Willamette Chapter

Newsletter

 April 2023

April is upon us and there is still enough snow in the mountains for good skiing.  This is a year to get out and enjoy those low elevations routes in beautiful spring weather.  Don’t miss this rare opportunity.  Extend your ski season.  Ski on!

What do you think about a pizza party?

This may be the year to renew our club’s traditional year-end Pizza Party.  Covid 19 vaccinations have risen, infection rates have fallen and the Oregon Health Authority will even lift the masking mandate for health care facilities on April 3.  Are you ready to join club members in late April or early May for free pizza, an opportunity to share the season’s stories and photos, and plan summer activities and next season’s ski tours?  Please contact Bob Young (503x621x6626 or mail to arch.byoung@gmail.com) with your thoughts on a 2023 Pizza Party.  If there is enough interest, Bob will order pizza and we will announce the date and time to the entire membership.

SKI TOURS

Under current COVID-19 safety guidelines it is possible to resume the club’s scheduled ski tours.  However, individual members should assess their risk carefully before deciding whether to ski with a group.  We are responsible for our own safety.  No one should participate in a club tour if they have symptoms that might indicate Coronavirus infection.  The Willamette Chapter will require everyone to be vaccinated to participate in club tours.  Tour leaders may require proof of vaccination.  Carpooling to the trailhead is an individual choice.  Those who   

carpool should wear a face covering as a precaution.  Tourers should maintain 6’ social distance at all times and wear face coverings when social distancing is not possible.

Guests are welcome on Willamette Chapter day tours.  Please contact the tour leader for details and to ensure the tour matches your interests and skill level.

We need more tour leaders for weekend tours; please step up and lead a tour to your favorite destination.  If you wish to lead a tour, suggest a tour destination or learn more about tour leading, contact Jim Todd (503x378x7003).  The tour schedule is sparse at present due to Holidays and uncertainties about snow conditions; more tours will be added.  Remember, impromptu tours are always an option.  If you yearn for a day on skis phone Jim or a skier on the roster previously emailed.  Connect with your fellow Club members and get out when it snows.

Tour Ratings: A key to the Tour Rating codes

“Beginner” = Easy, short distances on flat or gentle slopes; appropriate for first time skiers.

“A” = Easy, distances up to 5 or 6 miles with a few slopes; basic skills are required; some of these may not be suitable for first time skiers. 

“B” = Intermediate or experienced; distances of 6 to 12 miles or possible elevation gains of 2000 feet; may include steeper sections; some downhill skills are required. 

“C” = Advanced, longer with greater elevation gains; includes both trails and off-trail with frequent steep terrain.

“D” = Expert, very difficult or long; possible backcountry travel and/or ski mountaineering. 

Weekend Day Ski Tours

April 1, Saturday:  A or B Tour, depending on group interest; Santiam Pass area.  Contact Bob Young (503x621x6626).

April 8 or 9, Saturday or Sunday:  B Tour, date and location depending on weather conditions and group interest.  Contact Bob Young (503x621x6626).

April 9, Sunday:  A Tour, Santiam Pass area.  Contact John Horrtsch (503x507x5727).

 April 15, Saturday:  B Tour,  Santiam Pass area, location depending on snow conditions and group interest.  Contact Jeff Starr (503x851x8403).

April 22 or 23, Saturday or Sunday:  A or B Tour, date and location depending on weather conditions and group interest.  Contact Bob Young (503x621x6626).

April 29 or 30, Saturday or Sunday:  A or B Tour, date and location depending on weather conditions and group interest.  Contact Bob Young (503x621x6626).

Annual Tam McArthur Spring Ski – Bob Young 

We recently found out that the road to Three Creeks Lake is going to be paved this year, starting as soon as snow melt allows.   We normally wait until the snow gate is opened in late May or early June for the Tam McArthur Ski, but this year the road will not be opened until the project is finished, which will be late July or early August.  I have skied up there as late as July 13, which is a great escape from the valley heat, but not a good ski. So we will need to consider skiing out there from Dutchman Flats as an alternative.   Let me know if you are interested (503x621x6626).

Week Day Ski Tours

Why not break the shackles that bind you to the calendar this season?  Try a mid-week tour.  Contact one of the enthusiasts below and arrange an escape from routine.  If you want to be added to this list, send your phone and email to Jim Todd, and we’ll include it in the next Newsletter.   Likewise, contact Jim, if you want your name removed for this season.

