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Trail tips from the USFS, Bend - Ft. Rock District
Summer 2002   Winter 2002 - 2003  Summer 2003   Winter 2003 - 2004  Summer 2004   Winter 2004 - 2005

Quick trail condition notes   08.19.08

Recent moderate to heavy thunderstorm activity across the Deschutes National Forest started dozens of small wildfires across the Forest, with reports continuing to come in each day. Most of these fires have been small and readily extinguished, but some have gotten from a few acres to several hundred acres in size. Fire crews are busy with the large fires as well as the new starts. A few road, area and trail closures are in effect and the list will likely grow over the next few days. Conditions are changing hourly and will likely to continue to do so in the next several days. Rain is in the forecast for the next day or two, with drying forecasted after that. For updated fire conditions on the Deschutes go to: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/conditions/fires.shtml or call local Ranger District Offices.

Just a few quick notes:
Mckenzie Pass and trailheads are now open including Black Crater and Lava Camp trailheads
Trail closures going into effect for a section of Metolius River, between Candle Creek and Bridge 99, possibility of campground closures as well. Helicopter water dipping operations are taking place for fire activity on the east side of Green Ridge. Green Ridge trail to Green Ridge lookout is also closed.
Road closures in effect for section of Roads 40 and 4270, for fire activity

Heads up for possible fire activity along much of the Crest. Some sections received quite a bit of lightning and many possible fires have not yet grown large enough for detection. Before using a trail, read information on bulletin boards at the trailhead. You may find information relating to area closures or wildfire activity in the area. While on the trail or in the woods, should you smell strong smoke in the air or see it nearby, take appropriate action for personal safety and report your findings to 911. Should you encounter fire personnel working on fires or en route, please steer clear of the activity for your’s and fire personnel safety.
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Trail conditions update  08.14.08

Hwy 242, Mckenzie Pass, opens August 16. Black Crater and Lava Camp Trailheads may yet be closed for hazard tree cleanup until further notice.
On the Park Meadow Trail the bridges over Whychus and Park Creek have been removed due to snow damage. The Whychus crossing is now a wet ford with moderate flow most of the season. There are not other good crossing up or downstream of the trail so plan to get your feet wet. The Parks crossing is now stepping stones and in good condition.

Canyon Ck Meadows trails are in good condition.
The Fall Ck, Broken Top, Soda Creek, and Todd Lake Trails into Green Lakes are all now cleared and in good condition. 3 snow patches still remain on the Fall Creek trail.
Mirror Lakes Trail is now cleared.
Horse Lake Trail is now cleared on the eastside.

PCT clearing and maintenance is ongoing with various trail segments fully cleared and others reporting moderate to heavy blowdown. Some patches of snow likely yet remains west of the Three Sisters
Heavy blowdown is reported on the Green Lakes Trail (section north of Park Meadow and extends to PCT) section of the loop trail around the Three Sisters volcanoes.
There is a 67 acre lightning fire that is being allowed to “punk” near timberline in the Mt. Washington Wilderness. At this point there is no threat to local trails and the fire is being monitored and staffed.

Road 370 from Todd Lake to Three Creek Lake is open for the season. This road is not maintained for passenger vehicles and is in very rough condition.
Flagline Bike trail opens to non-motorized trail traffic this Saturday. Expect some blowdown.

Trail note from the BLM - Dry River Canyon, east of Bend is now open to all non-motorized uses. The canyon is especially nice hiking in the fall an early winter and will close again February 1, 2009.
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Some significant trail updates for the Deschutes National Forest  08.05.08

Road 370 is scheduled to open late afternoon on Tuesday, August 5, 2008. This road extends from Todd Lake Parking lot northeast to Happy Valley and then continues north to intersect with Road 16 near Three Creek Lakes. From Hwy 46 to Todd Lake parking lot (1/2 mile) Road 370 is maintained for passenger vehicles; then north to Road 16. Road 370 and its connecting spurs ARE NOT MAINTAINED FOR PASSENGER VEHICLES. Due to heavy winter runoff/erosion, road conditions are the worst they have been in several years. Do not attempt to drive this un-maintained section of road in a lower clearance vehicle. Vehicles are required to remain on open roads and parking spurs only. No off road vehicle travel!

Reports of heavy blowdown on the Pacific Crest Trail in several areas including: Koosah Mt. south of Mirror Lakes, Charlton Butte area, and in Diamond Peak Wilderness south of Hwy 58. Also report of heavy lingering sections of snow that are difficult to follow on the PCT, on the west side of the Three Sisters. Heavy blowdown reported on Elk-Devils Trail between Quinn Meadow Horse Camp and the Horse Lk trail out of Elk Lk Trailhead. Mirror Lake Trail has been partially cleared of blowdown and passable for stock with some challenge. Sink Creek Trail and Katsuk Pond Trails are cleared out of Quinn Meadow Horse Camp. The West half of the Edison-Lava Trail is cleared.

Hwy 242, Mckenzie Pass, snow gate to snow gate, is closed to all motorized and non-motorized traffic until further notice! Contact Oregon Department of Transportation for further details and updates. This closure will effect Pacific Crest Trail hikers who plan to catch a ride in to Sisters or head west from the Pass crossing. If northbound on the PCT, your next exit point at a road head is Big Lake or Santiam Pass. This closure also effects other trail users and recreationists planning to use trails and recreation sites along this 16 mile (approx) section of Hwy 242.

New reports of broken trail bridges on the Park Meadow Trail just northwest of Three Creeks Lake: bridges over Whychus Creek and Park Creek are broken and not recommended for crossing. Plan fording or alternative crossings.

The broken bridge over Canyon Creek on the Summit Lake Trail just south of Wasco Lake has been removed. Stepping stones have been placed along the horse ford for hikers. Please use this alternate hiker crossing. Canyon Creek meadow loop trail is now cleared. Snow is yet reported on the trail to the upper meadows.

South Sister Climbers Trail is mostly snow free and in good condition. Expect overflow crowds and parking lots at Devils Lake to be full on weekends.

Dutchman Snow Park, Meissner Snow Park and Ten Mile Snow Park will be closed for approx. 1 day each during next week. Please plan alternate parking areas during these closures. These parking lots are receiving chip seal surfacing during these closures.
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Trails Update for August 1, 2008

Bend/Ft. Rock District:
* Green Lakes trail from TH to Lakes is cleared with patchy but passable snow.
* Soda Creek Trail to Todd Lk Trail is cleared with patchy but passable snow. Broken Top - Road 370 still closed due to snow for possibly another week. Trail from Soda Ck Trail to Green Lakes has light blowdown with patchy snow and is passable.
* South Sister Climbers Trail - Patchy snow and passable for most hikers.
* Heavy blowdown reported on the following: Elk-Devils Trail south of intersection with Wickiup Plains Trail, Mirror Lakes Trail, Horse Lake Trail, Pacific Crest Trail (still serious sections of patchy snow and may be hard to follow)
* North Fork is cleared and snow free - reminder for bikers is uphill biker traffic only - return downhill is on Metolius/Windigo, Farewell or Road 370 (patchy snow yet).
* Bridge Creek to diversion is cleared and snow free Nearly all Phils trailhead trails are cleared and in good condition Again, Road 370 from gate at Todd Lake parking lot, north to intersection with road 4601 is closed to all motorized travel due to snow for perhaps another week. Please be patient for this last bit of snow to melt out. Heads up, this road received heavy runoff in areas and is in very rough shape and will not be passable for low clearance vehicles and not recommended in some areas for medium clearance vehicles.

Sisters Ranger District:
* New report from volunteer work party on Jefferson/Patsy Lakes area trails at northern extend of Jefferson Wilderness: You begin to hit snow drifts at Lava Springs. As you get over the ridge above Lava Springs you begin to hit continuous snow at times and the trail becomes hard to follow. The last climb up to Patsy has snow and the trail is buried. We lost the trail on the last climb to the lake but found it on the way down. Snow all around Patsy with floating ice chunks. Horse travel would not be possible beyond Lava Spring. Almost August and all that deep snow. It might still be there when Winter arrives. (Report of up to 20’ snow drift still remaining on July 22 near Patsy Lk) Canyon Creek Trail is now likely snow free except for patches on upper end.
* Foot bridge out on trail to Wasco Lk just north of Canyon Ck Loop. Hwy 242 closed due to patchy snow, hazard tree removal project and continuing construction projects.

Crescent Ranger District:
* Most Diamond Peak Wilderness trails are in the process of being cleared by volunteer work parties over the coming weeks. Some light to moderate snow patches still remain above 6,300’. Blowdown on trails is reported to be moderate with some heavy area.
* Many of the trails in the Oregon Cascades Recreation Area are cleared or in the process of being cleared by a YCC crew and volunteers. The Pacific Crest Trail in this area is reported to have sections of snow and moderate blowdown.
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Current trails conditions for the Deschutes National Forest  07.22.08

Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District:
July 15-Sept. 15 dogs are required to be on leash on Green Lakes, Soda Ck, South Sister Climbers, east ½ of Moraine Lk Trail, Todd Lk, and Broken Top Trails.
Green Lakes - reports of patchy snow starting 1 mile from trailhead with gradually increasing snow to the Lakes. Estimate 1-2 miles of the trail is under snow, snow reported around the lakes with some campsites snow free and some ice yet on the lakes. Trail getting easier to follow as many folks are beating a somewhat muddy path in the snow covered sections. Watch for possible postholing. First 1.5 mile of trail cleared of blowdown.
Soda Ck Trail - cleared of blowdown and snow to the intersection with Broken Top Trail, approx. 3 miles in.
South Sister Climbers Trail - Snow starts approx. 1 mile in, continues to the flats, is mostly clear on the flats, expect some sections of snow covered trail above the flats. Snow conditions at Moraine Lk not known, but expect some snow covered campsites.
Broken Top Trail - Mostly snow covered with no vehicle access to Trailhead yet.
Todd Lake - a few patches of snow,
Sparks Lk - Ray Atkeson Trail snow free and mostly cleared.
Quinn Meadow Horse Camp Trails - Trail to Wilderness boundary and Elk-Devils Trail is cleared to Elk - Devils Trail but then very heavy blowdown is reported. Trail clearing will continue on and off over next week or two, but progress at this time is very slow due to numerous large trees. Elk-Devils trail not recommended for stock use at this time.
Mirror Lk Trail - heavy blowdown with moderate snow yet reported near the Crest. Not recommended for stock use at this time.
Wickiup Plains Trail - Unknown conditions. May/does have heavy blowdown south of intersection with Elk-Devils.
Six Lks Trail - Cleared to Blow Lk, expect patchy to moderate snow towards PCT.
Horse Lake Tr. - Unknown condition
Tumalo Mt. - A few minor snow patches with 1 tree down. Hiker only
PCT - snow persists at elevations above 6,000’ with some lower elevation areas on west and north aspects. Moderate to heavy blowdown reported in some locations.
Tumalo Falls - North Fork Trail is now snow free and cleared to Happy Valley. Now open to mountain biking, uphill only on North Fork with downhill return on Farewell/Mrazek. Bridge Ck Trail cleared and snow free to diversion - hiker only and no dogs - municipal watershed. Spring Creek is cleared and snow free.
Phils Trailhead area trails reported in good condition.
Deschutes River Trails - good condition. Dogs required to be on leash.
Newberry Crater Trails - nearly all but north side to Swamp Wells reported snow free and cleared of blowdown.
Road 370 beyond Todd Lake parking area is closed due to snow. Estimated opening of 370 is August 9, maybe earlier?

