Outdoor Report: It’s all about the snow

By ROB DEHARPPORT/for The Herald  —  I’ve been AWOL from writing as I’ve been simply enjoying life along with a bit of a writer’s block since Fall and the Cedar Creek Fire that torched so much of our beautiful area. More on that in future articles and opinion pieces.

The old proverb about March: in like a Lion and going out like a Lamb seems rather skewed this year. We have another Winter Storm Warning throughout the Cascades. Beginning tonight in the Willamette Pass area one foot to three feet of snow are predicted to fall. If at all possible delay travel over the mountain for a couple of days. If that’s not feasible, be prepared with traction tires/ chains and a supply of food, water warm clothing just in case traffic can delay travel for hours in a worse case scenario.

We’ve had quite the winter through the entire west coast! The Highway 58 corridor is certainly included. The amounts of snowfall in California’s Sierras has broken and continues to break records. Up here at the Crescent Lake area our snowpack has ranged from 45″- 70″ so far according to the Crescent Lake Snotel snow gauge. Higher elevation such as Summit Lake, Cascade Summit have been over 100″ for some time.

 

Skiers have enjoyed a spectacular season at Willamette Pass Ski Area. The slopes and parking lot have seemed to be full on any given day. Snowmobilers and all Cascade Resorts have also enjoyed a winter to remember.

That said, many are hoping for Spring to truly arrive. I believe that is often true at this time of year for many folks! Count me in that group. I’m ready for fishing season and a little warmer weather. I’m not sure at this point how ready our Cascade Lakes will be for all of us anglers. Snow and ice covered lakes, along with difficult or impossible access to many Campgrounds will be an issue possibly into June this season.

There are always alternatives for anyone wanting to enjoy the outdoors. Stay positive and try something new. Ice fishing should

continue at Diamond Lake for quite a while as reports of ice two to three feet thick come in. Odell Lake has a lot of ice, however it is not thick enough to trust. The same is true with many lakes. Don’t risk going onto the ice if you don’t know how thick or safe it is!

Another danger in the back country is Avalanche. Several lives have been lost in the Cascades this year due to avalanches.  Tree wells are another hazard. Beware.

Our lakes, rivers, aquifers and wells should see be recharged with this year’s snowpack. In fact, Lake Shasta is only 40′ from being full already. I’m planning to go down there soon to fish with a cousin. We are planning as I write this! Make plans, be flexible and try a new area if the weather has you down. Above all. Be thankful for our weather and all of the options it allows us.