Weekday skiers

Bill Caldwell 503x385x6494   wbcaldwell1 at q dot com

Chuck Daellenbach 541x928x4256 daellenbachc at comcast dot net

Frank Hoffman 541x475x0185 hh_tex at msn dot com

Denise Hughes 435x828x2273 salemhughes at gmai dot com

Bianca Klar 503x949x9089 bianchiklar at yahoo dot com

Bill Nelson 503x576x1278 bnelson at pacificomm dot net

Mark Olson 503x559x0728 mark at olson dot us

Foxie Proctor 503x581x0207 foxieproctor at comcast dot net

Genice Rabe 503x269x3360 genice dot rabe at gmail dot com

Denise Sanders 503x859x4597 dsander at wvi dot com

Jeff Starr 503x851x8403 jeffstarr3 at gmail dot com

Jim Todd 503x378x7003 toddwac18 at gmail dot com

Jerry Vessello 503x931x6344‬ jvess at comcast dot net

Craig Wojcik 503x931x2705‬ ccwojcik09 at comcast dot net

Pam Wojcik 971x312x3984 pjwojcik09 at comcast dot net

Bob Young 503x621x6626 arch.byoung at gmail dot com

John Craig Memorial Ski race and Tour, March 18, 2023  – Bob Young

At least four of our members got over to the east side to partake in the John Craig this year. I went over on Thursday before the event to borrow a track setter and assist with the grooming coordination. As most of you know this is usually a ski to Dee Wright Observatory or at least to Windy Point and back. This year there was considerable avalanche danger before the way to Windy Point and the groomer was not able to get beyond a slide just 3 miles west of the course starting point. We laid out and groomed alternate short and long loops out the north side of Hwy 242 on roads the MJSC typically grooms, but this route took the course from the ODOT permit the ONC acquired out on forest service roads and the forest service could not process the permit in time to allow official use of all that effort (Any event with more than 75 people

 requires a permit and the John Craig had over 250 participants.).  Although the organizer was not comfortable sharing the alternate route with people for their personal use, the search and rescue guys stationed on 242 at the Cross District Trail were and did, telling skiers that they would be outside and separate from the JC event. Our Sisters Forest Service District winter coordinator was fine with that approach and apparently a good percentage of the participants took advantage of all that groomed trail to enjoy some new views and great skiing. The views from Dee Wright are spectacular but, I really enjoyed skiing something new. 

                                  Photo by Bob Young

The John Craig from John Horrtsch

This trip started out icey.  As usual the event was well organized.  Our turn around was about a half mile before Windy point.  On our return we took a left on a snowmobile road.  This road had been groomed.  The biggest hill was the one we could see off the mail road.  We  walked down several hills and climbed some fairly steep ones.  It was all worth it.  The next four miles included some short exciting hills and a slope similar to the road but with far fewer people.  This trip is what spring skiing is all about – some slush, some ice, but beautiful t-shirt weather.

And another report on the John Craig event from Mark Olson

Jeannie Miller and I left the Airport Road Park and Ride for the John Craig at 6 am.  We made the starting gate shortly after 9 am.  The entire course up and back had at least some snow, 

thus no walking was required.  The trip uphill was icy making progress slower for classic skiers; skate skiers whizzed by.  The course was shortened due to an avalanche which had at least partially covered the road so we made it up to the turn around point fairly quickly.  There were great views of the east side of Mt. Washington.  We elected not to take the alternate route back and were back at the gate before noon.  Softened snow made the downhill run fairly easy.  Hope next year we will be able to ski all the way to the top.

              Photo by Mark Olson

Island Junction Shelter, March 3, 2023 by Jim Todd

Dayna and I seized a pause in our numerous late season snows to ski the trails at Ray Benson SnoPark.  It was partly cloudy/partly sunny with snow flurries and a stiff west breeze, but the snow was great.  We headed out the South Loop, following a group on snow shoes, and then broke trail on Claypool Buttes Trail and Two Buttes Cutoff down to the junction of Circle Lake Trail.  This was serious work and we were very pleased to find ski tracks heading east towards Island Junction Shelter.  We quickly abandoned our plan to ski south to Brandenburg because of untracked snow and had an easy cruise to Island Junction Shelter where we met five skiers from Bend.  Not content to return in their tracks, this hardy crew planned to continue trail breaking around Circle Lake and North Loop.  We expected to catch up with them and help break trail, but after a leisurely lunch we found nothing but smooth, easy tracks all the way back to the SnoPark.  The snow was 8-10 feet deep in places and it was a beautiful day on skis. 

March 11, Saturday:  Hoodoo Nordic Tracks by Jim Todd

Eight Ski School grads from the past two seasons joined Mark and I for a day on Hoodoo’s groomed tracks.  We hit all the trails–most of them twice–and everyone was skiing the steepest hills with aplomb by the end of the day.   The weather and views were beautiful and it was a welcome change from trail breaking. 

                    Photo by Jim Todd

Skis from 801 to North Blowout on March 21 and 27 by Frank Hoffman

On March 21^st, I skied partly via the Jim Todd North Loop off-trail route which runs south of the existing trail.  Surprisingly good snow conditions, a granular 3-4 inch layer over a 

solid base that gave good grip and glide.  The weather was sunny and the wind was at over 15 miles per hour.  I had  lunch by a fire from the dwindling wood supple at the North Blowout Shelter.

Again on March 27th I skied basically the same route.  This route is probably usable only in good snow years.  Some trail-breaking was required because of about six inches of light new snow.  The blowout and area near the shelter had been heavily tracked by snowmobiles on the weekend.  I saw no skiers or snowmobiles.

