Weather at the Ranch Link
Electrical Know-how: Our Electric supply system (as many already know) is just as aged and failing as our old water supply system was. The Board and Renewal & Reserves Committee are working together on the upgrade of our electrical system. The hope is that the Membership can be given a proposal to vote on for paying for the cost of the upgrade at AGM in June 2009. Just like our water supply was leaking into the ground prior to the completion of the upgrade, electricity is being conducted into the ground by the moisture content in the soil now too. This is causing the Ranch to have to pay for many kilowatts of power that we do not even get the benefit of using. The electric system is currently designed to provide 30 amp service for your camping trailer. Most newer trailers and park models are designed to require 50 amp. Your campsite is on an electric curcuit along with several other neighboring sites. If you or one of your neighbors is drawing more electricity through the curcuit and another trailer on that curcuit turns on lights and teh microwave and moments later the hotwater heater clicks on someone will either experience a tripped breaker and loose power to their trailer, flickering lights, power surges (that can cause damage to appliances) or a burnt breaker (also results in total loss of electricity requiring a maintenance call to remedy). The worse case scenario would be that someones electric pedestal catches fire (this is a realistic possibility). Until the electric system upgrade has been completed it would be wise and polite for everyone to keep mindful of their personal electricity usage.
For information on how to be power wise click here and here.
Remember that during high force and gusty wind weather conditions, you may be requested to leave your campsite and stay either at the Adult Lounge or the Rec. Center. This is for your own safety; loosing a trailer to tree fall damage is one thing, loosing Members is another.
Campfires are ALLOWED Please, still use all precautions to prevent wild fire. To find out the requirements for an approved enclosure/recreational fire please call the burning information line at (360) 676-6934 Note the penalties for violating the regulations. On the Ranch, campfires are not allowed by the Board of Trustees during an outdoor burn ban because we cannot meet enough of the 9 requirements set by the Fire Marshall for approved recreational fires (campfires). Propane outdoor fireplaces are okay to use during fire bans. Important Safety Announcement! Please, no rain covers over fire pits, including portable patio or garden gazebos purchased from retail stores, or tarps. Campfires should not be used during winds higher than 7 - 10 mph.
Burn Pile is OPEN. Only natural debris are allowed to be burned, per the County Fire Marshall. Any lumber or construction materials must go into the dumpster and a $25 fee per load paid at the office. Thia fee also applies for any scrap metal, appliance, furniture or other than regular household bagged garbage. Be aware that this area is now video camera surveyed 24/7.
Golf Course is CLOSED for the season to all golfers. No Play on Course until all frost is gone. The grounds crew is trying to keep it open until the first snow. Your cooperation is appreciated. THANKS! Ranch Golf carts are no longer allowed on the course this year. All golfers MUST start play at hole 1! Please be considerate to other players and their use of the course. Know and play by ALL golf course rules (shirts and shoes are REQUIRED). Visit our Hole in One page of Fame here. I need photos (can be taken at the Ranch office), name, campsite, date of hole in one, witness names and hole #. Email me! GOLFERS ONLY ALLOWED ON THE COURSE AT ANY TIME!
Mini-golf course OPEN! Putters and balls are available at the Security Shack or you may use your own.
Horseback Trail Ride sign-up is at 10 am at the tack up area between the horse barn and the maintenance shop. No rides on Tuesday and Wednesdays to give the horses a break and the Wranglers time to do barn cleaning and maintenance. Note: at this time of year, rides are sometimes cancelled if the weather is too wet or windy. Arena rides will be conducted when possible and when the trails are no longer safe to ride.
Before you can sign up for a ride, a release form for liability must be turned in (parent/guardian signature required for minors, this is a one time initial requirement). Click here for the Horse Ride Policies and Procedures.
Indoor Pool is OPEN.
Outdoor Pool is CLOSED for the WINTER!
Rec. Center is Open.
Teen Room is Open. See Security or the Office for access, you must each sign in.
Adult Lounge is Open. Children younger than 12 must have adult supervision.
Tennis Courts are Open.
Volleyball is Open.
Cookshack - Contact the Ranch Office for booking information. Private member bookings and Club/Committee bookings.
Gazebo Barbecue - Contact the Ranch Office for booking information. Private member bookings and Club/Committee bookings.
The REC Center Hall is only available for official Ranch or Committee events and is not available for private Member bookings.
For live photos of road conditions in Whatcom county click here. You can click on the little black camera icons on the map to see photos on the streets along Interstate 5 and the Abbotsford border crossing. Check the weather forecast from the "Ranch Weather" link on any page of this web site. Also find Mt. Baker Hwy. (State Route 542) driving conditions and ski conditions at Mt. Baker ski area from the web links page of this site. (see a link to that page below).
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Black Mountain Ranch is a private campground in Deming, Washington, USA.
All Data copyright Black Mountain Ranch, 2007.