FM Bandscans at Blewett Pass, WA - 2021.04.28

[dxsphere]

Last Wednesday (4/28), I stopped at Blewett Pass on the way back from Wenatchee and did two bandscans - on at a SnoPark close to the highway and another about a mile up the forest service road.

I posted a couple of pics of the first spot on my Instagram, check them out here: https://www.instagram.com/p/COPNr5kJ8Jl/

Blewett Pass is a perfect example of what happens to FM DX when terrain and elevation are involved - despite being a mile away, the two scans are very different from one another. At one spot, I'm getting Wenatchee, Omak and Spokane; just up the road, I'm getting Seattle and Olympia.

I did record the bandscans and I plan to upload them to my YouTube once classes end. I have RDS/HD screenshots from the second spot on my Instagram already (@kaylon_sphere)

----

Blewett FM Bandscan #1 - Close to US-97 (approx. 47.332757, -120.578897)
* 88.1 - KCWU Ellensburg, WA (37 km / 23 mi)
* 88.1 - KLUW East Wenatchee, WA (22 km / 14 mi)
* 88.3 - KHNW Manson, WA (66 km / 41 mi)
* 88.3 - KMLW Moses Lake, WA (97 km / 60 mi)
* 88.5 - KOMQ Omak, WA (157 km / 98 mi)
* 88.7 - KDMB Moses Lake, WA (66 km / 41 mi)
* 88.9 - KCSH Ellensburg, WA (23 km / 14 mi)
* 89.1 - KFAE Richland, WA (173 km / 107 mi)
* 89.5 - K208EY Wenatchee, WA (22 km / 14 mi)
* 89.5 - KSOH Wapato, WA (90 km / 56 mi)
* 89.7 - KWWS Walla Walla, WA (237 km / 147 mi)
* 89.9 - KPLW Wenatchee, WA (26 km / 16 mi)
* 90.1 - KOLU Pasco, WA (176 km / 109 mi)
* 90.3 - K212FK Wenatchee, WA (29 km / 18 mi)
* 90.5 - CBCV Victoria, BC (262 km / 163 mi)
* 90.7 - KNWR Ellensburg, WA (16 km / 10 mi)
* 90.9 - K215AD Chelan, WA (67 km / 42 mi)
* 91.1 - KPBX Spokane, WA (264 km / 164 mi) *HD*
* 91.1 - KYPL Yakima, WA (92 km / 57 mi)
* 91.3 - K217AJ Leavenworth, WA (32 km / 20 mi)
* 91.5 - KLWS Moses Lake, WA (75 km / 47 mi) *HD*
* 91.7 - KBLD Kennewick, WA (176 km / 109 mi)
* 91.7 - KYFQ Tacoma, WA (169 km / 105 mi)
* 91.9 - KDNA Yakima, WA (90 km / 56 mi)
* 91.9 - KPBW Brewster, WA (90 km / 56 mi)
* 92.1 - CBU-FM-1 Victoria, BC (270 km / 168 mi)
* 92.3 - KZUS Ephrata, WA (74 km / 46 mi)
* 92.5 - K223BK Cashmere, WA (23 km / 14 mi)
* 92.7 - KNCW Omak, WA (134 km / 83 mi)
* 92.9 - KZZU Spokane, WA (248 km / 154 mi)
* 93.1 - K226AW Leavenworth, WA (32 km / 20 mi)
* 93.3 - KRKL College Place, WA (237 km / 147 mi)
* 93.3 - KUBE Seattle, WA (117 km / 73 mi)
* 93.5 - KOZI Chelan, WA (78 km / 48 mi)
* 93.7 - KDRK Spokane, WA (264 km / 164 mi)
* 93.9 - K230AX Wenatchee, WA (32 km / 20 mi)
* 93.9 - KTAC Ephrata, WA (76 km / 47 mi)
* 94.1 - KSWD Seattle, WA (106 km / 66 mi)
* 94.3 - K232ED Wenatchee, WA (22 km / 14 mi)
* 94.5 - KATS Yakima, WA (89 km / 55 mi)
* 94.7 - KZAL Manson, WA (64 km / 40 mi)
* 94.9 - KIOK Richland, WA (173 km / 107 mi)
* 95.1 - K236AH Synarep, WA (168 km / 104 mi)
* 95.3 - K237AW Chelan, WA (67 km / 42 mi)
* 95.3 - KXLE Ellensburg, WA (25 km / 16 mi)
