Trails update summary for May 5, 08:

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

Temperatures have warmed over the past few days bringing springlike
conditions to the Deschutes.  The general snow line has shown signs of
accelerating its accent towards mid elevations.  Winter trail conditions
are much more "springlike" with icy morning conditions leading to softer
melting snow in the afternoon.   Weather forecast is indicating a chance of
light rain across the Forest along with a chance of snow showers at the
higher elevations over the next few days before more clear weather into the
weekend.

   General snow line varies depending on location from roughly 4,500'
   around the Bend/Sunriver area to 3,700' west and north of Sisters.
   Cresent falls somewhere inbetween.  Just below these elevations patchy
   snow may be found especially on shelters and north facing slopes.
   Generally, summer trails and access roads in these elevation ranges will
   be partially or fully blocked by snow, unless otherwise plowed.
   Phils Trailhead area trails are fairly snow free west to the 300 rd.
   Again patchy snow may be found in north aspects and sheltered locations.
   Beware that logging activities are in the cleanup stages around the
   Phils TH area.
   Lower Mrazek and lower Tumalo Creek Trails are reported to be in good
   condition, allthough you are likely to hit snow line around 4,400' and a
   few downed trees.
   Deschutes River Trails are snow free to Benham Falls with some blowdown
   reported.  Dogs are required to be on leash within the Deschutes River
   Corridor from Entrada to Benham East for the summer season.  Road access
   to all Deschutes River Recreation sites, up to Benham Falls is snow free
   and mostly good if not a bit bumpy.  Road 41 is now plowed/graded to
   Spring River area and Rd 40.
   Benham Falls East, access from Lava Butte is good with Black Rock trail
   reported snow free and in good condition.  No report on trail connecting
   Sunriver to Benham Falls, but may find a patch or two of snow yet.
   Fall River Trail has been cleared of blowdown and ready for the season.
   Horse Butte Trails are reported mostly snow free to about 4,600' with
   some blowdown.  Bessie Butte Trail is in good condition.
   Peter Skene Ogden is likely snow free for the lower 2-3 miles.  Expect
   sections of blowdown.  Will have a more detailed report next week.
   3-5 ft. of snow reported in Newberry Crater with Road 21 still closed at
   10 Mile.  No date set  for the opening.  Road crew will be working on
   installing a temporary bridge over Paulina Ck to Paulina Lk Resort in
   the near future.
   Sisters Ranger District Trails are mostly under snow above 3,600'.
   Limited trail maintenance has begun around Sheep Springs Horse Camp,
   beware the crew started hitting snow two weekends ago about 1 mile west
   of the camp.
   Metolius River East and West trails (hiker only) are reported free of
   snow and in good condition with maybe a few blowdown.
   Black Butte TH access and trail blocked by snow.
   Suttle Lake Trail on the south shore last week had moderate to patchy
   snow.
   Snow is holding for the time being at Wanoga and Swampy Sno-Parks,
   Dutchman is in good spring snow condition.  Three Creek is showing some
   bare areas.  Ten Mile is marginal.  Crescent Lake Snow Parks are likely
   becoming marginal to poor for winter trail use.
   Please avoid using trails and roads that are just melting free from snow
   and those that are soft/muddy as early season use damages trail/road
   tread and can greatly increase maintenance efforts.



Have a safe week!



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Chris Sabo
Trails/Wilderness
Deschutes National Forest
Ph- (541) 383-4795       FAX - (541) 383-4700
csabo@fs.fed.us
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