I am watching the Ivanpah forcast from afar and seeing that there is rain predicted for the next 18 hours (0.04", 0.02" and then 0.03" for each 6-hr period).

Additionally, rain is predicted for Saturday (0.03").

Can someone who understands the impact of this (seemingly) small amount of rain has on the playa provide recommendations and guidance?

Specifically, I know and support the idea of NOT riding on the playa when moist. How long does it typically take (say...70 degrees and partly sunny) for it to be usable again (hours or days)?

I am determining whether it would make sense to arrive Sunday, rather than Saturday.

Or...if there is a reason to drive to Red Lake for a few days.

Thanks for all responses.
Paul

See plan B http://www.powerkiteforum.com/viewthread.php?tid=33176
I am in SLC right now

I have buggied on the Whiskey Pete side. While not as vast as the traditional side, it is nonetheless HUGE, affording long grin-filled laps with exactly the same wind as is blowing on the other side of the highway. You access it through a gate in the back of the parking lot of the hotel. Actually a shorter drive in the dirt than the regular side.

I'm in SLC too (OK, uphill a few miles). Rained and thundered last night and is raining a bit right now. I have huge faith in the weather and conditions next week for IBX. I'm making my drive South in the whee hours of the morning Monday and plan to be there before Noon.

Here is a link to weather on Ivanpah:

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&...

For those rain amounts, you might not even have to land your kite. It takes quite a bit of rain and runoff to reach critical mass. I've ridden out there in light rain. Thedrops disappear in an instant with no buildup. Our humidity right now is at 28% so drying is fast.

That being said, if the rain ramps up, it's a good idea to have your stuff on pavement if it starts getting shiny and sticky.