* 95.7 - KKSR Walla Walla, WA (237 km / 147 mi)
* 95.9 - KZML Quincy, WA (59 km / 37 mi)
* 96.1 - KFOO Opportunity, WA (264 km / 164 mi) *HD*
* 96.1 - KXXO Olympia, WA (198 km / 123 mi)
* 96.3 - KWEW-LP Wenatchee, WA (26 km / 16 mi)
* 96.5 - KJAQ Seattle, WA (106 km / 66 mi)
* 96.7 - KWWW Quincy, WA (59 km / 37 mi)
* 96.9 - KZTA Naches, WA (84 km / 52 mi)
* 97.1 - KXRX Walla Walla, WA (237 km / 147 mi)
* 97.3 - KKRS Davenport, WA (204 km / 127 mi)
* 97.5 - KOLW Basin City, WA (145 km / 90 mi)
* 97.7 - K249CV Omak, WA (157 km / 98 mi)
* 97.7 - KYSN Wenatchee, WA (23 km / 14 mi)
* 98.1 - K251AZ Malaga, WA (26 km / 16 mi)
* 98.1 - KISC Spokane, WA (248 km / 154 mi)
* 98.3 - KEYW Pasco, WA (176 km / 109 mi)
* 98.5 - KEYG Grand Coulee, WA (135 km / 84 mi)
* 98.7 - KFXP-LP Wenatchee, WA (22 km / 14 mi)
* 98.7 - KMNA Mabton, WA (101 km / 63 mi)
* 98.9 - KKZX Spokane, WA (248 km / 154 mi)
* 98.9 - KNUC Seattle, WA (106 km / 66 mi)
* 99.1 - KORE-LP Entiat, WA (46 km / 29 mi)
* 99.3 - KDRM Moses Lake, WA (100 km / 62 mi)
* 99.5 - KQBG Wenatchee, WA (23 km / 14 mi)
* 99.7 - KHHK Yakima, WA (92 km / 57 mi)
* 99.9 - KXLY Spokane, WA (268 km / 167 mi)
* 100.1 - KQFO Pasco, WA (155 km / 96 mi)
* 100.3 - CKKQ Victoria, BC (262 km / 163 mi)
* 100.3 - KXAA Cle Elum, WA (25 km / 16 mi)
* 100.5 - KWIQ Moses Lake, WA (104 km / 65 mi)
* 100.7 - K264BF Wenatchee, WA (26 km / 16 mi)
* 100.9 - K265AX Chelan and Manson, WA (67 km / 42 mi)
* 101.1 - KOHO Leavenworth, WA (30 km / 19 mi)
* 101.3 - K267AX Brewster, WA (88 km / 55 mi)
* 101.3 - KGDN Pasco, WA (173 km / 107 mi)
* 101.5 - KPLZ Seattle, WA (117 km / 73 mi)
* 101.9 - KZIU Weston, OR (251 km / 156 mi)
* 102.1 - KPQ Wenatchee, WA (13 km / 8 mi)
* 102.5 - KZOK Seattle, WA (106 km / 66 mi)
* 102.7 - KORD Richland, WA (176 km / 109 mi)
* 102.9 - KEFA-LP Wenatchee, WA (22 km / 14 mi)
* 102.9 - KZTM Centralia, WA (198 km / 123 mi)
* 103.1 - KYKV Selah, WA (78 km / 48 mi)
* 103.3 - KUVB-LP Leavenworth, WA (22 km / 14 mi)
* 103.3 - KWLN Wilson Creek, WA (119 km / 74 mi)
* 103.5 - KWHT Pendleton, OR (239 km / 149 mi)
* 103.7 - KHTP Tacoma, WA (107 km / 66 mi)
* 103.9 - K280BZ Wenatchee, WA (23 km / 14 mi)
* 104.1 - KAFE Bellingham, WA (225 km / 140 mi)
* 104.1 - KXDD Yakima, WA (92 km / 57 mi)
* 104.3 - KZBE Omak, WA (134 km / 83 mi)
* 104.7 - KKRV Wenatchee, WA (32 km / 20 mi) *HD*
* 105.1 - K286CA East Wenatchee, WA (22 km / 14 mi)
* 105.3 - KONA Kennewick, WA (173 km / 107 mi)
* 105.7 - KRSE Yakima, WA (69 km / 43 mi)
* 105.7 - KZBD Spokane, WA (248 km / 154 mi)
* 105.9 - K290CH Wenatchee, WA (27 km / 17 mi)
* 106.1 - KBKS Tacoma, WA (106 km / 66 mi)
* 106.5 - KEGX Richland, WA (176 km / 109 mi)
* 106.7 - KKWN Cashmere, WA (23 km / 14 mi)
* 106.9 - K295AU Moses Lake, WA (103 km / 64 mi)
* 107.3 - KFFM Yakima, WA (78 km / 48 mi)
* 107.7 - KWVN Pendleton, OR (247 km / 153 mi)
* 107.9 - KJHS-LP Wenatchee, WA (22 km / 14 mi)
* 107.9 - KMBI Spokane, WA (264 km / 164 mi)