                  Photo by Frank Hoffman

North Loop at Ray Benson SnoPark, March 29, 2023 by Bill Caldwell

Bob Wells and and I had a good outing on the North Loop at Ray Benson.  There was a food of heavy powder.  Luckily a Dad and his two college coed daughters had broken the trail for the first seventy-five percent of the way.  We finished breaking the last quarter of the trail.  Sunshine and a few clouds.

            Photo by Bill Caldwell

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The Willamette Chapter has an active volunteer program assisting the Forest Service with ski trail clearing and marking; shelter construction and maintenance; and firewood stocking.  Thank you volunteers!  If you have questions about out volunteer projects or would like to join one, contact Mark Olson (503x559x0728) or Jim Todd (503x378x7003).

The Deschutes and Willamette National Forests do essential work keeping our ski trails open, marked and signed through the winter; but they are desperately short of winter recreation staff. We can help them use their limited resources efficiently by sending a Trail Report whenever we ski the marked trails. “Cascade Volunteers” records volunteer activity and reports directly to Forest Service offices. You can access their Trail Report form at:  https://cascadevols.org/usfs-work-report/.  (Note:  the form requires a trail number, but our ski trails are not numbered; just enter any number in the “Trail Number” field, then describe the trail in the “Trail Name” field).  You can also report your observations by sending an email to Jim Todd:  toddwac18 at gmail dot com.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Newsletter now includes an Announcement Section. There members can post ski related items for sale, cross-country related questions, inquiries about conditions and suggestions for ski trips. Please send your announcements to Bob, Jim or Denise for inclusion in the Newsletter. Another good place for these items is on the website, ONCWillamette.org

1.  Hot Waxing your skis?  Jim and Bob have placed a bulk order for Swix Universal Glide Wax.  They are offering 180g blocks to interested skiers for only $14.  This is less than half the price of temperature calibrated waxes and should be satisfactory for all but the most 

serious XC racer.  Contact Jim (503x378x7003) or Bob (503x621x6626) if you wish to purchase wax.  Your tips and tails will thank you and you will ski smoother and easier.

2.  Tim Faber has the items below for sale.  Contact Tim at 503x999x1367 if you are interested.

Two pairs black diamond mahair kicker skins, 2.5 inches long, 7 oz. per pair, never used, $80 per pair;

Multiple pairs of NNN and NNNBC bindings at $30 per pair;

Boots size 12 (46) Alpina 2050 NNN BC binding compatible, new in box for $120; and

Free tele skis ATOMIC with G# cable binding and riser plate 168 cm long 114 85 106.

2022-2023 OFFICERS & BOARD MEMBERS: 

         Available                            President

         Jeanne Miller                      Vice President

         Bob Young                          Treasurer & Membership

         Denise Sanders                    Webmeister

         Genice Rabe                        Newsletter Editor

         Jim Todd                             Day Tour Chair

         David Forkner                     ONC State Board Rep & Board Member

         Pam Wojcik                     Overnight Trip Coordinator & Board Member  

         Mark Olson                     Volunteer Coordinator & Board Member  

         Christine Young                  Board Member

         Available                        Board Member

By Bob Young

A classic start to the ski season!  The sun was bright and there was no wind for a perfect cold temperature first ski.  I stepped into my bindings, looked down the slope, and my left ski decided it was time to go.  A moment of balance and the right ski decided to go as well.  It was slick and I was on my butt up to my elbows in soft cold snow.  Auspicious beginning but after dusting off and getting my ski legs working and Bianca to stop laughing at me, we had a great ski out Ray Benson south loop.  There were some tracks already set that made it pretty easy. . . . except that the tracks diverted around every little bump without regard to what a return trip good track could be.  Keep in mind if you plan to return on the same trail just what your trip back can be, or even just for those who will follow who can enjoy a nice stride and glide without unnecessary detours.  From the south loop junction we headed east but the track diversions became more excessive and the trail was under trees that were beginning to shed their snow so we turned back after about 1/2 mile of that and stuck to more open areas.  Tracks were 6″ to 8″ deep and stayed nice and slick except for a few spots in the sun that wanted to get sticky.  We kept it short, 5 miles, which was just right for that first ski.  Time to get out and enjoy it, people.– 

WILLAMETTE CHAPTER – OREGON NORDIC CLUB

NEWS:  October 2022

Our club is still avoiding indoor activities due to COVID-19, so we will have another season without regular monthly meetings.  But there is plenty of pre-snow action on the volunteer front.

VOLUNTEER REPORTS:

September 3 & 17:  Bob, Jeanne, Jeff, John, Jim and Roger did trail maintenance on the North Loop and South Loop trails at Ray Benson.  We cut a half dozen small logs, placed 55 new blue diamonds, erected 8 fallen marking poles, limbed trees to clear view of the diamonds, and removed more than 4000 conifer saplings from the trails (wheee!).  This season we can ski these trails without climbing over logs or getting lost.