Sisters Ranger District:
Jefferson Lk Trail cleared for 6 miles. Nosey/persistent bear reported at Jefferson Lake by a backpacker. Recommend you hang food and keep a clean camp.
Cabot Lk Trail - first 3 miles logged out.
Canyon Creek Tr. - 1.5 miles logged out. Snow reported on upper meadows/trail.
PCT - snow persists at elevations above 6,000’ with some lower elevation areas on west and north aspects. Moderate to heavy blowdown reported in some locations.
Wasco Lk Trail - heavy blowdown reported, not recommended for stock. Hiker bridge across creek broken, plan on ford.
Brush Creek, Sugarpine Ridge, Minto Lk, Rockpile Lk Trails reported to have one or more of the following issues: heavy brush, heavy blowdown, washouts, difficult maybe impossible to follow.
Pole Ck, Camp Lk Trails are cleared of blowdown and snow free to within 1 mile of Demaris Lk Trail.
Scott Pass Tr. is cleared to Wilderness Boundary.
Green Lk, Park Meadow, Tam MacArthur Rim Trails - unknown conditions at this point.
Black Butte - snow and blowdown free, hiker only.
Metolius River Trails - light blowdown, good condition, hiker only.
Peterson Ridge Trails - good condition
Suttle Lake Trail - light blowdown, watch for holes in trail near lakeshore.
Head of Jack Creek - good condition.
Three Creek Lakes area trails - unknown conditions at this time.
Road 370 now snow free all the way to the 4601 rd junction and then down to Bend on 4601. Gate at 370/4601 locked due to snow further up 370 towards Broken Top and Todd Lk. Estimated opening of 370 is August 9, maybe earlier?
Hwy 242 condition - ODOT website for latest updates. PCT Thru Hikers take note that road may not be open for access to/from Sisters or westside access.

Crescent Ranger District:
PCT - snow persists at elevations above 6,000’ with some lower elevation areas on west and north aspects. Moderate to heavy blowdown reported in some locations. Blowdown levels unknown at this time but expect moderate to heavy in areas.
Moderate trail maintenance ongoing on lower elevation trails with full report next week.
PS - Reports coming in on mosquitoes are not good if you’re warm and red blooded. Plan on giving! Very heavy in some locations.

I really do plan to send out a fully updated report on most of the Deschutes N F trails; at least report on those we know the conditions of. Until then I keep up with some short reports.  --Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Trail conditions to Green Lakes and South Sister   07.16.08

Green Lakes trail is reported moderate snow starting about 1 mile from Trailhead, then plan mostly snow covered trail that is impossible to follow to the lakes.

South Sister trail is moderate snow approx. 3/4-1 mile from trailhead then mostly snow covered to about 9,000'. Difficult/impossible to follow trail over snow.

Serious postholing issue for dogs and not recommended; recent semi rescue due to two dogs in one party collapsing and unable to walk back after reaching summit. Dogs had to be carried down with reports of serious snow/ice abrasions to canines chest/bellies. SAR personnel called in as one of the hikers carrying dog reported overdue after dark.

North Fork Trail above Tumalo Falls reported to be nearly snow free except for patchy snow. Same for Spring Creek Trail section connecting to Bridge Creek.

Sorry, the trails updates will for the most part be delayed until Thursday. Few quick items:
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Note: This is one of several cases of abused dogs having to be carried down from attempts to "hike up South Sister", Spring through Fall.
--Webmeister Speik.

 

Snow is holding on in a number of Wilderness locations  07.07.08

It’s getting difficult trying to sort out a number of trail conditions reports coming in from different directions and on limited time. With recent high temperatures, conditions are changing rapidly in some ways but it’s still interesting to hear and see how the snow is holding on in a number of Wilderness locations.

A short summary update:
Some Deschutes River trails and road accesses are temporarily closed until further notice due to Deschutes County Sheriffs SAR mission in progress. The section affected is from Benham Falls East to approx. Aspen Day Use. Access roads, recreation sites as well as the hiker, biker, and horse trails are involved in this closure. We’ll keep you updated as much as we can with changing conditions and reopen this section of river, trails, recreation sites and roads when the mission permits. Until then, we thank you for your patience and cooperation in avoiding this closure area.

Road 370 from Hwy 46 to the Todd Lake parking area has been repaired from flood damage and is reopened. Snow persists in the Todd Lake area as well as the road beyond the parking lot. This section of Road 370 from the parking lot, north to its intersection with Road 4601 may be snow bound and closed for resource protection until early August. Until it’s opening, it will remain gated and closed to all motorized travel. This is the road to Broken Top Trailhead so late July at the very earliest for road access.

Tumalo Mt. Trail - report of approx. 60-70% snow coverage. Devils Lake and Green Lakes Trailheads are open but most of the trails leading out of them are pretty well snowbound within ¼ -1/2 mile out. Good news is, the snow is melting; not so good news is the mosquitoes are hatching and becoming a bumper crop; go prepared. Hiker report from July 2, 6-8’ of snow in Moraine Lk area with lake completely iced over yet. Planned to hike to So. Sister Summit but found difficult on snow and turned around above the lake. Report from several day hikers headed to Green Lakes on July 7, hitting serious snow ½ mile from trailhead, difficult to impossible following a trail, turned around due to snow at mp ½.

Trail from Deer Lk to West Cultus Boat-in Camp has 41 trees down, then beyond to the Winopee Lk Trailhead near Cultus Lake Campground on the east shore has been cleared. Trail into Muskrat, Winopee and Teddy Lakes is in the process of being cleared by volunteers. Serious mosquito conditions and likely snow free to at least Winopee. Volunteer report on conditions up North Fork Trail above Tumalo Falls on July 6, “The snow is now about 4-5 ft deep above the upper great fall at the spur trail and fairly solid 1-2 ft deep to about ¼ mile past the Middle Fork Crossing on the Spring Creek trail. It appears that the log crossing at the Middle Fork has collapsed a bit but is still a safe crossing. I counted about 30 down trees...” Reminder for mountain bikers, North Fork Trail is open for biking only in the uphill direction and at this time snow yet blocks the trail just above the new trail bridge at mp 2.3.

Carl/Cabot Lake Trail report - words from a trail volunteer on July 3, “ The snowpack is still too heavy on the trail to be navigated correctly by most users, in fact the trail seems to vanish in the snowpack still a good 2.5 miles from Carl lake just about a half mile or so from the top of the switchbacks.” In the snow free section, “Most of the downed trees are somewhat passable for more able hikers, difficult for dogs, and impassable to stock.”

Brief report on snow conditions for trails around Three Creek Lake at the end of road 16, still impressive amounts of snow holding in the area, especially on northern exposures.

Mckenzie Hwy, eastside, has reopened to cyclist and pedestrian traffic only. Gate remains closed to motorized use, snow blocks hwy at summit. Heads up for PCT thru-hikers on the Mckenzie Pass closure. The Hwy from gate to gate will be closed to all except construction traffic for a two week period in August. At this time in your planning, your best bet for a restock drop is likely Big Lake, just south of Santiam Pass (Hwy 20). More on exact dates for the closure in future reports. Not on the Deschutes but may be of interest for Mt. Jefferson Wilderness users West of the Crest, report from hikers on Duffy Lk trail July 4, “The first third of the trail is mostly snow free but with lots of blowdown. The middle third of the trail has both snow for about 50% and blowdown. After you cross the river the trail is mostly snow with depths of approx. 3 to 4 feet at Duffy Lake. We walked mostly on snow after we crossed the river.”
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Todd Lake Trailhead Inaccessible due to Washout   07.03.08

Due to heavy runoff from snowmelt in the Todd Lake Basin, the parking area for the Todd Lake Trailhead is inaccessible due to a washout of the access road.

Todd Creek is overflowing its banks and has carved out a deep channel that bisects the road. At this point, snow banks do not allow access to the location of the washout or to the trailhead parking area. However, the public can still access Todd Lake by non-motorized means.

Parking is available along the Todd Lake Road off the Cascade Lakes Highway, but is limited due to terrain and vegetation. People parking along the Todd Lake Road should park so as not to affect vegetation or block limited turnarounds. Please do not park in the meadow at the junction with the Cascade Lakes Highway.

Todd Lake is still approximately two-thirds frozen over, and there are still two to three feet of snow in areas around the lake. As such, wildflowers are not viewable at this time. If you do visit Todd Lake, be sure to dress appropriately and wear appropriate foot gear for snowy and wet conditions.

Road repair of the washout will not occur until the amount of runoff recedes.

Also, a hiker reports that the South Sister Climber's Trail is covered with  6 to 8 feet of snow in the Moraine Lake area with Moraine Lake fully iced over, difficult hiking conditions over snow most of the way up to lake.

Sparks Lake reportedly is snow free with access to the boat ramp.
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Sparks Lake inlet flowing full, looking back, just as you enter from Cascade Lake Highway on 06-29-08

Minor obstacle on the way to the boat ramp to try the new boats before heading to Puget Sound
Photos Copyright© 2008 by Paul Chance. See more kayak adventures

PCTA: New Volunteer Opportunity: the Windigo Crew   07.01.08

Windigo Crew Announcement
Calling all trail stewards, backpackers, and hard workers: Get out into the backcountry and give back, get dirty, and have fun on the trail

The Pacific Crest Trail Association is looking for volunteers to come out and work with our trail crew one or multiple weekends this summer. Participate in the first season of this exciting pilot program, the Windigo Crew, combining field staff from both the PCTA and the Forest Service with volunteers, both experienced and new. Recruits will meet crew leaders on Friday mornings in Eugene and Bend and travel out to the trail to work together doing trail maintenance and backpacking on the scenic Pacific Crest Trail for 4 days and 3 nights.

Each year, a few dedicated volunteers from the PCTA and affiliate equestrian groups clear downed trees from the PCT on the Willamette and Deschutes. On their outings, these Stewards also do what they can to maintain the tread and curb erosion. But the forces of nature are great, tread work takes a lot of time, and the Stewards can not always do it alone. This program is intended to help focus more labor power where it is needed to reconstruct the tread and add or improve drainage features. This is a great chance to work with experienced trail leaders on, for example: rock or log cribbing, check steps, grade dips, armored stream crossings, and re-establishing sidehill tread.

If you are already a Steward, come out and host the crew while they are on your section. You can help with valuable information about the setting, as well as context and history of any maintenance problems on your section. Or, take this opportunity to work on other parts of the PCT you may not have seen in a while.

If you are a new volunteer, don't worry, you don't need any trail work experience to participate. We will teach all skills necessary, just come with a willingness to learn. Tread work does not require big muscles, but can be strenuous. Participants should consider themselves in good enough physical condition to backpack for several days, up to 25 miles per weekend, so make sure to come with properly broken-in footwear. The crew will take plenty of breaks to enjoy the scenery and go swimming in lakes.

This program is offered to you free of charge. PCTA will provide all food, water, kitchen supplies, tools, work gloves, and protective safety gear, including a hard hat. Volunteers will need to provide their own tent, sleeping bag, and personal gear. The Windigo Crew Program will run for 8 weeks this summer. Volunteers are not expected to commit to the entire 8 weeks; you can sign up for one or as many weekends as you like.

We will start working north from the northern boundary of Crater Lake, stopping along the way to address tread and drainage issues, with an aim to restore the trail to its best condition. We'll backpack in on Friday and work through Monday, then hike out Monday after work. We will be camping for 3 nights each weekend, in beautiful, high, remote places on the Pacific Crest Trail.