(Bandscan #2 list will be posted in the comments)

 

[dxsphere]

Blewett FM Bandscan #2 - Up the road (approx. 47.312495, -120.584807)
* 88.1 - KLUW East Wenatchee, WA (24 km / 15 mi)
* 88.1 - KWAO Ocean Park, WA (210 km / 130 mi)
* 88.3 - KMLW Moses Lake, WA (97 km / 60 mi)
* 88.5 - K203EN Ellensburg, WA (48 km / 30 mi)
* 88.5 - KNKX Tacoma, WA (107 km / 66 mi)
* 88.7 - KDMB Moses Lake, WA (66 km / 41 mi)
* 88.9 - KCSH Ellensburg, WA (21 km / 13 mi)
* 89.1 - KFAE Richland, WA (172 km / 107 mi)
* 89.3 - KAOS Olympia, WA (179 km / 111 mi)
* 89.5 - K208EY Wenatchee, WA (24 km / 15 mi)
* 89.5 - KSOH Wapato, WA (87 km / 54 mi)
* 89.7 - KWWS Walla Walla, WA (236 km / 147 mi)
* 89.9 - KPLW Wenatchee, WA (27 km / 17 mi)
* 90.1 - KOLU Pasco, WA (175 km / 109 mi)
* 90.3 - KEXP Seattle, WA (134 km / 83 mi)
* 90.3 - KNWY Yakima, WA (87 km / 54 mi)
* 90.5 - CBCV Victoria, BC (262 km / 163 mi)
* 90.7 - KNWR Ellensburg, WA (15 km / 9 mi)
* 90.9 - KVTI Tacoma, WA (151 km / 94 mi)
* 91.1 - KYPL Yakima, WA (90 km / 56 mi)
* 91.3 - K217AJ Leavenworth, WA (35 km / 22 mi)
* 91.5 - KLWS Moses Lake, WA (76 km / 47 mi)
* 91.7 - KYFQ Tacoma, WA (169 km / 105 mi)
* 91.9 - KDNA Yakima, WA (87 km / 54 mi)
* 92.1 - CBU-FM-1 Victoria, BC (271 km / 168 mi)
* 92.3 - KZUS Ephrata, WA (74 km / 46 mi)
* 92.5 - K223BK Cashmere, WA (26 km / 16 mi)
* 92.5 - KQMV Seattle, WA (106 km / 66 mi) *HD*
* 92.7 - KNCW Omak, WA (137 km / 85 mi)
* 92.9 - KDBL Toppenish, WA (91 km / 57 mi)
* 92.9 - KISM Bellingham, WA (226 km / 140 mi) *HD*
* 93.1 - K226AW Leavenworth, WA (34 km / 21 mi)
* 93.3 - KUBE Seattle, WA (117 km / 73 mi)
* 93.5 - KOZI Chelan, WA (80 km / 50 mi)
* 93.7 - KLSY Montesano, WA (210 km / 130 mi)
* 93.9 - KTAC Ephrata, WA (76 km / 47 mi)
* 94.1 - KSWD Seattle, WA (106 km / 66 mi) *HD*
* 94.3 - K232ED Wenatchee, WA (24 km / 15 mi)
* 94.5 - KATS Yakima, WA (87 km / 54 mi)
* 94.7 - KZAL Manson, WA (66 km / 41 mi)
* 94.9 - KIOK Richland, WA (172 km / 107 mi)
* 94.9 - KUOW Seattle, WA (134 km / 83 mi) *HD*
* 95.3 - KXLE Ellensburg, WA (23 km / 14 mi)
* 95.5 - KBFF Portland, OR (259 km / 161 mi)
* 95.7 - KJR Seattle, WA (117 km / 73 mi) *HD*
* 95.7 - KKSR Walla Walla, WA (236 km / 147 mi)
* 95.9 - KZML Quincy, WA (59 km / 37 mi)
* 96.1 - KXXO Olympia, WA (197 km / 122 mi)
* 96.3 - KRCW Royal City, WA (116 km / 72 mi)
* 96.5 - KJAQ Seattle, WA (106 km / 66 mi) *HD*
* 96.7 - KWWW Quincy, WA (59 km / 37 mi)
* 96.9 - KZTA Naches, WA (82 km / 51 mi)
* 97.1 - KXRX Walla Walla, WA (236 km / 147 mi)
* 97.3 - KIRO Seattle, WA (107 km / 66 mi) *HD*
* 97.5 - KOLW Basin City, WA (144 km / 89 mi)
