Cataract Creek Snow Vehicle riding area official section 2017/18

[OOC ZigZag]

The change over night thing happened. Base is going to be little to none.

 

[Kaz Dog]

Glen will be on here shortly. He was there today and will post news soon.

 

[Sledderglen]

Good Morning all. Was out there yesterday collecting data for the governmemt and sled packing trails. There is new snow. About 3 inches in the staging areas and way more up against the mountains. Little skimpy from the staging areas but take you time drive slower than normal watch for hazards until your further back into the area. You will feel the snowline. STILL PRESEASON CONDITIONS. Watch for creek crossings and natural hazards until we can get it all groomed up and fill in the dips and crossings. Go out enjoy and please pack the whole width of the trail not just down the middle please. This helps keep the trail in good condition and makes it way easier to groom in the future. Please remember this is a 2 way trail and stay to your side of the trail around corners and up hills, Just a couple of reminders to make the trail safer for all the users.
Just a note. The upper Cummins trail is CLOSED untill we can clean more trees and snowfill in a washout. Big changes back that way up there.
We are always looking for more club members and trail pass holders. Its the right thing to do by buying a trail pass to help us give you the best trail possible. Go to www.calgarysnowmobileclub.net and click Join the club. Purchase a trail pass and membership. Good price to pay for a good year of riding.

Thanks

 

[Kaz Dog]

What the graph below basically says is that to just south of the trail system there was a ton of snow fall. There is lots of snow on the trails, we just need to pack snow from the trailheads/parking lots out, and for a bit more to fall there.

Up at Highwood House - which is where Hwy 40, 940, & 541 meet - before you turn south to go to Etherington and Cataract Creek P.R.A.'s/parking lots - that little snow fell.

 

[Sledderglen]

https://youtu.be/tdsMGZkx8Ac

Here is a video that explains a bit about early season prep work on the trails. Lots of work before we are ready to really groom the trails. Its all about a good base. Thats where we are at now. We have prepacked some trails with sleds now we are going to use sleds and small drags to try and get a better flat surface. Next maybe Saturday we will bring the big girl out and cut and fill some holes and creek crossings and pray for more snow. Start of the season is ongoing now.

Thanks and enjoy

 

[catrutt]

So can you actualy ride from the parking lot without doing damage?

 

[Kaz Dog]

So can you actualy ride from the parking lot without doing damage?

Drive slow and you should be able to.

 

[Sledderglen]

So can you actualy ride from the parking lot without doing damage?

Way better. Yes take it easy and stay on the packed trail. Etherington will be good and Catarract trail just watch for bumps in the snow. Most likely a rock. There were guys out there yesterday that dindnt care to much about their sleds. Riding right across a rock field. WTF guess they are blind as well. Its ok to go out ride slowly avoid ripping the trail up and get further back to the bigger snow. SkyLine. Pasque, Oyster all good. Upper Cummins closed because of a washout and loads of fallen trees. We are goint o get out there next week and see what we can do.

Remember early season conditions. Have fun and dont rip on it . Save our trails drive respectful and make it last. Thanks have fun

 

[tucker_98]

Hi All,

Just got back from a ride today. Best first / early season ride I've had in the area. Much more snow than my first ride last year.

A few clickety clacks from the parking lot (staged at Etherington) in the usual spots but nothing too bad.

We rode Etherington Creek trail past Baril loop, down to where it connects to cataract Creek trail, fallers, halfway down skyline and back, Cummings Creek, raspberry and back to the parking lot. Snow a little low on some portions of raspberry, again nothing crazy. Trails are in great shape for this time of year. Some creeks and ice flows yet to be filled in but we didn't have a problem.

The area definitely got more snow than Calgary. Going to be a great season.

 

[kwbrodie]

Who launched their Summit off the hill and down into the trees. Abandoned it ? We will be out again tomorrow if you would like a hand to get it out .

 

[Sledderglen]

Where did this happen on the trails. Seen a spot last year when a guy went to fast around a corner and lost it into the trees. Guess all we can say is take it easy and slow down and enjoy the trails.
Good luck hope no one was hurt. They make new sled parts every day.

 

[Josh_ennett]

Way better. Yes take it easy and stay on the packed trail. Etherington will be good and Catarract trail just watch for bumps in the snow. Most likely a rock. There were guys out there yesterday that dindnt care to much about their sleds. Riding right across a rock field. WTF guess they are blind as well. Its ok to go out ride slowly avoid ripping the trail up and get further back to the bigger snow. SkyLine. Pasque, Oyster all good. Upper Cummins closed because of a washout and loads of fallen trees. We are goint o get out there next week and see what we can do.

Remember early season conditions. Have fun and dont rip on it . Save our trails drive respectful and make it last. Thanks have fun

What day are u guys planning on going to clear up (upper Cummins)?
Got some sleds and saws and may be able to help out.

 

[kwbrodie]

Sledderglen. It was still there today, towards the Southend of Rasberry loop. We stopped today and took some pictures and found the registration.

 

[Sledderglen]

Maybe it's abandoned till it warms up or stolen and left there. Who knows. I'll go looking for it on Thursday

 

[Sledderglen]

What day are u guys planning on going to clear up (upper Cummins)?
Got some sleds and saws and may be able to help out.

Thanks for the offer to help. It will be after the New Year. We want it open for the Poker Rally on the 13 of January. Will post it up here and hope you will come out to help. More hands make for easier work

 

[Sledderglen]

We were out there today with the big groomer. We were just filling dips and packing. Had her maiden voyage. All good. Slow and steady. Trails are good and it was snowing all day but cold. Meet some riders out there and they seemed happy. Received a trail pass membership yesterday from Orrin and meet him out on the trail today. All good bunch of riders.

Remember early season conditions still and natural hazards are around. Two way trails and keep right up hills and around corners. Take it easy save our trail enjoy and have a good ride

 

[Ministik Man]

Glen
we need pictures of your groomer in action.

The rest of us are looking at grass and praying for snow.

 

[Sledderglen]

Here is a after it passed pic Brian. 2nd pass with 15 minute set time

 

[Ministik Man]

WOW -- NICE

Looks like you are ready to go for the season

The groomer and packer are doing and excellent job packing your trails

Keep up the good work and post lots of "Groomer & Mountain Pictures" for us flat landers - haha

 

[Calg_Rider]

That packed trail looks awesome. Just told the kids about it and now we are planning our next adventure. Thanks to you Glen, Daryl, Scott, ... others I missed, for your efforts in this nasty cold weather.