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Victoria, BC
Canada
83 Posts |
Posted - 05/20/2012 : 6:37 PM
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I'm doing a daytrip out to Landslide Lake from the Elk River Trailhead.
I am thinking 8-10 hrs round trip? We are only carrying small daypacks and walking at a relaxed pace.
Lets hear your bets ... |
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Campbell River, BC
Canada
761 Posts |
Posted - 05/20/2012 : 7:30 PM
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| Here is the update from the Strathcona Blog which states: "Elk River Trail - High risk area after descent to river due to deep snow, avalanche risk, under-flooding, windfalls and washouts." |
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vancouver island, b.c.
Canada
403 Posts |
Posted - 05/20/2012 : 10:28 PM
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| This time of year and given the snow load we've received I think you may find it a wee bit longer then you're estimating, but have fun and be safe |
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Victoria, BC
Canada
83 Posts |
Posted - 05/21/2012 : 1:32 PM
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Yeah, too early for a casual saunter up the ERT. Thanks for slapping the reality into me.
Thanks for the link to that blog site. Great resource. I have a few questions if anyone has a moment ..
I know the ERT is a great AVI terrain trap, but how do you know when its good to go? The avi danger comes from way up high and it would seem almost impossible to really know when the danger has passed. The snowpack must be solid by now so I assume the only risk this late in spring is a slide that breaks free completely from the ground? Does that happen that often? And are there certain areas where it goes most often? I have read the west side around Puzzle Mtn is the most dangerous?
Thx in advance.
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Southern Vancouver Island, BC
Canada
230 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2012 : 10:03 AM
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I've been hiking in Strathcona Park since the mid 1980's. Many hikers don't venture into the Park until late June because of the snow levels, snow consolidation condition and avalanche hazard. The past few years there have been higher than average snow levels in the high country, because the cool spring weather has dumped more snow up there. This means that often it is hard to find a dry camping spot and accessible water even by the end of July.
As for the ERT and avalanches, much of the trail follows a fairly narrow valley with steep slopes on both sides. Avalanches could happen anywhere. Glad to hear you've been talked out of going there until at least next month.
For the past couple of years I've gone up the Crest trail at the end of June and looking across at the Colonel, I noticed recent avalanche activity on it.
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3022 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2012 : 10:17 AM
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I've done several trips to there and some off the sides of the trail up very steep slopes.
My experiences in June has been snow packs about 5 kms into the trail, plus a miserable blizzard on the heels of a sunny start.
Take extra clothing and prepare for wet.
If you have your children along, keep an extra eye on them, this valley has a healthy supply of cats that lurk up in those steep sections waiting for elk & deer.
July is a better time.
As an alternative, try out across the highway Crest Mtn Trail.
Your will be going up up up, then down down down. |
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3022 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2012 : 10:19 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by wbaker
Yeah, too early for a casual saunter up the ERT. Thanks for slapping the reality into me.
Thanks for the link to that blog site. Great resource. I have a few questions if anyone has a moment ..
I know the ERT is a great AVI terrain trap, but how do you know when its good to go? The avi danger comes from way up high and it would seem almost impossible to really know when the danger has passed. The snowpack must be solid by now so I assume the only risk this late in spring is a slide that breaks free completely from the ground? Does that happen that often? And are there certain areas where it goes most often? I have read the west side around Puzzle Mtn is the most dangerous?
Thx in advance.
The ERT was decommissioned a few short years ago, machine-rumpled and all but one bridge pulled. |
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27 Posts |
Posted - 05/22/2012 : 1:14 PM
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| i hiked the Elk River Trail in to Colonel Foster August 2011 and it was in fine condition (as far as LS lake). |
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Southern Vancouver Island, BC
Canada
230 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2012 : 07:48 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by cambium
The ERT was decommissioned a few short years ago, machine-rumpled and all but one bridge pulled.
ERT now means Elk River Trail. Only us old fahrts remember the Elk River Timber Road used to run all along the other side of Upper Campbell Lake. The section through Strathcona was closed a few years ago and Parks actually planted several species of grass on the old roadbed to provide overwintering feed for elk. |
Edited by - Osbos on 05/23/2012 10:08 AM |
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3022 Posts |
Posted - 05/23/2012 : 11:53 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Osbos
quote:
Originally posted by cambium
The ERT was decommissioned a few short years ago, machine-rumpled and all but one bridge pulled.
ERT now means Elk River Trail. Only us old fahrts remember the Elk River Timber Road used to run all along the other side of Upper Campbell Lake. The section through Strathcona was closed a few years ago and Parks actually planted several species of grass on the old roadbed to provide overwintering feed for elk.
oh , okay. I miss the old road and so do many hikers, especially with the bridges pulled out over substantial river flows.It was great for slow off-highway driving and day hike departures.
Yes the wildlife have taken over that ERT. Hard pressed to discreetly camp on it without rubbing elbows with grazing bear & elk skimming the tent early mornings.
The "trail" is also diverted in one place to avoid a steep eroding drop into the Elk, and there is a memory Plaque of some departed person there. If one does use that portion, it avoids the initial hill ascent in the beginning start. But use caution. |
Edited by - cambium on 05/23/2012 11:54 AM |
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How long to Landslide Lake
