The flash flooding on April 17 did some damage to trails and bridges. One is the first bridge on the new 104x trail. It’s about 30 ft from where it belongs but is in good shape. It’s estimated to weigh between 250 and 300 lbs so hopefully about six strong people can move it.
The long bridge on 105 separated in the center and the initial section swiveled almost 90 degrees. This has happened before and it’s relatively easy to move. Boots are in order here as the ravine is wet.
Other bridges could also benefit from debris clean up and some fill material and tamping at the edges. We’re making a list of other erosion issues. So we’ll give it a shot on Sunday. The lake is over the road, but we’ll meet at the beach initially and work on the 104x bridge. If there is a large turnout, others may go to the gate on Sugar Bottom Rd to work on other areas. As always, if the weather is doing bad things that morning check the ICORR hot line (626-1160) to check that the work day will happen.
Additional scouting of the trails at Sugar have revealed even more damage than we feared. The 8-9″ of rain that dropped in that area caused more erosion than anyone can remember seeing in past events. It now looks like the time needed to repair unsafe trail conditions will likely determine when trails can open rather than soil drying. Many bridges have approaches washed out and several areas have lost up to a foot of soil, exposing roots and creating deep ruts. I know we’re all Jonesing for some dirt, please come out and help us get the trails open.