Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests
Crooked River National Grassland

Recreation Report

Winter Recreation - Trails Report - Deschutes National Forest 1/06/09, Snopark Table 1/9/09

Check the weather forecast at: www.wrh.noaa.gov/total forecast

Kapka Butte Snopark Project

Happy New Year!

• With the New Year, we're going to try a shorter, more concise Winter Trail update for most reports and only send out the full (approx. 18 page) report for holiday weekends. This new reporting format will be similar in content to past summary reports with just a few highlights but, will also include a "Deschutes National Forest Sno-Park Conditions" table attachment as found below. Comments and suggestions are welcome.

Snow and trail conditions summary:

• If you missed this past weekend for winter trail enjoyment, that's unfortunate as the conditions for many locations were good to great. Unfortunately, conditions over the past 2 days have turned 180 degrees with warmer temperatures and rain falling at most elevations. Weather forecast for the next 1-2 days is looking like continued warm and wet with heavy rain possible at times creating a very wet snow pack and softening of many winter trails. Trail grooming is usually suspended during conditions like these. Some improvement for thursday with snow at some (most?) elevations and then clearing on friday and maybe into the weekend.

Mild temperatures and wet snow conditions:

• The recent warming and rain has caused most winter trails to fall into "wet pack" to even slushy conditions; or the consistency of mashed potatoes with the gravy. If the rains do continue and get heavy at times as forecasted, some locations will develop water hazards in the snow pack; low areas where water settles or even streams of water on top or under the snow pack. These hazards can be very dangerous, especially to unaware snow riders who end up in them. Some can become 4-8 ft. deep and the consistency of wet cement. Hypothermia or cold shock can become a serious and immediate threat. Avoid these suspect hazards.

Loss of snow pack and blowdown:

• The warming and rain has also caused a rapid loss of snow pack for many elevations, winter trails and sno-parks. Be aware that low snow hazards are again a likelyhood for many locations and trails; until the snow pack begins to rebuild again. Recent high winds have also taken their toll along some trails, winter and summer. Hundreds of trees have been reported recently across many of the Deschutes NF trails. Many but not all of these trees will be cleared this winter. Most will be cleared by volunteers and during grooming of various winter trails.

Increasing Avalanche Danger likely:

• Another "heads up" for some locations on the Deschutes is increasing avalanche danger for backcountry areas. High to extreme avalanche danger is being forecasted for the immediate future at certain elevation zones and locations from Mt. Hood and north thru the Washington Cascades where a few inches of rain or very wet snow is in the forecast. The increasing "loading" or weighting of the snow pack with rain and wet heavy snow can rapidly destabilize snow pack in avalanche terrain. Though we do not have an "official" avalanche forecasting system in the central Oregon area, similar conditions are looking suspect for avalanche terrain in the backcountry.

• Backcountry travelers should be aware that their safety and that of others in their party falls upon each individual within that group. Before traveling thru potential avalanche terrain, have at a minimum the ability to recognize avalanche terrain, suspect slopes and avoid them if there is any doubt as to their stability. Remember there are avalanche safe areas in the mountains during all levels of avalanche danger.

• For more information on avalanche conditions in the Northwest check out the Northwest Avalanche Center and avalanche forecasts for the area Mt. Hood and north into Washington State go to: http://www.nwac.us/ Additionally, there are numerous websites and publications on avalanche information and education thru the internet. So far, the '08-09 winter season for avalanche fatalities is looking grim in North America.

Snow free/muddy trail conditions developing:

• Due to mild temperatures and rain, some lower elevation trails have become snow free over the past week and are prone to very soft to muddy conditions. These include trails out of Phils trailhead, possibly along the Deschutes River and lower elevations of the Sisters Ranger District. Please avoid using trails that are entering into this "fragile" stage of thawing, as using them can cause moderate to serious tread damage and lead to increased erosion.

