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Click here for January 18th Weekend Review RANGER REPORT.
UPDATED ON FEBRUARY 5th, 2009
Flood Damage on the Cle Elum Ranger District. The Forest engineers have decided to keep the Stampede Pass road closed just
above the John Wayne Trail out of Crystal Springs Sno-Park due to the road washout that occurred during the last rain storm.
Blewett Pass Press Release: Logging has begun on the Orion SBA Timber Sale in the Swauk drainage. The project, 1204 acres,
is designed to remove excess fuels and reduce the risk of large catastrophic fires as well as restore the traditionally open
Ponderosa pine stands in the Swauk. Dense stands of unhealthy trees have created a fire hazard and produced an undesirable
forest composition.
Winter, over-the-snow, logging was required for this 142 acre unit to reduce impact to soils and ground vegetation. The loggers
will be working during day and nighttime hours, using bright lights on their equipment. Working at night allows them to take
advantage of the cold temperatures that create favorable snow conditions.
“People driving Hwy 97 may see the activity through the trees at nighttime, but here is no hazard to people driving on the highway,”
stated Judy Hallisey, Cle Elum District Ranger. Hauling operations are not permitted from 5 PM Friday through 5 AM Monday. No
hauling will occur on Federal holidays.
The operators have plowed FS road 7320, Old Blewett Highway, for about ½ mile. The road is closed to public use until the
logging is completed. Ski trail #9714.1 will also remain closed for the duration of the logging operation. Areas that are closed are
well signed so the public can continue to recreate in the area without endangering themselves or the loggers. A small number of
parking spots will remain available on the Old Blewett Highway for winter recreationists.
The project was sold under the Small Business Administration set-aside program. The Timber Sale Set-Aside Program ensures
that small lumber mills will have a “fair proportion” of the timber sold by the federal government. Without the protection of this
program, small business mills would constantly be outbid by large companies for these products. This program has been crucial
to the survival of small business mills operating near national forests.
For more information please call the Cle Elum Ranger District, (509) 852-1100.
Flood Damage on the Cle Elum Ranger District. The Forest engineers have decided to keep the Stampede Pass road closed just
above the John Wayne Trail out of Crystal Springs Sno-Park due to the road washout that occurred during the last rain storm.
Blewett Pass Press Release: Logging has begun on the Orion SBA Timber Sale in the Swauk drainage. The project, 1204 acres,
is designed to remove excess fuels and reduce the risk of large catastrophic fires as well as restore the traditionally open
Ponderosa pine stands in the Swauk. Dense stands of unhealthy trees have created a fire hazard and produced an undesirable
forest composition.
Winter, over-the-snow, logging was required for this 142 acre unit to reduce impact to soils and ground vegetation. The loggers
will be working during day and nighttime hours, using bright lights on their equipment. Working at night allows them to take
advantage of the cold temperatures that create favorable snow conditions.
“People driving Hwy 97 may see the activity through the trees at nighttime, but here is no hazard to people driving on the highway,”
stated Judy Hallisey, Cle Elum District Ranger. Hauling operations are not permitted from 5 PM Friday through 5 AM Monday. No
hauling will occur on Federal holidays.
The operators have plowed FS road 7320, Old Blewett Highway, for about ½ mile. The road is closed to public use until the
logging is completed. Ski trail #9714.1 will also remain closed for the duration of the logging operation. Areas that are closed are
well signed so the public can continue to recreate in the area without endangering themselves or the loggers. A small number of
parking spots will remain available on the Old Blewett Highway for winter recreationists.
The project was sold under the Small Business Administration set-aside program. The Timber Sale Set-Aside Program ensures
that small lumber mills will have a “fair proportion” of the timber sold by the federal government. Without the protection of this
program, small business mills would constantly be outbid by large companies for these products. This program has been crucial
to the survival of small business mills operating near national forests.
For more information please call the Cle Elum Ranger District, (509) 852-1100.
