Deschutes National Forest Has Received a Mix of Wqrmer Temps with Some Rain As Well As New Snow Across the Various Elevations

Winter Trail Access and Conditions Update

Updated February 16, 2017 Presidents Holiday Weekend Report! Winter Trail Highlights  All Deschutes NF snow parks have adequate snow for good winter trail access. 6 mile SP is not recommended due to logging/plowed trails.  Recent mild temps and rain have reduce snow depths and created wet pack conditions in some areas. Colder temps and some snow in the forecast should improve snow/trail conditions.

 Winter trail grooming in progress and (2014 photo) Cascade Lakes Hwy - closed beyond Mt. dependent on volunteer scheduling, Bachelor for the winter season. This closed hwy section snow conditions & operable equipment. becomes snowmobile and ski trails with adequate snow.  Currently, 85% of winter snow pole Currently 88-94” snow on Dutchman Flat. 85% of the signs are in place in the Dutchman Flat winter signing is currently in place. to Moon Mt. area.  Seasonal closures of Hwy 46, Hwy 242,

Road 21, Road 16, Tumalo Falls Rd and Road 370 are now in effect for the winter season. Additional road closures around snow parks and that become winter trails are also in effect.  Tumalo Ck ski trail lower bridge is out. Follow ck upstream (left) for informal detour. To be marked in near future.  All summer trails are under 8-140+ inches of snow and all summer trailhead access is blocked by snow.  Watch weather forecasts closely.  Go prepared with your Ten Essential Systems: Various signing at snow parks is in place to help make Navigation (map and compass) parking/traffic flow safer and more efficient. Please Sun protection (sunglasses/sunscreen) follow posted traffic and other snow park signage. Insulation (extra clothing)

Illumination (headlamp/flashlight) First-aid supplies Fire(waterproofmatches/lighter/candles) Repair kit and tools Have a safe Winter trailNutritions season (extra! food) Hydration (extra water) Emergency shelter GENERAL SNOW, WINTER TRAIL CONDITIONS ON FEB 16:

Know before you go!

Over the past 2 weeks the Deschutes National Forest has received a mix of wqrmer temps with some rain as well as new snow across the various elevations. The weather forecast thru the weekend is calling for colder temps in general with some additional snow at mid to upper elevations and chance of rain or rain/snow mix at lower elevations. Currently, all Deschutes National Forest snow parks are in fair to good snow conditions with access to all winter trails. See the Snow Park Conditions Table below for further snow depths and conditions. Snow depths/conditions can vary day to day and we attempt to provide weekly updates on snow conditions and access into the winter season.

Be aware that strong/fast moving winter storms can change conditions very quickly. Increasingly, rain on snow events have added challenges to winter conditions with water hazards. Check weather forecasts closely, go prepared, use

sound judgement and avoid becoming a search and rescue statistic or worse! NOAA weather forecast for Cascade Lks Hwy at 5300’: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-121.52560715332032&lat=43.9825885847535#.WDS09JgzXIU

Dutchman Sno-Park Expect heavy holiday use at most snow parks! Weekend traffic will likely be heavy, drive with caution! Remember Oregon Sno-Park Permits.

Have a safe Winter trails season!

Wanoga Snow Play Hill currently has 44-48” snow depth with good to bumpy sledding conditions. Runs could be rough and icy with heavy use. Sled safe, wear helmets, do not build jumps and remove broken sleds and other litter from the sledding area. Keep the “runout area” clear and dogs on leash.

Above left, Fall/Winter storms bring down hundreds to thousands of trees across forest roads and trails and can make following winter trails more challenging (see blue diamond lower right). Also, heavy blowing snow can cover diamonds on standing trees increasing difficulty in following snow trails. Above right, just a few of the approx. 600 winter signs on “snow poles” that are installed each winter to mark trails, closures and hazards in backcountry areas at and above Dutchman Sno-Park. Generally, orange colored diamonds/signs/poles indicate snowmobiler information and blue colored indicate skier/snowshoer information.

Have a safe Winter trails season!

Snowmobile,ski trail and fat bike trail grooming in progress:

Winter trail grooming is in progress on various Deschutes National Forest snowmobile and ski trails (Meissner nordic only). The Deschutes has 5 different snowmobile trail grooming clubs and one Nordic trail grooming club; all which depend on volunteers to operate and maintain 6 different trail grooming snow cats over approximately 400 miles of winter trails.