The available dates for volunteers to join the Windigo Crew are 7/18-7/21, 7/25-7/28, 8/1-8/4, 8/8-8/11, 8/15-8/18, 8/22-8/25, 8/29-9/1, and 9/5-9/8. On the first day of each hitch, we will meet at designated locations in Eugene and Bend to carpool. Volunteers will be responsible for their own transportation.

Registration has begun! To sign up, or for more information, please contact PCTA Crew Advisor, Rudi Romaine 812-340-1456 rudi.romaine@gmail.com, or PCTA Regional Representative, Dana Berthold dberthold@pcta.org

Hope to see you on the trail!
Dana Berthold, PCTA Regional Representative
dberthold@pcta.org; 541 844 9133

Enjoy the heat!  06.24.08

Snow melt is picking up the pace rapidly and will likely start vaporizing under temps possibly hitting 80 degrees at 7,000’ this weekend. In the mid to upper 90’s in the forecast for the lower elevations.

A few last minute updates:
Estimate that Green Lakes Trailhead becomes mostly vehicle accessible Sunday Devils Lk Trailhead still blocked by 2-3 ft. of snow - est snow free in 10-12 days Todd Lake road has 2-3 ft. of snow - est vehicle access to Todd Lake parking in 8-10 days Estimate 80-85% snow coverage on South Sister Climbers Trail, estimate similar for Green Lakes Trail presently. Trails may be difficult to follow and postholing a good possibility.

Trail maintenance begins on Trails out of Pole Creek/Scott Pass Trailheads - snow free for approx. 2 - 2.5 miles out of Pole Ck and snow at about 5,800’ of Scott Pass area.

Expect most recreation sites on Deschutes National Forest to see greatly increasing use starting this weekend. When temps near triple digits, people head for the mountains, lakes and rivers. See news release on closure of road on eastside of Elk Lake Mosquito count is on the rise.
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Cascade Lakes Highway opens on June 19, 2008    06.18.08

In case you haven't heard, Deschutes County Road Department. with the use of an ODOT snow blower and Jim Frazee with Lava Lake Resort in his blower, has successfully punched through the last of the snow on Hwy 46 beyond Mt. Bachelor. The County is planning on opening the Hwy Thurs, June 19, at noon. Beware that there are a few icy spots yet and that none of the side roads or trailheads between Mt. Bachelor and the northern end of Elk Lake have been plowed nor is there parking available. This means that recreation sites like Todd Lake, Sparks Lake, Green Lakes Trailhead, Devils Lk Trailhead/campground and Mirror Lakes Trailhead are not accessible. It's basically a drive thru from Mt. Bachelor to north Elk Lake for the immediate future. See photos below.
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Warm and sunny weather  06.16.08

Warm and sunny weather has accelerated the melt off with the snow level moving up towards 6,000’ for many areas. Still some elevations down to 5,000’ with mostly snow covered or moderately patchy. Forecast is looking like 24/7 melting to about the 6 or 7,000’ elevation level over the next week.

A few key trail items:
The new North Fork Bridge 2 miles above Tumalo Falls is nearing completion with an official opening scheduled in the next week to 10 days. The North Fork Trail is yet mostly under snow and even getting to the bridge will require some difficulty in traversing about 1.5 mile over snow. Reminder to mountain. bikers that the North Fork Trail is uphill bike traffic only and best estimate of a snow free and bike-able date is around the second week in July. The road to Tumalo Falls/North Fork/Bridge Ck Trailheads is open and in good condition. As well as North Fork/Bridge Ck Trails being blocked by snow, South Fork Trail is also blocked by snow.

Deschutes River Trails from Sunriver to Meadow Picnic and Entrada Lodge are cleared and in good condition. Reminder that these trails are heavy use this time of year and users need to be extra courteous to other users. Also reminder that dogs are required to be on a leash while on these trails. This goes also for bikers and that likely makes taking the dog with you on a ride very difficult and unsafe to do for most bikers.

Wilderness trails below 4,600’ are mostly snow free; unfortunately that makes most Wilderness trails inaccessible as most are above that elevation with the exception of a few miles in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. Getting plenty of inquiries about hiking and backpacking into the very popular Green/Moraine Lakes, South Sister, Canyon Ck Meadows, Middle Sister and other Wilderness locations; look at your elevations and you’ll see that these are above the 4,600’ elevation and mostly under several feet of snow. May be late July before Green/Moraine Lakes area is completely snow free. Likely that time or later for the flowers at Canyon Ck Meadows.

Other Deschutes National Forest trails that are snow free and reported in fair to good condition are: Black Butte, Metolius River, Peterson Ridge, Suttle Tie, Peter Skene Ogden, Phils Trailhead area trails up to approx. 5,200’, Horse Butte Trails, Black Rock, Bessie Butte Trail, Fall River Trail, Tumalo Creek and Mrazek to 5,000’. Snow plowing on Cascade Lakes Hwy is progressing better with two snow blowers and a cat working on clearing the remaining snow from a heavy winter. The section of Hwy from Elk Lake north to Mt. Bachelor remains closed at this time. With successful plowing, the hwy should be opening for the season in the very near future (1-2 wks?). Keep in mind that the recreation facility access along this section of hwy is not being plowed and that it may be another 2-4 weeks before most of these day use and overnight facilities become accessible. When the Hwy opens, you’ll likely only be able to drive thru until road/parking access naturally melts out at the campgrounds and trailheads. Todd Lake is likely to be snowed in until the second week in July and full opening of Road 370 from Todd Lake to Broken Top Trailhead and beyond to Three Ck Lake may not be until August this year.

Elk Lake Resort is open and access around the Lake is improving with snow conditions reported now as mostly just patchy. Road access to Hosmer Lake is now open thanks to Jim Frazee for plowing out the road in. Jim reports the campgrounds have not been plowed out so access may be a bit difficult for another week or two. Mckenzie Pass likely snowed in for weeks yet and then bridge reconstruction will be limiting traffic for the season with some complete closures possible. More details later! Construction on the new Meissner Nordic ski trails has begun and will continue thru the summer. Also the new Meissner Shelter construction will begin and continue thru the summer.

Newberry Crater floor recreation sites are mostly accessible with only patchy snow conditions around. Trail maintenance has not begun and expect many trails above the floor area to have varied amounts of snow. Crescent Ranger District trail maintenance is scheduled to begin next week.
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Trails summary 06.12.08

Weather is calling for a chance of snow above 5,500’ and rain below over the next day or two. After that, looks like clearing and warmer weather for the remainder of the week.

As far as the spring thaw and snow lines, it’s been a bit on the slow side this year. See some photos of the snow pack:

Sisters District snow line varies from 4,900’ around Mt. Jefferson Wilderness and Mckenzie Pass to 5,700’ around Three Creeks Lk. Bend/Ft Rock Ranger District snow line varies from 5,700’ around eastside of Mt. Bachelor area, 4,800’ around Elk Lk, and 6,300’ in Newberry Crater.

Crescent Ranger District general snow line is 5,700-6,100’. Use these snow line elevations with a grain or two of salt as slope aspect, proximity to the Cascade Crest and vegetation can effect local snow depths. Generally you can figure trails and trailhead access above these elevations will mostly be under snow, trails just below will likely be varying degrees of patchy snow, and well below should be snow free. General blowdown this year is looking average to maybe just above for most locations.

It may too early to call as about 60-70% of the Deschutes National Forests summer non-motorized trails are yet under snow.

Trail maintenance has begun on some trails including much of the Phils Trailhead area trails, Deschutes River Trails, Peter Skene Ogden, Fall River, Suttle Lake Tie, Peterson Ridge area, Head of Jack Creek, and Suttle Lake.

A big thanks to the 130+ volunteers that turned out and performed nearly 700 hrs of volunteer labor last Saturday (National Trails Day). Most of these volunteers worked on mountain bike/hiker trails and were coordinated through Central Oregon Trails Alliance (COTA) volunteer crew leaders in coordination with the Deschutes National Forest. Other volunteers included Backcountry Horsemen. Without these volunteers, area trails would not be in as good of condition as they are. So next time you find them working on your trails, give ‘em a big thanks and ask how you can help out.

Trail crew members are working hard to complete the new North Fork Trail bridge in time for the snow line to reach it in the next week or two. The bridge is being replaced with a new one after the old bridge was deemed structurally unsafe due to decay.

Fair snow access for winter trail use still exists at Dutchman Flat. Beware the Hwy is being plowed and in very rough shape, directional and boundary signing has been removed from the Dutchman Flat area for the season and some of the trails will be rough. 3-4’ of snow remains on
Dutchman Flat as of 6/9.

Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Summary report   06.03.08

Over the past 10 days, various parts of the Deschutes received moderate to heavy amounts of rain. This rain helped to substantially increase snow melt across the Forest, raising the mean snow lines to between 5,000 - 6,000’; expect to find some moderate to patchy snow just below these elevations. Also, closer to the Crest you will find the snow line lower to around 4,700’ around Lava to Elk Lk and in the Mckenzie and Santiam Pass area. Forecast for this week looks like increasing chance of rain at the lower elevations and rain/snow at the higher elevations as well as cooler temperatures through the week and into the weekend. May not be time to plant the tomatoes just yet, there’s still snow on the north side of Black Butte.

Trail updates:
Sisters Ranger District - Snow line made some rapid improvements with general snow line now around 5,300’ with lower exceptions in the Mckenzie and Santiam Pass areas and higher snowline on Black Butte.
Sisters Trails - Good conditions on the Metolius River Trails, Black Butte (patchy snow at the top), Peterson Ridge (some new trail construction is underway), northern and lower Metolius/Windigo, Suttle Tie and Head of Jack Creek. Suttle Lake trail is snow free and has been cleared of some blowdown but beware that some lakeshore erosion is causing sinkholes in sections of the trail. Watch for unmarked erosion hazards in the trail’s tread if you use this trail. Wilderness trail access is yet very limited but road access to the trailheads is improving with snow free access to Jefferson Lk, Cabot Lk, Bear Valley, Jack Lake and Pole Creek Trailheads. Caution when traveling these roads as there is light to moderate blowdown partially blocking some roads. May be too early to call, but blowdown across trails in the area is looking at this time to be about average to above average amounts. In the B and B and other fire areas, we are beginning to see increasing amounts of blowdown as fire killed trees increasingly fall over from decay. Just a “heads up” to watch out for falling trees over the season, especially during strong and erratic windy conditions, i.e. thunderstorms.

The gate beyond Upper Three Creek Sno-Park has been opened with the snowline stopping hwy traffic about 3 miles above the sno-park. Very limited turnarounds for vehicles with trailers.

Special Thanks to the nearly 100 volunteers who either helped with instruction/coordination or participated in trainings of the Deschutes National Forest’s first High Cascades Forest Volunteers Allingham Training Camp. This primarily trails training camp was a cooperative venture between Forest Service, Pacific Crest Trails Association, Oregon Equestrian Trails, Central Oregon Trails Alliance, Central Oregon Nordic Club, and other volunteer organizations/individuals. Volunteers learned various aspects of trail maintenance, tool use, safety and crew leadership. For further information on future HCFV trainings contact: hayjudy@comcast.net

Bend/Ft Rock Ranger District - Snow line varies from 4,700’ around Elk Lk to 6,000’ around Newberry Crater.
BFR Trails - Good conditions on Deschutes River Trails, Phils Trailhead area trails, Fall River, Horse Butte area trails, lower Mrazek, Tumalo Ck 2 and Black Rock Trails. All District Wilderness Trails are snowed in.
Tumalo Falls Road to Tumalo Falls Trailhead is now open for the season.
Expect to encounter solid snow within the first mile from the trailhead. The trail bridge at mile 2 is under reconstruction and we hope to have it open in time for melt off around the end of June. Tumalo Creek trail is mostly snow free.
Cascade Lakes Hwy (Hwy 46) is blocked by snow from Mt. Bachelor to Elk Lake. The section from Lava Lake north to Elk Lake Resort is scheduled to open this week; but beware there will be very limited vehicle access and parking at Elk Lake Resort and all other recreation sites around the lake are yet snowed in. Plowing operations are delayed by challenging snow conditions and a prolonged breakdown with the primary snow blower. May be another 2-3 weeks before the Hwy is completely open. Even when open, there will be limited access to some recreation sites (ie Todd and Sparks Lk) as snow will yet be blocking roads in the area.
Winter trail access is limited to Dutchman Sno-Park.

