Imperial National Wildlife Refuge
Answers field/weather and mapped habitat context; it does not predict migration or bird presence.
Today and tomorrow are broadly similar
The difference is only 5 points (86/100 today, 81/100 tomorrow), so there is no strong conditions-based reason to postpone solely for the forecast. The main forecast change is that maximum wind drops from 10 to 5 mph, and the low changes from 87°F to 77°F.
Most important: Mapped wetland habitat: There is meaningful wetland habitat in the surrounding area; bird presence still needs current observation.
What the numbers actually change
Mapped wetland habitat
4,310 acres within 10 miThere is meaningful wetland habitat in the surrounding area; bird presence still needs current observation.
Wind / field setup
10 mph maxThere is enough wind to matter for field setup and travel.
Official recreation record
Source: Recreation.gov / RIDB. Verify current reservation, closure and facility details on the official service.
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge was established by Executive Order 8685 on February 14, 1941. The 25,768-acre refuge protects 30 miles of wildlife habitat along the lower Colorado River. In 1938, Imperial Dam was completed on the river north of Yuma, Arizona. The waters stored behind the dam formed numerous backwaters and marsh areas along the edges of the river. These wetlands provided excellent resting, feeding, and nesting habitat for a variety of migratory birds and other wildlife. Serving as…
Official directions: From Yuma/Quartzite: Take Highway 95 (north from Yuma or south from Quartzite) and turn west onto Martinez Lake Road located between mile markers 46 and 47. Continue on Martinez Lake Road for approximately 10 miles. Turn north onto Red Cloud Mine Road. Follow the brown signs for thee miles to the refuge and visitor center.
Terrain context
Sampled terrain is planning context, not a survey or route assessment.
Wetland context
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory. Mapping is not a regulatory wetland determination or property-boundary survey.
4,310 mapped wetland acres were returned within the 10-mile query area.
Important gaps
- Regional snow/freeze progression, crop/food context and live bird observations are not yet part of this score; do not treat it as a migration forecast.
Gear justified by these conditions
Waterproof field bag
The mapped wetland footprint makes waterproof storage more relevant than on a dry-land outing.
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