Oregon State Snowmobile Association operates/maintains State owned snowcats, paid for thru snowmobile registration fees and recreational gas tax funding. The Meissner Nordic Club grooming program is funded thru user donations, fund raisers and grants. Thousands of volunteer hours go into these grooming operations each year. Thank you to all winter trail volunteers who help make the Deschutes National Forest winter trail programs one of the finest in the Nation!

Trail grooming schedules may become intermittent and sporatic as various clubs with volunteers catch up with logging out hundreds of downed trees and work thru heavy/deep snow conditions on some trails. Grooming cats may be on trails day or night! As grooming programs settle into normal winter operations we can expect more predictable grooming schedules. Do be aware that grooming schedules depend on volunteer availability, snow and weather conditions. Also, unexpected breakdowns and maintenance issues do arise and offset schedules.

Road closures are now in effect for hundreds of miles of forest roads into and around the following snow parks: Meissner, Wanoga, Swampy, Vista Butte, Kapka Butte, Dutchman, Edison, Skyliner, Ten Mile, Six Mile, Upper Three Creek Lake, Crescent Lake and Junction Snow Parks. Most of these roads are posted with black and white “ROAD CLOSED” signs and become ski, snowmobile and snowshoe trails during this period. Please respect these road closures and avoid being a safety hazard to trail users.

Have a safe Winter trails season!

Deschutes National Forest winter trail club links for trail grooming/maintenance:

Meissner Nordic Club (ski trail grooming at Meissner) – http://www.meissnernordic.org/

Central Oregon Nordic Club (ski/snowshoe trail maintenance on most area blue diamond trails) - http://conordicclub.org/new/

DogPac (grooming/maintenance on ski trails open to dogs out of Wanoga Snow Play Sno- Park - http://dogpac.org/

Central Oregon Snowbusters and Sisters Sno-Go-Fers Snowmobile Clubs (Wanoga to Sisters area trail grooming) – http://www.centraloregonsnowbusters.com/

La Pine Lodgepole Dodgers Snowmobile Club – (Newberry National Volcanic Monument area trails) http://www.lapinedodgerssnow.org/default.aspx

Walker Rim Riders Snowmobile Club (Crescent area) - http://www.walkerrimriders.com/page125235.aspx

Mt. Jefferson Snowmobile Club (Santiam Pass area) http://www.mtjefferson.org/

COTA Winter Fat Bike Trail Grooming out of Wanoga Snow Play Sno-Park: Jan/Feb http://cotamtb.com/2016/winter-fat-bike-trails-to-open-soon/ Being updated for 2017! Groomer reports on Facebook Central Oregon Fatbikes and on Bendtrails.org

Fat bike trail grooming is now in progress out of Wanoga Sno- Park. Approximately 9 miles of one way single track trail designed/groomed for fat bikes on a trial basis this winter. See map below for directions and parking instructions. Be aware Of skiers and snowshoers with dogs on trails.

Have a safe Winter trails season!

Backcountry users take note; unsettle weather, wind, heavy snow fall, temperature fluctuations are just a few factors that can increase avalanche danger. This is a time to go prepared, perform stability tests and use extra caution when traveling in avalanche terrain. Carry transceivers, shovel and probe, take avalanche training, practice traveling thru avalanche terrain and avoid when in doubt.

Snow Park Caution!

Along with Dutchman Sno-Park (above), several other snow parks may experience high use and exceed capacity on weekends and holidays. During heavy snow fall, plow operations at snow parks are often delayed in order to keep hwy access open. You may be unable to drive into a snow park or your vehicle may become buried or “snowbound” and stuck. Plows are unable to operate effectively or at all in snow parks with moderate to high vehicle use. Bring snow shovels and plan to dig yourself out. Have a backup plan if you find your first snow park choice full or snowed in. Don’t enter snow parks that are deep in snow or over capacity!

Have a safe Winter trails season!

Snow Park Conditions Table coding:

Special area restrictions or notations relating to the table below are as follows: 1 = Area/trails closed to dogs except working dogs in harness on groomed snowmobile trails and only with a permit 2 = Area open to dogs 3 = Area/trails closed to motorized use 4 = Vehicles with trailers limited to 40’ overall length 5 = High to extreme use with special area/trail restrictions, see sno-park information board, trail maps and area signing for full details. Very limited parking, try to avoid on weekends and holidays. All sno-parks (except Skyliner and Hwy 242) are plowed with State funds and require an Oregon State Sno-Park Permit

Have a safe Winter trails season!

