CLOSED: Big Meadows Lodge and Big Meadows Wayside (THEY WILL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL POWER IS RESTORED)

Approximately 13 inches of rain fell on portions of SHEN in a 36 hour period. There has been extensive flooding in and around the park. There are 2 confirmed dead in communities adjacent to the park with more unaccounted for.

The Big Meadows complex is still without utility power. The Lodge complex is closed. The visitor center and camp store are open on a very limited basis using generator power. NPS employee houses also have limited generator power and arrangements have been made for hot meals. Concession housing has been evacuated. Operations at developed areas other than Big Meadows are near normal.

Damage to the Big Meadows power line inside and outside the park is extensive. Damage to the state road system and administrative roads in the park has prevented utility companies from reaching the repair sites. The estimated repair date is mid to late next week.

Most lower elevation trails on the east side of the Blue Ridge have been badly damaged. Almost all east side trails in the central district are closed to visitor use.

Skyline Drive suffered only minor obvious damage - mostly erosion of of shoulders. Drainage structures need to be examined to detect hidden damage. The Drive is open.

Most backcountry campers have been located. A few remain uncontacted.

SHEN resources have been assisting local rescue efforts. In Greene county NPS earth moving equipment repaired park fire roads and pushed one lane thru destroyed state roads to reach some 70 stranded families. Efforts continue to reach other families and to bring urgent supplies to them thru the park.

In Madison county other park crews attempted to reopen 5 miles of fire road to reach other families. Road equipment was unable to repair the extensive damage found on the fire roads. Rangers hiked into the communities. However, rising waters required them to leave the area quickly.

The park technical rescue team was requested to assist in local evacuations early in the flood but were unable to reach the staging area.

Byrd Visitor Center - Efforts underway to secure a generator for the V.C. (6/29). Efforts underway to provide power for park staff at Big Meadows through use of generators. Contingency plans are being developed. Telephone Service - Still experiencing problems at Big Meadows and Lewis Mountain. Big Meadows Campground - Advise visitors that showers are not available and that there is no electric service in the restrooms.