Frequently asked Sno-Park questions
Permits are required at Sno-Parks administered by Washington State Parks. The Sno-Permit program
began in 1975 to provide funding for parking area plowing, toilets, maps, and information to winter
recreationists. Areas offering groomed cross country ski trails (Cabin Creek, Crystal Springs, and
Easton State Park) require a special sticker in addition to the Sno-Park permit. Permits go on sale
around November 15th and are required where Sno-Park signs are posted. Permits are not needed
after April 30th. Failure to properly display a valid permit can result in a fine (enforcement is strict).
began in 1975 to provide funding for parking area plowing, toilets, maps, and information to winter
recreationists. Areas offering groomed cross country ski trails (Cabin Creek, Crystal Springs, and
Easton State Park) require a special sticker in addition to the Sno-Park permit. Permits go on sale
around November 15th and are required where Sno-Park signs are posted. Permits are not needed
after April 30th. Failure to properly display a valid permit can result in a fine (enforcement is strict).
When and where do I need a Sno-Park pass?
Failure to properly display a valid permit can result in a fine. Please read the instructions closely.
Clearly print your license plate number in the appropriate area on the front of the permit. Affix the
permit on the lower left corner of the windshield. Make certain nothing is covering the permit and it can
be easily seen from the outside of the vehicle.
Clearly print your license plate number in the appropriate area on the front of the permit. Affix the
permit on the lower left corner of the windshield. Make certain nothing is covering the permit and it can
be easily seen from the outside of the vehicle.
Where can I buy a Sno-Park pass?
Your NW Forest Pass does not let you legally park at a Sno-Park. Snow Parks are administered by the
State of Washington, not by the USFS or Parks Service. Oregon and Idaho Sno-Park passes are
honored at Washington State Sno-Parks. Visitors from other states will have to purchase a day pass.
State of Washington, not by the USFS or Parks Service. Oregon and Idaho Sno-Park passes are
honored at Washington State Sno-Parks. Visitors from other states will have to purchase a day pass.
What if I live in another state? Can I use my NW Forest or Public land pass?
Purchase your permit before you leave for your winter outing. Snowmobile owners are issued a
seasonal permit when they register their machines each year. Season permits for non-motorized
recreationists cost $31.00 and are available from many vendors, including Washington State Park
offices, Forest Service ranger stations, and REI. For a complet list, visit www.parks.wa.gov/winter/.
Special grooming stickers cost an additional $31.00 (required where tracks are places for XC skiing.
In the Cle Elum area, Crystal Springs non-motorized parking area, Cabin Creek, and Easton State Park
required the special grooming sticker). Day passes cost $11.00 and are available through vendors
and online. Snow Rangers do not sell permits.
seasonal permit when they register their machines each year. Season permits for non-motorized
recreationists cost $31.00 and are available from many vendors, including Washington State Park
offices, Forest Service ranger stations, and REI. For a complet list, visit www.parks.wa.gov/winter/.
Special grooming stickers cost an additional $31.00 (required where tracks are places for XC skiing.
In the Cle Elum area, Crystal Springs non-motorized parking area, Cabin Creek, and Easton State Park
required the special grooming sticker). Day passes cost $11.00 and are available through vendors
and online. Snow Rangers do not sell permits.
We’ve all done it. In our excitement to get out of the house and on to the snow, we leave our permit
behind. Unfortunately, you will have to purchase a day pass before parking at a Sno-Park. A note on
your dashboard will not substitute for a valid permit. I leave my pass in my vehicle all winter. I place it
in a clear CD case and leave it permanently on my dash. I have also seen people laminate their pass
and hang it from their rearview mirror, much like a NW Forest Pass.
behind. Unfortunately, you will have to purchase a day pass before parking at a Sno-Park. A note on
your dashboard will not substitute for a valid permit. I leave my pass in my vehicle all winter. I place it
in a clear CD case and leave it permanently on my dash. I have also seen people laminate their pass
and hang it from their rearview mirror, much like a NW Forest Pass.