Crescent Ranger District - Snow line reported to be between 5,700 - 6,000’ with lower exceptions in some locations. Summer trails are just beginning to free up from snow.
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Deschutes National Forest Memorial Day Weekend 2008 Trails Update  05.21.08

The first of the big spring/summer holiday weekends is upon us and with it a few access restrictions due to snow levels.

First, weather over the weekend is looking on the cloudy/partly sunny and cooler side, but generally should be fair. The next few days, thru Friday, hold a chance of rain/snow showers at the upper elevations and a chance of rain showers at the lower elevations. Just a word of caution if you are near streams and rivers over the next few days: should we get rain/thunderstorms over the snow covered areas, an increased melting of the snowpack from warm rain could result in rapidly rising stream and river levels downstream.

Holiday Weekend Crowds:
Expect high use at all accessible recreation sites on the Deschutes over the weekend. With many recreation sites at mid-higher elevations still snowbound, snow free and open sites are likely to see heavy weekend use. Most if not all summer trails and trailheads above 5,000’ are blocked by snow, forcing trail use to concentrate on the lower elevation trails.

Wilderness Trails:
All Eastside Three Sisters, Diamond Peak, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington Wilderness Trails/trailhead access is presently blocked by snow.

Winter Trail Access:
The only decent/recommended winter trail access for the weekend will be out Dutchman Sno-Park. Dutchman Sno-Park is expected to be full and overflowing over the weekend with a annual snowmobiler gathering. Wanoga Sno-Park is very marginal at this time and not expected to improve over the next few days. Three Creek Sno-Park has patchy snow and users can expect bare pavement for a distance beyond the gate, which is scheduled to remain closed for the weekend at this time.

Summary of known good summer trail access on the Deschutes:
Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District:
Phils Trail area - Good trail access with snow free trails to 4,600’, little blowdown reported and logging operations finished for the summer season.
Deschutes River Trails - Good trail access with snow free trails and little blowdown reported to Sunriver and connecting trails to Phil Trail area. Dogs required to be on leash within the Deschutes River Corridor from Entrada Lodge to above Benham East.
Tumalo Falls area trails - Trails above Tumalo Falls are under solid snow with patchy snow below to Skyliner. The road to Tumalo Falls is not yet open due to snow yet in the parking area causing soft/muddy parking surface. The 2.2 miles from the locked gate to the falls is snow free and can make for an easy bike ride or pleasant hike. A small parking area is located at the gate. The 3+ mile hiker/biker Tumalo Creek Trail from Skyliner to Tumalo Falls is under 30% to patchy snow. Mrazek Bike trail just above Shevlin Park has reopened after a wildfire burned it over the weekend. Use caution when riding this trail as there will be fire personnel in the area over the next several days. Tumalo Creek 2 Trail just upstream of Shevlin Park and a hiker only more challenging trail is snow free with just a few trees down. Fall River Trail - Good snow free access.
Lower Peter Skene Ogden Trail - Approx. the lower 4 miles along Paulina Creek is snow free but does have some blowdown. Newberry Crater Trails are under 2-6 ft. of snow. Horse Butte to Swamp Wells area trails - Good trail access, snow free to approx. 4,900’, expect some blowdown. Be aware that there is a 600 acre prescribed fire planned under the right weather conditions for this area at some time in the near future. The planned burn area does come close to the horse trails and also along some atv trails. These trails will be closed during the burning period; should you see smoke or signing indicating the burn is in progress, avoid the area.

Sisters Ranger District:
Peterson Ridge Trails - Mainly biker/horse use trails are snow free and in good condition.
Black Butte Trail - mostly snow covered but Trailhead is snow free.
Metolius River Trails - Snow free and in good condition. Horse trails out of Sheep Springs Horse Camp - Some maintenance has begun, expect to begin hitting patchy snow above 4,200’ and solid snow above 4,400’.
Head of Jack Creek Trail - Snow free and just a few small trees down that are scheduled to be removed Friday.
Jack Lake Trailhead - Reported blocked by snow. Suttle Lake shoreline trail - Snow free with some blowdown. Use extra caution on this trail as lakeshore erosion is moving into some trail sections causing sudden, deep holes in the trail, especially on the southern shoreline trail.
Snow line around Santiam Pass is reported to be approx. 4,300’, expect patchy conditions below that elevation, especially on north facing slopes.

Crescent Ranger District:
Most summer trail access is blocked by snow, some trail access opening up around Davis Lake area.

Road Access Update:
Presently, Hwy 46 is closed due to snow from Deschutes Bridge north to Lava Lakes, Elk Lk, Devils Lk, Sparks Lk and on to Mt. Bachelor. The section from Deschutes Bridge to Lava Lakes is scheduled to open this Thursday. The Hwy will then remain closed until further notice from Lava Lakes cutoff north to Mt. Bachelor. There is 5-7’ of snow reported in the Elk Lake area where Deschutes County Rd Dept. plowing operations are progressing slowly north.

HWY 46 FROM MT. BACHELOR SOUTHWEST TO LAVA LAKES CUTOFF WILL NOT BE OPEN FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND! OPENING DATE IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME.

Road 40 west of Sunriver is blocked by snow for approx. 1-2 miles and is not scheduled to be plowed out.
Hwy 242, Mckenzie Pass, plowing from the east gate presently is not scheduled to begin until possibly July due to deep snow on the Pass.

More road/campground updates from our resort/campgrounds manager:
Newberry Crater access: The gate at 10 mile snow park on Road 21 will be closed until Friday the 23rd at 1200. The following campground sites in the Crater that will be open after 12:00 pm are Paulina, Little Crater, and Cinder Hill, please call the visitor center at 541-536- 8802 for more information regarding the Newberry Crater access.
Campgrounds that are open on the Bend Fort Rock Ranger District are South Twin, North Twin, Rock Creek, Quinn River, Sheep Bridge, West South Twin and the river sites.

Campgrounds open on Crescent and Odell Lakes are:
Crescent Lake Campground
Simax Group Site
Sunset Cove

Access is not available to other sites on the Deschutes National Forest due to high levels of snow. For current information please contact the Resorts, Campground Concessionaires and the local Ranger Districts.

End of this report...Have a safe and enjoyable weekend!
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

PS: A correction came in about trail conditions on Black Butte Trail. The trail is reported to be in good condition except for snow on the final 2-300 yards. That may have changed a bit in the past few hours with maybe some new snow near the top. Likely to change to rain before long. Now we're talking about a normal spring. Give us the moisture, lower elevation especially can use it.

Chance of rain/thunderstorms in the forecast thru the weekend. Likely snow now falling at the higher elevations, but looks like a change to rain showers over the weekend for most of the Deschutes National Forest. 08.05.23
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Mid-May may feel more like mid-July!   05.15.08

Mid-May may feel more like mid-July over the next few days with temps forecasted to range in the low to mid 90’s for Bend. Night temps are expected to remain above freezing at most elevations and this coupled with high daytime temps will increase the melting rate of the snowpack. This will result in a faster than normal snow melt for this time of year but, keep in mind that we have an above normal snow pack and most Deschutes National Forest Trails above 5,000 ft. (average) can be expected to remain snowbound after this weekend and even likely beyond Memorial Day Weekend.

Short summary on trail access for this weekend:
General snow line varies from roughly 4,200’ to 5,000’ and depends on location. Further you are from the Cascade Crest to the East the higher the snowline. Just below these elevations patchy snow may be found especially on sheltered and north facing slopes. Lower elevation snow will be found along Santiam and Mckenzie Pass areas and north into Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. Higher elevation snowline will be found in the Newberry Crater area with snow in the Crater ranging from 2-7 ft. Generally, summer trails and access roads above the 4,200-5,000 ft. elevation ranges will be partially or fully blocked by snow, unless otherwise plowed. Not all spring plowed roads are yet opened to traffic.

All Wilderness trails and access to all Wilderness Trailheads are/is blocked by snow and expected to be for some time. Phils Trailhead area trails are fairly snow free towards Skyliner, but expect healthy drifts in places likely blocking the trails west of the 300 rd.. Again patchy snow will be found in north aspects and sheltered locations. Beware that logging activities are in the cleanup stages around the Phils TH area.

Lower Mrazek and lower Tumalo Creek Trails are reported to be in good condition, although you are likely to hit snow line around 4,600’ and a few downed trees.

Deschutes River Trails are snow free to Sunriver, though a patch or two may linger for next couple of days. Dogs are required to be on leash within the Deschutes River Corridor from Entrada to Benham East for the summer season. Road access to all Deschutes River Recreation sites, up to Benham Falls is snow free and mostly good if not a bit bumpy. Road 41 is fully open between Inn of the Seventh Mt. and Road 40 just west of Sunriver.

Benham Falls East, access from Lava Butte is good with Black Rock trail reported snow free and in good condition.
For further mountain. biking access in the Central Oregon area, go to the COTA website at: http://cotamtb.com/

Fall River Trail has been cleared of blowdown and ready for the season. Horse Butte Trails are reported mostly snow free to about 5,000’ with some blowdown. Bessie Butte Trail is in good condition. Be aware that some controlled burns are scheduled in the near future for areas just south and east of Bend as well as near the town of Sisters. Please heed any warning signs of controlled burning activity in proximity to area trails or roads. Some trails, roads and areas may be closed during burns.

Peter Skene Ogden is likely snow free for the lower 3-4 miles. Expect sections of blowdown.
2-7 ft. of snow reported in Newberry Crater with Road 21 still closed at 10 Mile. No date set for the opening. Road crew will be working on installing a temporary bridge over Paulina Creek to Paulina Lake Resort in the near future.

Sisters Ranger District Trails are mostly under snow above 3,800’. Limited trail maintenance has begun around Sheep Springs Horse Camp, beware the crew started hitting snow two weekends ago about 1 mile west of the camp.

Metolius River East and West trails (hiker only) are reported free of snow and in good condition with maybe a few blowdown. Peterson Ridge trails are snow free and in good condition.

Black Butte TH access and trail blocked by snow. Suttle Lake Trail on the south shore last week had light to patchy snow, but is expected to be mostly snow free.
More from the Sisters R.D. front desk: Suttle Lake Campgrounds, Blue Bay and South Shore, will be opening Friday 5/16. Link Creek has been open for several weeks. (A few sites in Blue Bay have standing water in them from the melt down and won’t be available for awhile. Metolius River Campgrounds will all be open as of Friday 5/16 as well. Three Creeks campsites are still under snow and the 16 road remains closed at the Upper Snowpark due to snow.

Pole Creek TH is still under snow as are the last 2.5 miles of the 15 road leading up to the trail head.

Snow is holding for the time being at Wanoga and Swampy Sno-Parks (only fair-poor condition), Dutchman is in good spring snow condition. Three Creek Lk Sno-Park is showing some bare areas and the road out has bare pavement for a distance to the Lakes. Ten Mile Sno-Park is snow free. Crescent Lake Snow Parks are likely poor for winter trail use. Please avoid using trails and roads that are just melting free from snow and those that are soft/muddy as early season use damages trail/road tread and can greatly increase maintenance efforts.

