|
|
Trail Notes | |
|
             |
Notes from the Trail
Feb 2, 2012 The 100+ miles of groomed trails in Trapper Creek, Petersville and Denali State Park remain in great shape this week. We received 12"-14" of new snow so far with more in the forecast and this is on a 4'-5' base. The temps have warmed up nicely and the snow on and off trail just doesn't get any better. The North Loop in the Park, Tokositna, Safari Lake, Kroto Link, Deep Creek, North P-ville Rd., and West half of the E/W Express were all groomed on Thursday. The South P-ville Rd., Black Creek, East half of the E/W Express and Chulitna Bluff Trail will all be groomed Friday. Only the Rabiduex Trail will not be groomed this week but is also in great shape. Get out, enjoy and be safe. Randy
Jan 27, 2012 The wind has finally died down in the Petersville and Trapper Creek areas but the temps have also cooled down and have been below zero throughout the area. All trails have either been groomed or will be groomed by the weekend. Hard crust and drifts are present in the open areas but lots of soft powder with a good base can be found in the trees and areas blocked from the wind. Watch out for moose as they enjoy the trails too but are becoming stressed and agitated as the winter wears on them. Get out and enjoy the beautiful sights and longer daylight hours as spring is just around the corner.
Jan 13, 2012 Like most of Alaska, the South Denali area received quite a bit of snow this week. 4-12" fell early in the week and then 12+ additional inches fell Wednesday night and tapered off late Thursday. Winds were fairly strong west of Moose Creek during and after the storm and are forecasted to continue through the weekend although not as strong. Friday was a gorgeous day but temps dropped below zero as the sun set. The Rabiduex Trail was groomed before the storm but is still in good shape. The P-ville Rd and the Black Creek Trail were groomed thursday during the storm but grooming was postponed as the winds picked up. The P-ville Rd up to the E/W Express intersection was groomed again friday and is in excellent shape. The E/W, Safari Lake Trail, Tokositna Trail north toward Bunco Creek and the Chulitna Bluff Trail North to 129 were also groomed Friday and are in top notch shape. The North Loop, Deep Creek Trail and the North portion of the P-ville Rd were not groomed and received the deepest amount of snow. Be prepared for deep snow riding north and west of Trapper Creek. Wind chills are expected to get near -45 this weekend but the sun will be out and the views are fantastic. Be prepared and ride safe.
Jan 5, 2012 Temperatures finally climbed to a tolerable level after last weeks frigid conditions. 3-5 inches of snow fell today combined with a north wind which created slight drifting in the swamps. The CBT was groomed from mile 129 to 121.5 today as was the E/W Express, Kroto Link and the Safari Lake Trail. Tomorrow the Petersville Rd from the Kroto Parking to the E/W intersection, the Black Creek Trail, the Tokositna Trail and the North Loop in Denali State Park will all be groomed. The Deep Creek Loop and Rabiduex trails will not be groomed this week. The snow remains in great shape and there is more in the forecast so have a great time this weekend.
Dec 29, 2011 Tuesday of this week grooming was completed on the CBT, around the North Loop, Tokositna Trail, Kroto Links and Safari Lake Trail. Wednesday grooming of the Petersville Road from Kroto Parking to the Canyon entrance and up to the base of the Peters Hills, The Black Creek Trail, Deep Creek Trail and the E/W Express were completed. Thursday the Groomer is headed south on the CBT and Rabiduex to mile 105 to complete the grooming of the entire system for the week. The temperatures are slightly cooler this week and 2-3" of new snow fell on tuesday. The snow pack has a good base but is still soft and deep in most places. The Peters Hills have more snow on them then they have had in many years and the alders are slowly disappearing so come out and enjoy the New Year.
