By Carl Skustad
Special to the Turnagain Times
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Gwen M Herrewig/US Forest Service Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center Volunteer Observers train near the Sunburst Mountain weather station: Pictured left to right: Brad Cosgrove, Ray Koleser, Tom Kain, Connie Hubbard, Bob Sutherland & Joe Kurtak. |
As the fall rain turns to winter snow and the snowline comes closer to town, we sense winter’s coming. Many of you are already wrenching on your snowmachines or tuning your skis. We start to remember one of the best things about living in Southcentral Alaska is this time of year. There is so much to do during the winter and all of it can happen on your Chugach National Forest.
Did you know that all of Turnagain Pass lies on either state or Chugach National Forest lands? Much of the Kenai Peninsula is also managed by these agencies. This is a great thing! The U.S. Forest Service is all about multiple uses. You can harvest a Christmas tree, cut personal use firewood, climb, hike, snowmachine, ski, snowboard, camp, hunt, mine, trap, and explore it all in your backyard. Please be aware, however, that there are certain times and places we can participate in these activities. We all need to be responsible and follow the rules and regulations that are set by the Chugach National Forest and the State of Alaska for the benefit of multiple recreationalists.
Here are a few areas of recreational interest:
• Twentymile River – Great skate skiing and kite skiing on the north side of the river. On the south side of the river you will find a motorized trail corridor leading you to the goods. All motorized use must use the AKRR crossing that is designated at the train depot parking lot.
• Portage Valley – Even though Begich Boggs Visitor Center will be closed for the winter, outdoor recreation is abundant. This is a non-motorized area with great ice climbing, skiing, kiting, and nature observation.
• Placer River – With great access to Skookum and Spencer Glaciers via motorized or non-motorized over snow devises, Placer is a gem!
• Turnagain Pass – What else could a snow bum ask for. 4000-foot mountains with great access from the highway abound in T-Pass. One of the most popular spots in the state, Turnagain Pass is designated for motorized use on the west side and non-motorized use on the east side of the Seward Highway.
• The Central Kenai Peninsula – The Chugach National Forest just released the Kenai Winter Access Plan. A couple changes include: alternating years between motorized and non-motorized use on the Resurrection Trail, reduced motorized use on National Forest Lands in the Summit Lake area, and increased motorized access near Carter and Crescent Lakes. To see the complete plan log onto the Forest web site (www.fs.fed.us/r10/chugach/) or stop by one of the offices.
Parking for the winter season is always exciting and sometimes challenging. Don’t forget to give the state DOT snowplows plenty room. They serve as local heroes providing access and parking to our backyard playground. We recommend that motorized users in Turnagain Pass park on the west side of the highway to eliminate crossing the Seward Highway. Motorized parking is also available at Johnson Pass trailhead and at Granite Creek Recreation Area.
Don’t forget to check in with the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center to get the latest avalanche conditions and motorized use status. Remember the wildness that makes Alaska so great is the same backcounty wildness that can ruin a day, or take your life, if not prepared. Always carry your avalanche rescue gear and know how to use it. You can check avalanche conditions at avalanche.org or by phone at (907) 754-2369. You can also join us for a free series of avalanche lectures. Perfect for backcountry beginners and a great review for knowledgeable snowmachiners, boarders, and skiers!
USFS Fire Side Chats – Avalanche Awareness Classes will be held at 7:00-8:30 pm on Tuesdays starting November 13 until December 11 at the US Forest Service, Glacier Ranger District Lobby –Girdwood, AK – FREE of charge.
Tuesday Nov. 13th -
Introduction to Avalanche Awareness
Tuesday Nov.20th -
Snowpack and Weather
Tuesday Nov. 27th -
Terrain and Route Finding
Tuesday Dec. 4th -
Human Factors and Decision Making
Tuesday Dec., 11th -
Avalanche Rescue
The table is set, the trailheads are ready! More snow is on the way to provide another excellent year on your Chugach National Forest!
Come visit the USDA Forest Service in Girdwood at the Glacier Ranger District, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays (907) 783-3242. The Begich Boggs Visitor Center will be closed again this winter.