It’s Pole, Peddle, Paddle weekend and watch for moderate to heavy traffic to/from Mt. Bachelor in the morning and around Bend area and snow free trails through the unseasonably HOT weekend.

Road summary from one of our road managers: Yesterday (5/14) I toured the section of Cascade Lakes Hwy that is has just opened. The gate at the 42, 46 junction has been moved to Lava Lake, but the County gate at Deschutes Bridge is closed. Cultus Lk is opened to the boat ramp and the parking area has been opened. The road into the boat ramp is narrow in places, but if the public is careful they should be able to pass each other. The lake at the boat ramp is still froze and the only open water is from the middle of the lake west.

Crane Prairie boat ramp and parking area is open and most of the camp ground appears free of snow. Rock Creek campground is also mostly snow free, and the gate is opened, the road to the boat ramp and parking area are fully opened. Quinn River Campground and boat launch are still blocked by snow as is Cow Meadow CG and Boat Launch.

Road Manager/Transportation Planning
Deschutes NF, Bend-Ft. Rock RD:
Road 40 has the west bound lane open from cascade lakes hwy to four corners (4270). Road 40 east from 4270 is opened about a mile to a mile and half and then blocked by snow. Road 40 from road 45 west was blocked just before the 4040 junction.
Road 4270 from road 42 to road 40 is fully open, From the 40 north to Deschutes Bridge is still blocked by snow.
Road 4285 to Brown Mountain boat launch is blocked by snow.
Road 4280 is open.

Other road notes:
Cascade Lakes Hwy from Mt. Bachelor to ??? will not be opened this year for Memorial Day Weekend due to snow. Full opening is not known at this point.
Mckenzie Pass is also expected to be blocked by snow for several weeks or longer.
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Happy Cinco De Mayo!   05.05.08

Temperatures have warmed over the past few days bringing spring like conditions to the Deschutes. The general snow line has shown signs of accelerating its accent towards mid elevations. Winter trail conditions are much more “spring like” with icy morning conditions leading to softer melting snow in the afternoon. Weather forecast is indicating a chance of light rain across the Forest along with a chance of snow showers at the higher elevations over the next few days before more clear weather into the weekend.

General snow line varies depending on location from roughly 4,500’ around the Bend/Sunriver area to 3,700’ west and north of Sisters. Crescent falls somewhere in between. Just below these elevations patchy snow may be found especially on shelters and north facing slopes. Generally, summer trails and access roads in these elevation ranges will be partially or fully blocked by snow, unless otherwise plowed. Phils Trailhead area trails are fairly snow free west to the 300 rd.

Again patchy snow may be found in north aspects and sheltered locations. Beware that logging activities are in the cleanup stages around the Phils TH area.

Lower Mrazek and lower Tumalo Creek Trails are reported to be in good condition, although you are likely to hit snow line around 4,400’ and a few downed trees.

Deschutes River Trails are snow free to Benham Falls with some blowdown reported. Dogs are required to be on leash within the Deschutes River Corridor from Entrada to Benham East for the summer season. Road access to all Deschutes River Recreation sites, up to Benham Falls is snow free and mostly good if not a bit bumpy. Road 41 is now plowed/graded to Spring River area and Rd 40.

Benham Falls East, access from Lava Butte is good with Black Rock trail reported snow free and in good condition. No report on trail connecting Sunriver to Benham Falls, but may find a patch or two of snow yet. Fall River Trail has been cleared of blowdown and ready for the season. Horse Butte Trails are reported mostly snow free to about 4,600’ with some blowdown. Bessie Butte Trail is in good condition. Peter Skene Ogden is likely snow free for the lower 2-3 miles. Expect sections of blowdown. Will have a more detailed report next week. 3-5 ft. of snow reported in Newberry Crater with Road 21 still closed at 10 Mile. No date set for the opening. Road crew will be working on installing a temporary bridge over Paulina Ck to Paulina Lake Resort in the near future.

Sisters Ranger District Trails are mostly under snow above 3,600’. Limited trail maintenance has begun around Sheep Springs Horse Camp, beware the crew started hitting snow two weekends ago about 1 mile west of the camp.

Metolius River East and West trails (hiker only) are reported free of snow and in good condition with maybe a few blowdown. Black Butte TH access and trail blocked by snow. Suttle Lake Trail on the south shore last week had moderate to patchy snow.

Snow is holding for the time being at Wanoga and Swampy Sno-Parks, Dutchman is in good spring snow condition. Three Creek is showing some bare areas. Ten Mile is marginal. Crescent Lake Snow Parks are likely becoming marginal to poor for winter trail use. Please avoid using trails and roads that are just melting free from snow and those that are soft/muddy as early season use damages trail/road tread and can greatly increase maintenance efforts.
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Happy May Day and milder days!  05.02.08

Happy May Day and milder days! I’ll stick with the short version Trails Update this week as we seem to be in a slower than normal transition from winter to summer conditions. Weather forecast over the next two days shows a chance of rain/snow showers at the mid to higher elevations. Patience!

First, the winter trails/snow conditions:
Conditions at most snow parks and winter trails may be closer to mid April than early May. Fair to good spring snow conditions above 5,600’ elevation with poor to marginal conditions below. Exception is the Santiam Pass area and Ray Benson Sno-Park which seems to be maintaining a good snow pack.

Sno-Park Conditions:
Meissner - Fair with 20-36”, now open to dogs for summer season Wanoga - Fair with 30-40” Swampy - Fair to lower end of good with 40-50”, now open to dogs for summer season Dutchman - Good with 100-120”, trail 5 south of Lava Lake has been plowed and not recommended for snowmobiling and is not yet open to hwy traffic. Elk Lake Resort has closed for the winter season and will reopen later for the summer season. Now open to dogs for summer season.

Edison - Fair with 24-30”
Ten Mile - Fair to marginal with patchy snow around the snow park and 40-54” in the Crater. Road 21 into the Crater has been plowed but remains closed to hwy traffic. Plowing operations are progressing slowly and have been temporary put on hold due to thick ice layers causing damage to the plow.
Six Mile and Skyliner have inadequate snow.
Crescent Lake and Crescent Junction - Uncertain conditions but estimate 20-30” and fair snow conditions.
Upper Three Creek Sno-Park - Fair with 12-30”.

Summer Trail Conditions:
All Wilderness trails and their trailhead access are blocked by snow.

Bend/Ft Rock Ranger District:
Phils Trailhead area - very limited summer trail access with patchy snow just below the 300 Rd and solid above. Also some isolated snow in the Phils Canyon area. Conditions good closer to the trailhead. Please avoid riding, hiking on soft and muddy trails as this causes tread damage that takes lot of work to repair.

Deschutes River Trails - Good conditions from Entrada Lodge upstream to Dillon Falls. Above Dillon Falls you will hit patches of lingering snow and soft to muddy trails. Road access to Benham West and Benham East is good. May 1 - October 1 - Dogs are required to be on leash at all times within the Deschutes River Corridor between the 41 Road to the River and from Meadow to Benham East.
Peter Skene Ogden Trail - lower 1-2 miles is likely snow free but may have blowdown. Above is likely patchy to solid snow.

Mrazek and Tumalo Creek Climber out of Shevlin Park are good at the lower elevations and then you can expect snow roughly starting around 4,400’.
Horse Butte area trails - Good (maybe on the sandy side) up to around 4,900’

Most other BFR Summer Trails are either snow covered or patchy snow and not recommended.

Sisters Ranger District:
Metolius River Trail - Good conditions, hikers only.
Suttle Lake Trail - Patchy to moderate snow along south shore reported.
Peterson Ridge - Good conditions.
Balancing Rocks - Near Lake Billy Chinook, good conditions.
Head of Metolius - Good conditions
Metolius Windigo out of Sheep Springs horse camp - some trail maintenance started but very limited to the west where you can expect snow about 1 mile out of camp.
Head of Jack Ck - open
Trails west of the 12 road are mostly under snow.
Black Butte - Trailhead access likely blocked by snow.
Most other Sisters RD summer trails blocked by snow.

Crescent Ranger District:
All summer trails blocked by snow.

A few Forest Road conditions:
Road 16 from Upper Three Ck Lake Sno-Park to the Lake is blocked by snow and gate closed.
Tumalo Falls road - blocked by snow.
370 Road from Hwy 46 to Three Creeks Lake area, blocked by snow possibly until mid July or later.
Highway 46 from Dutchman Flat south to Road 42 near Wickiup Reservoir is blocked by snow and closed to hwy traffic where plowed. From Road 42 south to Crescent, the Hwy has been opened for the season but beware side roads are still blocked by snow. Road 42 is open.
Road 41 is snow free from Inn of the Seventh Mt. to the Benham West road (end of pavement). South to Sunriver is still blocked by snow for most vehicles but with a week or so of milder temperatures should be passable.
Road 21 into Newberry Crater - closed at Ten Mile until further notice. A temporary bridge replacement at Paulina Lake outlet has been delayed due to snow and the lakes are still completely iced over.
Road 18 (China Hat) is mostly snow free but you will hit impassible snow on the 22 Road.
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Seems winter isn't quite ready to give in to spring!  04.22.08

Weather forecast over the next few days is for snow or rain showers with a few more inches of snow accumulation above 5,000 ft. Some warming and clearing into the weekend. Keep in mind that mountain snow is our summer water supplies and seems to me we're well behind in precipitation at the lower elevations.

Snow conditions:
Fair to good at the following sno-parks and related trails: Dutchman, Swampy, Wanoga, Edison, Meissner, and Upper Three Creek. Likely fair at 10 Mile, though be aware that Road 21 is being plowed into Newberry Crater this week and should be avoided.

Summer trail conditions:
Depending on the day, slowly improving but expect snow blocking most trails down to 4,500' and lower in some locations.

Snow plowing is now progressing into Newberry Crater on Road 21 beyond Ten Mile Sno-Park, but it's not expected to open for this weekend. Also plowing along Hwy 46 in the Lava Lake area has stopped for the next 2-3 weeks. Recent cold temps and additional snow has made plowing challenging.

I will have a full trails update next week.
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Highlights for this week  04.08.08

Great snow conditions yet at the mid to higher elevations, mostly above 5,400 ft.
Holding or gaining snow depth above 6,000 ft. Santiam Pass area trails at 4,800’ also has good snow conditions.

Below 5,000 ft., snow is mostly receding, slowly.
Weather forecast is looking a bit wintry for the next few days, then more spring like into the weekend.
Deschutes River Trails mostly under snow, ice and possibly mud, but slowly improving in the Meadow Picnic area. Rd 41 is partially closed for logging traffic and due to snow.
Phils Trailhead area trails: limited snow, ice and mud free trails but also improving as spring returns.
Horse Butte Trails mostly snow free to 4,200 ft. but expect some blowdown and then snow with increasing elevations.
Metolius Basin Trails, improving but snow blocks most trails above 3,800 ft., avoid using muddy trails.

As we get more into a spring thaw weather pattern, snow melt will accelerate creating more soft and muddy conditions near snowlines. Please avoid using trails when they are in this stage of transition from winter to summer conditions, as tread damage/maintenance increases from early use.

Winter trail grooming is rapidly winding down and is finished for the Meissner and Newberry Crater areas. Other trail grooming is very limited and will be finished for the season in the next week or two. Expect declining winter trail conditions over the coming weeks. Some winter road closures have been lifted as of April 1. Class 2 ATVs (4 wheel drive jeeps, etc) are now permitted on the Edison atv/snowmobile trail system and may be encountered at anytime.

