Trail Notes

 last updated 03/24/13

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Notes from the Trail

Mar 21, 2013

This week all the trails in the area have been groomed and are in great shape. The weather has been clear and cold with no melting of the snow pack. Most of the open areas are wind blown from last week but softer snow can be found in the trees and back in the valleys and deeper in the mountains.

Snow is forecasted by the weekend and with the longer daylight, riding this time of year is always good. Be safe and enjoy.

Mar 13, 2013

Snow conditions remain spectacular in the Petersville and surrounding areas right now. Temps remain just about perfect with mid teens at night and low to mid 30s during the day. Powder can still be found at higher elevations. All the main trails will be groomed this week and are in great shape!

The snow bridges at Rail Road Creek, Rabiduex Creek and Sawmill Creek remain very fragile and caution should be used when crossing them for the rest of the season as water begins to flow beneath them.

Watch out for overflow and  crossing creeks and lakes as the warmer temps are causing water to begin to flow.

Also, be careful when driving up the P-ville Rd as the unpaved section remains very icy and slick.

Continue to support the Snowmobile Club of South Denali, join the Curry Ridge Riders. Go to www.curryridgeriders.com for an application today.

Get out and ride! There are not many days left.

Mar 7, 2013

Snow conditions are spectacular in the Petersville and surrounding areas right now. Temps are just about perfect with mid teens at night and low 30s during the day. All the main trails were groomed this week and are in great shape.

The snow bridges at Rail Road Creek and Sawmill Creek have been rebuilt but remain fragile and caution should be used when crossing them for the rest of the season.

Also be careful when driving up the P-ville Rd as the unpaved section is very icy and slick.  Have a great weekend!

Feb 28, 2013

More great riding to be had in the north valley this week. The temps have been warm and the snow remains soft. Some winds in the upper elevations but still very good snow all over. All the main trails have been groomed with the exception of the Rabiduex but it is also in great shape!

As we progress into spring riding be careful of open water areas and any snow bridges on the trails. Go easy, watch out for each other and have a great weekend.

Feb 22, 2013

Tons of fun to be had in P-ville right now. 6" of fresh snow this week and all the trails have been groomed with the Safari and Tokositna trails being groomed today, Friday. Off trail riding is fantastic too and the mountains have seen some moderate winds but the snow is still soft and not crusty. Come on out!!

Feb 14, 2013

The snow conditions just get better and better in South Denali!

12-24" fell this week with deep deep snow to the north and west. The temps have been in the mid twenties with some snow almost every day. All the trails were groomed this week with the exception of the Rabiduex Trail. The sun is suppose to come out this Saturday and will make riding conditions perfect. Have a great weekend.

Feb 8, 2013

Great snow conditions in Trapper Creek, P-ville and the rest of the South Denali area right now. Well over a foot of fresh snow has fallen this week and more is predicted over the next week. A 3-4' base can be found throughout  the area and it gets deeper to the north and west.

All trails were groomed this week and there is plenty of off trail riding too. Temps are warmer than usual and we have not received any high winds so the conditions couldn't get much better. Grab a friend and go ride

Jan 31, 2013

All trails were groomed this week including the Trapper Creek/Rabiduex down to mile 105 of the Parks Hwy. The Moose Creek Crossings are all refroze and in good shape. 8-12" of new snow has fallen and riding is starting to look real good. There are still a few alder patches on the Deep Creek and Tokositna trails but are thinning out and can be easily negotiated. Staking and marking the trails continues and should be completed by the end of the weekend.

Jan 24, 2013

All trails with the exception of the Trapper Creek/Rabiduex trail was groomed this week. The North Loop, Tokositna Trail and Safari Lake Trail were groomed Tuesday.    Black Creek, Deep Creek and The P-ville Rd were all groomed Wednesday as was the E/W Express. The Chulitna Bluff Trail was groomed today, Thursday.

         The deep hole from last weekend has been repaired but there is still an open area of water on the west side of area that is 50' or more that you will need to water skip. The water is 18"-24" deep.  If you do not know how to cross deep water in your snowmobile do not attempt this water crossing.

        Other snow bridges on the trail are in good shape but some have overflow on the edges as the water continues to rise. Please go easy on the wet snow bridges as they are easily damaged and start to flood as more traffic crosses them.

       The North Loop has brush sticking up as the snow level is still lower than normal. Go slow and you will have no problem.

        It has snowed several inches this week and is snowing right now so the riding is getting better. Best snow can be found west towards the hills.

Jan 17, 2013

I groomed the P-ville Rd. from Kroto parking lot to the Deep Creek connector trail (Jen/Mar Trail) Up and over to the Deep Creek and Down the Deep Creek Trail to the E/W Express. Also the E/W from the Petersville Rd to the Reflector tree was also groomed today.

About the 1500' elevation mark is where the crusty surface turns to powder. The hills are good riding but there are still plenty of alder patches to negotiate. Everything below 1000'. has a thick crust of ice that the skis stay on top of but the track breaks through. Lot's of overflow in the creeks and low areas at the lower elevations.

There is overflow on the trails north and west of the Reflector Tree and also on the E/W at several of the creek crossings. Snow bridges have been built at those locations today but please go slow when crossing them to prevent damage. There is a small section at the Moose Creek crossing that did not get bridged but is only a couple inches thick so again please go slow.

The snowcat will be on the E/W and CBT tomorrow so please keep a look out and ride safe, thanks.

BTW, if you do care to donate, either send it directly to the Curry Ridge Riders or at Trapper Creek Inn. No other donation jars are turned over to the grooming program. Thanks for all the support!

Randy Crosby

Jan 11, 2013

Well I must say I have never seen the snow in January like I am seeing it this year! And I hope to never see it like this again.

