Looking for some info

[Toomanytoys2]

4 rigs coming down from wa state july 1st or 2nd and was wondering how far in advance we can find out about water levels at that time.
Also is it a one day in and out trail or a over nighter. We won't be in a big hurry at all. Going to the rubicon trail afterwords.
Any info would be great and thanks.

[pepe]

Fordyce is tricky trail to access that time of year. It all depends on the flow of the river and the amount of snow on the ground. Last year after a record snowfall there was no way you could get across the river July 1. The dam release is controlled by PG&E and that is the predominant factor in the river level. You can look here for both historical and up to date info on the river level. http://www.dreamflows.com/graphs/yir.063.php

Keep in mind that anything over 300 cfm is not really safe, and sub 200 cfm is still pretty deep and swift. It all depends on the rigs crossing and knowledge of the proper line across the river.

Honestly late fall is a more predictable time.

The trail can easily be done in a day with well built rigs and no problems. Two days with a overnight on the trail is perfect, then make the drive over to Rubicon.

[Toomanytoys2]

Thanks for the info

[zbd]

Is it practical to go down the weekend before the Sierra Trek commences? The water crossings should be lowering correct? Is there camping available or does the Sierra Trek take over all the camping & trails in the area?

[lightfoot]

Why not just hold off your trip for a week and participate in Sierra Trek?

If memory serves me correctly PG&E does not start to drop the flows until the week of Trek.

[MochaMike]

Sierra Trek will be August 9-12. 5-6 weeks after he goes.

It's a crap shoot/totally random.
Plan on it & then adjust accordingly...
Other options are to just go to the first water crossing or Committee Crossing (easy day runs).

If your coming from up north & the snow isn't bad, you could arrive at Meadow Lake in the evening, then do a day run down to a water crossing & back (this would be the longest/funnest without crossing water). Most would consider this route running the trail backwards.

[zbd]

Thanks for the feedback, I'll bring it up to the club at next months meeting. One concern is the tech inspections, not sure if we meet all the criteria?

For me it would be the emergency brake, I currently don't have one installed, but could do something if the club votes on it?

[randii]

Originally Posted by zbd

Is it practical to go down the weekend before the Sierra Trek commences? The water crossings should be lowering correct? Is there camping available or does the Sierra Trek take over all the camping & trails in the area?

1.) possibly -- some folks try to hit that sweet spot every year. some years it works, others no.
2.) PG&E may choose to decrease discharge early or not... some years they do, other years there is so much water that they postpone until early in the week of Trek
3.) Trek does not take over the camping and trails in the area, but you'd be hard pressed to find a better-stocked bar and kitchen in the middle of nowhere, and the proceeds go to support a good cause.

Originally Posted by lightfoot

Why not just hold off your trip for a week and participate in Sierra Trek?

Yeah -- it is certainly more reliable to plan.

Originally Posted by zbd

One concern is the tech inspections, not sure if we meet all the criteria? For me it would be the emergency brake, I currently don't have one installed, but could do something if the club votes on it?

The tech inspection is pretty basic, really... and the parking brake, well, you need a "Emergency brake, parking brake, line-lock or other redundant braking system." I've seen some pretty creative implementations to get there.

Randii (who's spent a little bit of time helping update the association rules to match the vehicles we see on the trail)

[WheelingPiazza]

Sierra Trek takes up the majority of the Meadow lake camping area and camping around the winch hills, Plus we run groups up and down the trail most of the week (August 9th through 12th). The trail is open but you will run into more traffic then normal during the sierra trek week. IF you do plan on wheeling that week, Plan on making you run in 2 or more days due to the increased traffic.

Come out for the Sierra Trek event, We have spotters at all the winch hills if you choose to use them , Warm Food and a fully stocked bar waiting for you at Meadow lake when you return.

If you have questions about the tech inspection or Trek in general feel free to shoot me a PM or email.


Steve Piazza
Sierra Trek Chair 2012

[Toomanytoys2]

So what's the snow pack like in the area this year?

[MochaMike]

Originally Posted by Toomanytoys2

So what's the snow pack like in the area this year?

What Snow Pack?

[zbd]

Originally Posted by WheelingPiazza

Sierra Trek takes up the majority of the Meadow lake camping area and camping around the winch hills, Plus we run groups up and down the trail most of the week (August 9th through 12th). The trail is open but you will run into more traffic then normal during the sierra trek week. IF you do plan on wheeling that week, Plan on making you run in 2 or more days due to the increased traffic.

Come out for the Sierra Trek event, We have spotters at all the winch hills if you choose to use them , Warm Food and a fully stocked bar waiting for you at Meadow lake when you return.

If you have questions about the tech inspection or Trek in general feel free to shoot me a PM or email.


Steve Piazza
Sierra Trek Chair 2012

Could you direct me to, or post up the link to the Trek FAQ's? looking for itinerary? cost? expectations? tech requirements? etc to present to the club next week

[MochaMike]

http://www.cal4wheel.com/events/sierra-trek

[dragrcr65]

By the looks of it you'll be fine anytime in June this year....