Snopark Trails updated 1/9/09

Special area restrictions or notations:

• 1 = Area/trails closed to dogs except working dogs in harness on groomed snowmobile trails and only

• with a permit

• 2 = Area/trails closed to motorized use

• 3 = Vehicles with trailers limited to 40’ overall length

• 4 = High to extreme use with special area/trail restrictions, see sno-park information board and

• area signing for full details. Very limited parking,try to avoid on weekends and holidays.

All sno-parks (except Skyliner and Hwy 242) are plowed with State funds and require a Sno-Park Permit

Trail Conditions Short Report December 31, 2008

Trail Conditions Report Tables - Summer trails, will be updated in the spring of 2009

• Bend Fort Rock Trail Conditions Table
• Crescent Trail Conditions Table
• Sisters Trail Conditions Table

Deschutes National Forest's Trail Conditions Table

The information included in this table is an estimate of various trail conditions including clearing of blowdown (trees across trails) and snow conditions. As snow levels can change rapidly and some trails cleared by unknown volunteers this information may not fully reflect conditions on the ground but it should be a close estimate.

Some clarification on a few of the columns:

• Primary use - This indicates the type of use the trail was design and maintained for. While other uses are typically allowed, in some cases ie. Wilderness or Municipal Watersheds, some uses may be prohibited. Also in cases where a trail is designed/maintained primarily for bikers (for example), horse use may not be compatible with the expectations of most horse users on such a trail. The trail may be narrower, twisty, and have special biker features not of interest to equestrians. It may also be a very popular bike trail and horse traffic may not be expected by most bikers creating potential conflicts and safety issues. Likewise, some "Primary" horse trails may have heavy horse use and unappealing to bikers.

• Maint Priority - This indicates a maintenance rating applied to the trail. The rating may be based on popularity of the trail or its connectivity to other high use trails. Typically we try to maintain priority 1 trails before 2-5 trails, but depending on volunteer interest and Forest Service crew scheduling and snow access, some lower priority trails may be maintained first. We apologize if we are unable to maintain all rails within a given maintenance season due to staff limitations.

• % Logged Out - Indicates if maintenace has begun on a trail and how much clearing has been accomplished. If we know the degree of blowdown on a trail, we'll try to note that under "Comments".

• Est. % Snow Covered - Indicates approx. snow covering or blocking a trail. "Patchy" indicates there may be less than 10% snow coverage on the trail and that it may be passable but with some degree of difficulty.

• Comments - Notes on restrictions, special closures, where to go for further information, etc.

Bend Fort Rock Trail Conditions Table

Crescent Trail Conditions Table

Sisters Trail Conditions Table

Your National Forest Needs You!

Do you love the forest? Do you want to offer your skills and enthusiasm in service? The High Cascade Forest Volunteers sure hope so because the Willamette and Deschutes National Forests are seeking help monitoring and maintaining the wilderness areas and trails of the Cascade Mountains . Come alone, or bring your friends and family, and have some fun being a part of your National Forest. Volunteers are needed for a whole range of activities; some tasks are more strenuous, but there is plenty available for everyone’s interest. Tools and equipment will be provided. Horses or llamas will help carry in camping equipment for some of the organized summer projects.

• Clear rocks, brush trails.
• Greet wilderness visitors.
• Survey trails for winter damage.
• Restore overused sites.
• Monitor wilderness conditions.
• Adopt your favorite lake/trail

In order to be a forest volunteer, we ask that you attend the training weekend scheduled for May 18 th through 20 th at the Westridge School in Oakridge. There is no charge for the weekend and free camping is available. Classes will cover trail maintenance, trail crew leadership, First Aid/CPR certification, x-cut and chain saw re-certification, wilderness stewardship, adopt a trail/lake programs, Compass/GPS, survival tips and more. There will be a dessert get together on Friday night and a delicious BBQ dinner on Saturday. Norm Coyer and Friends will entertain folks with their fabulous music after dinner on Saturday.

For the complete weekend schedule, and to register for the sessions, check the volunteer web page at http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette/admin/volunteer/index.html. This is a great opportunity to meet other Forest volunteers and Forest Service staff. Come learn new information or brush up on what you already know.