Deschutes National Forest Snow Park Conditions Table Updated February 16, 2017 Presidents Holiday Weekend Report! Snow conditions: Recent melting and rain is turning to snow with improving to good conditions out of most snow parks. Current wintery mix of rain and snow turning to more snow over next few days. Expect Holiday crowds and winter driving conditions. SNO-PARK NAME LOCATION PARK APPROX. SNOW CONDITIONS AND SPECIAL Designated trails or Hwy or Road and ELEV. SNOW COMMENTS activities with numerical milepost DEPTH (Conditions subject to change without notice and notations explained at the whim of Nature) above TOTAL Meissner 1 HWY 46, MP 14 5,350’ 40-42” Good snow conditions with trail grooming in Ski/snowshoe progress! . No dogs. Take the bus: http://www.mtbachelor.com/info/mtbachelor-shuttle/ Wanoga Snow Play,2 HWY 46, MP 15 5,400’ 44-48” Fair-good snow conditions. Bumpy slope 3 Tubing/sledding conditions with heavy use. Wear helmets! Groomed ski/dog trails Sledding hill closed to snowmobiles. Wanoga Snowmobile HWY 46, MP 15 5,500’ 44-48” Good snow conditions, trail grooming in 2 Snowmobiling progress. Area side roads closed to hwy vehicles Dec. 1 - April 1. Swampy 1 3 HWY 46, MP 16 5,800’ 68-72” Good snow conditions! Area roads closed to Ski/snowshoe hwy vehicles Dec. 1 - April 1 Vista Butte 1 3 HWY 46, MP 18 5,950’ 80-82” Good snow conditions, trails may be hard to Ski/snowshoe follow. Area north of parking closed to snowmobiles, use Kapka Butte or Wanoga. Dutchman 1 4 5 HWY 46, MP 22 6,250’ 88-94” Good snow conditions, snowmobile trail Ski/shoe/snowmobiling grooming in progress. 85% of winter signing in place. Limited parking/no overnight camping. 40’ max length limit for vehicle/trailer combination. Expect heavy use! Kapka Butte 2 ¼ mi. s. of Hwy 46, 5,900’ 80-82” Good snow conditions, trail grooming in Snowmobiling/ski/shoe on Road 45 progress. Area side roads closed to hwy vehicles Dec. 1 - April 1. Edison 2 4 mi. s. of Hwy 46 5,000’ 40-46” Good snow conditions. Heavy beetle killed Ski/shoe/snowmobiling on Road 45 lodgepole in area, high number of trees on trails. Area roads closed to hwy vehicles Dec. 1-Ap 1 Skyliner 2 Skyliner Rd MP 9 4,700’ 36” Fair snow conditions. Gate/road to Tumalo Falls Ski/snowshoe road access closed for winter. Road is ski/snowshoe trail. Six Mile 2 Road 21, MP 6 4,400’ Some baring Not recommended, logging/plowing operations Snowmobiling East of Hwy 97 on connecting trail/roads. Ten Mile 2 Road 21, MP 10 5,560’ 36-42” Good snow conditions. Road 21 beyond Ten Snowmobile/ski/shoe East of Hwy 97 Mile closed to vehicles for winter season. Lower Three Creek 2 Road 16, MP 8 4,400’ 20-24” Fair snow conditions. Snow park plowed, light Snowmobile/Ski use, quiet camping option. Upper Three Creek 2 Road 16, MP 11 5,250’ 40-44” Good snow conditions. Road 16 narrow plowing Snowmobile/ski/shoe and closed for winter season beyond sno-pk. Hwy 242 (Mckenzie Hwy 242, MP 7 3,800’ 18-24” Hwy closed to summer access. Parking area Pass)2Snomo/ski/shoe from Sisters may not be plowed.

Crescent Junction 2 Hwy 58/Road 60 4,750’ 40-45” Good snow conditions, trail grooming in Snowmobiling MP 1/2 progress. Road 60 closed for winter. Crescent Lake 2 Hwy 58/Road 60 4,700’ 40-45” Good snow conditions, trail grooming in Snowmobiling/BC (no MP 2 progress. Road 60 closed for winter. ski/snowshoe trails)

Have a safe Winter trails season!

Know the different trail designation diamonds and colors. Orange generally designates winter motorized user information and blue diamonds and signing for non-motorized (skiers/snowshoers). Please learn and abide by motorized and non-motorized trail and backcountry restrictions.

