How Hard Was The Snowpack Hit Yesterday

[ImYourHuckleberry]

I believe they counted over 100 blowdowns.

That's all just from the recent weather event? Is this widespread through the Whites?

 

[Ear Drum]

Adding to the Maine coast discussion... Quoddy Head SP, way out at the eastern point of Maine and the US, has some really nice trails too. And there's Acadia. If you're going out to Cutler there are these other spots not too far.

I wonder if Peakbagger would step in and say, this needs a new thread. I think we've had at least three topics here (snowpack, meteors, Maine).

 

[DayTrip]

That's all just from the recent weather event? Is this widespread through the Whites?

I believe so. The big wind and rain event this past WED. I think the weight of all that early season snow took its toll on the trees.

 

[Dr. Dasypodidae]

That's all just from the recent weather event? Is this widespread through the Whites?

The two recent devastation reports for Glencliff Trail and the one recent report for the Carter-Moriah Trail between the North Carter Trail and the summit of Mount Moriah pretty much span the Whites, but we could use a few more reports to fill in the huge geographic gap between them. Before the two devastation reports yesterday, the last NETC report for the Glencliff Trail was by Scott B way back on September 10th when he wrote that the trail was in fine shape. But my unscientific guess is that the damage was done during this past Wednesday’s storm.

 

[ImYourHuckleberry]

The two recent devastation reports for Glencliff Trail and the one recent report for the Carter-Moriah Trail between the North Carter Trail and the summit of Mount Moriah pretty much span the Whites, but we could use a few more reports to fill in the huge geographic gap between them. Before the two devastation reports yesterday, the last NETC report for the Glencliff Trail was by Scott B way back on September 10th when he wrote that the trail was in fine shape. But my unscientific guess is that the damage was done during this past Wednesday’s storm.

Yeah I had no idea to the scale and strength of the storm (just thought it was warm with heavy rain) and was just asking because I wasn't sure if I was understanding correctly what people were talking about. Seems bad.

 

[Dr. Dasypodidae]

I just learned that it will be after the holidays before the maintainers are available to begin clean up of Glencliff Trail. So, if anyone wants to help sooner, please have at it. I am sure that the maintainers would be most appreciative. My guess is that a lot can be done with trim saws (6-8” blades) given that the damage report are for the upper mile or so where the conifers are smaller diameter.

Reading more NETC reports from the weekend, the destruction apparently occurred throughout the Whites and many hikers have already begun tree and limb removal as good Samaritans.

 

[JoshandBaron]

Just here to add Donnell Pond to the coastal Maine list.

 

[OldEric]

Before my plans fell through I was going to do Moosilauke via Glencliff. Hadn't been any trips for Glencliff in quite awhile. Someone finally posted one for SAT and it sounded trashed. Might be a tough Winter out there at the higher elevations with the lack of maintenance on many trails until the Spring.

I hiked Glencliff yesterday (Sunday - the day after the doomsday conditions report). Gorgeous day - perfect hardpacked but not too icy footing. Sunny, temps in the teens little wind. As for the blowdowns - a number of people were diligently clearing them. I'd say 50-75% complete now. Some duck unders, a lot of step overs. It was good enough that I didn't regret (too much) being dragged away from the climbing gym.

 

[sierra]

Just read a trip report from Mt. Carrigain that mentions the same theme of many blowdowns. I've now seen trip reports from the Carters to Moosilauke concerning massive amounts of blowdowns, so it's not an isolated issue by any means. Many people in the 4k groups are now planning to start carrying saws to help clear the trails. I plan to do the same, but I will be working on the 52wav peaks.

 

[NHClimber]

Just read a trip report from Mt. Carrigain that mentions the same theme of many blowdowns. I've now seen trip reports from the Carters to Moosilauke concerning massive amounts of blowdowns, so it's not an isolated issue by any means. Many people in the 4k groups are now planning to start carrying saws to help clear the trails. I plan to do the same, but I will be working on the 52wav peaks.

What saw and what are the rules around that. I have done local clearing but nothing on WMNF trails. I assumed that was all regulated and left to the trail maintainers. I would have assumed a lot of red tape.

 

[ImYourHuckleberry]

What saw and what are the rules around that. I have done local clearing but nothing on WMNF trails. I assumed that was all regulated and left to the trail maintainers. I would have assumed a lot of red tape.

This is probably one of those circumstances where it's better to ask for forgiveness rather than permission.

 

[sierra]

What saw and what are the rules around that. I have done local clearing but nothing on WMNF trails. I assumed that was all regulated and left to the trail maintainers. I would have assumed a lot of red tape.

I am talking about a small folding saw, dealing with small diameter trees, not large 50+ year old giants. Even a few branches off a fallen tree can open a way through and keep people on the trail corridor. I believe there is a regulation, but it's not my field (under 10 inches diameter?) Maybe Craig or Daniel will chime in, they would know.

 

[DayTrip]

Recent trip reports indicate many people are indeed clearing blowdowns and the situation is improving quite a bit on many trails. I just hope it is confined to the obvious trees and limbs that are dead or will definitely be dead and doesn't expand into "corridor creation" and personal decisions on what a trail should look like. As sierra said, cutting a few key branches on a blowdown can keep traffic on the trail. At least thankfully there is snow to help prevent permanent damage from detours and braiding.

 

[NHClimber]

Cool. I often carry just such a saw (the little folding saws that is). They are small but quite potent and can clear away significant sized saplings that have come over the trail where people often make a go-around.

 

[helmethiker]

Cool. I often carry just such a saw (the little folding saws that is). They are small but quite potent and can clear away significant sized saplings that have come over the trail where people often make a go-around.

How well does a wire saw work in these applications?

 

[DayTrip]

How well does a wire saw work in these applications?

I think wire saws are a hyped-up, As Seen On TV type product you find in Rambo-esque survival knife handles that doesn't work. From what I've read the wire heats up very easily and snaps after very limited use. But I haven't read up on these in a long time nor have I ever used one so I could be 100% wrong on that.

 

[NHClimber]

How well does a wire saw work in these applications?

I don't know. I have the compact folding saws, which are super sharp and very effective on even small blow downs. I've cut 5" diameter trees with them without much trouble or time. Ultimately, it's just a function of time and patience if you were to tackle something larger. I think the blade is 10-12" on the standard folders.

 

[JoshandBaron]

I think wire saws are a hyped-up, As Seen On TV type product you find in Rambo-esque survival knife handles that doesn't work. From what I've read the wire heats up very easily and snaps after very limited use. But I haven't read up on these in a long time nor have I ever used one so I could be 100% wrong on that.

Accurate.

 

[ImYourHuckleberry]

The Sven Saw works pretty good, as do some of the folding saws.

 

[JoshandBaron]

The Sven Saw works pretty good, as do some of the folding saws.

I love both of my Sven Saws.