Feb 27 16:58:31 2006
From: glennt at charter.net (Glenn Thomas)
Date: Mon Feb 27 17:01:24 2006
Subject: [SIERA] DCART net tonight
Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060227135632.033f1b88@charter.net>

Just a reminder - the first DCART net will be tonight at 6:30PM on 
the 147.27+ (123Hz) repeater.

See you there!

73 de Glenn Thomas WB6W
ARES EC/Douglas county

From dick at twohams.com  Tue Feb 28 11:18:31 2006
From: dick at twohams.com (Dick Flanagan)
Date: Tue Feb 28 11:22:31 2006
Subject: [SIERA] High Wind Advisory for Carson City, NV
Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20060228081752.0321ef98@mail.greatbasin.net>

High Wind Advisory
712 am PST Tue Feb 28 2006

...Wind Advisory remains in effect until noon PST today...

Southwest to west winds of 20 to 30 mph with occasional gusts up
to 50 mph will continue this morning. The winds are expected to
diminish by late morning over northeast California and northwest
Nevada...and by midday over the remainder of western Nevada.

A Wind Advisory means that wind gusts of 45 mph are expected.
Winds this strong can make driving difficult...especially for
high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

Expires:282000 gmt
VTEC:/O.CON.KREV.WI.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-060228T2000Z/

--
Dick Flanagan K7VC NV SM
E-mail: k7vc@arrl.org

From glennt at charter.net  Tue Feb 28 11:25:08 2006
From: glennt at charter.net (Glenn Thomas)
Date: Tue Feb 28 11:29:20 2006
Subject: [SIERA] 2/28/0800L stand down from flood watch
Message-ID: <7.0.1.0.2.20060228080116.033cbf18@charter.net>

Hi all!

We're officially standing down from our alert. Douglas county is very 
pleased with our response, even though we were never called out. 
Thanks to all who were standing by. As far as I know, Sparks is still 
not out of the woods. We might be asked to provide mutual aid to them 
later today or tomorrow.

Here's a summary of the first DCART net, held last night. We had 17 
check ins plus quite a few folks who couldn't get in for one reason 
or another. Stations on my list include WB6W, KF6MBH, KD6RWF, AD7CD, 
KA7AJQ, KJ7UK, KD7JMR, KD6OKI, KG7HH, W6DXJ, KD7NIR, KC7AGI, KV7S, 
W7KJU, K6JNJ, KD7QDL and KD7UOC. Folks who tried to check in and were 
unable to include KQ6FM, KB7NV, KB7BZE, KV7J, KC7AGI and KB7YFU. Thus 
total participation in the net is 23 stations. This is an excellent 
turn out for a new net! Thanks to all.

I expect that I'll do net control for the next few sessions as I 
"fine tune" the net script. Several of you have volunteered to do net 
control. Your support is very much appreciated. Once the net script 
is a bit more stable than it is now, we'll start sharing the wealth.

Again, thanks to all who participated.

73 de Glenn Thomas WB6W