October 1 & 2:  Aaron, Jeff and Bill helped sawyer Brad Engelbert from Cascade Volunteers log Ray Benson trails.  They removed a huge blowdown from Circle Lake trail and cleared the Two Buttes Cutoff.  Thanks so much for helping us out, Brad.

3-6, Monday to Thursday:  New Signs at Maxwell SnoPark!  The Willamette Chapter and Cascade Volunteers helped Detroit RD staff place new signs at trail junctions on the Maxwell system.  

photo by Jim Todd

October 8, Saturday, 0900:  Aaron, Bob, Frank, Jeff and Jim joined Mt. Jefferson Snowmobile Club volunteers and Deschutes NF staff for the annual Santiam Pass wood-stocking extravaganza.  We split, hauled and stacked firewood at Brandenburg and Island Junction shelters.  The Roger Schmidt shelter at Ray Benson SnoPark was also filled and we squeezed in enough extra wood to stock North Blowout when fall rains pack the sand so a truck can make it up the blowout to the shelter.  Stay tuned for this last chance to be a wood-stocking volunteer.

October 11, Tuesday:  Bill helped Detroit RD staff complete their winter trail sign project by placing new signposts at junctions on the Big Springs SnoPark system.  The new signs at Big Springs and Maxwell have maps with QR codes so travelers can download the updated map to their phones.  

15, Saturday:   Bill, Bob, Dave, Jeanne, Mark and Jim helped Detroit RD staff stock firewood at Mtn. View and South Maxwell shelters.  We met at Duffy Lake trailhead where a 40″ log was waiting for us.  In a long day we split and hauled three and a half truckloads of wood. One load was stacked inside South Maxwell, two loads dumped by the woodshed at Mtn. View and a half load hauled to the Detroit station for later use.  The job isn’t finished, but we made great progress.  Special thanks to Dave for bringing his hydraulic splitter and to Jeanne for the delicious apple bars.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

October 22, Saturday:  come help us finish the wood-stocking at Mtn. View Shelter.  We need to split at least one more truckload of wood, haul it from Duffy trailhead to the shelter and stack all three truckloads in the woodshed.  With enough volunteers we will have this job finished for the season.  

Please join us if you can.  Phone Jim Todd (503x378x7003) if you have questions or wish to sign up.

Yes, it’s scarcely the middle of September and snow is no where in sight. But our club has numerous ski related events occurring this fall. It’s mostly about volunteers, volunteers and volunteers. Come join us and get in the mood for skiing before the first flake falls.

SKI TRAIL MAINTENANCE:
September 17, Saturday: volunteers will do much needed maintenance on ski trails at Ray Benson or Little Nash SnoParks. We will place more blue diamonds, limbs trees to improve view of the diamonds and remove sapling trees and brush from the trails. Please contact Jim Todd (503x378x7003), if you can join us or need more information.
October 3-6, Monday to Thursday: New Signs at Maxwell SnoPark. The Detroit RD has all new signs for trail junctions on the Maxwell system. Our volunteers will help Forest Service staff and Cascade Volunteers crews set posts and place signs. If you can help on any of these dates, contact Bob Young (503x621x6626) or Jim Todd (503x378x7003). Details of this project will be sent as soon as we receive more details from the Forest Service.

WOOD STOCKING at Winter Shelters
October 8, Saturday, 0900: Ray Benson SnoPark. Mt. Jefferson Snowmobile Club (MJSC) is again organizing a wood splitting extravaganza to stock firewood at all four Santiam Pass Shelters (Roger Schmidt, North Blowout, Brandenburg and Island Junction). MJSC will buck and split wood at the SnoPark. Willamette Chapter volunteers and Forest Service staff will haul and stack wood at NBO, Brandenburg and Island Jct. MJSC is providing lunch for everyone. With enough volunteers we can complete the task and have all shelters ready for winter in a single day. Please join us. Contact Jim Todd (503x378x7003) to sign up.

October, date to be announced:  Mt. View Shelter and South Maxwell Shelter.  Volunteers will help Detroit RD staff stock firewood at these two Maxwell SnoPark shelters.  Mt. View is our only overnight shelter and its woodshed is huge.  We need your help to get the job done in a single day.  Please contact Jim Todd (503x378x7003), if you might have a Saturday free to help us.  

MEETINGS and TRAINING SESSIONS:
October 11, Tuesday, 0930-1200: Santiam Pass Winter Cooperators Meeting at Roger Schmidt Shelter, Ray Benson SnoPark. Willamette and Deschutes NF, ODOT, Linn Co. Sheriff’s Office, Hoodoo, MJSC, ONC and other groups will meet to discuss ways to keep winter recreation at Santiam Pass running smoothly and safely. Everyone is welcome to attend and raise concerns about operations at Ray Benson and the surrounding trail systems.

October 15-16:  Linn Co. Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), training for Search and Rescue (SAR) Team.  See below for more details.

