PIREPS - Airfields

As of 7/31/23

I mowed Beaverhead runway full length and width. Windsock good. There is mostly clump grass, so it is a little bumpy. The bigger the tires, the smoother it should be.

As of 7/24/23

I flew to Beaverhead to replace the windsock. It was very early morning, and the smoke from wildfires near Negrito was settled close to the ground, resembling fog. The runway at Beaverhead was clumpy and bumpy, as expected. The weeds are about 2' high and thick enough to green up the front of a plane. I am planning to mow it late July/early August.

The Pass Fire is minimally active now after about 60000 acres. The TFR has been cancelled.

There is some moderate smoke from the Pass Fire near Beaverhead Airstrip. It was caused by lightning, and the FS is monitoring to allow natural consumption of underbrush and grasses.

Stopped by Beaverhead on the way home from Me-Own. Runway is firm and dry, in good shape. I plan to replace the windsock in July. It is working fine, just faded.

Partial mowing completed on 3-11-23. About 30' wide from the entrance road to the bottom end, and about 20' wide from the entrance road to the upper end. Also mowed a 2 plane parking area across from the entrance road. Runway was moist but pretty firm and reasonably smooth for a backcountry strip. Windsock was working, but is fading. Darkness forced an early exit from mowing.

Runway condition is unknown, height of grass is unknown. This airstrip was not impacted by the fire, but access to it by land was cutoff for weeks.

Full length and most of the width was mowed on 8-30-21. Also mowed a small parking area across from the entrance road.

Windsock was faded but OK. Runway was in good shape, but can be soft on the lower end if it has recent rains.

The TFR over Beaverhead was cancelled today, but there is still a TFR over the Gila Wilderness for the Johnson Fire.

5-22-21 A TFR was issued that encompasses Beaverhead Airstrip, so it is off limits until the TFR is cancelled.

November 6, 2020--mowed runway entire length and width, windsock good, tossed some rocks.

Parking area mowed for 2 airplanes across runway from entrance road.

November 2, 2020--overflew the airstrip at 500 feet. Runway looks clear and dry.

I stopped by Beaverhead(driving) on 3-25-20. Runway looks OK. Windsock good. Grass is 8-10" high.
Saw large Elk herd at the airstrip with several bulls.

TJ and I landed on 11/17/19 in a C180 and C182. Runway OK, but a little rough due to clump grass. There is a new windsock in place now, mid-field on the North side. Forest Service has been cutting some trees along runway edges 50-150 feet out.

On 11-5-19 I overflew Beaverhead Airstrip to check on condition. Center 20 feet of runway appears OK with taller grass along edges. I could not locate the windsock, so I think the Fire Aviation Officer has not replaced it yet.