A fence between Biosphere Road and Catalina Tank. October 2016.
I was curious – what, exactly, was the ‘Catalina Ravine’ labeled on the map west of the Biosphere Road? The elevation contours don’t seem to indicate much – and I don’t remember seeing anything from 77 – but it is a named feature…
I had barely turned onto the 4wd road leading to Catalina Tank before deciding that hiking would be faster than driving – a good decision since the road quickly ended at an old gate. The hard sand of a small wash made for easy walking – but, with Catalina Tank in view, a fence blocked the way. I wondered if the fence enclosed the tank?
Catalina Ravine and Catalina Tank west of the Biosphere Road north of Tucson. October 2016.
Heading south it didn’t take too long to figure out that the fence was doing more than enclosing the tank – with no gate in sight and the fence stretching away towards the mountains I finally crawled under at a wide wash and began to swing around towards the ravine.
Catalina Ravine west of Biosphere Road. October 2016.
From Wikipedia: “A ravine is a landform narrower than a canyon and is often the product of streamcutting erosion. Ravines are typically classified as larger in scale than gullies, although smaller than valleys.”
Walking Catalina Ravine didn’t really shed any light on why the name was added to the map, it was lovely in places – but, to me, it was largely indistinguishable from countless other small drainages in the area. Soon enough the tank appeared – a picture, admire the view, (still no gate in sight) under the fence, back along the small wash and back to the truck…
Catalina Tank with Mount Lemmon in the background. October 2016.
Storm over Samaniego Ridge – above Rainbows End Wash west of Double Tank. March 2016.
Three bighorn sheep die, mountain lion is killed – tucson.com: In the month of April 3 ewes were killed mountain lions and two mountain lions associated with the deaths were killed. Arizona Game and Fish now reports the number of living collared Bighorn in the Santa Catalina Mountains to be 38 while estimating the number of bighorn in the range at 80+.
Rabid Skunks have been confirmed in a number of Pima County locations including the Summerhaven area in the Santa Catalina Mountains – avoid contact with and don’t approach wildlife that are behaving abnormally or appear to be ill. If you believe that you see a rabid animal, call AZGFD at 1-623-236-7201 or the Pima County Health Department at (520) 724-7797 immediately. More information on rabies from the CDC. AZ Game and Fish expands rabid skunk warning – TucsonNewNow, State issues warning about rabid skunks – KGUN9.
Snow on Mount Lemmon, rain for Tucson – tucson.com: Snow! While this article doesn’t have any snow covered pictures of the mountain it does briefly note that in early April a storm managed to bring snow and ice to the mountain – maybe for the last time this season?
On Saturday, April 16, Pima County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue unit and SARA concluded the longest and most intensive search in Pima County since August of 2004. SARA is deeply saddened of the outcome and extends our heartfelt condolences to family of Mauricio Carreon-Maltos.
Ultimately, local Pima County volunteer SAR teams supplied over 1600 person-hours. SARA is especially grateful for the assistance of the volunteer ground, dog, and mounted search teams from Pima, Pinal, Maricopa, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, and Yavapai counties, and for the other agencies involved, all of whom together supplied an additional nearly 1200 hours to the seven-day search effort. Many thanks also to the watchful and attentive public during this time. Thank you.
Rescues/Accidents/Incidents including information from the SARCI Newsletter – :
Ventana Trail 3/3/2016 – A hiker on the trail after dark without a light was unable to follow the trail somewhere below Maiden Pools – a friend was able to help her down the trail.
Romero Canyon 3/4/2016 – Two hikers were separated on the way back from Romero Pools – one was reported missing but eventually made it back to the trailhead without assistance.
Seven Falls 3/7/2016 – A group of hikers was worried about continuing after sunset in the rain – in the end they made it back to the trailhead without needing assistance.
Seven Falls 3/10/2016 – A cardiac arrest resulted in a hiker being declared deceased on the trail and flown out from Seven Falls. Hiker with medical issue dies at Seven Falls – tucson.com.
Agua Caliente Canyon 3/15/2016 – A hiker requested help after attempting to hike down canyon – he was met and helped out via trails in the area.
Romero Canyon Trail 3/17/2016 – An exhausted hiker is able to hike out with assistance.
Seven Falls Trail 3/18/2016 – A hiker with an injured ankle is assisted out by stokes and mule.
Double Tank – State Trust Land outside of Oracle Junction near Rainbows End Wash and Arizona 77. April 2016.