SEARCH AND RESCUE
The MJSC is cooperating with LCSO and Corvallis Mountain Rescue to support SAR services at Santiam Pass. If anyone has an emergency at Santiam Pass they can access this assistance by calling 911. MJSC is committed to keeping sled riders off the ski trail system, but has contacted our club about accessing the Nordic trails in case they need to reach someone in an emergency. We will be working with MJSC/SAR to help their volunteers learn access points WITHOUT running snowmobiles on ski trails. MJSC also invites Willamette Chapter members to join them and participate in the SAR program. A message from Bob Elliott, Point of Contact (POC) for MJSC/SAR, is attached. Please contact Bob at the phone# or email below if you have questions about the SAR program.

To the Nordic Club, my name is Bob Elliott and I’m the POC for the MJSC SAR team. The MJSC consists of 21 volunteers who are certified in SAR events working directly for Linn County SAR. We are based out of the Ray Benson Snow Park. We have been coordinating with Jim Todd for the last 2 seasons about how MJSC SARt team can assist an individual who may need to be helped out of the XC play area and back to the parking lot in a timely and safe manor. Jim and Steve Duch (MJSC) have come up with a plan that both groups would like try. If any Nordic Club members would like to join the MJSC SAR team they are welcome. Training will be 15-16 Oct at the LCSO training area outside Albany. This two day course certifies someone to be SAR qualified. Also completion of online 1st Aid and CPR are required. Upon being trained these volunteers would have access to SAR Vest and radios in the groomer shed at Ray Benson Snow Park. The purpose and goal is to have XC individuals available to respond on the trail network, the wilderness areas and other areas around Hoodoo. We do not have a solid plan yet on how recovery and SAR operations will work but this is a start. Our goal is to provide SAR coverage without interfering with dedicated XC trails and areas used by XC skiers. Currently MJSC SAR have rescue sleds and equipment to assist when needed. We hope not having to be requested but if so we will be ready to help. If interested or have questions my cell is 503-551-7708 for more details. My email is robert.eugene.elliott@gmail.com. Bob Elliott POC MJSC SAR team

Volunteer Project: Saturday August 27

It still feels like summer, but winter is only a few months away.  We need to clear ski trails and stock shelters before the snow falls.  Club volunteers have already scouted trails at Ray Benson, Potato Hill and Little Nash SnoParks.  There’s quite a bit of brushing, marking and logging to be done.  The Cascade Volunteers’ Salamander crew has offered to do the logging. Our club will take care of the rest.  Our first volunteer project will be held Saturday, Aug. 27, to remove sapling conifers and place blue diamonds on the Ray Benson trails.  We will hold a second trail work day Sep. 2 or 3, if there is enough interest.  If you can help on any of these dates–or if you just have questions about our volunteer program–please reply.
Later this fall we will also help the Detroit RD place new signs on the Maxwell trails and stock firewood at our winter shelters. 
Thanks for helping with these projects, Jim

Jim Todd, Day Tour Chair
Willamette Chapter – Oregon Nordic Club

oncwillamette.org

WILLAMETTE CHAPTER – OREGON NORDIC CLUB
P. O. Box 181
Salem, OR 97308

    Mother’s Day has arrived; the sun rises before 6:00 am, tulips are blooming, peas and carrots are growing in my vegetable garden.  Skiing is but a distant memory, right?  Wrong—very wrong.  The Cascades had more than three feet of snow in April.  Yesterday snow was falling above 3000’ and sticking to the trees above 4000’.  There is five inches of fresh snow on Santiam Pass this morning and it is still snowing.  True, snow is melting rapidly at lower elevations, but there is still skiing at the pass for those who aren’t too fastidious.  Don’t put the skis in deep storage yet.  Here’s what’s happened lately and what’s in store for the future.  

TOUR REPORTS 

April 15, Friday:  Willamette Pass                    by Jeff Starr

    “Friday Bill N, Bill C, and I decided to explore the Willamette Pass area.  We had hoped to ski from the PCT trailhead to Maiden Lakes, possibly connecting up to the Willamette Pass ski area afterwards to come back on one of their runs.  Unfortunately the PCT trailhead wasn’t plowed and there were no other parking options available to reach the PCT trailhead. 

    We opted to park at the Gold Lake SnoPark.  After hearing from others that had attempted to ski to Gold Lake and quickly turned back, we chose to stay on routes that were already broken.  The weather was wonderful and the broken tracks skied very well.  On any ventures off track, we found ourselves knee deep in thick powder.  On track, the ski to Betchel shelter was wonderful and it was fun to ski in an area we’ve rarely explored.  At the end of the day, I ventured out of the tracks and found the snow is firming up indicating that breaking trail should be easier in a day or two as long as we don’t get too much more fresh powder. 

April 23, Saturday:  North Blowout Shelter and Beyond            by Ron Allowitz

    Three hardy skiers “braved” sunny and warm conditions at Benson Park on April 23rd. J. Starr, A. Bremiller, chose to pull snow sleds behind them as we skied Saturday. We experienced well compacted, but ice-free snow as we ventured to North Blowout shelter where we enjoyed a leisurely lunch. Snow conditions remained nearly ideal as we ventured towards Island Junction Shelter (IJS) on the Circle Lake trail. Bypassing the IJS we linked onto the South Loop and back to our vehicle. What was surprising was the near absence of other skiers during our outing.  [Editor’s note:  where were you?]

