Snow Patrol
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Winter Recreation Manager - Mike Robinson, U.S.D.F.
U.S.D.F. phone - 559.893.2360 |
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JANUARY 16, 2008
PATROLLER NEWS: Patrollers have been out patrolling the trail systems this winter. There is an adequate amount of snow, over 4 feet at Huntington Lake and at Tamarack Ridge. The Snowmobile Patrol has logged 16 days with the Nordic Ski Patrol having logged 8 days this year. With the current snow season in full swing and a good snow pack at Tamarack and Huntington, visitor use and patrolling has been excellent. We currently have a good snow base, with no snow predicted this weekend, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing should be good. The snow pack has excellent powder conditions. Plan on a patrol day soon! We can always use the extra help. Be on the look out for safety problems. A special thanks to all of the patrollers who have assisted us in the program so far this year. If you haven't patrolled yet, plan on a day soon. Remember carrying a small limbing saw in your pack to maintain the trails is a task for all patrollers and provides for safer trails. Please stay alert and keep us informed of all hazards.
AVALANCHE SEMINAR: The clinic is scheduled for February 2, 2008, Saturday, at 10:00 a.m.. We will meet at the Kokanee Work Center. We will climb to Bear Butte. Snowmobile patrol members may join us via the Bear Butte Trail. The Clinic on Bear Butte should start by 1200 hours. All patrollers are welcome. Extra equipment suggested: climbing skins, avalanche cord, and shovel. Bear Butte is at 8600' with a good view of the Sierra's. We will review terrain factors, weather factors, route selection, avalanche survival, rescue techniques, and dig snow pits. Jonathan Trauner is coordinating the clinic. If you're interested in helping review the material we'll discuss, please give him a call.
PATROLLER INSIGHTS:
Please remember if it has snowed just before or during a patrol day we need to shovel out the restrooms, bulletin boards and ramp the trails into the parking areas.
GROOMING PROGRAM: The Forest Service has been grooming the trails. The groomer has been working with the recent snow falls, this has led to increased visitor use this season. The grooming program assists all winter visitors to access their favorite recreational areas. We are currently replacing four belts and several grossers on one of the tracks.
THANKS FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE AND I'LL SEE YOU ON THE TRAILS!
MIKE ROBINSON
WINTER RECREATION MANAGER