PROPOSED Trail Design Parameters (Sept. 2008)

Transcription

1 PROPOSED Trail Parameters (Sept. 2008) Trail Parameters provide guidance for the assessment, survey and design, construction, reconstruction and maintenance of trails, based on the Trail Class and ed Use identified for the trail. Exceptions and variances to these parameters can occur, however, when site-specific circumstances demand such exceptions. ed Use SKATE SKIING (CROSS-COUNTRY SKI) Groomed Width* One Lane Trail Class 1 Trail Class 2 Trail Class 3* Trail Class 4* Trail Class 5* N/A (Not designed for skate skiing use too narrow) N/A (Not designed for skate skiing use too narrow) N/A (Not designed for skate skiing use too narrow) 8-12 minimum Typically not appropriate for two-way use. Recommend 8 10 wide (by at least 50 long) passing areas in steeper sections or wider trails to accommodate twoway use. Grooming & Smooth compaction using implements designed for creating skate lanes. Smooth, well-groomed, using ski-specific equipment to provide a quality surface. Grade** [Caused by use, lack of grooming, melt, or surface/subsurface protrusions] Generally smooth surface, but small imperfections of subsurface may be acceptable. <10% 6-8% 20% 15% should be smooth and consistent with no obstacles. <5% of trail <5% of trail overall; up to 8% for short stretches (50 maximum.) Cross-Slope <5% overall <5% overall Maximum [For up to 50 ] 12% Minimum cross-slope (crowned or one side) 2% to promote drainage 8% Minimum cross-slope (crowned or to one side) should be 2% to promote drainage.

2 ed Use SKATE SKIING (CROSS-COUNTRY SKI) Width Trail Class 1 Trail Class 2 Trail Class 3* Trail Class 4* Trail Class 5* Minimum of 1 outside of each groomed edge. Width: Minimum 2 outside of groomed edge. Recommend more aggressive clearing (up to 5 ) to reduce seasonal maintenance. Height [Above normal max. snow level] Radius [Use Climbing versus Switchbacks for Ski trails whenever possible] Minimum of 8 from top of anticipated snowpack or height of grooming equipment (whichever is greater) 15-20, or the minimum necessary to equipment. Height: At least 10 from top of anticipated snowpack, or height of grooming equipment (whichever is greater.) At least 25, or the minimum necessary to equipment. * Trail Classes 3, 4 and 5 may potentially provide accessible passage. If assessing or designing trails for accessibility, refer to current Agency trail accessibility guidance. ** Grade variances should be based upon factors such as common snow type, use levels, tightness of turns, and other factors contributing to surface stability and erosion potential. *** Maximum pitch density refers to the percentage of the trail that is within 5% (+/-) of the imum Grade.

3 PROPOSED Trail Parameters (Sept. 2008) Trail Parameters provide guidance for the assessment, survey and design, construction, reconstruction and maintenance of trails, based on the Trail Class and ed Use identified for the trail. Exceptions and variances to these parameters can occur, however, when site-specific circumstances demand such exceptions. ed Use DOG SLEDDING (Mushing) Groomed Width* Grooming & Grade* Cross-Slope [Caused by use, lack of grooming, or suband surface and protrusions] [>90% of Trail] [Up to 200 lengths] Density** Trail Class 1 Trail Class 2 Trail Class 3 Trail Class 4 Trail Class 5 5 minimum width Allowance for 3 ton grooming machine. Sub-snow surface should be packed dirt or gravel; not asphalt or concrete. Generally smooth. Dips, bumps, ruts to 12 infrequent and widely spaced. obstacles not present. Up to 15% running 20% 15% Width to accommodate available grooming equipment. Wider trails may allow teams to pass. Generally smooth surface, but small imperfections of subsurface may be acceptable. Up to 10% running <5% of trail <5% of trail 2-5%, crowned or sloped to one side. (Enough to promote offseason sustainability, but not so much as to push users to sides of trail). Maximum 15% 10% Width 9 - minimum (minimum) Height [Above normal maximum snow level] N/A Not designed for dog sledding. N/A Not designed for dog sledding. 2-5% 10 - minimum 10 - (minimum) N/A Not designed for dog sledding.

4 ed Use DOG SLEDDING (Mushing) Radius Trail Class 1 Trail Class 2 Trail Class 3 Trail Class 4 Trail Class radius (minimum) Other 250 minimum sight distance at trail intersections 100 radius (minimum) 250 minimum sight distance at trail intersections 100 parallel separation from other trails is preferable Multi-use and motorized right of way crossings must be gradeseparated 100 parallel separation from other trails is preferable Multi-use and motorized right of way crossings must be gradeseparated * Grade variances should be based upon factors such as common snow type, use levels, tightness of turns and others ** Maximum pitch density refers to the percentage of the trail that is within 5% (+/-) of the imum Grade.

