Burning Man Weather Report: Got Dust?

According to various reports, the condition for this year's Burning Man is going to be exceptionally dusty this year. Due to lack of rain fall and snow fall from the mountains, the lake that forms the Playa did not occur this year. As a result there has been white out conditions almost every day for several hours.

The playa is comprised of million year old fish poop that have become fine dust over the years. The depth of the dust is 6 inches meaning your rebar and stakes must be that much longer. One person reported getting sick from breathing too much dust. So bring a GOOD MASK. Also, if you plan on bringing a shade structure please make sure it is very secure to the ground with guy rope/wire.

The Black Rock Desert is comprised of fine playa dust made from prehistoric fish droppings. During the last ice age (about 18,000 to 7,000 BC), the Black Rock Desert was a lake, called Lake Lahontan, and home to various species of fishes.

The extreme conditions of the Black Rock Desert is part of the charm that makes Burning Man unique and special to the community. It takes commitment to go all the way to the desert, two long hours away from civilization or technology (without cell phone service or telephones). It weeds out the tourists, frat boys, divas, and celebwhores that aren't able to handle the heat, cold and dust of the desert. Can you imagine Posh Spice walking around with a dust mask?

For Safety Please Follow These Helpful Hints:

1. Please cap all rebar with rebar caps or tennis balls.
2. Please place El Wire, Blinkies, or glow sticks around your rebar so people can see them.
3. Bring LOTS of high quality dust masks. Make sure they are sanding grade or better.
4. Bring good goggles with NO vents. Bring Extra!!!
5. Bring Extra Contact Lenses and Solution (LOTS) if you wear them.
6. Bring something to pee and poo in. You may not be able to find the Blue Room. Plus if you do, someone might be hiding out in there to avoid the dust storm.

Photo by me via Flickr.