CORBIN SNOWCAT DELIVERED
NOVEMBER 23, 2021 UPDATE
What a week! The FSA has been working around the clock following the devastating ‘atmospheric river’ event that hit Fernie and many other parts of BC. Here is a quick summary of the damage received to FSA infrastructure and riding areas:
Ram: Ram / Cabin Pass FSR washed out. The Ministry has no plans to repair the road at this time. There will be no access to the Ram warming shelter this season and it will remain locked.
Corbin: Small washout at 16km has a temp repair. Freezing level during rain event was around 1700m (mid-elevation). Still snow up top but coverage decreases at valley bottom. With the generous help of Sharp Trucking Services we moved ‘BumbleBraap’ out to Corbin yesterday in anticipation of grooming start up as soon as there is sufficient snow coverage on the trail.
Hartley: No damage.
Coal Creek: Road between town and the staging area received significant damage; currently not passable to the staging area. Staging Area received no damage. The first main bridge has been washed away and the river substantially widened at this location. We are waiting to hear if land owner intends to repair bridge. We are also investigating the potential to open up the old trail on the North side of the creek towards the historic townsite to bypass the damaged bridge, but a portion has been significantly damaged as well. More updates to follow. Rolling Hills cabin and upper riding areas have minimal damage.
Morrissey: There is a 20 ft gap between the approach and the first Morrissey bridge where the creek eroded the bank. We are working with our partners at this time to investigate repair or alternate options to allow public recreation / snowcat access for both the FSA and Fernie Wilderness Adventures this winter. No damage to the Wranglers Cabin or other trails. Snowline is the waterfall elevation at the top of the canyon. Parking lots in good condition but small creek blowout on the connector trail and several trees down.
This is obviously a very dynamic situation and we will do our best to keep everyone informed as things change. Our new snowcat was due to be delivered just as the storm hit. When highway three closed for flooding, we had to put a hold on the cat transport as the wide load would not fit through the Dicken Road detour. It is currently still sitting in Calgary awaiting delivery.
Our thoughts are with all the communities, residents, and fellow snowmobile clubs across the province who have been impacted by this severe weather event. These are very challenging times for al of us. Please lend your support where you can. We are currently on the hunt for the following assistance if you may be able to help: Structural Engineer, equipment operators / a hoe, rip rap or fill material, culvert, big boy blocks (concrete barricades) assistance removing some of the downed trees. Please reach out to info@ferniesnowmobile.com if you think you can help.
Thank you Sharp Trucking Services, BumbleBraap being delivered to Corbin.
First Morrissey bridge
First Coal Creek bridge