Dec 23, 2011 Setting and grooming the trails in Trapper Creek and Petersville continued this week. The Chulitna Bluff from Trapper Creek to Denali State Park is in very good shape. The E/W Express from 122 to the P- ville Rd is in very good shape with all snow bridges looking very good. There are a few patches of overflow that are frozen but noticeable in the swamps east of the Reflector Tree. The Safari Lake, Tokositna and Kroto Link Trails are in very good shape and all snow bridges are in and holding up well. The snow bridge across Bunco Creek is in but be cautious as it tends to settle early in the season and it is narrow with steep sides. The Petersville Rd is groomed all the way from the Kroto Parking to the canyon and is in great shape. Watch for trees leaning into the trail just north of Deep Creek. The trail connecting P-ville Rd to the Deep Creek Trail is in but the wind has been blowing and will fill in the trail. The Black Creek Trail going west from the Forks Roadhouse is set and groomed for the first several miles until you break out into the swamps. The Deep Creek Trail is in, groomed and in great shape. The North Loop is groomed from mile 131 to the first Tokositna crossing and the from Bunco Creek, across the west Tokositna crossing and then a couple of more miles. That leaves the most northern section ungroomed but people who are familiar with the trail are riding through. The snow is deep and soft and the temps have been fairly warm for the last two weeks. There is a fair amount of overflow in the creeks and swamps that may not be noticed until you ride through it. The trails are also soft and will bump up fast if ridden aggressively. Wands have not yet been put out on the trails so know where you are going. Be careful, stay to the right and enjoy the powder.
Dec 7, 2011 Headed out the E/W today and started pushing stumps and trees at the highway crossing. Encountered a little pucker factor at the first swamp crossing when the left track suddenly dropped and the snow fractured about ten feet out. Slowly backed out and stuck to the very perimeter as the swamps are still a little soft despite the cold temps last month. I widened the trail at the first creek crossing big time . This has been a problem area in the past and the winds dropped several big trees in a tangled mess. I continued up to towards the next swamp opening where a monster spruce tree had been blown over onto a monster birch tree and is doing it's best to block the trail. I had just started to push the tip of the spruce in hopes of snapping it off when it slid up and over the blade and proceeded to wipe out the air intake cap and exhaust and ended up basically in my lap. Had it not been for the ROPS I would probably be knocking at the Pearly Gates, although I don't know if they would let me in. I ended up walking out and going home to order parts and get my sled and chainsaw. The dozer has been cut free and is parked safely out of the way. I rode the snogo out the trail and there are only a couple of trees that will have to be dealt with in order for the snowcat to get through. I only made it to Moose Creek where I found the usual overflow situation and decided to turn back as it was getting dark and I had already used up what little luck I had. Trapper Creek has snow covered overflow and an open lead just downstream of the crossing and another stream also had overflow. Yesterday when I had a good view of the Chulitna River I was amazed to see overflow from bank to bank.
Mar 31, 2011
Well folks
this is the last grooming report for this winter as the temps have
warmed to the point that grooming is difficult and the funding is has
all but dried up. All the trails were groomed this week with the
exception of the Rabiduex Trail which is still in fair shape but the
snow bridges are starting to sag. The snow pack in general is still in
the 3' range and 1-4" of new snow fell last night. All of the trails
are holding up real good and off trail the snow is softening up but
can be a little punchy in the trees by midday.
Mar 17, 2011
The trails
in the South Denali area are in great shape and all were groomed this
week but the Rabiduex Trail which also is reported in good riding
condition. The weather has been clear with no new snow and the temps
are cold at night and reach the low 30s during the day. All the rivers
and swamps are in very good shape with no sign of breakup yet. There
is a lot of good untracked snow to be found in the lower elevations if
you get out and explore off trail and the Black Creek trail towards
Collinsville and the Kahiltna River was groomed again this week for
the first few miles west of the Forks Roadhouse. Randy
Mar 10, 2011 This week all the trails but the Rabiduex were groomed in the South Denali area. The trails are in great condition and the temps are considerably warmer this week with lows around 10 and highs in the upper 20s and low 30s. The wind has returned and was steady and strong midweek. The snow pack remains stable and you can go just about anywhere but off trail powder is getting hard to find. I wanted to thank all those that have supported the trail efforts over the years by giving a little bonus grooming on the Black Creek Trail which goes west from the Forks Road House towards Collinsville past the Iron Bridge. This week I roughed in the first few miles of the roadbed to the point it starts to open up into the nice swamps and trees. I only used the snowcat this week, which makes a huge improvement, and next week I will pull the drag up there to really smooth things out. Next year the plan is to add this section of trail to the grooming program if the funding is available. Enjoy. I hate to say it but winter is not going to last forever so get out and take advantage of the longer daylight and enjoy the fantastic views! Randy