Spring snow plowing of Hwy 46 continues south of Elk/Lava Lakes area. Snowmobilers be aware that you will encounter plowing operations or plowed roadway in this area over the coming weeks. April 21, County plowing operations are scheduled to move over to Road 21 and begin plowing into Newberry Crater. Keep in mind that these recently plowed roads will remain closed to hwy vehicles until fishing season nears and the gates are opened. Paulina and East Lakes may not be accessible in time for opening season due to snow; more later.
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Oregon Spring Break Early Report!  03.18.08

Late last week we received varying amounts of snow and/or rain across the Deschutes with elevations above 4,500’ receiving 2 - 24” of snow. The deeper snows registered above 6,000’ along the Crest with depths rapidly decreasing the further east and lower in elevation you travel. This week’s forecast looks like a continued mixed bag with lesser amounts of snow accumulation at the higher elevations and mostly chance of snow and/or rain showers below 5,000’. Not allot of sunshine showing in the forecast at this time.

Winter trails above 5,500’ should be in fair to good condition in most locations through the weekend. Lower elevations may see a mix of rain and snow with daytime temps nearing 50 at the lowest elevations. Summer trails that are snow free will be very limited to the lowest elevations, <4,000’, and further east of the Crest; even then expect patchy snow/ice in locations along with trails in a freeze/thaw condition making for soft to muddy trails. As always, avoid using trails that are in the soft to muddy, winter to spring transition stage.

Cascade Crest ski race is occurring this Saturday, March 22 on the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Trail system and is also routed along the Todd Lake Nordic Trail and across Dutchman Flat. For race details: http://www.mbsef.org/nordicraces/cascadecrest/

Snowmobilers, please be extra cautious if you are using this area on Saturday as the course crosses area snowmobile trails 5, 7 and 8.

County road spring plowing operations are working along Road 42 and Hwy 46 north and west of Wickiup Reservoir. These roads are closed until further notice (likely late April). Snowmobilers traveling these snow covered roads be aware of plowing operations.

With Oregon’s main spring break week coming up, expect moderate to heavy use at most of the Deschutes National Forest Sno-Parks and winter trail recreation areas. Please be sure to get further recreation information including possible restrictions before you arrive at area sno-parks. Go to: http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Early Spring Conditions  03.10.08

Except for some good snow at the higher elevations Friday night and over a week ago, we’ve been in early spring conditions for the past two weeks. Snow is receding at the lower to mid elevations. Should see some additional snow accumulation over the next several days, but temperatures not quite looking early March like.

John Craig Memorial Ski Tour over Mckenzie Pass, Saturday, March 15. Expect the informal snow park on Hwy 242 east of Sisters to be very crowded with skiing participants. Snowmobilers, please plan to use the Cross District Trail or other alternate roads if passing thru this area on Saturday. For more event information go to: http://www.tumalolanglauf.com/events/john_craig_memorial.html.  Tour contact: Micheale Giesler - (541) 388-4457.

FREE TRAIL MAINTENANCE CLASSES OFFERED FOR VOLUNTEERS:
If you’ve ever thought you’d like to help maintain the trails we enjoy in Oregon, there will be two free trainings this spring at which you can learn the needed skills. Details can be found at the web link here. http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette/newsandevents/news/2008newsarchives/080124volunteer-training.html
Registration for these classes has begun—the Central Oregon session is likely to fill quickly, so best not to wait too long to register. Volunteers from local trail clubs are working with the Forest Service and High Cascade Forest Volunteers to put on these trainings.

Forest Service trail maintenance budgets have been slashed by congress over the past two decades, thus making trail volunteers essential to keep trails open and in good shape. For further information by phone contact Judy Mitchell, Volunteer Coordinator, at 541-225-6319.

SPRING THAW BEINGS: Depending on weather, lower elevation summer trails have begun their seasonal “spring thaw” making for a soft to muddy transition period when summer trails emerge from months of snow cover. During this thaw period, summer trails contain a high percentage of water and become soft to muddy and require a period of 1 to several weeks to dry out and set up before receiving trail traffic in the form of feet, hooves, bike tires or canine paws. To use trails during this “fragile time” often results in erosion, tread widening, and other resource damage that requires heavy maintenance to repair; maintenance that’s usually not performed. So please, over the coming months be patient with the spring thaw process and avoid using any summer trail that is in a soft or muddy condition.

EARLY SPRING ROAD PLOWING UNDERWAY: Be aware that Deschutes County Road Department has begun its annual spring plowing of roads between Crane Prairie and Wickiup Reservoirs. They are headed west towards Hwy 46, will then head south to the county line before heading north to Deschutes Bridge. These road will remain closed to hwy vehicles until later in April. Snowmobilers riding in these areas should be aware that they will likely come to some sections of snow covered roadway that may be difficult to travel over due to plowing.
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

A quick trails summary  02.26.08

Spring like weather of late and in the week’s forecast (with a slight chance of snow showers late in week) creating mostly spring like snow conditions for the foreseeable future spring like snow means winter trails may be icy in the morning and become soft, wet and slow in the afternoon.

Heads up that winter trail grooming becomes more challenging during mild temperatures as newly groomed trails do not “set up” well and tend to mush out and mogul easily from use.

Lower elevation trails that are snow free will likely be in fragile early spring conditions i.e.. freeze/thaw action, causing soft and muddy trail conditions in the afternoons; standing puddles or running water is also a possibility on these trails.

Avoid using summer trails when they are thawing and become soft and muddy as use during this fragile transitional stage causes excessive erosion and tread rutting and damage.

An important message regarding the BLM Dry River Canyon Closure east of Bend:
A seasonal wildlife closure is in effect on high desert public lands east of Bend located on the Prineville District of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The temporary closure is located in Dry River Canyon, which is located north of State Highway 20 approximately 20 miles southeast of Bend.

The closure is adjacent to Horse Ridge viewpoint and includes the entire canyon in addition to all public lands within one-quarter mile of the rim of the canyon. The Dry River Canyon closure is effective February 1, 2008 and expires August 31, 2008. Wildlife biologists will periodically monitor the sensitive wildlife habitat that is protected by the closure and determine whether the closure area may be opened for public use at an earlier date than scheduled. Posted signs located adjacent to the closure will help the public identify and avoid the closed area. If the areas can be reopened prior to August 31, the closure signs will be removed. Seasonal wildlife closures affect a very small percentage of the public land base that is accessible to the recreating public. The closure is a legal requirement directed by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to provide protection for sensitive wildlife. Under the authority of federal regulations, violators are punishable by a fine not to exceed $1000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months. To view an electronic map of the Dry River Canyon closure area, visit the website at
www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon/news/2006/01/dryrivercanyon-closure-map-2006

Enjoy the mild weather but hope for more winter snows! Have a safe week...
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

2008 Presidents Day Weekend Winter Trails Summary  02.14.08

Trails report summary for this holiday weekend: Good overall snow conditions but possibly icy in the morning and soft spring-like snow in afternoon now exist at most Deschutes National Forest Sno-Parks and winter trails.

A few reminders for this Holiday weekend:
Plan for overflow parking at sno-parks, be ready and have a second, maybe third sno-park choice in mind for the coming weekends. Area favorites like Dutchman, Wanoga, Meissner, Ten Mile, and Upper Three Creek Sno-Park are likely to fill early.

Also, becoming a favorite sno-park is the new Wanoga Snow Play; that’s for sledding and tubing. This park lot is designed for diagonal parking in 4 rows (2 rows each lobe of the lot) with a center travel lane that is one way. Please park accordingly and be sure to follow the sledding safety rules posted on the information board.

State Sno-Park plowing funds are getting low due to an above average snow fall. In order to stretch remaining funds, limited plowing is being imposed for some sno-parks. Some sno-parks may not be plowed unless there is more than 6-7” of new snow in the lot. It is recommended that you carry a snow shovel in case you arrive to find a sno-park with limited plowing and need to shovel out a space or dig yourself out, should you become stuck.

Trail grooming at this reporting is mostly on schedule with most groomed trails in good condition. Mild temperatures and heavy trail use however may cause soft and rough trail conditions over the next week. At peak grooming operations, Moon Country, Sisters Sno-Go-Fers, La Pine Lodgepole Dodgers, and Walker Rim Riders Snowmobile Club volunteers groom 400-500 miles of snowmobile trails on the Deschutes National Forest.

Tumalo Langlauf Club grooms up to 20 kilometers of nordic ski trails out of Meissner and Swampy Sno-Parks. Reported that the trail is groomed all the way from Dutchman Flat south to Windigo Pass.

New this winter - 2 miles of dog friendly trails are groomed once/week at the Wanoga Sno-Play Sno-Park. Check your local grooming hotlines and club websites for latest grooming updates.

TLC is now grooming the main connecting trail out of Swampy Sno-Park to Tangent Trail, one day/week. This is only a temporary grooming project to help alleviate parking problems at Meissner Sno-Park. If you find Meissner full, park at Swampy and you can access Tangent via the 500’ of groomed connector trail.

All of the removable winter signing is now in place in the Dutchman Flat, Tumalo Mt. and Moon Mt. areas. Stick to the well traveled and signed trails if you are unfamiliar with the area.

“NO PARKING” zones are posted for safe traffic flow into and out of snow parks. Please try another Sno-Park if you find your first choice snow park full.

Motorized users should use caution with speed and remain in control at all times. Slow down for pedestrians and other snowmobilers, especially in congested areas. Recommended “slow” speed near pedestrians and congested areas is 20 mph or less.

Nonmotorized users should be courteous when encountering motorized users on snowmobile trails (orange diamonds) and stay to the right to allow snowmobiles to pass safely; or avoid the heavily used snowmobile trails and stick to the blue diamond ski and snowshoe trails.

Respect winter area dog closures either by leaving your pet safe at home or going to a dog permitted area. Wanoga Snowmobile, Wanoga Sno-Play, Edison, Skyliner, Ten Mile, Six Mile, Crescent Junction and Upper Three Creek Sno-Parks are open to dogs. Practice Canine Courtesy by maintaining control of your dog with a leash or if required in harness; and remove dog waste from trail and snow park areas.

Nearly all Deschutes National Forest summer trails are under at least a few inches to 16 ft. of snow. Those few that may not be under snow are likely becoming very soft and muddy with present mild spring-like temperatures and are not recommended at this time. Using trails during these “fragile” thaw stages causes excessive tread damage, so please avoid using them.

Go prepared for the unexpected emergency!
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Note: For how to "Go Prepared" see our pages on the subject. Here is one page: http://www.traditionalmountaineering.org/Faq_EmergencyKits.htm
--Webmeister Speik

Quick update on conditions   02-08-08

Overall conditions are deep, somewhat unconsolidated snow that is setting up with the lull in storms over the past day or two. Slight warming in the forecast and lessening precipitation at all locations should improve the difficult navigable trail conditions of the past week, but also a slight chance of rain at some elevations could make for “concrete” like snow at those elevation.

Backcountry users venturing into avalanche terrain should be sure to do snow stability assessments and take necessary precautions. There’s been heavy wind loading this past week or two and there are likely persistent weak layers from early winter. Natural and human triggered avalanches could be large and deadly.

Some trail marking, precautionary and boundary signs have been buried in some locations: Moon Mountain., Happy Valley, Tumalo Mountain and others. Use extra care in navigating and be aware that you may find trail markers and other signing missing and likely covered by deep snow.

