what is the condition of the playa this year?

burnerboy33 · Post by **burnerboy33** » Sun Jul 09, 2006 4:15 pm

I missed last year so I do not know how it was. In 2004 the playa was realy soft and my bike had a hard time getting around. Anyone been ou there yet this year? Is it hard packed again?

falk · Post by **falk** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 8:35 pm

I've heard a lot of conflicting reports. A plane did a gear-up landing a couple weeks ago, and the photos where it skidded show a nice solid playa. I don't think this was at BRC, though.

I've also heard that there's a nasty crust and tons of mud.

And finaly, I've seen an aerial photo taken within the last week or so that shows a large lake stretching from BRC and north. I can't tell from the photo if BRC itself is underwater, but you can bet it's still pretty soft and muddy.

I understand they're moving it this year anyway.

I can tell you that it was just about perfect last year. My understanding is that if it's under water past the end of frost season, you get a good hard surface. As long as it dries out completely by homecoming, that is.

StevenGoodman · Post by **StevenGoodman** » Mon Jul 10, 2006 9:03 pm

Two weeks ago the condition was really good; unless you got too close to the big lake in the middle. There was a lake stretching from BRC north at least 10 miles. But around the edges was really good, especially the west side.

Should all dry out in 6 weeks...or BRC will be really long and thin!

Post by **trilobyte** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 12:13 am

2-3 weeks ago the whole of the playa (from last year's event) was still underwater. While the shallow sea should completely dry out and leave the playa with a dry crust of a surface by the time the event comes around (sort of similar conditions as last year), the event is going to happen 1.5 miles northeast of last year's site from what I understand.

The plan moving forward is that the event will alternate between the site of last year's event and the site for this year. This will allow for better environmental impact studies, as well as allow greater time for the playa itself to heal or something.

~Trilo~

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 10:49 am

Today's forecast: HOT.
Tomorrow's forecast: HOT.

Join me at the Good Morning Vietnam Theme Camp.

dougnaka · Post by **dougnaka** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 2:22 pm

WARNING: BIG PIC OF THE PLAYA 3072x1522 and 317KB

http://www.curtiskline.com/wetplaya.jpg

They said Gerlach is in the top right, which looks like BRC from last year would be maybe half in the lake? Not sure when this was taken though.

Yay Mud.

Tiara · Post by **Tiara** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 2:47 pm

As of Sunday, July 9, the playa was drying fast. From where we were camped near the 12 mile road, even normal passenger cars were able to drive straight across to the hot springs.

falk · Post by **falk** » Tue Jul 11, 2006 7:36 pm

Hey, just for fun, I made a Google Earth file that corresponds to that photograph

http://www.efalk.org/BlackRockLake.kmz

For best effect, click on one of the thumbtacks in the "Places" menu.

It lets you look at the scene from different angles. It looks like the southern end of the lake is about 3-5 miles north of the old city location.

burnerboy33 · Post by **burnerboy33** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 9:16 am

cool, sound like it should be a good hard base to ride on. its no fun tring to manuver a 1200 lb. bike with 1" metal wheels in soft powder.
thenks for the info, and see you all out there.
If you see me come get some Ice cold lemonaid.

what is the condition of the playa this year?

what is the condition of the playa this year?

Saw this pic on a burning man list...