Cataract/Etherington 2013/14 Thread

[Kaz Dog]

I wanted to post what I have been told, about the upcoming winter season for the Cataract/Etherington area, coming from the K.T.A.G. meeting (Kananaskis Trail Advisory Group, which has oversight of the area) yesterday. I was told that, coming from a source at Alberta Transport, Hwy 940 from Highwood House/Highwood Junction (Hwy 541/40/940), that the road south will be repaired and open by December 1, to the washed out Cataract Creek bridge. The bridge over Cataract Creek will not be repaired this year, so the parking lot across from the campground will not be available for drop-off/vehicles-trailers. This leaves only the Etherington parking lot available for parking. At this time, without additional areas secured for parking, on those days after a big snow when everybody around heads there to get fresh tracks, this may be limiting for all those that show up. An approach to E.S.R.D. and the municipality offices both is upcoming, where planning can be undertaken for this eventuality.

 

[Kaz Dog]

Another activity, that is hope to be coordinated and undertaken, is TRAIL MAINTANENCDE in early December. Thoughts are now to secure access to the trails the first two weekends in December, and take as many people as possible to clear the trails before the snow flies, or with as little snow as the timing allows. If the trails are anything like what I have seen all along the eastern slopes, especially documented photos and video, they could be in really poor shape. Please post if you are willing and able to help out, as soon as you know, on either of these weekends, and information will be sent directly to you in a PM. One note, if you are able to bring along a quad (w or w/o a trailer), it does need to have a valid vehicle license to operate on public land, just as a sled would.

 

[Sledderglen]

Thanks for the update just asked in a different thread.

 

[Kaz Dog]

Link to further government information:

 

[Bunn]

Count my brother and I in for one of the weekends(most likely the first) and possible both.I am thinking positively here that we will be using our snowmobiles and not quads.I have chain saws,axes,generators,shovels,rakes and access to a 3'x5' sleigh.Keep us/me posted.If the road is ready earlier can we maybe get in earlier?

 

[Snow67]

Me and the wife will be there on the first weekend for sure and maybe both we have a RZR and will have trailer , Chain saw,Shovels,Axes,and tell me of anything else you my need,I also think my buddy should be in with his quad as well keep us posted thanks

 

[jon]

me and a friend are able to help, 4wheeler, chainsaw etc, ready and willing.

 

[Chopper_rev]

I'm in and atleast one buddy for sure, please keep me updated.

 

[Sledderglen]

Kaz Dog it looks like you have some helpers. Very good to see. This is a area that needs a organized group to move this forward before it is taken away from us all. Good for the Calgary Snowmobile Club for stepping up and getting after this area. Good for you Kaz Dog for spearheading this. We need more people across the province doing these type of projects. Thanks

 

[fnDan]

If I'm not going to site... I'd like to help. I'll subscribe to this thread for updates.

 

[Plattler]

I'm available. Got a chainsaw and other hand tools. I've subsribed to this thread for updates.

 

[mick]

let me know, have rzr and saws

 

[P-Gravel]

I will help, but only have sleds no quad.

 

[Highfly]

Any updates how the Hwy repair is going? Anyone been in the area??

 

[snopro]

Well the government is committed to repairing all the roads and fixing all the campgrounds. Said they are working on it this fall. I guess we will see.

 

[Kaz Dog]

Hi all, and good Monday morning!

The current plan, by Alberta Transport, is to have the 940 grid Hwy south of Highwood House, open for December 1. I am in contact with them via the K.T.A.G. Committee, and so far I believe they are on schedule. I am checking with them, and E.S.R.D. this week to see what progress in the area have been made. I will post any information I have available by the end of the week.

For the maintenance days, the CSC Cataract Creek Grooming/Maintenance Committee is looking at two days, on two different weekends, as designated clean-up days. Currently, Sunday, December 1, and Saturday, December 7, are being tentatively scheduled as trail clean up days. Given how the area is (speculated) to be used the most, and depending on how many people are available, we are proposing that the Etherington Trail to the Baril Loop Trail to the Baril Creek Trail be addressed first (the one over to B.C.), and also - as much as possible - the Etherington Trail to the Raspberry Trail to the Cummings Creek Trail to the Skyline Trail and back via the Oyster Excursion Trail and Fallers Trail. Given photographic evidence, at this time, the trial south of the Cataract Creek parking lot (which will not be available for use this season) will be the last trail to be worked on, when that is possible. All other trails will be attempted to be covered off, again, given time and volunteers. This may very well be a full winter project with sleds and trailers, as need/organization be.

 

[T-top]

It looks like access from Etherington may be limited

 

[Snow67]

It looks like access from Etherington may be limited

[/QUOT

Looks like lots of work to fix the area for winter just need to get in before snow gets to deep

 

[Kaz Dog]

It looks like access from Etherington may be limited

[/QUOT

Looks like lots of work to fix the area for winter just need to get in before snow gets to deep

Yes, you are correct. Following "the rules", the Calgary Snowmobile Club has approached the ESRD Land Management Officer to obtain permission for trail work prior to the snowmobile season, with the use of quads and side-by-sides. If this can be arrange, you would sure be invited to join in, as well as any others, with or without a licensed and insured machine.

Currently, Hwy 940 south of Highwood House is closed to public traffic by ministerial order. It is scheduled to be completed and opened again by Dec. 1. As soon as it is open, a volunteer group organized by the Cataract Creek Snowmobile Area Trails Committee will be accessing the trails. There is much work expected that needs to be done. Posting here will keep all informed as soon as permission is obtained, and "trail inspection and maintenance" days are firmly booked. We hope to be able to access the area before the snow gets too deep. I am not even sure how deep it is getting now, and what is staying around.

 

[DYSLEXIC]

I thought the CSC was the spearhead club for Cataract...what is the Cataract Creek Snowmobile Area Trails Committee.....is this a recognized body?