Mar 3, 2011 The trail system in the South Denali area is in great shape this week. All were groomed except the Rabiduex, south half of the CBT and the Kroto Link however those trails are reported to be in excellent shape. Good size wind drifts were encountered on the upper section of the P- ville Road but the Pisten Bully cut them flat for now. Winds have continued this week so more drifting may occur. The temps have been near or below zero in the mornings but have climbed into the twenties during the day. The snow pack is in good shape although the wind has hardened things up somewhat. There is lot's of good riding to be had so get out and enjoy it while it lasts, spring will be upon us before you know it. Randy
Feb 24, 2011 Trail conditions remain in very good shape in the Trapper Creek, Petersville and Denali State Park areas. Monday the CBT and Rabiduex trails were groomed, Wednesday the E/W Express, Deep Creek and P-ville Rd were done and Thursday the Safari Lake, Tokositna, Kroto Link and North Loop Trails were all done. The temps were colder than normal in the first half of the week but warmed up today as the next weather system moved into the area. Only a light breeze was evident out in the swamps but the snow remains moderately windblown from last week. The snow depth is still very good except for the exposed ridges on the Peter Hills and the base snow pack allows easy off trail riding. It is currently snowing and the forecast is calling for 2-6" Friday and clear skies for the weekend. It doesn't get much better than that! Get out and enjoy the weekend. Randy
Feb 17, 2011 All the trails in the Trapper Creek/P-ville area were groomed this week with the exception of the Rabiduex Trail from mile 105 to Trapper Creek. The Rabiduex will be groomed next week!! The trails are in great shape and with the colder temperatures are holding up very well. The wind blew quite a bit last weekend and early this week, so drifting was noticeable on the upper P-ville Rd. as well as the North Loop but the snowcat smoothed them out real nice. Also the wind filled in a lot of the holes and dips but the snow is still generally soft. Temps were at or below 0 most mornings this week but 15-20 above was common during the day. No new snow as the big storm has not hit yet but the temps have risen after the sun went down so hopefully there will be fresh powder for the weekend. BTW, the Curry Ridge Riders are 15 years old this year and we done some incredible things so if you are not a current member Join Today!! www.curryridgeriders.com Randy
Feb 10, 2011 8-12" of fresh snow fell this week in the north valley with deepest amounts north and at higher elevations. The snow pack is in great shape and the tracks from last week are pretty well covered up. The temps were in the low 30s Monday through Wednesday but were in the high 20s today. The new snow is light and fluffy with no crust. Last week there was no trail report but all trails were groomed except the Rabiduex trail but it remains in very good shape. Also last week a new trail was put in connecting Lunch Box Hill, at the headwaters of Deep Creek, to the P-ville Rd by climbing up in elevation and following the Jim/Mar Trail. This makes a better loop and gives great views from the 2320' elevation as well as better access over the top of the Peter Hills. This week all the trails were groomed except the Rabiduex and the CBT from Trapper Creek to the mile 121.5 trailhead. Again, reports indicate those trails are in very good shape. There has been an increase in Moose on the trail systems and also the roads with the deeper snow. Keep an eye out and be patient as they are starting to struggle in the deep snow. Have a great weekend. Randy
Jan 27, 2011 The temps early this week were in the -25 range in the low lying areas but have rebounded nicely and are currently 15 above. 2-6" of new snow has fallen in the area with deeper amounts towards the mountains. The trails remain in very good shape and grooming this week consists of the north half of the CBT, E/W Express, P-ville Rd south of the E/W, Safari, Tokositna and North Loop Trails. With warmer temps predicted for the weekend and the fresh snow continuing to fall, the riding will be very good through out the area, however flat light, may make above tree riding challenging at times. Randy Crosby
Jan 21, 2011 The temps early this week were in the -25 range in the low lying areas but have rebounded nicely and are currently 15 above. 2-6" of new snow has fallen in the area with deeper amounts towards the mountains. The trails remain in very good shape and grooming this week consists of the north half of the CBT, E/W Express, P-ville Rd south of the E/W, Safari, Tokositna and North Loop Trails. With warmer temps predicted for the weekend and the fresh snow continuing to fall, the riding will be very good through out the area, however flat light, may make above tree riding challenging at times. Randy
Jan 14, 2011 Wind Chill Advisory in effect from 10 PM this evening to noon akst Saturday for north of Talkeetna...Strong wind tonight and Saturday morning...
