New non-motorised snoparks

Probably academic as I don't expect anything along these lines to be implemented any time soon. But if it were, why not do it in a fashion that appealed to as wide a variety of non-motorized recreationalists as possible (i.e. alternate weeks/months/years not days)?

The only argument for days is that it is easier to remember (than switching weeks). It may be a weak argument, but that's all I can come up with. It is what is used to manage biking on the Middle Fork.

Switching years makes the most sense to me (just as easy to remember, and solves the problem you mention).

I'd like to see more access in the Mt Hood and Mt Adams areas.

Snowmo's have (re)discovered Bennett Pass this year. It's a really narrow trail for skiers, snowshoers, XC skiers, and dog to share with big fast machines. Plus the ski track gets wrecked. Some of us locals are disjointedly talking about requesting that this site be non-motorized.

Also, along hwy 35, there are frequently no safe pull–outs. Just having the snow plows provide access to some of the trail heads would be awesome. Several skiers have gotten $200 parking tickets this winter because they parked illegally in order to ski the BC. On the weekends, the designated snow parks have often been parked out and Pocket Creek snowpark has been closed this winter for highway construction.

Mt Adams Trout Lake area: Would LOVE it if the Forest Service would plow access further up the mountain for early season skiing or for poor snow years. Having the snow parks hovering around 3000 feet makes for a very short ski season and a lot of sticky snow. It seems like the snow parks should be located at 4000 feet minimum for good snow conditions this far south.

This is a good thread. It's reminding me to write letters and get friends to write letters. Thanks.

I will chime in here with Hurricane Ridge.  Partly in jest, but I like the thread's region-wide perspective.  More access is better for all winter recreationists.  And the fact is that for the region in general, suitable road access is scarce.

Compared to many or most of the other alternatives mentioned Hurricane is a turnkey operation.  All it needs is the political will to unlock the gate during the week.

A tram to HR was considered when they built the road, and still gets thrown around in discussion. They just spent $12m to repair the road in 2009, so a) roads aren't cheap either but b) I don't think it will happen anytime soon.

More access is better for all winter recreationists.  And the fact is that for the region in general, suitable road access is scarce.

Compared to many or most of the other alternatives mentioned Hurricane is a turnkey operation.  All it needs is the political will to unlock the gate during the week

...I don't think it will happen anytime soon.

Thanks for the smile, Stormking!  Good to see you still have a sense of humor after your battles with the bureaucracy.  I'm visualizing NPS snowparks at White River and the Mowich Road after that "will" is born, probably kicking and screaming about cost & safety. 

However, the trend at Mount Rainier for many years has been decreasing access.  Without opening the gate to the public, the Westside Road was plowed to Dry Creek recently, ruining the main XC option in the Park on the many days when Paradise is closed.

FWIW, my Paradise Road tweet log (PM for 12K copy) shows 37 closed days, 11 afternoon openings, 5 early closures, and two 'stealth openings' (when announced closed) since nightly locking of the Longmire gate began Nov. 7.

www.hyalite.org and www.mountcain.com are two examples of groups that have been able to keep pretty extensive road systems plowed for winter access.   

Hyalite has formed a 501c3 and cooperates with Galletin County and the USFS to plow the road into the Canyon 13.7 miles from 5,400 to 7,000 feet.  Cost is $30,000 per year.  Sounds like the 501c3 raises money, the county plows, the FS allows it, and they got some sort of federal recreation grant.  10,000 visitors per month according to their website, enjoying ice climbing, xc skiing on and off groomed track, backcountry, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and snomo.  Maybe Amar can chime in on how much snow they get, but I imagine its a fair bit up to that elevation.

Others could chime in more on Mt. Cain, but it sounds like they have a grader and a volunteer and when it snows he plows.  KISS principle in action, but of course they are Canadian.  They get more snow than anyone I'd imagine (266" on 3/23/12).

Hey Stormking, I dig your style and knowledge and effort.  Ping me along the way if I can be of any help.   

dg