Lakebed Conditions Wed 10-17 10 AM

Wed 10-17 10 AM update.
As soon as we pick up all the trash we’ll  heading off  the lakebed for good. Conditions continue to improve. The north access route is rough and still wet in places but doable in small SUVs. Do not drive on the road proper. It’s still flooded. Stay on the south bank until you are across from the launch site before cutting over. DO NOT try to come in on the south access road where the rocket launch signs were. It is not accessible and still very flooded. As in my last report yesterday there is also a route off the lakebed to the south. It is longer, but some say better. Full size class A RVs were able to drive off. Either way, please use caution. Remember,  High Desert 4 X 4 Recovery can help if you get in a bind. You can reach out to them via Facebook.  ROC will probably only be on the lakebed until noon

Tues Afternoon Launch Site Update

Tues afternoon 4 PM update launch site conditions. Much improved. ROC will no longer be on site after Wed 10-17 late morning.

High Desert 4 x 4 Recovery is here today with scheduled tows.  They can help if you contact them. They suggested they can be here tomorrow as well.

Both access roads from highway 247 are still flooded. Only 4 x 4 accessability.  High Desert 4 x 4 Recovery has found a way out that 2 wheel drive vehicles and RVs and trailers were having great success this afternoon. It is long, unestablished and convaluted and MUCH to difficult to describe. They are more than happy to escort anyone out if you contact them via their Facebook page.

Noon update – Launch Cancelled

No changes. Launch cancelled. Standing water. Currently no access.  Both access roads are flooded. Please do not try to travel through.

ROCtober Update

ROCtober and the Weather

I have received some e-mails about the weather forecast and this years ROCtober.  I am sending this e-mail out to let all the groups know how the current forecast may affect ROCtober.  As of Wednesday October 10^th the launch is still on as planned.   I will send out another E-mail blast tomorrow at 8:00 P.M. with updated status and on https://rocstock.org/.  After Thursday night, it will be difficult for me to send out e-mails, any updates will be on https://rocstock.org/

There are a few issues that the weather forecast brings up

1) We can only look at the same forecast as you. The current forecast from the ‘weather websites’ varies widely in regards to rain and wind.  And to make it harder to predict is the ‘micro climate’ of the Lake Bed.  It is common to have very different weather at the lakebed than in Apple Valley, Cajon Pass or the Los Angeles basin.

2) ROC does have a protocol for weather issues, it can be found at https://rocstock.org/camping-survival/ with more weather related information at https://rocstock.org/weather/  Group leaders should look at these pages.

3) During the weekend ROC may need to suspend operations for a period or close down the launch if conditions become unsafe or difficult to launch in.

4) With lighter rains, the lakebed can get wet and then dry out in an hour or so. Once the rain stops it is best to leave your car in one spot and let the lake dry.   Heavier rains can cause standing water on the lakebed or on roads onto the lakebed.

5) The roads and the lakebed can get muddy, and it is possible to get stuck in the mud. Try to avoid driving through standing water.

6) We use the lakebed thanks to BLM, if there is mud or a wet spots PLEASE DON’T TEAR UP THE LAKE BED by driving recklessly in the mud. This leaves ruts that can damage the lakebed.

7) Your group or organization may have different rules for weather; it is up to you to follow your own groups procedures and use your and your groups judgment.

I’m looking forward to a SAFE AND FUN weekend of rockets at this years’ ROCtober.

Mike Kramer