Official Cataract Creek Snowmobile Area Thread for 2018/19 season

[takethebounce]

They completely closed the trail after the last flood but that closure was supposed to be temporary??

It’s never been re opened. The access to Powderface from McLean was posted “no access” and the Elbow loop has signs on it. I camped at Little Elbow this summer and saw them. With all the snow we had last year I would have ventured down for a little dip but I don’t even know if you could get across the flats.

 

[Salmo]

Current 2018 map shows both Powderface and the Elbow Loop as snow vehicle accessible.

 

[Bunn]

Trail is open Jan 1- March 31. Here are the newest links below. To my knowledge as of last season, the bridge on the Little Elbow Trail west of Little Elbow Campground that crosses the Elbow river has not been replaced, again this was as of last winter. Reading several mountain biking and hiking forms, there was a lot of construction on the Little Elbow trail this year so maybe the bridge has been installed now. I believe the Calgary Snowmobile Club was asked last winter to be a part of the discussions on where to put a new bridge but I didn't hear anymore about it. It has been several years since we rode the Powderface Trail on snowmobiles, but I have driven it and it is all good.

https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/k...safety/trail-reports/mclean-creek-snowmobile/

https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/k...orts/elbow-valley/big-elbowlittle-elbow-loop/

https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/k...blic-safety/trail-reports/sibbald-snowmobile/

 

[takethebounce]

Current 2018 map shows both Powderface and the Elbow Loop as snow vehicle accessible.

Yeah I can look at the website as well but when you go there it’s a different story.


I have driven the PF trail as well but I haven’t gone to the North staging area to look for any posted signs, only the McLean end and Elbow loop. It likely doesn’t matter again this year if we do not get any rideable snow. I just wish the government wasn’t being so disingenuous with how they are handling all these reclamation projects.

 

[Reklaw]

Current 2018 map shows both Powderface and the Elbow Loop as snow vehicle accessible.

Says Page not Found...

 

[takethebounce]

Says Page not Found...

The links don’t always work. You have to dig deep into the bowls on the Provinces websites to find accurate info.

 

[tucker_98]

Just over 2 weeks to go - anyone have any insight on how the trails might be for Dec 1st based on current snow levels (if there is any)?

 

[Reklaw]

Just over 2 weeks to go - anyone have any insight on how the trails might be for Dec 1st based on current snow levels (if there is any)?

Went for a drive on Sat. Theres about 3 inch in the parking lot. Might still be awhile.

 

[takethebounce]

Check back the first week of January

 

[tucker_98]

Anyone camped down here in the winter before/after a day of riding? If so where are these fees paid? Online system only lets you book until September. Would that be right in the staging area I assume? Don't recall there being anything plowed into the sites at Etherington at least.

 

[getzcold]

View attachment 213709

Anyone camped down here in the winter before/after a day of riding? If so where are these fees paid? Online system only lets you book until September. Would that be right in the staging area I assume? Don't recall there being anything plowed into the sites at Etherington at least.

We used to camp there a lot when I was young. You just camp in the lot and there is a registration box to pay. At least there was back then. Was good times you would have a fire in the cook shack bring some lights it’s gets dark in there. We used to do a night run too while they were fun especially on a full moon.

 

[JZ1]

Any updates on the snow situation?
Also, is there a updated trail map somewhere? I believe all the logging in area has changed a bunch of the trails
Ill be heading down there this Saturday for a ride

 

[Sledderglen]

Like was said in the previous post. People and club members camp right in the parking lots. Cataract more than Etherington staging areas. Free camping no problems.

Just a bit of a update to you all. The Club is still working on their OH&S plan for the government. For those of you that know about what it takes to put a accepted plan together you will understand why its taking longer then we wanted. So until our plan is approved we as a club can not be out there doing any trail maintenance. We are not OH&S specialists and have no money to hire a business to put one together. We are working and could be very close to getting it into them again for review. We are ready for when we can go in there. Chainsaw training for our volunteers are complete, Groomer is serviced and ready to go, sled groomers ready and able to pack trails. As the general public you can go out as soon as you want just be aware of hazards may be present. Fallen trees have not been cleared and trails are unpacked so they could be uneven surfaces along the trails. Sorry nfor this news but thats whats up. If there are any OH&S specialist that would like to help PM me on Snow and Mud.

Thanks for your patience on this.

Get out there and have some fun and pack the whole trail width please if you can.

 

[Sledderglen]

Any updates on the snow situation?
Also, is there a updated trail map somewhere? I believe all the logging in area has changed a bunch of the trails
ill be heading down there this Saturday for a tide

New bridges out there and some of the logging roads have been deactivated as well. Updated map coming this fall. Take it easy as no trail maintenance has been done yet this year.

 

[amundorsx]

Glen what kind of things are they looking for? If they are looking for tailboards, hazard assessments, JHAs etc - I have some experience in creating these types of forms. I’ll be in attendance for December’s meeting, perhaps we can have a side discussion about what OHS is looking for and how I can help

 

[Sledderglen]

Glen what kind of things are they looking for? If they are looking for tailboards, hazard assessments, JHAs etc - I have some experience in creating these types of forms. I’ll be in attendance for December’s meeting, perhaps we can have a side discussion about what OHS is looking for and how I can help

Hazard Assessments and Control reports for all the tasks we do out there. I did get a response and will follow up there as well.

 

[amundorsx]

Let me know if you want some examples of forms that my company uses.

 

[JZ1]

I might be able to help as well.

 

[Sledderglen]

I might be able to help as well.

Thanks. How were the conditions out there?

 

[JZ1]

Thanks. How were the conditions out there?

I have been out yet. Going this Saturday, that’s when it opens right?