Windy Gap

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john · #1 Post by **john** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 10:06 am

April 5, maybe... Not to sure about the weather this weekend. I'll have to check and see. What's everyones thoughts ??

If not, I'm off to cut more firewood Sat.....

ObiJuanAk · #2 Post by **ObiJuanAk** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 11:53 am

Where is Windy Gap?

john · #3 Post by **john** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 3:26 pm

Start at 57 mile Elliott and head North East.

(BLM) Trail Condition Update:

There has been little new snow and the trails remain hard and packed. The majority of the trails have been groomed and conditions vary widely. Most creeks are frozen over at trail crossings, but caution is advised in these areas, especially as temperatures continue to warm. Be prepared for areas of trail that are still very bumpy. A map of areas open to motorized vehicle use is available at the Fairbanks District Office and posted at the trailheads.

Extensive areas of overflow ice have formed around and under Windy Gap Cabin. Please contact our office for the latest information if you are planning on reserving this cabin.

paulneva · #4 Post by **paulneva** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 4:32 pm

John,

For me personally, unless we get a big dump of snow before everything melts, the local riding season is over.

Paul

ObiJuanAk · #5 Post by **ObiJuanAk** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 5:12 pm

John,

Thanks. Now I know why it sounded familiar. The trail to Cache Creek was fairly decent, if a little (ok, a LOT) bumpy. But it was snowing while we were there and I heard some parts north of town got up to 12" of snow yesterday, so there might be hope for one last ride up in those trails. Just depends on how warm it gets over there.
My only worry is overflow. Brian's ankle was a casualty of overflow ice :ncool: , as were two of three of Crystal's misadventures :op: . We turned around and headed back mainly because of bad overflow conditions (thankfully solid, but pretty nasty just the same).

I'd be willing to try it with the caveat that we might get out a mile or two and have to turn back. Breakfast at Hilltop?

Juan

JDPLWITT · #6 Post by **JDPLWITT** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 8:36 pm

I heard 12" yesterday wet snow mile 20+ Elliott and north. Not much but better than here.

I am planning on going and making a run at it. Can't miss what may be the last ride for a long while.

Pending future updates I see you at Hilltop.

Jeff

john · #7 Post by **john** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 9:32 pm

I'll decide Friday ad post Friday evening, but as it stands now it doesn't look good. If I miss a local ride, then I'll spend my time and gas for firewood, still need another 5 to 6 cords

However, I say that knowing I'll still be doing an out of town trip or 2, Cantwell at least once more, maybe Paxson/Cantwell... Lots of snow.

I'll see if I can get an update on the trails from BLM Thursday. I don't have much hope for the snow they got on the Elliott Yesterday, reports were that it was wet and melting almost as fast as it fell :(

ObiJuanAk · #8 Post by **ObiJuanAk** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 11:29 am

Since good riding conditions are iffy at best and there are reports of a LOT of overflow near Windy Gap, should we not change it to Mile 28 instead of Mile 57? That way we won't burn as much fuel getting there in case we have to turn right around.

What say you?

john · #9 Post by **john** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 6:28 pm

I'm planing to call BLM tomorrow and see if they have an update.

With the reports of lots of overflow I doubt I'll go and think we should cancel this as a club run for safety reasons.

However, you all could still meet at Hilltop, have a wonderful breakfast and see if its worth the gas ....

ObiJuanAk · #10 Post by **ObiJuanAk** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 12:14 pm

Well, Crystal just found out that she has a conflicting event on Saturday, so she is definitely not coming. And seeing how fast the snow is melting around here, it is looking grim. I might make a quick run to Mile 28 to scout it out tonight (no sled) just to get a feel for the conditions up there. I will post my findings tonight, so check the forum either tonight or early tomorrow morning. :salut:

Juan

Darrell · #11 Post by **Darrell** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 5:45 pm

Calling for 2 inchs towards Livengood after midnight. I have some good late rides in the whites, think postive. :ban:

I hate summer

mit · #12 Post by **mit** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 8:39 pm

I heard the Ice went out on Tue at Nenana

:angrydev:

JDPLWITT · #13 Post by **JDPLWITT** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 10:00 pm

What say you all?

Juan - Look like it is doable in the morning?

BLM: White Mountains Trail Conditions Update Last updated Thursday, April 3, 2008: General Remarks/Safety Alert: As temperatures rise, trail surfaces are beginning to get soft and slushy during the afternoon. However, you can expect adequate travel conditions through the weekend. Most creeks are still frozen over at trail crossings, but caution is advised in these areas, especially as spring thaw continues. Be prepared for areas of trail that have thawed to ground level.

ObiJuanAk · #14 Post by **ObiJuanAk** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 11:43 pm

That would be a qualified YES. I walked the trail at 28 mile for about 1/3 of a mile. The conditions were good, the snow not too slushy. Definitely enough for even a 1.5" track. Probably not enough for a mountain machine with 2 - 2 1/4" paddles. I'll be taking the FX (short track). The trail appeared to have been recently groomed, maybe in the past 7 days. I saw at least 3 snowmachine tracks, plus various footprints and even a bicycle track.

See you all at Hilltop at 10 AM, and at the trail head 11-ish?

Juan

JDPLWITT · #15 Post by **JDPLWITT** » Sat Apr 05, 2008 7:45 am

I'll be there to give it a spin. Do you want to go that late or meet earlier like 0800 or 0900 as was posted on the ride list?

Fairbanks Snow Travelers

Windy Gap

Windy Gap

You go man.