* 97.7 - KOMO Oakville, WA (210 km / 130 mi)
* 97.7 - KYSN Wenatchee, WA (24 km / 15 mi)
* 97.9 - KZTB Milton-Freewater, OR (250 km / 155 mi)
* 98.1 - K251AZ Malaga, WA (26 km / 16 mi)
* 98.1 - KING Seattle, WA (107 km / 66 mi) *HD*
* 98.3 - KEYW Pasco, WA (175 km / 109 mi)
* 98.5 - KEYG Grand Coulee, WA (136 km / 85 mi)
* 98.7 - KFXP-LP Wenatchee, WA (23 km / 14 mi)
* 98.9 - KNUC Seattle, WA (106 km / 66 mi) *HD*
* 99.1 - KUJ Burbank, WA (161 km / 100 mi)
* 99.3 - KDDS Elma, WA (210 km / 130 mi)
* 99.3 - KMGW Naches, WA (82 km / 51 mi)
* 99.5 - KQBG Wenatchee, WA (24 km / 15 mi)
* 99.7 - KHHK Yakima, WA (90 km / 56 mi)
* 99.9 - KISW Seattle, WA (107 km / 66 mi)
* 99.9 - KXLY Spokane, WA (269 km / 167 mi)
* 100.1 - KQFO Pasco, WA (154 km / 96 mi)
* 100.3 - CKKQ Victoria, BC (262 km / 163 mi)
* 100.3 - KXAA Cle Elum, WA (23 km / 14 mi)
* 100.5 - KWIQ Moses Lake, WA (104 km / 65 mi)
* 100.7 - K264BF Wenatchee, WA (26 km / 16 mi)
* 100.7 - KKWF Seattle, WA (107 km / 66 mi)
* 100.9 - KARY Grandview, WA (102 km / 63 mi)
* 101.1 - KOHO Leavenworth, WA (33 km / 21 mi)
* 101.3 - KGDN Pasco, WA (172 km / 107 mi)
* 101.5 - KPLZ Seattle, WA (118 km / 73 mi)
* 101.9 - KZIU Weston, OR (250 km / 155 mi)
* 102.1 - KPQ Wenatchee, WA (13 km / 8 mi)
* 102.3 - KYYT Goldendale, WA (183 km / 114 mi)
* 102.5 - KZOK Seattle, WA (106 km / 66 mi) *HD*
* 102.7 - KORD Richland, WA (175 km / 109 mi)
* 102.9 - KZTM Centralia, WA (197 km / 122 mi)
* 103.1 - KYKV Selah, WA (76 km / 47 mi)
* 103.3 - KUVB-LP Leavenworth, WA (24 km / 15 mi)
* 103.5 - KWHT Pendleton, OR (238 km / 148 mi)
* 103.7 - KHTP Tacoma, WA (107 km / 66 mi)
* 103.9 - K280BZ Wenatchee, WA (24 km / 15 mi)
* 104.1 - KAFE Bellingham, WA (227 km / 141 mi) *HD*
* 104.1 - KXDD Yakima, WA (90 km / 56 mi)
* 104.7 - KKRV Wenatchee, WA (33 km / 21 mi) *HD*
* 105.1 - K286CA East Wenatchee, WA (24 km / 15 mi)
* 105.3 - KCMS Edmonds, WA (117 km / 73 mi) *HD*
* 105.3 - KONA Kennewick, WA (172 km / 107 mi)
* 105.7 - KRSE Yakima, WA (67 km / 42 mi)
* 105.9 - K290CH Wenatchee, WA (29 km / 18 mi)
* 106.1 - KBKS Tacoma, WA (106 km / 66 mi) *HD*
* 106.3 - KLOO Corvallis, OR (362 km / 225 mi)
* 106.5 - KEGX Richland, WA (175 km / 109 mi)
* 106.5 - KWPZ Lynden, WA (227 km / 141 mi) *HD*
* 106.7 - KKWN Cashmere, WA (25 km / 16 mi)
* 106.9 - K295AU Moses Lake, WA (103 km / 64 mi)
* 106.9 - KRWM Bremerton, WA (117 km / 73 mi) *HD Blink*
* 107.3 - KFFM Yakima, WA (76 km / 47 mi)
* 107.7 - KNDD Seattle, WA (107 km / 66 mi)
* 107.7 - KWVN Pendleton, OR (245 km / 152 mi)
* 107.9 - KJHS-LP Wenatchee, WA (23 km / 14 mi)
* 107.9 - KMBI Spokane, WA (265 km / 165 mi)