Snow parks may not be fully plowed out, especially during and just after storm cycles. Some Sno-Parks may not be drivable/recommended for low clearance or two wheel drive vehicles. Carry snow shovels, chains, etc. with you to sno-parks just in case you get stuck in the sno-park. Ten Mile Sno-Park and access road (Road 21) was reported to be getting difficult today with softening of the packed snow base. This may be the case elsewhere with warming temps.

Volunteers and crews have been out digging out some of the warming shelters, others may be difficult to enter.

Have a safe week!
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Trail Grooming Suspended    02.03.08

Sunday, February 3, 2008, Trail Grooming Suspended
All grooming of snowmobile trail operations in the State of Oregon have been suspended as of today. This is for the safety of the groomers and all snowmobilers. Everyone is advised to sit back and wait this one out. Grooming efforts will continue once the snow has stopped and settled down.
--Sean Reed, Law Enforcement Officer, Deschutes National Forest.

AVALANCHE RISK IS HIGH!    01.30.08

This winter in the Western States may become a record year for avalanche fatalities. In Monday’s Winter Trails Update, there was a reference to avalanche hazard posting. I would like to clarify that on the Deschutes National Forest, and likely most Forests in Oregon, that we do not post specific areas on the ground for avalanche hazards.

An exception to this are managed ski areas. In backcountry areas, this would be a monumental task, even if we had the resources to do it. The hazard postings I refer to, may come only in the form of the internet or through certain media. Keep in mind also that at times you may not find any advanced warnings of instability through internet or media sources.

When it comes to user safety, whether it’s related to avalanche hazards, adverse weather and snow, backcountry or front country, on or off trails, etc. keep in mind the responsibility for personal safety is ultimately in the hands of users of public lands for recreation. In the case of avalanche hazards, those venturing into potential avalanche terrain should have at least enough knowledge to recognize a slope that has potential for releasing and to avoid the entire slide zone if there is any doubt as to its stability. Keep in mind that there are avalanche safe routes through the backcountry and it does take specific snow/weather conditions, slope angles and in most human cases a trigger, to cause an avalanche. Also keep in mind, just because there are tracks from prior use across a slope, that’s no guarantee the slope is safe from sliding.

Central Oregon typically does not typically experience what may be considered a serious avalanche season. However, under the right conditions they can and do occur on occasion and there is an established record of winter users falling victim to avalanches. And with the rapid increase in backcountry and “extreme” winter sports use in the area, the potential for avalanche “accidents” will likely increase. Add to that, snow conditions this year appear to be more favorable than average to avalanche. This adds to the responsibility of those backcountry users exposing themselves to potential slide areas to regularly assess snow stability and act accordingly. This is no easy task and takes time along with training and
experience.

For information on where to get certified trainings and basic educational information on avalanches you can start with: http://www.avalanche.org/

For the Northwest Avalanche Center and avalanche forecasts for the area Mt. Hood and north into Washington State go to: http://www.nwac.us/

Sorry, Central Oregon at this time does not have an official avalanche forecasting center. Keep in mind that managed ski areas have avalanche control programs and do close areas they manage and feel need closing due to avalanche or other hazards.
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Note: Here are my TraditionalMountaineering pages on Avalanche Avoidance:
 FAQ AVALANCHE AVOIDANCE
Young Bend man dies in back county avalanche
What is an avalanche cord?
Avalanche training courses - understanding avalanche risk
How is avalanche risk described and rated by the professionals?    pdf table 
How can I avoid dying in an avalanche?
Known avalanche slopes near Bend, OR?
Can I avoid avalanche risk with good gear and seminars?   pdf file

Deschutes National Forest Trail conditions are Great!   01.22.08

If you’ve been out on the Deschutes NF winter trails over the past week, you have a good idea how snow conditions presently are GREAT! So, I won’t spend much time reporting on trail conditions here other than saying with the last few days of 2-14” of new snow across the Forest, most winter trails are in very good condition; but remember to go prepared for the cold, this week in particular.

With this week’s report I’m sending out a few safety notes, reminders and material to view. Here they are:

Evidence of several natural snow slides (avalanches) that have occurred over the past two weeks can be seen on several area peaks. Over the past 2 weeks, at least 2 human caused (backcountry skiers) slides have occurred in local backcountry areas, one resulting in injuries Stats for avalanche fatalities in the Northwest (WA/OR) for 2007/2008 are approaching a 30 year high, see:
http://www.nwac.us/education_resources/statistics/us_avi_fatal_by_activity_from_1997.htm

If you are a backcountry user, you should have at least the basics of avalanche awareness. Seek out the information, take courses, get practical training, build your backcountry knowledge base and use it. Be aware of getting caught up in the moment and the seducing power of snow. Even those with extensive avalanche training and experience are inflicted with powder fever, resulting in fatal mistakes. If you value your life and those in your party see: http://revver.com/video/310519/a-dozen-more-turns/ After assessing snow stability in avalanche terrain, act accordingly; if any doubt, avoid possible avalanche slopes keeping to lower angled terrain less than 30 degrees.

Temperatures this week will be below normal with lows in single digits to below zero. Frostbite is a real hazard; any exposed skin is especially a target, dress appropriately. Windchill factor will be well below zero at times.

Visibility from heavy snow fall and blowing snow can drop to zero in a short time.

Recent injury accidents on local trails are a heads up to stay within your limits and those in your party. If you are involved in an accident and need emergency assistance, the more detailed information you give the 911 operator on your location, number injured, help on hand and extent of injuries the more efficient help can be delivered.

Always carry a trail map with you, know how to read it and track your location through the day. GPS waypoints are worth more than anything in remote areas
.--Chris Sabo Trails/Wilderness Deschutes National Forest


PS:
Interested folks:
As you know, nordic skier and especially snowshoe use in our area continues to increase and along with it the possibility for “friction” on the trails. The designated snowshoe trails seem to be helping immensely and we would like to continue to push them, especially for the beginning shoers. Also pushing for skiers (or shoers) on blue diamond trails to try to set tracks more to one side of narrow trails when breaking. The tradition for skiers has been to set a track pretty much down the centerline of the trail corridor. On wide trails this isn’t a problem, but on the narrow trails, this could make it difficult for the shoers to leave a desired minimum 2 ft. “buffer” from the ski tracks. Generally though, the blue diamond (traditionally skier) trails are wide enough to accommodate separate skier/shoer tracks, a 2 ft. “median”, and provide enough distance from trees for skier comfort.

At times, shoers coming through on a ski trail that has a set ski track will avoid walking directly on the tracks, but will walk only 6 inches to the side of the tracks. I think they are focused on walking on the skier “pole plant zone”, where they likely find the breaking a bit easier. That 6” separation really isn’t adequate to avoid ultimate impact to the ski track; and some shoers also use poles which additionally impacts the ski track.

Considering the amount of overall shoer/skier use we have, peace on the blue diamonds trails is fairly good; but it takes only one shoer walking on a ski track to make things difficult. Same goes where a shoer is the first to set a shoer track and skiers follow the broken shoer track; not fair to the shoers.

On the snowshoe trails, Dr. Snowshoe (Dr. Jim Davis, ret.) and his great crew are working on finishing up another designated shoer trail connecting Edison Shelter to within 0.7mi. of AC/DC Shelter and back to the snow park in the Edison trail system. This will add another 5.5 mi. (approx.) of snowshoe trails to the Deschutes’ 20 or so miles of designated snowshoe trails.

These new snow shoe trails will be in the most difficult rating category. Not certain on the completion date, but it could be in the next month.

We’ve been posting a new “Share the snow, not the tracks poster” we received from the Willamette National Forest. I’m looking at modifying it a bit to include leaving a 2 ft. buffer between the tracks. Before I do, I would like to get feedback from both users (skiers/shoers) on this detail and perhaps others I’ve not included here. How are blue diamond trail users doing out there? Your comments are appreciated!
--Chris Sabo Trails/Wilderness Deschutes National Forest

Martin Luther King Holiday Weekend  01.15.08

This weekend is Martin Luther King Holiday Weekend and the weather forecast at this time is looking mostly favorable for winter trail activities.  Expect holiday crowds at area sno-parks and trails.  Dutchman, Meissner, Wanoga, Ten Mile, and Upper Three Creeks Sno-Parks will likely fill early.  Plan on alternate sno-parks.  Overall trail and snow conditions are good at this time.  Last week’s heavy snow fall has mostly settled and trail groomers are catching up with most trails expected to be in good condition for the weekend, weather and grooming schedules permitting.  Trail grooming volunteers have been putting in “overtime” to keep up with recent heavy snowfall.  A big hand to those dedicated individuals who log in thousands of hours each winter season to help make the trail a smoother and easier ride or ski.

Take time to plan and travel safely through the winter environment.

When using winter trails, make courtesy towards others a priority.  Deschutes National Forest trails are some of the busiest in the Northwest and safety is one of our top concerns.  Backcountry users, be sure you have the skills to navigate safely through potentially steep and difficult terrain.  Avalanche, deep snow, changes in weather, poor visibility, and unsafe acts of others are just a few hazards you may encounter in the backcountry and on designated trail systems.  Go prepared for emergency situations and don’t push your limits or those of others in your party.

Get familiar with special regulations and restrictions before you hit the snow.  Most of these can be found on local winter trail maps found at most of the Deschutes National Forest Sno-Parks and offices.
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Note: These winter trail maps can be printed from this website. Go to our Maps section from our Home Page.  --Webmeister Speik

HEAVY SNOW WARNING   01.08.08
BLIZZARD CONDITIONS POSSIBLE IN SOME LOCATIONS OVER THE NEXT TWO DAYS! 

If the most recent NOAA weather forecast comes true, various parts of the Deschutes National Forest may receive up to 60" of new snow thru Wednesday morning. Snow is expected at all elevations of the Deschutes with the potential for 3 - 5 feet of new snow along the Crest. Lower elevations and eastern locations will likely see less accumulations between 6 - 30".

Under these conditions:
BACKCOUNTRY TRAVEL IS NOT RECOMMENDED
AVALANCHE HAZARDS CAN/WILL RISE RAPIDLY
NAVIGATION, EVEN ON MARKED TRAILS, CAN BECOME DIFFICULT, HAZARDOUS AND AT TIMES IMPOSSIBLE
TRAIL GROOMING OPERATIONS SLOW DOWN GREATLY AND MAY CEASE TEMPORARILY
DIRECTIONAL AND TRAIL SIGNING CAN BECOME BURIED
SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS MAY BECOME SEVERELY DELAYED OR CEASE FOR SAFETY REASONS.

If you do venture out under these potentially extreme conditions, go well prepared, don't push your limits or those of your equipment, plan on slow going, etc.
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Merry Christmas Eve Trails Report!  12.24.07

Some very interesting weather conditions this winter, likely challenging the best weather forecasters. Yesterday, Sunday, was a day not to be necessarily cherished with light to moderate rain through much of the day; I suspect the snow level was near 8,500-9,000’. This rain created a “mashed potato” consistency on the surface of the snow pack. Last week’s and Saturday’s now conditions went from good to poor in a matter of hours on Sunday. Not surprising, after about 10 am, parking was not an issue at any of the sno-parks; even Dutchman was nearly empty by noon.

