Cataract/Etherington 2013/14 Thread

Bunn

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Valid point calgarysledguy. Does anybody have or can get access to a "tracked" bobcat to help out on the trails? Would we be able to use it? It would be handy to fill up some of those ditches with rocks/dirt/snow.
 

Kaz Dog

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Looks like someone needs to bring a Bobcat out there. Not Chainsaws and pry bars. Yikes

Yes, and that is on the planning horizon for major trail restoration work next summer/fall, as funds allow. More to come on this later in the winter, or next spring.
 

Kaz Dog

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Valid point calgarysledguy. Does anybody have or can get access to a "tracked" bobcat to help out on the trails? Would we be able to use it? It would be handy to fill up some of those ditches with rocks/dirt/snow.

All of this has been brought to the attention of the ESRD-Forestry and AB Parks. They are working with the C.C.S.A. Committee members to see HOW MUCH can be done, NOT IF. There is a protocol to be followed; we are pursing that and what the committee/club members and public can do for the trails area. We already have an individual who may be able to have a small tracked bulldozer available, perfect size for low impact. Any heavy equipment is fullly at the discretion of ESRD, and we are committed to working with them, if the use of this type of equipment is even a possibility.

If anyone would like to join the committee, we can use as much or little time you would have available. Currently, I am hoping to find an individual who is computer savvy and knowledgeable of the area, a painter/sign maker, people who just love being outdoors and doing some trail work, and fundraisers for related trail needs (food and beverage donations for maintenance days, knowledge and/or contacts with community/recreational enhancement funding, fuel donations (future idea), etc...). Come one, come all!
 
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mick

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So side by sides or sleds? The side by sides or quads are better to work from for tree removal/trail clearing
 
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Kaz Dog

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mick, current plan is on sleds - given the snow volume as of Monday, November 18. There will be updates posted Thursday, November 28, and/or Friday, November 29, if this needs to change.

If you, or anyone, plans on coming out to assist on the work days, Sunday, Dec. 1, or Saturday, Dec. 7., please PM me and I will send you messages as I find out more information.
So side by sides or sleds? The side by sides or quads are better to work from for tree removal/trail clearing
 
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Polar_RMK

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I just PM you, and I am available at any time please let me know.
I am good in PC, enjoy being outdoor etc...
Best Regards
 

RMKRookie

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Hi Kaz Dog, any sleighs or pull behind sleds to carry saws, tools and what ever else may be needed?
 

Kaz Dog

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Interesting Snow Data website from the government of Alberta, along the divide:

"Snowstudy flight throughout the region here today. Overall there is about 80-100cm of snow along the divide and that value gets less as you move east... Bigger picture wise we are generally average for snow water equivalent for this time of year. Check Three isle, Elbow, Sunshine and a few other sites on this map by clicking the button and "Figure". Environment: Alberta River Basins: Map"
 

DYSLEXIC

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I'm shootin for Saturday, December 7.....looking for a chainsaw!!
 

wideman12

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Rumor has it the unmarked trail over to the bc side from the Longview access is not passable. The Creek banks are too big and vertical now thanks to the summer flood. Anyone know if this is accurate?

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk
 

Summit X

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Rumor has it the unmarked trail over to the bc side from the Longview access is not passable. The Creek banks are too big and vertical now thanks to the summer flood. Anyone know if this is accurate?

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False information.
 
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Kaz Dog

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Chainsaws are always welcome, and anyone willing to run them. I have marked you down as a maybe for Saturday, Dec. 7. Please confirm prior to Friday, December 6, if will be able to make it - please PM me. More on where we will meet upcoming tomorrow night after we have a look at a new potential drop-off/unloading option.
I'm shootin for Saturday, December 7.....looking for a chainsaw!!
 

Kaz Dog

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Committed sledders have already been out and worked on the Etherington Creek Trial --> Baril Loop Trail --> Baril Creek Trail --> to the "near-vertical rock wall climb". The plan is to document this trail tomorrow on our second inspection day with government personnel, only up to the Barrel Creek Trail turn off, but I have met an individual involved with these committed sledders, and if he says the information is false, it is false - clearing the trail has already been undertaken there. What is above the near-vertical rock wall climb is yet to be seen, but there is heavy snow predicted for this Monday, and Tuesday, and I hope we get to see some pictures after that.
What makes you say that? The trail to fording crosses the creek at least 3 times and skirts it many more. There's no way this trail isn't in shape.
 
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Kaz Dog

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A big THANK YOU - if you are a snow and mud member - to whoever the builder of the 4x4 & plywood short bridge that crossed the narrow washout on the Sawmill Road into Cataract Creek. This was a great help on our inspection day today with government personnel. Currently, the south end of the Valley Bottom Trail that that leads to the Cataract Creek Trail (that section south of the Sawmill Road Gate just off of the Forestry Truck Road) has a 25 feet wide and 5 feet deep (measured) washout that will not be a priority to cross/clean up this Sunday. PLEASE USE THE SAWMILL ROAD INTO THE CATARACT CREEK VALLEY TRAIL, and the short bridge over the narrow washout on the road. It is not the preferred way into the valley, but is the only practical one for now.
 

Kaz Dog

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A full report on todays findings will be forthcoming after tomorrows inspection. As another Snow and Mudder told me, "where we didn't think there would be damage, there was some to a lot, and where we expected a lot, there wasn't much".

I will say this, the first three bridges west of the Cataract Creek day use parking lot "up" the creek are washed out, major equipment will be required to put the bridges back in place.

There is currently no access from the parking lot "down" onto the trail across the creek, but equipment is to be scheduled tomorrow, and - I am hopeful - that one day next week (Wed., Thurs., or Fri.) we will have a ramp built to depart the parking lot to access the trail, that will not compromise the integrity of the creek bank - is has suffered enough!
 
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