As many of you know, the Hanging Lake has become very popular.  During periods of dry weather, some of the steep climbs on the trail can get really slick.  I think that downhill traffic skiing over the skin track is a significant contributor to wiping out the uptrack on these steep sections.

To mitigate the problem, I want to separate uphill and downhill traffic at the worst locations, starting with the steep climb just above the creek crossing.  To separate this section, the uphill track will remain where the trail is now, and the downhill track will be diverted directly down to the bridge, skipping the switchback.  To encourage people to go the right way, I would like to put up some "do not enter" or "uphill travel only" signs at the divergence point.  I would like to get some funding from the BCMC cabin's and trails budget to pay for the signs, to be installed in the spring of 2023.

Any thoughts on whether this is a worthwhile improvement, or other parts of the trail that might warrant uphill/downhill separation?

Scott, it would help if the downhill was gladed. I don't know if that's authorized.

Paul do you mean just for the separated portion or for the whole trail?

For the proposed separation, I actually already cleared a path through for downhill skiers to reach open meadows that lead to the bridge.  I think clearing a realigned segment like this to a normal trail width (3-4m) is in scope for the section 57 authorization.  Broadly glading the forest or cutting wide ski runs was never something that I proposed, so it's not authorized.  I don't think it's impossible, as the bulkley valley backcountry ski association did something like this at the Hankin Mountain recreation site.

Hi Scott,  This sounds like a good idea, could you please give me an idea of how much you think this will cost and what you intend to do.  A simple spreadsheet would be helpful.  As I haven't budgeted anything for this project, I would have to take it to the board. Do you know if any group holds a section 57 on this trail?  Could you please send your response to my email.  bsheffield50@gmail.com

Thanks

Brian Sheffield

Cabins and trails

Ok I'm actually going to do it this year.  I am getting together quotes now for 4 signs (2x do not enter and 2x turn left based on RSTBC sign templates).  I expect it will be a couple hundred dollars but I should have some quotes shortly.

The signs went up today courtesy of BC mountain foundation.