April 24, Saturday:  Santiam Lake                        by Jim Todd

    Three tours to Santiam Lake in one season is a record for me, but this isn’t a trip you can grow tired of.  We started from Santiam SnoPark on snow that was a bit icy, but warm, sunny weather soon softened the surface and produced smooth, easy skiing.  We took the usual Skyline trail route to the lake for lunch, enjoyed the spectacular views and then had a fun downhill run back to the SnoPark.  Thanks to Fiona and Kim for getting me out on this great route one more time.

ANNOUNCEMENT

    When the road to Three Creeks Lake opens we will wrap up the season with our annual Tam McArthur Rim tour.  Right now we are projecting a tour date the last weekend of May or first two weekends in June.  Contact Bob Young (503x621x6626) for details or to sign up for this great tour.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

    The Willamette Chapter has an active volunteer program assisting the Forest Service with ski trail clearing and marking; shelter construction and maintenance; and firewood stocking.  Thank you volunteers!  If you have questions about out volunteer projects or would like to join one, contact Mark Olson (503x559x0728) or Jim Todd (503x378x7003).

    The announcements below detail the trail volunteer training programs sponsored by Cascade Volunteers, Pacific Crest Trail Association, Deschutes and Willamette NF.  The Allingham classes June 2-5, include a session on ski trail maintenance taught by Sue Sullivan of the Central Oregon Chapter of ONC.  Click the links below for more information and to sign up for these classes

    Details and registration links can be found here: Allingham Trail Skills College – Pacific Crest Trail Association (pcta.org)

SAVE THE DATE! Cascade Volunteers (CV) and the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) are excited to welcome you to the 2022 West Cascades Trail Skills College, on June 10th-12th at the McKenzie Bridge Airstrip on the Willamette National Forest. This year we’re thrilled to be welcoming people back in person for a great weekend of camping, playing, learning and volunteering.

The training weekend will be filled with a wide range of classes from sawyer support, brushing and scouting, Love Your Lake training, and much more. At night you can kick your feet back and relax with volunteers from all around the Willamette.

Classes will start the morning of Saturday, June 11th. Camping on site will be open the evening of June 10th. Camping is encouraged but not required- feel free to just join us for a few classes if you prefer. 

While water and restrooms will be available onsite, due to ongoing COVID safety procedures, CV and PCTA are not able to provide food this year. Please plan to be self-sufficient or coordinate with friends for all meals.

A sneak peek at our schedule:

Saturday June 11th:

• Intro to Trail Maintenance,
• Sawyer Support – Swamping, 
• Hand Tool Field Maintenance,
• Drainage Design & Drain Dips,
• Crew Leadership: Project Management,
• Radio Use,
• Crosscut Demonstration,

Sunday June 12th:

• Brushing and Scouting,
• Love Your Lake Training, 
• Trail work: Tread and Drainage,
• Chainsaw Maintenance,
• Drainage Crossings,

Registration will open on Tuesday, May 10th on Better Impact. If you’re not already signed up as a Willamette National Forest Volunteer, please do so at the link bellow before registering for this event. 

MyImpactPage – Willamette National Forest Volunteer Application (betterimpact.com)

Report by Bianca Klar

On Saturday, March 5th, the three of us Chuck D, Bob Y, and myself (Bianca K) revisited one of our old favorite tours to Craig’s lake. It’s a B tour, and although not very long (only 7.5 miles), it involves quite a bit of climbing up and down, so it requires some downhill skills and experience. It also involves crossing a creek, which at various snow conditions can be quite challenging.

The weather was lovely, mostly clear skies and a bit breezy, which felt cold when gearing up, but felt just right when climbing.  We had a couple of inches of fresh snow on a solid frozen base.  It was good for climbing.  With different conditions and different snow levels, we are often tempted to try different routs in search for the perfect one:-).  This time we stayed up high on a sort of plateau, but had to navigate a lot of regrowth (hemlock thickets).  Crossing the creek up high was easy, for it was all covered with snow there, but climbing back up was too steep and icy at that spot so we had to descend some to find a gentler slope.  We continued a mostly gentle climb to the lake and had a lovely lunch there.  Coming back on the south facing slopes was a hoot, real good snow for turns.  But the east facing slopes stayed crunchy and rough.  

The first picture shows where we are headed, second shows the creek canyon we had to cross, and the last two are taken at the lake.

oncwillamette.org

P. O. Box 181

Salem, OR  97308

NEWSLETTER

March 2022

WEEKEND DAY TOURS

    Under current COVID-19 safety guidelines it is possible to resume the club’s scheduled ski tours.  However, individual members should assess their risk carefully before deciding whether to ski with a group.  We are responsible for our own safety.  No one should participate in a club tour if they have symptoms that might indicate Coronavirus infection or if they have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.  The Willamette Chapter will require everyone to be vaccinated to participate in club tours.  Tour leaders may require proof of vaccination.  Carpooling to the trailhead is an individual choice.  Those who carpool should wear face coverings as a precaution.  Tourers should maintain 6’ social distance at all times and wear face coverings when social distancing is not possible.

