CLUB UPDATE by Bob Smith – TTF Vice President
Tollgate Friends
The month of February brought continuous snowfall to the mountain and most of the Northwest. The Milkshakes Snotel site on February 1 recorded 71” of snow depth. At the time of this writing the site measures 114 inches of snow. The high recording was 116” on February 25th. It has settled just a bit. All reports are that conditions are nothing less than epic. Any meadow you pick is over the windshield powder and with continuing snowfall the tracks from the previous day are erased which allows you to shred the play areas all over again. Most friends have indicated the smile on their face remains days after the snowmobiling adventure. Most years have seen March being one of the best months for snowmobiling so let’s hope the snow continues! We pray that Mother Nature helps the Milkshakes Snotel hit the 10 foot mark (120”) again this year. We’re almost there and the forecast is calling for more snow so it should continue to be great sledding!
February Highlights.
A big shout out to Victor McNeil from Wallowa Avalanche Center and his wife Kelly for all their hard work in putting on the avalanche training class at our clubhouse that included classroom study as well as infield rescue simulations. We had a great turn out with 32 people in attendance including Search and Rescue Teams from Umatilla County, Oregon as well as Walla Walla County, Washington. We are proud to have our own Bob and Dottie Carrell as Deputies of the Umatilla County Search and Rescue Team. To check on current avalanche conditions go to https://www.wallowaavalanchecenter.org/forecast/blues and click on advisories… Blue Mountains. Remember KBYG (Know before you go) and don’t forget your Avy bag, Beacon, Probe and Shovel. Get the Gear, Get the Training, Get the Forecast, Get the Picture, Stay Out of Harms Way, Don’t be a Victim!
Kids Safety Class – Round 2
A big thank you to Andy Millar for putting on a second “Kids Safety Class”. Fifteen kids attended to become certified in operating snowmobiles in the mountains of Oregon. It’s great to see kids and parents learn proper etiquette and safe operation of snowmobiles on our trail system and to respect public and private lands that we snowmobile on.
McCall, Idaho Trip
The McCall Idaho get away was a big success. The snow was simply amazing with handlebar deep snow in the back country and the sledding trip to Burgdorf to soak up the hot springs was a great experience for all. About 20 people were in attendance along with 2 Side x Sides.
Grooming Report – February 22nd
This last week I groomed on Saturday on inner trails, the Shumway Chalet loop, by the store twice to the grooming shed, through Morning Creek to the top of the hill above Woodland, out to Baldy and back. Tuesday, we groomed Shumway/Chalet loop again, out to Baldy and back, Powerline, part of McIntyre from each side but not around the open ridge due to dense fog, went to Target Meadows and back, also groomed Coyote from the store up through Spout Springs to the top of the hill above Woodland Snow Park and back through Morning Creek. Thursday, we groomed out to Bone Springs and back through Timothy loop, back Jubilee Rd, Skyline, Elk Trail, Powerline, to the store and back and to Morning Creek and back twice. Friday, we groomed out through Spout Springs, Woodland, Andies Prairie, to Ruckel and back Gordon Creek and also Coyote from Spout to the store and back to the shed. Trails are in good shape for the week-end with more snow on the way.
Thanks.
Jess Thompson TTF grooming chairman
Upcoming events.
Kids Ride – March 2nd 9am – TTF Clubhouse
Saturday is coming quickly and shaping up to be a fun day! It’s our annual kids ride at 9am led by Kolby Christensen. Kids must be accompanied by an adult and are encouraged to bring their own snowmobile and dress warm. The snow is amazing out there. The plan is to ride to Bone Springs for Hot Dogs. Should be a great time so get your kids suited up and plan for what may be one of the best snowmobile days of the year. Ride will leave by 9:30am.
Hot Dogs at Bone Springs – March 2nd 11:30am until Hot Dogs are gone.
Head out to the Chapman Bone Springs Warming Shelter for Hot Dogs on Saturday. Donations support the TTF. Thanks to the Carrells for hauling supplies out there and cooking this year!! Predictions are for another foot or more of snow this coming week. Go have a blast out there!
Elections and Steak Out – March 2nd 5pm – TTF Clubhouse
March 2nd is our membership meeting, elections and steak out and it all starts at 5pm. Bring your steak and we will grill it up. Bring a side dish or dessert. The club is providing baked potatoes. There’s even rumor of a bonfire this year. There are 6 TTF Board Member positions up for election this year. We encourage any current TTF member who is interested to get involved and run for a board position. It’s not too late to sign up. Join us….. the snow is amazing🗻⛄🗻!
Brandon Christensen, TTF President
Bob Smith, TTF Vice President