NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
                           MORNING REPORT

To:        All National Park Service Areas and Offices

From:      Division of Ranger Activities, Washington Office

Day/Date:  Friday, February 6, 1998

Broadcast: By 1000 ET

INCIDENTS

98-56 - Western and Eastern Parks - Winter Storm Impacts

The series of severe El Nino-related winter storms which have been striking
the U.S., particularly in California, the southern tier states and up the
east coast, have had a variety of repercussions in national parks.  Since
there are no indications that this pattern will change for some time, the
Morning Report will carry a continuing round-up of reported storm impacts:

Assateague Island NS (MD/VA) - During the early morning hours of
January 28th and on into that evening, a northeaster with winds of over
50 mph struck the park.  The storm came during a new moon tidal phase,
which caused a storm surge of over seven feet above mean low water,
leveling protective dunes and causing severe damage to roads, parking
lots, bathhouses and the Virginia visitor center.  Especially hard hit
were the north end of Assateague and the Toms Cove District in
Virginia.  Federal and local officials visited the park on January 30th
to assess damage and express support.  On the evening of February 4th,
another storm, more severe in terms of tides and wind, hit the same
area.  Preliminary damage assessments made yesterday morning revealed
additional severe overwash on large portions of the island, increased
damage to consolidated dunes, and the disappearance of temporary dunes
created to protect infrastructure on the Virginia end of the park and
within Assateague State Park.  District ranger Mel Olsen, a long-time
resident of Chincoteague, described the flooding in that area as the
worst he has ever seen.  A full assessment of damages and associated
costs will begin today.

Redwood N&SP (CA) - The brunt of the last few storms to strike
California fell to the south, but the park has experienced some
consequences of the winds and rain.  Several secondary roads and trails
are closed due to slides and downed trees.  A 30-foot-wide slump across
the entire Coastal Road may force closure of that road.  The Fern
Canyon Road is blocked by a slide, and a new, geyser-like hydrological
phenomena has appeared coming through the tread of the Ossagon trail. 
Rivers are high, but not yet at flood stage.

New River NR (WV) - The storm that passed through the area on February
4th and 5th dropped only four to six inches of snow, but it was on top
of the 40 inches of snow that fell in the storm of the previous week. 
That storm closed park headquarters and park visitor centers for six
days.  No significant damage has been reported.

Shenandoah NP (VA) - Yesterday's northeaster dropped up to a foot of
snow and an inch and a half of ice on the park's higher elevations. 
Skyline Drive, which was closed because of snow and ice from last
week's storm, remains closed.  Power is out at Piney River, Big Meadows
and Simmons Gap.  Lower elevations received snow and sleet, but most of
the precipitation fell as rain.  Localized small stream and low-lying
road flooding has occurred.  Employees are using normal alternative
work locations, as described in the park's winter operations plan.  

Reports from other parks that have also been significantly affected by these
storms would be appreciated.  [Bob Martin, CR, REDW, 2/4; John Burns, CR,
ASIS, 2/5; Bill Blake, CR, NERI, 2/5; Greg Stiles, SHEN, 2/5]

98-57 - National Capital Parks (DC) - Drug Arrests

USPP investigators assigned to the narcotics and vice unit, following up on
information developed from a drug case in a park in the district, executed a
search warrant in the city on January 19th.  Upon entry, they found the
residents attempting to dispose of suspected crack cocaine in a garbage
disposal unit.  After interrupting the act, the investigators dismantled the
unit and recovered 95 grams of crack conservatively valued at $9,500.  The
subsequent search led to the recovery of $6,756 in cash and a loaded 9mm
handgun.  Four people were arrested, including a known violent offender who
was wanted on other charges.  A pit bull present on the premises was taken to
an animal control facility.  Neighborhood residents expressed thanks to
investigators for their successful efforts.  [Dale Dickerhoof, CIB, USPP,
1/30]

                        [Additional reports pending...]

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Report pending.

OPERATIONAL NOTES

No entries.

MEMORANDA

No entries.

EXCHANGE

No entries.

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Prepared by the Division of Ranger Activities, WASO, with the cooperation and
support of Delaware Water Gap NRA.

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