 

[boombox4]

Nice array of catches. I wonder if the reception would be different on the Old Blewett Pass road. Not sure if that one is even open anymore, though.

 

[fordranger797]

Very nice work! Nice to see that you even caught a bit from Olympia there, too!

 

[crainbebo]

Nice scans. That 95.1 is amazing isn't it? Only one watt. But 95.1 is a very open channel, and the transmitter is up on a high mountain. So really it's like 100 watts. Meanwhile, go up the road and all those Seattle stations make it in. I'm surprised KEXP made it, but not C89.5.
98.1 Malaga must have a pattern that protects KING-FM. I guess that's why it makes it well into the Moses Lake region on I-90 yet I can't hear any sign of it on Manastash Ridge (I only get Spokane).

 

[fordranger797]

Nice scans. That 95.1 is amazing isn't it? Only one watt. But 95.1 is a very open channel, and the transmitter is up on a high mountain. So really it's like 100 watts. Meanwhile, go up the road and all those Seattle stations make it in. I'm surprised KEXP made it, but not C89.5.
98.1 Malaga must have a pattern that protects KING-FM. I guess that's why it makes it well into the Moses Lake region on I-90 yet I can't hear any sign of it on Manastash Ridge (I only get Spokane).

And on the west side of the mountains, KITI has a similar story on 95.1. 410 watts isn't much, but they certain get out well around the region, and if I recall, you've caught them in some of your bandscans on the east side!

 

[crainbebo]

Yes, KITI can be heard on Forest Road 3500/35 on your way to Lion Rock, 16 mi N of Ellensburg at 6300'.

 

[fordranger797]

Yes, KITI can be heard on Forest Road 3500/35 on your way to Lion Rock, 16 mi N of Ellensburg at 6300'.

Out of curiosity, did you pick up KRXY on that particular scan? They are also fairly low powered. The only FMs that I've been able to catch from Eastern Washington have been KPQ (which isn't surprising), and 92.9 (and a few others) via mountain reflection.

 

[dxsphere]

Nice scans. That 95.1 is amazing isn't it? Only one watt. But 95.1 is a very open channel, and the transmitter is up on a high mountain. So really it's like 100 watts. Meanwhile, go up the road and all those Seattle stations make it in. I'm surprised KEXP made it, but not C89.5.
98.1 Malaga must have a pattern that protects KING-FM. I guess that's why it makes it well into the Moses Lake region on I-90 yet I can't hear any sign of it on Manastash Ridge (I only get Spokane).

I was looking for C89.5 but it never made it. KEXP wasn't very strong either, let alone strong enough for HD.

 

[crainbebo]

KSOH is a very strong signal for 9500 watts. It's that Ahtanum Ridge site that works wonders. If I can get anything else on 89.5 near Ellensburg, it's always the Spanish religion translator in Moses Lake. If I head for Robinson Canyon, I block some of the Yakima path but the east opens up.

