Loggers at West Bragg Creek. Photo by Alf Skrastins
Thanks to Alf Skrastins for the photos and this report. The 44 photos which Alf sent are worth looking at.
New Iron Springs bridge. Photo by Alf Skrastins
The snow conditions at West Bragg Creek are better for ski touring than they would appear on the webcams.
About 12-16 cm of new snow fell overnight, on a base that ranges from 0cm on very sun exposed spots to about 15 cm in sheltered areas. Total snow depth deepest on the shaded, north-aspect trails and more shallow on the sunny, south slopes.
West Crystal Line. Photo by Alf Skrastins
On todays tour, we went across Chickadee Meadow and along West Crystal Line to Crystal Link #2, then up Middle Crystal Line to Loggers. We headed south on Elbow to the shortcut that links over to Iron Springs. There was lots of snow on the new wider and safer Iron Springs bridge. We followed Iron Springs to Sundog and then took the new Boundary Horse Trail back to the parking lot.
Take note that there has been construction vehicle traffic on Mountain Road, so expect to find ruts and exposed mud. It’s much better to stay on the good snow conditions on West Crystal Line.
Does anyone have any info on the New Iron Creek Bridge in Alf’s photo? I’m especially interested in what it cost and how it was built and funded.
My local ski trails in Muskeg Creek Park in Athabasca has (had) 3 bridges all of which were severely damaged in flooding last spring to the extent that only one is now usable. The local municipality has gotten what I think are some ridiculous quotes for replacement; $500 000 per bridge and $65 000 per bridge for engineering fees alone. Our club doesn’t have that kind of money and the municipality isn’t offering anything. These bridges are crucial to our trails but they just need to cross a small creek. Bridges about the size of the New Iron Creek Bridge should be about right.
Any info would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Oops! That’s the New Iron Springs Bridge 🙂
Hi Henrik,
What kinds of spans are your bridges? I can help you out with some ideas.
You can contact Jeff, Eric or Dave at the GBCTA and we can let you know what we did and what is possible.
Cheers
Groomer Bill
Great. I’ll take some measurements tomorrow and get back to you.
Thanks.