Back to Winter for the Spring Solstice

Quinn on skis! At a yurt!

Arriving in Tahoe after their best snow of the season, the e-tour made its way to Hope Valley Outdoors for an event with some local elementary school children. Hope Valley Outdoors is a backcountry ski yurt that provides rentals, guiding, and school outreach. Along with Joyce, who runs the yurt, we introduced kindergartners and fifth graders to the Leave No Trace principles. We talked about Trashing Your Trash and how to protect our favorite wild places and wildlife in the winter wonderland of Tahoe. We romped around in the snow playing a frigid version of Okay/No Way where the students ran to through a foot of powder to answer questions about appropriate outdoor behavior. After we were done teaching them, these students taught us a few things about how to cross-country ski! Thanks for the trade!

As the season winds down, it's important for everyone to keep in mind Leave No Trace when adventuring in winter environments. One great resource is the new winter recreation plastic reference card from Leave No Trace. As winter transitions into spring, it's a very sensitive time for ecosystems. While a deep layer of snow creates a durable surface that protects vegetation below it, while it melts it creates muddy conditions where trails and plants are vulnerable to damage. So make sure that you are extra careful to not trample budding flowers when you head outdoors and be sure to Plan Ahead and Prepare so you know the conditions of trails before heading out!

Happy Spring,

Quinn & Frank

Ice Water

I guess I was good enough this year to make Santa's list. He brought me a nifty new digital camera that is waterproof, freezeproof, crushproof, dustproof, etc. Now if I can just figure out how to work the thing I'd be all set. It came with a 275 page instruction manual. And that's just the English version. I have a bit of reading to do...

Nonetheless, I took the camera to a local tailwater river yesterday to see if I could get some underwater shots of trout. First, of course, I had to catch them but that wasn't terribly difficult despite the 12˚ air temps. The hardest part of fishing in the winter is keeping your hands warm. Well that and getting out wind knots in tiny monofilament tippet and tying on size 22 midges (tiny, tiny bugs).

Regardless, I did catch some fish and I did take some underwater shots. For a first attempt, they weren't too shabby.





I got to thinking about respecting wildlife on the drive home, and having this new camera reminded me that there are definitely ways to enjoy wildlife in ways that are both legal (catching and releasing fish) and ethical (not getting too close, not feeding, etc.). It boils down to doing what we can to respect and protect all wildlife.

LEAVE NO TRACE FOR WINTER

It's cold and snowy in Boulder, CO at the Leave No Trace office, so the Leave No Trace Winter Principles seem especially fitting. The principles apply to any human-powered winter sports: skiing, snowshoeing, winter camping, etc.

LEAVE NO TRACE FOR WINTER

Plan Ahead and Prepare

-Know the area and what to expect; ALWAYS check avalanche and weather reports prior to departure. Consult maps and local authorities about high danger areas, safety information, and regulations for the area you plan to visit.

-Prepare for extreme weather, hazards and emergencies.

-Monitor snow conditions frequently. Carry and use an avalanche beacon, probe and shovel. Educate yourself by taking a winter backcountry travel course.

-Visit the backcountry in small groups, but never alone. Leave your itinerary with family or friends.

-Repackage food into reusable containers.

-Use a map and compass to eliminate the need for tree markings, rock cairns or flagging.

Travel and Camp on Safe, Durable Surfaces

On the trail

-Stay on deep snow cover whenever possible; in muddy spring conditions, stay on snow or walk in the middle of the trail to avoid creating new trails and damaging trailside plants.

-Travel and camp away from avalanche paths, cornices, steep slopes and unstable snow.

At camp

-Choose a site on durable surfaces- snow, rock or mineral soil- not tundra or other fragile vegetation.

-Camp at a safe, stable site out of view of heavily-traveled routes and trails.

-Keep pollutants out of water sources by camping at least 200 feet (70 adult steps) from recognizable lakes and streams- consult your map.

Dispose of Waste Properly

-Pack It In, Pack It Out. Pack out everything you bring with you. Burying trash and litter in the snow or ground is unacceptable.

-Pick up all food scraps, wax shavings and pieces of litter. Pack out all trash: yours and others.

-Pack out solid human waste. In lieu of packing it out, cover and disguise human waste deep in snow away from travel routes and at least 200 feet (70 adult steps) from water sources.

-Use toilet paper or wipes sparingly. Pack them out.

-If necessary, use small amounts of biodegradable soaps for dishes. Strain dishwater into a sump hole.

-Inspect your campsite for trash and evidence of your stay. Dismantle all snow shelters, igloos or wind breaks. Naturalize the area before you leave.

Leave What You Find

-Leave all plants, rocks, animals and historical or cultural artifacts as you find them.

-Avoid introducing or transporting non-native or invasive species.

Minimize Campfire Impacts

-Campfires cause lasting impacts in the backcountry. Always carry a lightweight camp stove for cooking.

-Use dead downed wood if you can find it. Put out all fires completely. Widely scatter cool ashes.

-Do not cut or break limbs off live, dead or downed trees.

Respect Wildlife

-Winter is an especially vulnerable time for animals. Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.

-Never feed wildlife or leave food behind to be eaten.

-Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

-Be respectful of other users. Share the trail and be courteous.

-Yield to other users. Prepare for blind corners.

-When stopped, move off the trail.

-Separate ski and snowshoe tracks where possible. Avoid hiking on ski or snowshoe tracks.

-Learn and follow local regulations regarding pets. Control dogs. Pack out or bury all dog feces.

For more information contact Leave No Trace at 1-800-332-4100 or visit http://www.LNT.org.

Winter Fun

Despite the single digit temps...



It's still fun to be outside...



How do you enjoy the outdoors during the winter?