 

[dxsphere]

KSOH is a very strong signal for 9500 watts. It's that Ahtanum Ridge site that works wonders. If I can get anything else on 89.5 near Ellensburg, it's always the Spanish religion translator in Moses Lake. If I head for Robinson Canyon, I block some of the Yakima path but the east opens up.

Funny enough, when that Spanish religion translator (K208BY) goes down, it's either KSOH or KEWU that come in on 89.5, depending on which direction I point at.

 

[The New Chico]

Nice array of catches. I wonder if the reception would be different on the Old Blewett Pass road. Not sure if that one is even open anymore, though.

Old Blewett Pass is indeed open all the way over the pass in the summer. Pretty drive. but they don't plow for obvious reasons.

 

[crainbebo]

Is Old Blewett Pass Rd full of washboard and potholes? Or is it a decent road? I've been on some terrible roads in the Cascades. The worst being out of Bear Creek Mountain, the Forest Road 1204. OMG! Also, the forest road leading out of Bumping Lake and south towards the Mt. Aix and Twin Sisters Lakes hikes is horrible. Tons of big potholes in the road and washboarded.

Also, I was able to hear KEWU-FM at Mt. Lillian last July. Loud and clear, even the RDS calls. That is not possible in the Columbia Basin with Moses Lake on. Lillian is up the forest road leading east off 97 at the Blewett summit. There is a horse camp in that area. Lots of great DX from the Okanogan region and Spokane area. I was able to barely take KDRM out and get the KNCW translator in Brewster on 99.3. 95.1 was an echoing mix of KNCW translators in Synarep and Twisp. Even heard KCSY itself on 106.3, which I had never heard before on the parent signal. Still couldn't find 'The Root' KTRT on 97.5. Ugh. They have a very interesting Americana/Eclectic format.

 

[crainbebo]

Out of curiosity, did you pick up KRXY on that particular scan? They are also fairly low powered. The only FMs that I've been able to catch from Eastern Washington have been KPQ (which isn't surprising), and 92.9 (and a few others) via mountain reflection.

All I got on 94.5 was the massive behemoth of a 100KW signal, KATS in Yakima.

 

[fordranger797]

All I got on 94.5 was the massive behemoth of a 100KW signal, KATS in Yakima.

Thanks for the update! Moving around to a different spot isn't going to change that!

 

[crainbebo]

A few years ago, 94.5 was off the air one day and I was able to snag KHTQ, CFBT and KRXY all in one sitting, and a tentative on KJDY in Canyon City OR. And I was 6 miles from their transmitter. Probably a once-in-10-years event.

 

[crainbebo]

Out of curiosity, did you pick up KRXY on that particular scan? They are also fairly low powered. The only FMs that I've been able to catch from Eastern Washington have been KPQ (which isn't surprising), and 92.9 (and a few others) via mountain reflection.

Did you get 92.9 the Bull in the Nisqually area, or up in the Shelton area? It's been about eight years since I was in Shelton, but Tri-Cities FMs made it like a ton of bricks, especially 106.5. Two miles away and they were gone. Of course, I don't know how well the Olympia 92.9 makes it into Mason County. The surprising catch was KLES (now KZXR) 101.7 in Prosser. Relatively modest power and still made it through on I-5 near Nisqually.

 

[SomeRadioGuy]

Yes, KITI can be heard on Forest Road 3500/35 on your way to Lion Rock, 16 mi N of Ellensburg at 6300'.

I can hear their AM side up here in Alaska quite regularly at night in the late fall through the spring (I dont do AM Dxing here in late spring through early fall)

 

[fordranger797]

Did you get 92.9 the Bull in the Nisqually area, or up in the Shelton area? It's been about eight years since I was in Shelton, but Tri-Cities FMs made it like a ton of bricks, especially 106.5. Two miles away and they were gone. Of course, I don't know how well the Olympia 92.9 makes it into Mason County. The surprising catch was KLES (now KZXR) 101.7 in Prosser. Relatively modest power and still made it through on I-5 near Nisqually.

92.9 The Bull used to be a fairly common catch around Nisqually and along JBLM. With the advent of some of these new translators that have hit the air, I have not been able to hear any Tri-Cities FM signals ever since. The 92.9 translator in Olympia is a fairly strong south sound signal (same for 101.1), and I haven't found any spots around the south sound where I've been able to null them out.