Cataract creek snowmobile area offical thread 2015/16

[Highfly]

 

[JZ1]

so is the brown line the boundry? if so is the southern portion of the blue trails out of bounds also?

 

[101110101101]

View attachment 190665

Thank you..... I would have agreed with you and argued with anyone who said that was out of bounds, based on the first link. I would have read it the same as you......

 

[Highfly]

The worst part is if you read the fine print they accept no responsibility of the map. I quote... "This information as depicted is subject to change, therefore the Government of Alberta assumes no responsibilities for discrepancies at time of use." Well that is one HUGE discrepancy isn't it, Like 50% or more of the land use area.

 

[Highfly]

This all came about as I was looking for new local areas to ride in. Took a look at the map and thought WOW look at all that area that no one knows about. My E.S.R.D. friend rides with us sometimes so I asked him about the map. He said he didn't think we were aloud in the area but would look into it. A couple days later he said that entire area is off limits.

 

[Highfly]

so is the brown line the boundry? if so is the southern portion of the blue trails out of bounds also?

That is crown land south. If you look at the big map it is not part of the Don Getty Wild Land Park reserve so while it is out of the PLUZ area, it is crown land.

The Blue trial to the extreme north west is actually through the Don Getty Wild Park Reserve but we have been given leeway on this trail (and on the trail only).

 

[101110101101]

The worst part is if you read the fine print they accept no responsibility of the map. I quote... "This information as depicted is subject to change, therefore the Government of Alberta assumes no responsibilities for discrepancies at time of use." Well that is one HUGE discrepancy isn't it, Like 50% or more of the land use area.

I think you'd win the argument in court.. of course going to court in the first place is a PITA. if we can't rely on their map, how are we supposed to know what area is legal, or otherwise? Similar to parking, it MUST be posted for it to be illegal to park (from previous court experience)..

 

[Highfly]

if we can't rely on their map, how are we supposed to know what area is legal, or otherwise?

And this is why I'm bringing it to everyone's attention.

 

[Highfly]

IMO this needs to be corrected ASAP as grooming the area will only be bringing more riders to the area. My friend said he would bring this to the attention of his office but I don't know for sure if he followed through.

 

[Kaz Dog]

View attachment 190665

Let me add some information to this discussion, as I have been told it. According to the head Conservation Officer responsible for law enforcement in this area of "Kananaskis Country", officially there is to be no snowmobile travel other than on designated trails (shown in blue on the map above, both in the P.L.U.Z. and out - and I do not know if this a "law", or just how they enforce the area). That being said, we know what happens.

I have not heard of any issues with any snowmobiler and a conservation officer in the Cataract Creek Snow Vehicle P.L.U.Z., or to the "south". Sledders leave the trails to the south toward the Oldman River on a regular basis, and also go over Fording Pass to B.C. as well (this has not been cut-off and enforced by B.C. authorities as of now). Also, there is very little to no snowmobile travel on the east side of the Forestry Trunk Road (Highway 940), east of the Cataract Creek Parking Lot, as there are no trail accesses, and the Campground is closed in the winter time.

Although the map does show the P.L.U.Z. stratling Highway 940, there are no trail to the east - please do not go there. The C.S.C. is working with Alberta Environment & Parks - Land Department on the future of the area currently.

 

[101110101101]

Let me add some information to this discussion, as I have been told it. According to the head Conservation Officer responsible for law enforcement in this area of "Kananaskis Country", officially there is to be no snowmobile travel other than on designated trails (shown in blue on the map above, both in the P.L.U.Z. and out - and I do not know if this a "law", or just how they enforce the area). That being said, we know what happens.

I have not heard of any issues with any snowmobiler and a conservation officer in the Cataract Creek Snow Vehicle P.L.U.Z., or to the "south". Sledders leave the trails to the south toward the Oldman River on a regular basis, and also go over Fording Pass to B.C. as well (this has not been cut-off and enforced by B.C. authorities as of now). Also, there is very little to no snowmobile travel on the east side of the Forestry Trunk Road (Highway 940), east of the Cataract Creek Parking Lot, as there are no trail accesses, and the Campground is closed in the winter time.

Although the map does show the P.L.U.Z. stratling Highway 940, there are no trail to the east - please do not go there. The C.S.C. is working with Alberta Environment & Parks - Land Department on the future of the area currently.

