[pct-l] Rush Creek closure for JMT/PCT hikers

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

Here's another trail closure that will affect JMT and PCT hikers this
season:

 

"The Inyo National Forest, through a forest order, is closing segments of
the Rush Creek Trail for public safety from June 30, 2017 through September
1, 2017. 

The wet winter of 2016-2017, with more than 180% of average annual
precipitation and close to 200% of average runoff forecast, has exacerbated
safety concerns for dams within the Rush Creek Hydroelectric System (RCHS)
on the Inyo National Forest. The extreme water year means water levels will
likely exceed seismic safety ratings for a period of more than 25 days in
Waugh Reservoir. The RCHS is currently operated by Southern California
Edison under a license with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. 

The forest order prohibits:
. Being within 800 feet of Rush Creek, from its intersection with the Waugh
Lake Dam, then east to its intersection with Gem Lake, as shown on the
attached map. 36 CFR 261.53(e).
. Being on the National Forest System trails listed below and shown on the
attached map.  
  -Rush Creek Trail from a point 750 feet north of its intersection with
Clark Lakes Trail, then west to a      point 528 feet west of its
intersection with Weber Lake Trail.
  - Clark Lakes Trail from its intersection with Rush Creek trail, then
south 1600 feet. 
  - Spooky Meadows Trail from its intersection with Rush Creek Trail, then
south to its intersection with the Ansel Adams Wilderness Boundary below
Spooky Meadow.
  -  Weber Lake Trail from its intersection with Rush Creek Trail, then
south 1500 feet. 

This closure affects access to popular destinations such as Thousand Island
Lake, the John Muir Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail. 

Visitors who hold a wilderness permit reservation made prior to June 30th
for entry at the Rush Creek Trailhead should call the Wilderness Permit
Office at (760) 873-2483 to cancel their reservation or reserve an alternate
trailhead. The exception is for hikers (both day and overnight) whose
destination is Gem Lake or the Alger Lake Trail. 

Hikers, including PCT thru-hikers, cannot exit via the Rush Creek Trail and
need to make alternate plans for exit and resupply. " 

 

 

Ned Tibbits, Director

Mountain Education, Inc.

ned at mountaineducation.org <mailto:ned at mountaineducation.org>