Updated Radio Restrictions
As of October 31st 2023 The Craigellachie Anstey – Gorge (0839.01) "Gorge Road” REQUIRES 2 way radios 7 days a week between Oct 31st and May 1st. No exceptions.
0 Comments
For those of you still out there, Avy Canada has issued a SPAW for this weekend. Please read it here.
It has come to our attention that there was one incident today, March 6, 2023 between a heavy & light vehicle on the Gorge RR and one close call. Any interactions with logging trucks have the potential to be fatal and it is our understanding at this time that there were thankfully no injuries.
However, this incident clearly identifies the worst case potential outcome of not using radios properly and is the primary safety issue of travelling on the Gorge RR while industrial activity is occurring. Unfortunately, recreational access to the Gorge RR could potentially now be restricted to all users which is something we all need to strive to avoid. The GSTA would like to reinforce the importance of proper radio use on the Gorge RR. Strict adherence to proper protocols by all is absolutely required for continued recreational access to the Gorge RR. See our touring page for more details. A Valentine's Day update from our friends at K3:
The Gorge is a busy place at times - radio use seems to be pretty much near 100% - which is what is needed. Still need to try to get folks to do more than just call their KM's - to actually listen, but hey it is a work in progress! Logging is ongoing - lots of traffic - though most of the 1st round of hauling seems to be done by +- 8 am. So far the road is holding up nicely - only the bottom 1 K has some melt freeze and a bit of breakup. Nice to see folks keeping the MIN updates coming - we have Avalanche.ca forecasters on staff and they appreciate the info. Especially in places where there is a lack of "Industry" reports from the INFOEX. The Gorge Ski Touring Association was featured in an article in the Revelstoke Mountaineer. Check it out below:
https://revelstokemountaineer.com/planning-initiatives-explore-increasingly-busy-revelstoke-area-backcountry/ December 24th update from our friends at K3 Catski:
Merry Christmas from K3 Quick update for those that maybe missed it... logging is wrapped for the Holidays (will resume Jan3), the road is only being plowed to keep access. Today there was 30-40 cms of new snow and it might get complicated if no plowing occurs over the next few days even with high clearance and 4x4). The Highway is a parking lot too - high avy hazard in the Pass and 3 Valley. Stay safe - stay warm ( I do not miss -35 from Wednesday). Be sure to check Drivebc and Avalanche.ca - there is lots of change happening. Be sure to thank Santa for the snow if he drops by later tonight. Merry Christmas Yesterday, December 17, 2022, a group of people unloaded sleds at 6k on the Gorge Road and rode them up to 15k and back down. The picture above shows them parked at 15k. Not only is this extremely dangerous to all involved its illegal and jeopardizes the Gorge FSR staying open to public.
A reminder for everyone on snowmobiles on FSR's:
Please, please, do not sled on the Gorge FSR, share this and help keep the Gorge FSR safe and open! An update from our friends at K3 from December 10th:
A quick "Pre-Christmas" update from out our neck of the (snowy woods). Winter has returned! and about time. Lots of snow the last while, and perhaps a bit of a break and some sun and cold air coming. The skiing has improved immensely (from what I've heard - too busy with paperwork still myself to get any turns in yet). There is still quite a bit of Alder lurking in the usual haunts. Coverage gets much better as you get up higher. The Gorge is well plowed and maintained - with lots of Industrial traffic (7 days a week), there maybe reduced plowing on the weekend so plan accordingly. On that note from December 23 up to Jan 3rd there will be less plowing and traffic for the Christmas break. That being said - you still NEED your radio 7 days a week. Be aware that if you have a lower clearance vehicle or a trailer - it maybe much harder to get up the road for this timeframe. Avoid the temptation to drop your sled and head up - because while you may not be able to drive up, that does not mean someone else can't or won't - as as always Santa is watching to see who drives their sleds up plowed roads. Our road building program is in full swing, as is our preparation for Staff training and the season. You can expect an increased amount of activity in our area (sleds, snowcats, truck traffic). Our road is plowed (though not for a few days now as the Grader snapped a drive shaft!) - again radios are the key every day. There has been a noticeable uptick in radio use - which is awesome, and the key to keeping things working. Remember that radios do have their quirks and issues. The 5W hand held's have far less range to both transmit, and receive then the large 30w truck ones do, but even the bigger radios can have dead spots or shortened range. The key to radio use is practice and experience, remember to listen just as much or more than you transmit, try to make a "mental map" of where the other users are, and always yield to downhill or loaded traffic. Communicate clearly and keep it on point. If you come to a pull out and plan on parking for the day, and it is getting full - move on to the next good spot - those spots are needed to pass the loaded/unloaded traffic - don't get in the way. Even with that - always drive as if there is a loaded truck or Moose or Sasquatch around every corner. Turn your headlights on , and make sure you have those lovely winter tires on. Bring a proper shovel (not just the lightweight one in your pack) and a tow strap, and tire chains (and know how to use them as always). Our friends over at Avalanche Canada love to get your MIN reports, and as always check out the bulletins before you go. The days are about as short as they can be - so remember to plan that into your day - and make sure, if you do get caught out in the dark - that your headlamp has brand new batteries and works. Winter is just getting started - there is a ton of skiing and power to come. Make sure you know about any/all closures for both fire and Caribou - the onus is on the users to know what is closed and to know your location respective to these areas. Thats about it - if you see us out and about - say hi. Merry Christmas from K3 |
Details
AuthorEverything Gorge Ski Touring related! Archives
October 2023
Categories |