I'm wondering if someone could answer a semi-related question, using the above map. Maybe even "highlight" it as you have with the out-of-bounds area(s). Sorry if this should have been posted in it's own thread. I bring my family to this area (Etherington Staging Area) and we never travel too far from there. I am wondering, if you could highlight the area(a) where you would think that avalanche gear is mandatory? So far I have not seen the need for it where we go, but maybe I'm out to lunch? After looking at the map... we mostly play in some of the more open areas near the staging area, and go around Baril Loop (I think).... in your estimation, would you think you need avy gear in those areas? I simply can't afford it for 4 people... but haven't seen the need yet. If I'm being unknowingly "wreckless"... I may avoid that area this year.

 

[Kaz Dog]

In my opinion, and my opinion only, you do not require avalanche equipment on the Cataract Creek Snowmobile Trail system, as indicated in blue on the map, except if you plan to travel west over Fording Pass on Baril Creek Trail. The whole system was designed to be a safe area to learn and enjoy TRAIL RIDING, not big powder, avalanche terrain area riding. If anyone chooses to go over the Great Divide into B.C. through Fording Pass, you are definitely in avalanche terrain!

I'm wondering if someone could answer a semi-related question, using the above map. Maybe even "highlight" it as you have with the out-of-bounds area(s). Sorry if this should have been posted in it's own thread. I bring my family to this area (Etherington Staging Area) and we never travel too far from there. I am wondering, if you could highlight the area(a) where you would think that avalanche gear is mandatory? So far I have not seen the need for it where we go, but maybe I'm out to lunch? After looking at the map... we mostly play in some of the more open areas near the staging area, and go around Baril Loop (I think).... in your estimation, would you think you need avy gear in those areas? I simply can't afford it for 4 people... but haven't seen the need yet. If I'm being unknowingly "wreckless"... I may avoid that area this year.

 

[101110101101]

In my opinion, and my opinion only, you do not require avalanche equipment on the Cataract Creek Snowmobile Trail system, as indicated in blue on the map, except if you plan to travel west over Fording Pass on Baril Creek Trail. The whole system was designed to be a safe area to learn and enjoy TRAIL RIDING, not big powder, avalanche terrain area riding. If anyone chooses to go over the Great Divide into B.C. through Fording Pass, you are definitely in avalanche terrain!

Thank you.... I wasn't sure, as I admittedly haven't seen much of it. Knowing this puts my mind at ease. I saw nothing that concerned me... but I suppose I wanted to verify I wasn't just "missing it". I've never been over the pass, only heard of it. I'm okay with some risk to myself, so long as it's informed, and I am certain what I'm risking. I'm not okay with making that choice for the rest of my family.

Thanks a million..... now more excited than ever to explore the trails more fully...... when do you think that will be? (guess? typical/average time?)

 

[Kaz Dog]

Thank you.... I wasn't sure, as I admittedly haven't seen much of it. Knowing this puts my mind at ease. I saw nothing that concerned me... but I suppose I wanted to verify I wasn't just "missing it". I've never been over the pass, only heard of it. I'm okay with some risk to myself, so long as it's informed, and I am certain what I'm risking. I'm not okay with making that choice for the rest of my family.

Thanks a million..... now more excited than ever to explore the trails more fully...... when do you think that will be? (guess? typical/average time?)

You're welcome! The trails are not to be accessed until Dec. 1, as per regulation. We hope to have enough snow fall prior to Dec. 1 to start packing the trails, but time will tell on that matter. I will be posting on this thread where the packing/grooming is taking place. Scott

 

[101110101101]

Thanks again Kaz..... it seems to me I knew about Dec 1, but had forgotten. Is there anywhere in the Calgary area that people, go prior to that?

 

[Kaz Dog]

Unless you are on private land, no. It is government regulated Public Land, but I am not 100% sure of Blain Maclean or Ghost/Waiparous areas - although I would never take a sled to either.

Thanks again Kaz..... it seems to me I knew about Dec 1, but had forgotten. Is there anywhere in the Calgary area that people, go prior to that?

 

[101110101101]

Thanks.. I just emailed the Calgary Snowmobile Club.... something tells me that might be you on the other end. (Go reply!) lol

 

[Kaz Dog]

Thanks.. I just emailed the Calgary Snowmobile Club.... something tells me that might be you on the other end. (Go reply!) lol

Great to chat with you, and thanks for joining the club, and your support.

 

[101110101101]

Great to chat with you, and thanks for joining the club, and your support.

I haven't actually joined yet..... only just settling down from lunch. I have a stat tomorrow so I'll be looking for some way to spend money... heheheeh I'll join then. Thanks for taking the time to explain everything to me. You are a wealth of info. Take care sir.

 

[Highfly]

So my friend (from SRD) is watching this post. He concurs with Kaze that you need to be staying on the trails as if you are caught off of them you could be fined.