WINTER MAP DOWNLOADS ON iPhone, ANDROID OR TABLET: Using the GPS in your phone the PDF Maps app works on your iPhone or Android smart phone or tablet to show you your location on a map you have downloaded. You will need the PDF maps app on your iPhone or Android to use this function. If you do not already have the PDF Maps app you will need to download this free app. Go to: https: //www.fs.usda.gov/detail/deschutes/maps -pubs/?cid=STELPRDB5408820 to download PDF winter maps directly.

SPECIAL TRAIL EVENTS EFFECTING TRAIL USE:

Be aware of logging activities taking place along the Deshutes River Trail just west of the Big Eddie to Lava Island stretch as well as logging out of and south of Six Mile Sno-Park. Winter trail use out of Six Mile Sno-Park is not recommended for the remainder of winter.

Have a safe Winter trails season!

GENERAL SUMMER TRAIL CONDITIONS AS OF FEBRUARY 16:

Currently patchy - 140”+- of snow covers the various Deschutes National Forest summer trails and trailhead with all summer trails and trailheads are inaccessible to summer uses. Only State Sno-Parks are plowed for winter trail access. Summer trail conditions reporting will focus on those summer trails that continue to have reasonable access.

DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST SUMMER TRAILHEADS/TRAILS:

Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District summer trails/access:

Winter seasonal note: Seasonal snow closures of summer trails has occurred.

 Phils TH area trails are currently blocked by patchy-24” of snow. For more information on COTA, who they are, what they do and how you can help, go to: http://cotamtb.com/

 Tumalo Falls Trailhead Road is closed and becomes a ski and snowshoe trail.

 Deschutes River Trailheads/Trails are currently blocked by 10-30” of snow. Trailhead access is mostly blocked by snow with lower elevation trailheads having icy/rutted snow road access. Be aware of logging operations in effect just west of the River between Big Eddie and Lava Island.

 New Rimrock Trailhead – Previously known as “Good Dog Trailhead”, is currently icy rutted access with 8-20” of snow on trails. Located at MP 5 on Hwy 46, between Entrada Lodge and Widgee Creek.

 Tumalo Creek 2 Trail currently blocked by snow.

 Wanoga Mt. Bike Trails currently blocked by snow.

 Swampy Lake Trails currently blocked by snow.

 Tumalo Mt.Trail – currently blocked by snow.

 Todd Lake Trailhead currently blocked by snow.

 Todd Creek Horse Camp – Closed for the season due to snow and Hwy 46 gates closed.

Have a safe Winter trails season!

 Sparks Lake Trailhead – Closed for the season due to snow and Hwy 46 gates closed.

 Ray Atkison Trailhead and Sparks Lake boat ramp – Closed for the season due to snow and Hwy 46 gates closed.

 Green Lakes/Soda Creek Trailhead – Closed for the season due to snow and Hwy 46 gates closed.

 Devils Lake/South Sister Trailhead – Closed for the season due to snow and Hwy 46 gates closed.

 Quinn Meadow Horse Camp area trails – Closed for the season due to snow and Hwy 46 gates closed.

 Metolius-Windigo Trail currently blocked by snow. No further updates until Spring 2017.

 Cultus Lake and Winopee Lk TH – currently blocked by snow.

 Lemish Lake TH – currently blocked by snow.

 Charlton Lake TH – currently blocked by snow.

 Osprey Point TH – currently blocked by snow.

 Fall River Trail – currently blocked by snow.

 South/North Twin Lakes area trails – currently blocked by snow.

 Horse Butte to Swamp Wells area trails – currently blocked by snow.

 Newberry Caldera trails – Road 21 into Newberry Caldera with access to Monument summer trails is closed for the winter season. Gate beyond Ten Mile Snow Park is closed. 36”+ inches of snow above 5,600’.

 Peter Skene Ogden Trail – currently blocked by snow.

 Lava Cast Forest Trailhead – currently blocked by snow.

 Hoffman Island Trailhead – currently blocked by snow.

 Pacific Crest Trail – Area access trails and trailheads inaccessible and blocked by snow. PCT is currently under 60+” of snow. http://www.pcta.org/ Have a safe Winter trails season!

 Wilderness Trails – All local Wilderness trails are now inaccessible due to snow and seasonal closures of access roads. There will be no further reporting on Wilderness trails until Spring 2017. Sisters Ranger District summer trails/access:

 Black Butte Trail currently blocked by snow.

 Metolius River Trails – currently blocked by snow.

 Suttle Lake Trail currently blocked by snow. Road access not plowed.

 Lake Creek Trail currently blocked by snow.

 Whychus Creek and Overlook Trails – currently blocked by snow. Trailhead not plowed, 16 Road is plowed but parking along road not recommended.

