WINNEMUCCA — Humboldt County is preparing to welcome visitors for the 2023 annual solar eclipse on Oct. 14.
An annular solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and earth while it is at its farthest point from earth. Because the moon is farther away from earth, it appears as a dark disk on top of the larger, brighter sun, creating what looks like a ring around the moon.
The Saturday, October 14, 2023, annular solar eclipse will cross North, Central, and South America. In the United States, the eclipse begins in Oregon at 9:13 a.m. PDT and ends in Texas at 12:03 p.m. CDT. But the path of annular solar eclipse—or the epicenter of the event with 90 percent visibility—will pass directly over Humboldt County.
In Humboldt County, the partial eclipse will begin at 8:06 a.m. The full eclipse will follow at 9:21 a.m., maximizing at 9:23 a.m. and ending at 9:25 a.m. The subsequent partial eclipse will then continue until 10:48 a.m.
Humboldt County Emergency Manager Carol Lynn has been gathering members of the area Local Emergency Planning Committee to ensure a no-issue weekend.
“There are a couple of factors that have encouraged us to be prepared for visitors,” said Lynn. “Humboldt County is located along the path of greatest visibility, and the eclipse is happening on a Saturday — a weekend — when people will have time to travel.”
Lynn has been urging local law enforcement and fire districts, emergency medical services, and municipal, public lands, and department of transportation officials to consider how they might prepare for increased traffic and visitors, especially along US Highway 95 and Nevada State Route 140.
The combined group agrees their areas of greatest concern are visitors parking or even camping at the side of two-lane highways—both of which are prohibited—and the increased fire danger that comes with increased activity.
Humboldt County Public Works crews will be placing portable restrooms and garbage dumpsters at gas stations and other stopping points throughout Humboldt County.
Lynn also said the county is aware that some visitors may attempt back-road travel that may require search and rescue efforts.
“At this point, we are not sure what to expect,” said Lynn, “but we do want to be prepared in any instance, and I really appreciate our county, city, state and federal leads coming together to consider possible issues and solutions.”
The Humboldt County Commission authorized the closure of the road leading to the top of Winnemucca Mountain from Wednesday, October 11, through Sunday, October 15. Residents who need access to the road will be provided with a code. The road to the Humboldt County Regional Landfill and the Humboldt County Shooting Park will remain open.
In addition, Winnemucca area parks and sports fields will not be available to eclipse watchers over the weekend.
However, the Agricultural District No. 3, which oversees the Winnemucca Events Complex, has announced that camping and RV spaces are now available for rent over the eclipse weekend. Director Kim Petersen said visitors also may park at the complex, located at 1000 Fairgrounds Road, during eclipse hours for a $5 fee. Restroom facilities will be available, and local food trucks are encouraged to park and sell their food.
Lynn suggests that gas stations and restaurants throughout Humboldt County prepare for what may be a serious uptick in business. “We are encouraging our local businesses to consider increased staffing and product, just in case.”
The Humboldt Museum will be hosting the East Bay Astrological Society along with a limited number of local residents; the Humboldt County Library is planning an eclipse party on Friday, October 13, with free viewing glasses and other activities.
“The most important aspect of this whole weekend is safety, especially eye safety,” reminded Lynn. “Do not look at the eclipse without specialized eye protection.”
Lynn also reminded local residents and visitors to choose their viewing locations carefully and with personal safety, fire danger and other considerations in mind.
“We are hoping this can be a fun weekend, and a time to create some special memories in Humboldt County, so we are hopeful that people will make decisions that will keep everyone safe.”
In the event of a motor vehicle, health, fire or other emergency, residents and visitors should call 911. Law enforcement, fire districts, EMS and other crews will be ready to respond.
For more information on Humboldt County’s eclipse planning efforts, please call Humboldt County Emergency Manager Carol Lynn at 775-375-3195.