Cabin Lake and Kookipi Creek Conditions

[DBrands]

I had Sunday/Monday off, so I headed up to Boston Bar in the hopes of reaching Cabin Lake on Sunday afternoon. There is a substantial amount of logging going on within 15km of the highway up Spius Creek. A lot of traffic on the service road. At about 22km I began to encounter snow (elevation about 4600'). Slogged around in it for a while and decided it wasn't meant to be. Set up camp in an open snow free section of the road. No signs of any vehicles making an attempt on the snow before me. The snow was only ever about 2 feet deep, but uphill sections without chains were very slow. I suspect in a couple weeks the snow will be gone.

Monday I decided to have a go at Kookipi Creek as the club run last year was stopped by an avalanche. A large amount of road maintenance on both the Nahatlatch and Kookipi Creek service roads from Boston Bar. One avalanche before the summit of Kookipi Creek but was easily skirted. About 400m of snow covered road at the summit, with no vehicle traffic prior. Met about 6 dual sport guys who probably wished I had shown up a few hours earlier to pave a trail for them. They were headed south to north, the opposite direction from me and were nearly through the snow when I showed up. I didn't ask how long it had taken them to push their bikes through the snow :lol: They looked knackered. South of the summit and before hitting the Harrison East FSR I encountered four washouts which would be easy for a stock short wheelbase 4x4. They provided a bit of fun. Harrison East FSR is in great shape, and probably better than Harrison West FSR.

Cabin Lake attempt in the snow
http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae104/Siggy_Brand/DSCN0347_zpsfbab920e.jpg

Kookipi Summit and tired dual sport riders
http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae104/Siggy_Brand/DSCN0422_zps2856de52.jpg

A number of washouts between Kookipi Summit and Harrison East FSR
http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae104/Siggy_Brand/DSCN0465_zpsb7848553.jpg

http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae104/Siggy_Brand/DSCN0451_zps88d8dff8.jpg

http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae104/Siggy_Brand/DSCN0438_zps2d611bee.jpg

[ANDYD]

Hi David,

Thanks for posting up, it's good to hear that area is open already, it looks like you had a great trip. Did you try to get out to Clear Creek Hotsprings when at the top of east Harrison? I heard its blocked by a snow / debris slide but was curious if you took a look.

Cheers, Andy

[DBrands]

It didn't even cross my mind to take a look, sorry.