    Guests are welcome on Willamette Chapter day tours.  Please contact the tour leader for details and to ensure the tour matches your interests and skill level.

    We need more tour leaders for weekend tours; please step up and lead a tour to your favorite destination.  If you wish to lead a tour, suggest a tour destination or learn more about tour leading, contact Jim Todd (503x378x7003).  Remember, impromptu tours are always an option.  If you yearn for a day on skis, phone Jim or a skier on the roster.  Connect with your fellow Club members and get out when it snows.

March 5 or 6, Saturday or Sunday:  A Tour, best snow in Santiam Pass area.  Contact John Hortsch (503x507x5727).

March 5 or 6, Saturday or Sunday:  B Tour, date and location depending on weather conditions and group interest.  Contact Bob Young (503x621x6626‬).

March 12, Saturday:  B Tour,  Santiam Pass area, location depending on group interest.  Contact Jim Todd (503x378x7003).

March 13, Sunday:  A Tour, Santiam Pass area.  Contact Jeanne Miller (503x 588×0473‬).

March 19, Saturday:  A or B Tour, John Craig Memorial Ski Event at McKenzie Pass.  Tour or race from the Sisters snowgate on Hwy 242 to Dee Wright Observatory and back; the route should be groomed.  Details and a link for sign-up are attached below.  

March 26 or Saturday or Sunday:   A or B Tour, depending on snow conditions and group interest.  Contact Jim Todd (503x378x7003).

April 2 or 3, Saturday or Sunday: B Tour, date and location depending on snow and group interest.  Contact Bob Young (503x621x6626‬).

Tour Ratings: A key to the Tour Rating codes: 

    “Beginner” = Easy, short distances on flat or gentle slopes; appropriate for first time skiers.

    
“A” = Easy, distances up to 5 or 6 miles with a few slopes; basic skills are required; some of these may not be suitable for 1st time skiers. 

    “B” = Intermediate or experienced; distances of 6 to 12 miles or possible elevation gains of 2000 feet; may include steeper sections; some downhill skills are required. 

    “C” = Advanced, longer with greater elevation gains; includes both trails and off-trail with frequent steep terrain.

    “D” = Expert, very difficult or long; possible backcountry travel and/or ski mountaineering. 

WEEK DAY SKI TOURS

    Why not break the shackles that bind you to the calendar this season?  Try a mid-week tour.  Contact one of the enthusiasts below and arrange an escape from routine.  If you want to be added to this list, send your phone and email to Jim Todd, and we’ll include it in the next Newsletter.   Likewise, contact Jim, if you want your name removed for this season.

Weekday skiers:

Bill Caldwell         503x385x6494      wbcaldwell1 at q dot com

Chuck Daellenbach    541x928x4256    daellenbachc at comcast dot net

Frank Hoffman    541x475x0185    hh_tex at msn dot com

Bianca Klar        503x949x9089    bianchiklar at yahoo dot com

Mark Olson        503x559x0728    mark at olson dot us

Foxie Proctor        503x581x0207    foxieproctor at comcast dot net

Denise Sanders    503x859x4597    dsander at wvi dot com

Jeff Starr        503x851x8403    jeffstarr3 at gmail dot com

Jim Todd        503x378x7003    toddwac18 at gmail dot com

Jerry Vessello        503x931x6344‬    jvess at comcast dot net

Craig Wojcik        503x931x2705‬    ccwojcik09 at comcast dot net

Pam Wojcik        971x312x3984    pjwojcik09 at comcast dot net

Bob Young        503x621x6626    arch.byoung at gmail dot com

TOUR REPORTS

Ray Benson/Little Nash Traverse, a tale of two tours. by Jim Todd

    February 12, Saturday:  where was everybody?  Ron and I were the only skiers to turn out on the scheduled date for this tour—perhaps understandable since three weeks of freeze/thaw left the snow surface frozen like concrete.  But being diehards we headed for the Pass, figuring there was bound to be skiing somewhere.  And in fact we discovered fine skiing on roads groomed by Mt. Jefferson Snowmobile Club—smooth, even surfaces and super glide.  Plus, icy conditions seem to be a deterrent for snowmobiles, too.  We had the trails nearly to ourselves.  Up until the final minutes in the afternoon we had seen more skiers (5) than snowmobiles.  So Ron and I rambled the roads between Hayrick, Big Lake and Sand Mountain in peace.  By afternoon, as the snow softened we even did some off trail exploring and discovered a bare hill with great views of Sand Mountain, Mt. Washington and the Three Sisters.  It was a good day—even without the traverse.

