Reds Meadow Blowdown

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RoguePhotonic
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Re: Reds Meadow Blowdown

Post by RoguePhotonic »

The Student Conservation Association has posted their dates for logging also which anyone can join:

http://www.trailprojects.com/pctsca03a.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

SCA typically is younger people in their early 20's without more major experience which is probably why it says you need current crosscut to join them. It's a bit sad they are sending them in without chainsaws because you cannot get much done with crosscuts. With the big trees around Reds Meadow you can spend an hour making a single cut.

Anything helps though I guess.
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tim
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Re: Reds Meadow Blowdown

Post by tim »

New update posted May 21. The whole FishCreek drainage sounds pretty disastrous - this wasn't known previously: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOC ... 367033.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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gary c.
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Re: Reds Meadow Blowdown

Post by gary c. »

It's just my luck, last year there was too much snow for our planned trip. This year we have permits again over Duck Pass. I'm still hoping that they have everything cleared by vacation time in July.
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Flux
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Re: Reds Meadow Blowdown

Post by Flux »

Holy crap that's scary. Sounds like an atomic bomb went off at purple lake. No usable campsites?? That's like the whole forest getting knocked down. YIKES!! Those are some big trees back there too.

just WOW.
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Re: Reds Meadow Blowdown

Post by Wandering Daisy »

I have hiked in areas in Wyoming where they no longer maintain trails and the trails are extensively covered with downed trees. It is not that you cannot get through, but that progress is very slow. You may just have to be prepared for taking an extra day or two than you originally planned. I never liked camping at Purple Lake anyway so I am not sure I am very sad about the campsites being covered in downed trees. Maybe that poor lake will get a rest from all the over-camping.
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Re: Reds Meadow Blowdown

Post by intrek38 »

Thanks Tim for that very informative link. I really enjoy the solitude of this area even with the JMT highway running through. I imagine most of the efforts will be focused on the JMT/PCT, but despite all the damage, I'm still planning on going over Duck pass and making my way over to Peter Pande, Olive and possibly Beetle bug Lake. If it isn't accessible, I can always choose a different path. It all just depends on the cleanup. It really does look like a bomb went off, nature has it's way of getting the much needed rest it deserves. Thanks to everyone...
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intrek38
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Re: Reds Meadow Blowdown

Post by intrek38 »

Found some more info on the JMT trail conditions in the area.. There making progress on the other trails but have a way's to go.. Should make for some interesting cross country regardless..

http://dir.groups.yahoo.com/group/johnm ... sage/22915" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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DonDeadman
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Re: Reds Meadow Blowdown

Post by DonDeadman »

Quite informative!
I'm assuming "JMT cleared sobo to Shadow Lake" means Southbound to Shadow?
It seems like they are really trying to get things moving, and have done a pretty good job. I'll keep crossing everything in hopes they have it all cleared in a month (a guy can dream, right?).
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Re: Reds Meadow Blowdown

Post by The Other Tom »

DonDeadman wrote:Quite informative!
I'm assuming "JMT cleared sobo to Shadow Lake" means Southbound to Shadow?
Correct
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DonDeadman
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Re: Reds Meadow Blowdown

Post by DonDeadman »

Figured as much.
Seems like good news; especially if you look at the map they (Inyo Natl) updated on May 7th, which shows some good chunks of the JMT previously blocked.
Following the cleanup is nearly as fascinating as the blowdown itself.
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