For more information about the National Forest Volunteer Program check out the volunteer web page at http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette/admin/volunteer/index.html, or contact Judy Mitchell, Willamette Volunteer Coordinator, at 541-225-6319 or jamitchell@fs.fed.us

Avalanche potential increases with rapid snowfall and changing temperatures, and the avalanche hazard can escalate in a short time. Backcountry users venturing into avalanche terrain should be knowledgeable in recognizing potential avalanche conditions and act accordingly. Backcountry travelers are strongly urged to perform snow pack assessment and stability tests and continue to make safe route selections. Be responsible for you and your party’s safety.

Snowshoe Trails on Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District: (VIEW MAP)

Skiers

Snowmobilers

• Trails that have been well groomed may be smooth and fast, but keep your speed in check as your stopping distance and ability to turn or stop on hard pack or icy trails will be negatively affected. Many of today's snowmobiles are engineered with high performance and speed in mind. They are lightweight, powerful and responsive motor vehicles and should be treated as such, especially by beginners. Go slow!
  Remember, things like trees, rocks, signs, etc. are fixed objects and are unlikely to move out of your way. Most of the recent accidents have been encounters between snowmobilers and one or multible of these objects. Again, whether on or off trail watch your speed and ride well within your limits and adjust for the unexpected.
• Watch for unexpected hazards such as: rocks, buried logs, holes in the snow, creeks and other water hazards, buried sign posts and gates, cliffs, icy slopes, other snowmobilers or traffic off and on the trails that may be on the wrong side of the trail, etc. Whether you're going 25 or 75 mph, bad things can happen fast.
• Always wear a certified snowmobile helmet! You don't have airbags or a seat belt to protect you. Becoming airbourne, head first, from hitting a fixed object is a real possibility and a helmet can provide life saving protection.
• Always ride within your own abilities and comfort zone. If you are uncomfortable with terrain, speeds, snow conditions, etc. be sure to tell others in your group. More advanced riders of the group should always take into consideration the least experienced riders skill levels when planning a trip.

Snowshoers

• Avoid overextending yourself when on any trip. Remember, you have to consider your energy reserves to get back to your car.
  

All users

• Go prepared with the "Ten essentials" . Even if you're out for a short 2-3 hour tour, consider what you might need should you become injured or lost. Try lying down in snow for 1-3 hours, only with what you're wearing at the time. Are you getting cold just thinking about it? A common factor with injured winter recreationists is: YOU HAVE A GOOD POSSIBILITY OF HYPOTHERMIA while waiting for help to arrive if you don't have extra clothing. Hypothermia further complicates any injuries a person may have from an accident and could even become more life threatening than the injuries themselves. File a "flight plan". Leave word with a reliable friend or family member on your LOCATION, DURATION, RETURN.

Road closures are now in effect through April for most roads around Wanoga, Meissner, Swampy Lakes, Vista Butte, and Edison Sno-Parks. These roads become snowmobile and ski trails this time of year and use of hwy vehicles on them causes rutting that is hazardous to winter trail users. Many other Deschutes National Forest Roads become winter trails, some which are closed by gates and/or signing and others not. Please avoid driving on any of these snow covered roads designated as ski or snowmobile trails.

When venturing out for a winter ski, snowmobile, snowshoe, hiking or other winter tour, whether for an hour or multible day; remember to file an accurate "FLIGHT PLAN" including:

• LOCATION - DURATION - RETURN
• Inform a reliable/responsible family member or friend of the area, trails, sno-park etc. you plan to visit. Leave a map with them if possible.
  Give a time you plan to return. Instruct family or friend on when to call 911 and search and rescue authorities should you not return as scheduled. Preferably well before nightfall as darkness during the winter seriously hampers searchers.
  Inform that individual (s) as soon as you return. This is every bit as important as location/duration.
• Also, depending on where and the conditions you are going in, GO PREPARED TO POSSIBLY SPEND ONE OR MORE NIGHTS OUT. Pack to survive should you get lost, be delayed by weather,deep snow or darkness, be injured, etc.! We'll cover more details on what to take and how to survive in future reports.

Have a safe week!