 Peterson Ridge Trails currently blocked by snow.

 Metolius-Windigo Trail - SEE DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!

 PCT – SEE DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!

 Horse trails out of Sheep Springs Horse Camp – currently blocked by snow.

 Head of Jack Creek Trail – currently blocked by snow.

 Wilderness Trails – – All local Wilderness trails are now inaccessible due to snow and seasonal closures of access roads. There will be no further reporting on Wilderness trails until Spring 2017.

Crescent Ranger District summer trails/access:

 PCT – SEE DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!

 Oldenberg Trail currently blocked by snow.

 Summit Lk Trail – currently blocked by snow.

Have a safe Winter trails season!

 Meek Lk Trail – currently blocked by snow.

 Windy Lakes Trail – currently blocked by snow.

 Windigo Pass – currently blocked by snow.

 Whitefish Horse Camp - currently blocked by snow.

 Pretty Lk/Fawn Lake Trails – currently blocked by snow.

 Metolius-Windigo Trail - SEE DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!

 Maiden Peak – currently blocked by snow.

“LEAVE NO TRACE” REMINDER:

PLEASE, PRACTICE THE SEVEN LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPALS:

Plan Ahead and Prepare Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Dispose of Waste Properly – See photo and information below on wrong disposal and effects! Leave What You Find Minimize Campfire Impacts Respect Wildlife Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For details on the 7 LNT Principals: http://lnt.org/learn/7-principles

SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURES/OPENINGS:

Hwy 46 CLOSED from Dutchman Flat to Road 4270 at Deschutes Bridge. Road 370 CLOSED from Hwy 46 to Road 4601 near Three Creek Lks.

Tumalo Falls CLOSED for winter season. Road is now ski/snowshoe trail. Road

Have a safe Winter trails season!

Road 21 CLOSED from Ten Mile Sno-Park to east end of Newberry Caldera; Road to Paulina Peak closed for the season.

Hwy 242 Mckenzie Pass, CLOSED for winter season. Road 16 CLOSED beyond Upper Three Creek Sno-Park for winter season. Plowed section of road is becoming narrow, down to one lane in sections, use caution! Road beyond snow park is now snowmobile/ski/snowshoe trail.

Road 60 CLOSED for winter season. Road is now snowmobile/ski/snowshoe trail.

TEN ESSENTIAL SYSTEMS:

“What are The Ten Essentials?” ”The Ten Essentials are items The Mountaineers recommends everyone carry on all trips. The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful place that can be wild and unpredictable. Being prepared for anything is essential. This is as important on short, local trips as it is on long, backcountry trips. It is easy to forget first aid kits and warm layers short trips, but a short trip can quickly turn to a long trip if you get lost or injured.”

“The Ten Essentials started as a list of ten simple items and is now a systems approach that guides you in preparing for any trip in any season. The two basic questions are: (1) Can you respond positively to an accident or emergency? (2) Can you safely spend a night or more out? Here is a list of The Ten Essential Systems:

1. Navigation (map & compass) 2. Sun Protection (sun glasses, sun screen, lip balm) 3. Insulation (extra clothing) 4. Illumination (flashlight or headlamp, spare bulb & batteries) 5. First-Aid Supplies (gauze, tape, etc.) 6. Fire (fire starter, matches, lighter) 7. Repair Kit (knife, duct tape, tools, spare parts) 8. Nutrition (extra food) 9. Hydration (extra water, water purification) 10. Emergency Shelter (tarp, garbage bag)

Further details on the “Ten Essential Systems”: http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/ten+essentials.html?s_kwcid=TC|13029|ten%20essentials||S|p|7499840765&cm_mmc=ps_goog le_CH-_-Category%20-%20Camp%2fHike-_-Camping%2fHiking_GeneralTerms_Essentials-_- ten%20essentials&gclid=CNq_h8Xbsq4CFQN8hwodYhH-PQ

SPECIAL SAFETY NOTES:

Have a safe Winter trails season!

Go prepared for changeable weather conditions. Winter season conditions exist! Be sure to go prepared with plenty of warm clothing, water, and food as well as other emergency essentials. For further Deschutes National Forest winter or summer trails information, please call: Deschutes National Forest Headquarters: (541) 383-5300 Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District: (541) 383-4000 Sisters Ranger District: (541) 549-7700

Crescent Ranger District: (541) 433-3200 Find this weekly trail access and condition report in the Deschutes National Forest Website at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5299503.pdf

Thank you so much volunteers!

Have a safe Winter trails season!