2/12/22:  Sand Mountain                       

    February 17, Thursday:  what a difference five days (and four inches of new snow) makes.  With sunny skies and fresh powder Bob, Chuck, Frank, Jerry and Kim were quick to join me for a week day run on this great route.  After meeting at Little Nash and setting up the car shuttle we skied out of Ray Benson on the South Loop, turned west to cross Big Meadows Rd. and followed the groomed snowmobile route around the south side of Hayrick, then hit the best part—off trail navigation around the south and west slopes of Hoodoo.  The snow was a bit sticky by this time, but the skiing was still pleasant and the views were great.  We ended with a run down Hash Brown Loop and Nash Potato trail on increasingly soggy, but still decent snow.  It was great to sqeeze this classic tour into a narrow window of clear weather and unfrozen snow.  And about that powder:  yes, it was Pacific Coast powder and not Rocky Mountain powder; and true it only lasted for an hour before beginning to clump.  But it was as close as we’re likely to get to the real thing.  Just get out early and ski it like you find it.

Big Springs
by Jeff Starr

    February 17, Thursday:  Conditions were decent at Big Springs SP after the recent snowfall. Bill and I had the snowmobile route from the SP to Park Creek to ourselves. There’s no evidence of any snowmobiles or skiers having used the route recently, but the roads are free of downed trees. Snow depth is between 2 – 3 feet. The snow was adequately soft on the surface and there was minimal breakable crust.

Almost Santiam Lake:
by Jim Todd

    February 26, Saturday:  why are club members going to Texas, New Mexico, California, even Bend when there is snow on Santiam Pass?  Anna and I were the only skiers to turn out for this annual tour.  But in spite of the shortage of trail breakers we made it up the Skyline trail to the head of Lost Lake Creek (a mile short of Santiam Lake) before running short of time and heading back to Santiam SnoPark.  The downhill run was good and so were the views.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

    The Willamette Chapter has an active volunteer program assisting the Forest Service with ski trail clearing and marking; shelter construction and maintenance; and firewood stocking.  Thank you volunteers!  If you have questions about out volunteer projects or would like to join one, contact Mark Olson (503x559x0728) or Jim Todd (503x378x7003).

    The Deschutes and Willamette National Forests do 
essential work keeping our ski trails open, marked and 
signed through the winter; but they are desperately short
 of winter recreation staff. We can help the m
use their limited resources efficiently by sending a Trail Report whenever we ski the marked trails. “Cascade Volunteers” records volunteer activity
 and reports directly to Forest Service offices.
You can access their Trail Report form at:  https://cascadevols.org/usfs-work-report/.  (Note:  the form requires a trail number, but our ski trails are not numbered; just enter any digits in the “Trail Number” field, then describe the trail in the “Trail Name” field).  You can also report your observations by sending an email to Jim Todd:  toddwac18 at gmail dot com.

CROSS COUNTRY SKI RACING

    Olympics:  as expected most cross country medals were won by skiers from Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia.  Therese Johaug of Norway was the biggest winner with gold medals in Skiathon, 10K Classic and 30K Freestyle.  Notable successes by “outsiders” included a silver medal in 4x5K relay and gold in Team Sprint by the German women’s team and, especially, a bronze in Freestyle Sprint and silver in 30K freestyle by US skier Jessie Diggins. 

For all the details of Olympic cross country skiing visit https://olympics.com/en/beijing-2022/. 

    Paralympics:  cross country events included distance and sprint races for sitting standing and visually impaired skiers.  This year Russia field the largest group of cross country skiers and won the most medals.  US medal winners were Daniel Cnossen with a bronze in the Sitting Distance race and Oksana Masters with gold medals in the Sitting Distance and Spring races.  For all the details of Paralympic cross country skiing visit https://www.paralympic.org/beijing-2022

SNO-PARK PERMITS

           The Willamette Chapter will not sell Sno Park permits in the absence of our regular monthly meetings.  SnoPark permits may be purchased online at the Oregon DMV: https://dmv2u.oregon.gov/eServices/_/.  Annual permits purchased directly from DMV cost $25—no handling fee.  The process takes only a few minutes and includes a downloadable copy you can print and use immediately while waiting for your permit to arrive in the mail.  Buy a permit and support SnoPark plowing.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Newsletter now includes an Announcement Section. There members can post ski related items for sale, cross-country related questions, inquiries about conditions and suggestions for ski trips. Please send your announcements to Bob, Jim or Denise for inclusion in the Newsletter. Another good place for these items is on the website, ONCWillamette.org

    1.  Jeff Starr (503x581x8403) has a pair of Garmont Excursion 3-pin boots for sale.  They are Euro size 26.5, in good condition, for $40. 

2020-2021 OFFICERS & BOARD MEMBERS: Available President

Jeanne Miller Vice President

Bob Young Treasurer & Membership

Denise Sanders Webmeister

Genice Rabe Newsletter Editor

Jim Todd Day Tour Chair

David Forkner ONC State Board Rep & Board Member

Pam Wojcik Overnight Trip Coordinator & Board Member

Mark Olson Volunteer Coordinator & Board Member

Christine Young Board Member

Available Board Member