12" is a conservative average of total snow depth for the entire Trapper Creek and Petersville area. There are some swamp pockets that have a little more and just as many wind blown areas that have less. There is really no more snow at the base of the Peters Hills than you will find in the low lands near the Chulitna River.   Pre Thanksgiving snow is the best way to describe the current conditions.

The real news however is the groomer has made it through some of the trails and has improved the trail riding somewhat. Be warned however, there are plenty of humps, bumps and stumps out there and slow and cautious is the name of the game. If you want to get out and explore the area as you would in the summertime on a 4 wheeler or play on the lakes with the kids, then you will be in good shape. If you want to blast through powder and carve and jump then you would be best to move on to a different location. Tree riding is not recommended.

The Chulitna Bluff Trail (CBT) is groomed from mile 129 to the Trapper Creek crossing near Susitna River Road. You should be able to access this trail fairly easy from all the businesses in down town Trapper Creek.

The East West Express (EWE) is groomed from the mile 121.5 parking lot all the way west to the Petersville Road. The first 6 miles is in very good shape with very few stumps. West of Moose Creek the stumps become more evident and west of the Reflector tree be very cautious in the treed areas and be aware of an occasional rogue rock in any of the swamps.

The Safari Lake Trail is groomed from mile 11.5 of the Petersville road to the Reflector tree. Not many stumps but the swamps are not real smooth due to the lack of snow.

The Petersville Road was groomed from the Kroto Parking to the Jen/Mar Trail. It is in good shape but be cautious of glaciated areas coming across the road especially after the Petersville Townsite. Travel beyond the groomed section and through the canyon is very dangerous and reports of sever glaciating in the canyon is reported. Equipment was traveling on the unplowed portion between the Kroto Parking and the Kenny Creek turn off after it was groomed so be aware of tire ruts and uneven surfaces.

We will continue to work with the hand we have been dealt this winter and report back with news. Oh, the good news is that it has started snowing this morning!!! Go snow Go!!

Randy

Mar 16, 2012

There is some great spring riding to be found in the upper Susitna Valley right now. The temperatures are near or below zero in the morning but quickly rising to the mid twenties in the afternoon. The snow pack has settled some and is wind blown in many areas but shows no sign of melting anytime soon.

All trails are in great shape and everything but the Rabiduex and south half of the Chulitna Bluff were groomed this week. Be cautious of the snow bridge crossing Rabiduex Creek south of Trapper Creek as it is reported to be one lane only. Also reports are the P-ville Rd going through the canyon to Cache Creek is blown in and not recommended for travel. If you plan on going to Cache Creek or the Dutch Hills then it is best to go over the top of the saddle/notch or go south to Pickle Creek.

Be careful, ride to the right hand side of the trail and be prepared for oncoming traffic as there are lots of people out enjoying the area and trails.


Randy

Mar 9, 2012

Snow is Great! Temperatures are Great! Trails are Great! The only thing missing is you!

Another 10-14" of snow fell earlier in the week and there is still 5' or more snow on the level. Colder low temperatures in the -10 range turn to highs near twenty in the late afternoon. All the trails are in great shape with all but the Rabiduex being freshly groomed this week.

The Community of Trapper Creek is having their Cabin Fever Reliever Saturday and the Forks Road House is having it's Rodeo and Drag race also Saturday so come out and have some fun.

Randy

Feb 16,2012

Another great week of fresh snow and spring like temps blessed the South Denali area. 6"-10" of new snow fell Tuesday through Thursday and then the temps dropped well below zero Thursday night. Lots of untouched powder in all types of terrain and in all directions. All trails, with the exception of the Rabiduex Trail, have been groomed or are in the process of being groomed by the weekend.

The snow is deeper than it has been in years and has a good solid base with a soft surface. The alders are buried and thinned out so off trail riding is at it's best. Reports indicate some open leads on the upper Tokositna River so use caution when traveling up valley towards the glacier. As always, give moose plenty of room and don't hesitate to get out of their way as they are stressed this time of year.

Have a great weekend!

Randy

Feb 16,2012

This winter continues to bless the upper Susitna Valley with more snow, and 10-18" of new snow has fallen in the past week and is deeper towards the mountains. Temps are generally 15-30 degrees and the snow pack has a great base with a soft covering. Perfect all around riding conditions but remember as the snow gets deeper so do some of the open warm spring holes and creeks so ride with care.

  All trails were groomed this week and are in great shape but expect oncoming traffic by riding to the right. A reminder to give moose a break as they are struggling somewhat in the deep snow and also like the hard packed trails so give them lots of room if you have a chance encounter. Enjoy the weekend.

Randy

Feb 9, 2012

Winter is in full swing in Trapper Creek and Petersville right now.  The temps have been warmer with lows around 0-10 above and highs in the upper 20s. No rain or melting conditions have come this way and  there is some new snow predicted in the forecast. We have had some winds that have hardened the snow in the open areas but everything is filled in and smooth with little drifting. Soft snow can still be found in the trees and leeward side of the hills and mountains.

All the groomed trails remain in great shape and have been groomed or are in the process of being groomed by the weekend. Only the Rabiduex Trail from Trapper Creek to the Big Su Bridge remain ungroomed this week as reports indicate it is still in great shape and ready to ride. We are half way through the season so don't hesitate to get out and see this winter wonderland.

Randy

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.

It has been a very successful season and I want to thank all those that helped maintain and fund the trails as all the hard work has resulted in one fantastic trail system. Get out and enjoy the remainder of winter as the days are long and the temps are warm!! See you all next year.

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.

Another reminder that the Curry Ridge Riders are holding there annual BBQ at the Reflector Tree on the 26th of March and they have free food for everyone and door prizes for those that join up or renew their membership. Support the club that supports the trails!

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, Tokositna 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 ridealbe, 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.

 

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