The heavy rain and snowfall of February and March have caused significant problems for some trails, so be alert for problems on trails such as slides and trees fallen on the trail, eroded portions of trails, slippery footing, etc. Jane found on 3/20/01 that along the Crest Highway many trees have broken limbs, thigh-size, high up; much brush had fallen to the ground; and many signs were twisted. Dave Anderberg observed the same signs at the Charlton Flat area in early May.
Examples:
- Terry Morse reports that on 3/31/01:
The PCT portion near Liebre Mountain has an incredible number of downed trees across the trail, which necessitated going cross-country a lot of the time. Some of these trees were 30" in diameter, and were cracked in half about 15" off the ground, probably by wet snow. As a result, the hike took about twice as long as usual.For this trail, all the downed trees on the trail have been cut up and removed, and the trail was entirely clear by 5/20, probably by horsemen preparing for a 100 mile horse race there in June.
- Terry also reports that on 5/12, a group of mountain bikers doing trail maintenance were cutting up the many trees that came down on the trails around Strawberry Peak and Strawberry Meadows.
- Dave Anderberg reports on 5/24 that trees were down on the trail from Buckhorn to Mt. Waterman due to a small avalanche path across the trial.
- Jack Chandler reported on 4/18/01 of a dangerous slide on the Mt. Lowe fireroad near Eaton Saddle:
A rockslide has all but blocked the road on the east side of the tunnel. We were able to scramble over with our packs but there were large rocks coming down as we moved across the rubble. It is very dangerous until the slide is cleared."Mountain-Man" reports on 5/27/01 that the slide has now been cleared.
- Even the Chilao Visitor Center is closed for repair of snow damage!
- The Gabrielino Trail in Santa Anita Canyon around the waterfall has two major washouts and is not recommended for use until repairs can be done. (May 2001 Recreation Update)
- The Fish Canyon Trail in the Santa Clara/Mojave River Ranger District (Saugus) is damaged and caution is recommended. (May 2001 Recreation Update)
- The Bear Creek Trail from Smith Saddle to Bear Creek is impassable. (June 2001 Recreation Update)
- On 6/15/01, the Manzanita Trail was posted as Unsafe for Horses. Fortunately, after a lot of volunteer work, this posting was removed by 7/20/01. The trail is now in better shape than it has been in years.
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Copyright © 2001 by Tom Chester and Jane Strong.
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Comments and feedback: Tom Chester | Jane Strong
Last update: 4 November 2001.