Conditions changed just as rapidly overnight with temperatures dropping into the teens by morning with 2-8” of new snow at most sno-parks. The low temperatures and new snow may be a mixed blessing depending on what elevation you’re at. With the cold temperatures, the previously soggy snow pack is well on its way to freezing pretty solid and that’s a good thing when it comes to stabilizing the snow pack and setting up a good base. The not so good a thing is in areas that did not receive much snow, the rapid refreeze could mean that older tracks are likely freezing solid making for precarious on trail conditions. Off trail conditions in areas previously tracked up are also likely challenging with frozen ruts. These frozen tracks will likely create difficult and possibly hazardous snow conditions in some locations until they are covered with adequate new snow. This may be a bigger issue on the non-groomed trails than the machine groomed trails. Depending on when the groomers get out on the trails, even some groomed snowmobile and ski trails may be in less than ideal condition if the snow froze solid before the groomer was able to groom it out.

Of course the upside to all this, more snow is in the forecast for the coming days and conditions should only improve with each additional inch.

Just a few notes of caution for the next few days:
Forecasted temperatures are looking cold at times with a moderate wind, possibly creating wind chill factors of zero to below zero degrees at times.

Watch for frozen tracks in the days old snow pack. Conditions may be best in previously untracked areas and on machine groomed trails. The newly frozen snow pack may also be icy just below the new snow, especially in areas that received little new snow. Backcountry users venturing through avalanche terrain - the cold temps are likely making for a solid snow pack and reduced avalanche hazard. But as always, your safety is in your hands and you should at least be able to recognize avalanche terrain and avoid it if in doubt of snow stability. Perform snow stability tests when necessary and act accordingly. Don’t be a negative statistic, if in doubt avoid questionable slopes.

Expect holiday crowds at all Deschutes National Forest Sno-Parks; have a second choice in mind just in case your first is full.

Estimated snow depths at area snow parks for 12/24:
Meissner - 24-30”; Wanoga Sno-Play - 24-30”; Wanoga Snowmobile - 28-34”; Swampy - 30-36”; Vista Butte - 40-45”; Edison - 24-30”; Dutchman - 40-50”; Skyliner - 16-20”; Six Mile - 6-8”; Ten Mile - 18-24”; Upper Three Creek - 18-24”; Crescent Junction - 24-30”; Elk Lake Resort reported 54” of snow before yesterdays rain.
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

GO PREPARED AND MAKE SAFE RESPONSIBLE DECISIONS!   12.20.07

This week truly treated us to snow in a big way. Most Deschutes National Forest sno-parks are now in operation with adequate to good snow conditions, some with very deep and challenging snow conditions.

See special warning notes in our Trail Conditions Report (see Conditions above) and expect overflow crowds at some if not most of the Forest's sno-parks over the next few weekends. Watch weather reports closely before heading and plan accordingly. Backcountry travel and avalanche hazards are in need of serious respect during periods of unsettled weather and snow conditions as we are presently experiencing.

"GO PREPARED" AND MAKE SAFE RESPONSIBLE DECISIONS! Keep in mind that immediate rescue is not just a cell phone call away, especially during deep snow and unsettled weather.
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Note: Here is how to "Go Prepared":
  Basic Responsibilities       Cuatro Responsabiliades Basicas de Quienes Salen al Campo
  The Ten Essential Systems         Los Diez Sistemas Esenciales 

Staying found in the backcountry with map, compass and GPS
Lessons learned from the latest lost Mt. Hood climbers
SPOT Satellite Messenger "PLB" reviewed and recommended
How do you use your map, compass and GPS together, in a nut shell?
Why is the GSM digital cell phone best for backcountry travel and mountaineering?
How do GSM mobile phones assist mountaineering and backcountry rescues?
FREE Clinic on Real Survival Strategies and Staying Found with Map, Compass and GPS together
What do you carry in your winter day and summit pack?
Why are "snowcaves" dangerous?
Why are "Space Blankets" dangerous?
Why are "Emergency Kits" dangerous?
How can you avoid Hypothermia?
 --Robert Speik

Saturday Dedications: Snowplay and Nordeen     12.12.07

Just a few details about this Saturday.  We’ve ordered another 3 ft. of snow before Saturday, but don’t know if “Earl” the weather god will be able to deliver in time.  I figure I’d order 3 ft. and be very happy if 1 ft. is delivered in time.

So here’s what I’m picturing for the day:

I will be at the Sno-play dedication led by Marv Lang and Phil Cruz at about 11AM.  I think the last time I was sledding was on that hill about 10 yrs ago when a handful of us Forest Service officials were out doing “slide ability testing” on potential sledding hills.  That included Walt Schloer, the District Ranger at the time.  Of course the Wanoga slope passed the test then and I’m looking forward to an unimpeded run this year; snow conditions permitting of course.   Hopefully some of you can make it to the Wanoga send off.  BYOS...bring your own sled.  Kids and grandkids will also hopefully make it.

About noon-noon thirty I’m planning on heading over  to Nordeen.  Will ski (from Meissner up the switchbacks)  if snow is adequate or settle for hiking or shoeing up the snowshoe trail if  the 3 or so ft. order doesn’t arrive.  Have some new snowshoe trail signing to install on the way up and will mark the snowshoe trail intersection on Tangent Trail (near Pinedrops Trail) with some pink flagging or balloons for other folks that may choose to hike or shoe up.  For those not aware, the snowshoe trail from Meissner Sno-park is the shortest trail route to Nordeen at less than ¾ mile. A steep pitch will give you a nice warm up.

On arrival to the shelter, with favorable winds I’ll light the bon fire so that it has time to simmer down so that by 2 folks can get close enough to toast “mallows” if they choose.  If the winds are too strong towards the shelter (I don’t want to toast the new shelter or warm it from the outside) I’ll pull material off the big slash pile to make a smaller fire. About 2-2:30 pm, we can gather whoever is  present for a few words of thanks, wisdom, stories, construction pictures, poem reading, whatever folks want and take it from there.  If someone or the Club wants to bring a bottle of the bubbly stuff, sparkling cider or even hot chocolate to do a little christening of Nordeen II, that’s fine too.  Likely wouldn’t break the bottle over the shelter, but rather tip a bit of the liquid on the stove and pass the bottle around afterwards.  Of course, I’ll be on official duty and unable to partake of any “sensitized” liquids. Is there some Norwegian or Swede way of blessing a new structure?

After that, if the snow order has not arrived yet, we’ll snow dance our way back to the sno-park in the fading light or by headlamps.

On logistics of getting refreshments to the shelter, Linda I assume you have that taken care of.  May be with enough folks, that can be carried in day packs.  I can likely take 30-40 pounds in a backpack.  Let me know and I’ll bring the pack.  Of course, there’s also towing a cargo sled with adequate snow.  Lloyd Vordenberg has offered the use of the TLC snomo.  At this point, there won’t be any other snowmobiles used with the winter motorized closure in effect.

Another thought is if folks wanted to plan on a bit of music, i.e. singing Christmas Carols, guitars, drums, yodeling, etc. I won’t lead but I might bring a didgeridoo.
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Snow Conditions   12.09.07

Following are snow depths by Deschutes National Forest Sno-Park:
Dutchman - 18” total snow depth, moderate to solid base below a 4” soft snow topping.  60% of Dutchman signing is in place.  Snowmobiling conditions - Dutchman Flat is now open within the motorized boundary to motorized use but yet marginal for snowmobiling with serious low snow hazards.  Pay close attention to area signing.  Moon Mt. area 20-30” snow depth with plenty of low snow hazards, multiple reports of snowmobiles hitting low snow hazards in recent weeks.  High country trail access very rough with low snow hazards, trail 6 near impassible-not recommended, trail 8 northeast of Junction 182 is not yet marked with trail poles.  Wilderness boundary signing is 60% in place, Tumalo Mt. sno-pole boundary signing has not yet started, and snowmobiling in Wilderness or Bend Watershed is citable offense whether posted or not.  Skiing/snowshoeing conditions - fair conditions with moderate low snow hazards to negotiate around.

Edison - 6” snow depth, not recommended yet for any winter sports.
Vista Butte - 12” snow depth, marginal snow for skiing/snowshoeing with low snow hazards.
Swampy - 10-12” snow depth, marginal to fair snow for skiing/snowshoeing with low snow hazards.
Wanoga Snowmobile - 9” snow depth, marginal to inadequate snow for snowmobiling with low snow hazards.
Wanoga Snow Play - 8” snow depth, inadequate snow for most sledding/tubing activities.  Has fire rings, toilets and of course a sledding hill.  Bring your own firewood.
Meissner - 7 “ snow depth, inadequate snow for skiing, though skiers are using, recommend rock skis if you try it.
Skyliner - 4” snow depth, inadequate snow.  For public safety, this site permanently closed to sno-play (sledding, tubing) activities.  Visit the new Wanoga Snow Play sno-park for family sledding activities.

6 Mile - no snow
10 Mile - 3-4”, inadequate snow.
Upper Three Creek - 1-2”, inadequate snow.
Corbett - not being plowed for the winter.
Crescent Junction - inadequate snow.

As you can see, winter is on a delayed schedule.  Recent forecast calls for some snow later in the week and weekend.  Think and dance for snow!

Saturday, December 15 is the opening celebration of the New Wanoga Sno-Play area and the New Nordeen Warming Shelter.  We’ll kick off the new Wanoga Sno-Play celebration at 11 am at the sledding hill (bring your own sled or tube - snow conditions permitting) and the Nordeen celebration will start at 2 pm at the New Nordeen Shelter (ski or snowshoe in).  We’ll have warming fires and refreshments provided courtesy of Central Oregon Nordic Club at each site.

Bring family, friends, hot dogs and marshmallows if you like and join in celebrating  two great new winter recreation facilities on the Deschutes National Forest.  Call (541) 383-4000 for further information.

Just in case you haven't heard yet, Dutchman Flat area that falls within the winter motorized boundaries for snowmobiles and class 1 ATVs is now open. Even though the motorized area of Dutchman is now open, riders still need to be careful to avoid digging down to soil and damaging vegetation which is yet far from protected by deeper snow depths.

Also, Mount Bachelor out of courtesy for the low snow conditions has plowed the "Y" at Dutchman for temporary overflow parking of Dutchman Sno-Park. This is only temporary until Wanoga Sno-Park is safely rideable. This overflow is open to motorized and nonmotorized users; saving parking spaces in either lot is not permitted.

Protect the resources and ride safe!
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness, Deschutes National Forest

Quick snow update 11.29.07

Dutchman Flat - estimate 16-17” snow depth.  7-8” new very light density snow on top of  10” older snow of light to moderate density and no solid base.  Ground did not appear to be very frozen. Yesterday at 5 pm, evidence of recent snowmobile activity readily bringing soil up in tracked snow.   Hwy 46 beyond the snow gate at Dutchman, yesterday had 4-5” of packed snow with bare spots.

Elk Lake Resort reports 15-16” snow depth

Off road travel by snowmobiles and atvs in the Dutchman area at this time remains prohibited.  We are within a few inches of allowing off road winter motorized travel, but at this time snow density and depth are not yet what we need to minimize soil and vegetation impacts by snowmobiles and atvs.  Today’s new snow is the light powdery type that provides little base support and the 2-8 day old snow below provides an inadequate base at this time.   A heavier high moisture content layer of snow followed by cold temps would be of help.  Snowmobile and atv use in the Dutchman, Sparks Lake areas remains restricted to the roadways.  Thank you for your cooperation!

Inadequate snow depths for winter trail use at all other Deschutes National Forest snow parks.

None of the temporary winter signing is in place in the Dutchman Flat or Moon Mt. areas.  We need 24-30” of snow depth to be able to install most of this signing.
--Chris Sabo, Trails/Wilderness

Thanksgiving Week Trails Report!    11.19.07

If you’re a winter recreation enthusiast, you may be disappointed by this report.  On the other hand, if you like clear skies with a nice chill in the air and little to no snow on hiker, bi