Jan 14, 2011 This week the grooming of the trails has gone very well and the trails in the Trapper Creek /P-ville and Denali State Park are in great shape. The E/W Express received several passes this week and is as smooth as it possibly can be. The Petersville Road is also in the best condition possible. The Deep Creek Trail/Loop was groomed this week and ads another quick enjoyable route to the Peters Hills or is a great trail ride in it's self. The Safari, Tokasitna the North Loop Trails are very smooth, and provide easy access to the State Park and the Tokositna River with spectacular views of the Alaska Range. The Rabiduex Trail was not groomed this week but reports are that it remains in very good shape. The CBT was groomed also and provides beautiful views of the Chulitna River and old growth forest as well as access to downtown Trapper Creek. The temps have not been as low as predicted this week and are above zero with higher elevations in the low 20s. The wind is brisk today with some moderate gust but are predicted to calm down by the weekend. There is more daylight, great trails and many good lodges and restaurants in the area to warm up and replenish your body and sled. All the parking lots have been plowed out since the last big storm and the groomed trails are wanded for good visibility. Get out and enjoy the area while the getting is good. Randy Crosby
Dec 24, 2010 The CBT, E/W, Safari Lake, P-ville Rd, Deep Creek, Kroto Link, and Rabiduex trails have all been groomed. All the snow bridges are in good shape on these trails. The North Loop and Tokositna trails will be groomed Friday. The snow is thin south of Trapper Creek but the trail is smooth. Merry Christmas! Randy Crosby A special thanks to Bob and Josh Filter and Rodney Thomason for helping out on the E/W to get it open. Happy Holidays to all!
Dec 16, 2010 Our trail party last Saturday went well, although there were only a few people who helped. We removed more than a dozen trees from the trails and cleaned up numerous leaners. Monday the snow cat packed the Chulitna Bluff Trail from mile 129 to south of Trapper Creek Inn, then packed the East West Express from the parking lot at MP 121.5 of the Parks Highway west, to where you break out in the swamps. Snow bridges are in and in good condition and the trail is ridable, although not groomed. The recent severe winds have blown down more trees and they must be removed before we can begin grooming operations. Temperatures are expected to moderate by Sunday and we値l be having another trail party starting at 10 am. We池e not yet sure of the starting point but we値l update the hotline Saturday at midday. Bring chain saws, loppers and gloves and we値l see you there.
Dec 8, 2010 Our event this weekend is a trail reconnaissance and marker recovery. We値l be locating and moving fallen trees from the trail and unpacking the orange marking wands. We値l leave from the parking lot at MP 121.5 of the Parks Highway at 10 am Saturday, December 11, and head to the Reflector Tree on the East West Express. Temperatures have been cold and most of the creeks are frozen, although snow bridges have not yet been built and crossing could be difficult. We値l be on the trail the week after, too, so if you can稚 make this one, we値l see you the next week. If you have questions or comments, leave a message and we値l call you back.
Nov 4, 2010 Here is the latest on the conditions in the area as of 4:00 pm Thursday. 5" on the level of wet slushy snow at mile 105. No parking lots are plowed south of Trapper Creek. 10-12 pickups could fit in to the pull off at mile 108 if they didn't have trailers. There are two more gravel pits between mile 111-112 that have room for a couple of rigs. Whether or not you will be able to pull in Saturday morning is an unknown. We have a solid 18" at 128. It was warm all last night and today with about a hour or so of rain this morning and heavy wet snow since. It is currently snowing steady as I type. My plan as of now is to meet everyone at 105 to formulate a plan. Depending on how many people show up and how much cutting equipment is available will determine the number of groups that will be dispatched to different locations. If it looks promising I will return home to get the Dozer but if not I will be riding my snogo. I will have the saws, fuel and related tools. Randy Crosby
Oct 29,2010 In case you have not heard already, we have had our first significant snow fall in the upper Susitna Valley. It started snowing late Wednesday night and snowed steady all day yesterday, last night and is still snowing lightly. There is 13" of heavy wet snow at mile 128 on the Parks Highway and it looks like it will stay with us for the winter. Unfortunately the ground did not have a good hard freeze so many of the creeks remain open, the lakes and ponds are dangerously thin, and the swamps will have some overflow. Driving conditions north of the Big Su Bridge are treacherous as there is a icy hard packed surface on the road so drive slowly. Riding conditions, other than on the unplowed P-ville Rd or good summer routes, is not ideal at this time.
Oct 28, 2010 We are planning on holding a trail work party with the Anchorage Snowmobile Club on Nov 6 at 9 AM to clear the trail around Sawmill Creek. We will be leaving the parking lot at MP 105, Parks Hwy at 10 AM, Bring loppers, gloves and a sense of adventure.
|