What if I forgot my pass at home?
If you are picking someone up, call them just before you arrive and have them meet you immediately
upon your arrival. If your vehicle claims a parking space, you must have a Sno-Park pass. Regardless
of the amount of time you spend on the snow, if you park in a Sno-Park, you must display a Sno-Park
pass.
upon your arrival. If your vehicle claims a parking space, you must have a Sno-Park pass. Regardless
of the amount of time you spend on the snow, if you park in a Sno-Park, you must display a Sno-Park
pass.
What if I only want to ski for half an hour or I'm picking up a friend?
Sno-Park parking is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. If the Sno-Park is full, proceed to
another Sno-Park with adequate parking. Park efficiently and courteously, leaving room for other
vehicles. Respect posted parking regulations by not parking in turnarounds, in travel zones, or in no-
parking zones. This is a major problem at Cabin Creek Sno –Park. It is illegal to park in highway
interchanges. Parking violations will result in a fine. There is no garbage service at the Sno-Parks, so
please pack your garbage out.
another Sno-Park with adequate parking. Park efficiently and courteously, leaving room for other
vehicles. Respect posted parking regulations by not parking in turnarounds, in travel zones, or in no-
parking zones. This is a major problem at Cabin Creek Sno –Park. It is illegal to park in highway
interchanges. Parking violations will result in a fine. There is no garbage service at the Sno-Parks, so
please pack your garbage out.
What if the Sno-Park is full?
The grooming schedule is posted on the State Parks’ winter website. Keep in mind that winter storms
and heavy snow, blowdown, and equipment breakdowns can change the schedule.
and heavy snow, blowdown, and equipment breakdowns can change the schedule.
When are the trails groomed?
Sno-Parks adjacent to winter play areas are listed at www.parks.wa.gov/winter. Some Sno-Parks are
busy with snowmobiles and skiers, and may not be the best snow play areas.
busy with snowmobiles and skiers, and may not be the best snow play areas.
Where can I take my kids just to play in the snow or go tubing?
The Salmon la Sac area north of Cle Elum offers 6 kilometers of groomed ski trail. There are also
snowshoe opportunities. You will share the Sno-Park with snowmobiles and the first ½ mile of
groomed trail is shared with motorized users. The Swauk area along Highway 97 near Blewett Pass
has 92 kilometers of marked ungroomed trails suitable for skiing and snowshoeing. A snowshoe
guide is available at the Cle Elum Ranger Station.
snowshoe opportunities. You will share the Sno-Park with snowmobiles and the first ½ mile of
groomed trail is shared with motorized users. The Swauk area along Highway 97 near Blewett Pass
has 92 kilometers of marked ungroomed trails suitable for skiing and snowshoeing. A snowshoe
guide is available at the Cle Elum Ranger Station.
Where can I go skiing or snowshoeing away from the I-90 corridor?
All winter recreationists are strongly encouraged to take responsibility for their own safety by taking an
avalanche awareness course. Daily avalanche forecasts are issued by the Northwest Avalanche
Center at www.nwac.us.
avalanche awareness course. Daily avalanche forecasts are issued by the Northwest Avalanche
Center at www.nwac.us.
Where do I find avalanche information?
Contact the Washington State Parks at 360-902-8844 or visit www.parks.wa.gov/winter/. For specific
information about the Cle Elum Ranger District, call 509-852-1100.
information about the Cle Elum Ranger District, call 509-852-1100.
How do I give feedback about the winter recreation program?
| Winter Resources non-motorized grooming info Non-Motorized Sno-Parks Snowmobile Sno-Parks Backcountry Avalanche Awareness Road Conditions - DOT |
| From our crew to your family- HAPPY 2009! |
| Local Weather Ellensburg Cle Elum Easton |
| Sno-Park passes and Snowmobile registration tags are strictly enforced. Don't ruin your visit by getting an expensive citation. Remember your passes. |
| Click here for January 18th Ranger Report Click here for January 5th report and photos. |