5 PROPOSED Trail Parameters (Sept. 2008) Trail Parameters provide guidance for the assessment, survey and design, construction, reconstruction and maintenance of trails, based on the Trail Class and ed Use identified for the trail. Exceptions and variances to these parameters can occur, however, when site-specific circumstances demand such exceptions. ed Use SKIJORING Groomed Width* Grooming & Grade** Cross-Slope One Lane [Caused by use, lack of grooming, melt, or surface/subsurface protrusions] Maximum [For up to 100 ] Width Trail Class 1 Trail Class 2 Trail Class 3* Trail Class 4* Trail Class 5* N/A (Not designed for skate skiing use too narrow) N/A (Not designed for skate skiing use too narrow) 4 minimum, or width needed to accommodate grooming equipment. Coarse or intermittent compaction. Can also be ungroomed, or compacted by use. Regular or frequent surface obstacles. Snow machine packing (without attachments) is acceptable. 4-10, or width needed to equipment. Groomed and compacted using tracklaying or other implements/attachments on equipment. Few or intermittent obstacles; generally smooth surface. 7-10% 0-8% 0-6% 15% 10% 8% Wider trails will allow for two-way use. Regular, high-quality grooming with tiller and/or other implements. Consistently smooth surface. <5% of trail <5% of trail <5% of trail 2-5% (crowned or offslope) preferred. 2-5% (crowned or offslope) preferred. 10% 8% 5% 5 minimum; preferred 1 plus to each side of groomed trail. 1-2 minimum from each side of groomed trail. 2-5% (crowned or offslope) for most or all of the trail. 2 minimum from each side of groomed trail.

6 ed Use SKIJORING Height [Above normal max. snow level] Radius [Use Climbing versus Switchbacks for Ski trails whenever possible] Trail Class 1 Trail Class 2 Trail Class 3* Trail Class 4* Trail Class 5* 7 - minimum 8 - minimum or adequate to equipment, whichever is higher minimum or adequate to equipment, whichever is higher minimum minimum. At least 25, or to equipment, whichever is greater. * Trail Classes 3, 4 and 5 may potentially provide accessible passage. If assessing or designing trails for accessibility, refer to current Agency trail accessibility guidance. ** Grade variances should be based upon factors such as common snow type, use levels, tightness of turns, and other factors contributing to surface stability and erosion potential. *** Maximum pitch density refers to the percentage of the trail that is within 5% (+/-) of the imum Grade.

7 PROPOSED Parameters (Sept 2008) Trail Parameters provide guidance for the assessment, survey and design, construction, repair and maintenance of trails, based on the Trail Class and ed Use of the trail. Exceptions and variances to these parameters can occur, however, when site-specific circumstances demand such exceptions. ed Use HIKER-PEDESTRIAN Trail Class 1 Trail Class 2 Trail Class 3* Trail Class 4* Trail Class 5* Tread Width Grade** Wilderness Exceptions: May be at switchbacks, turnpikes, fords and steep side slopes. 24 Exceptions: May be at switchbacks, turnpikes, fords and steep side slopes. Not applicable Non-Wilderness Native, un-graded. Intermittent, rough. Roots, rocks, logs, steps to 24. Native with limited grading. Continuous, rough. Roots, rocks and log protrusions to 6 ; steps to 14. Native with some on-site borrow or imported materials. Generally clear. Protrusions to 3 ; steps to 10. Imported materials or hardening is common. Smooth, few obstacles. Protrusions 2-3 ; steps to 8. Uniform, firm, and stable. Smooth, no obstacles. Protrusions <2. < 25% < 18% < 12% < 10% < 5% 40% 35% 25% 15% 10% < 10% of trail < 5% of trail < 5% of trail < 3% of trail < 3% of trail Not applicable 5 20% 5 10% 3 7% 2 3% (or crowned) Cross-Slope Maximum Up to natural side-slope. Up to natural side-slope 15% 10% 3% Width Sufficient to define trail corridor , with some encroachment into clearing area outside of tread edge outside of tread edge Height > 8 Radius No minimum outside of tread edge. * Trail Classes 3, 4 and 5 may potentially provide accessible passage. If assessing or designing trails for accessibility, refer to current Agency trail accessibility guidance. ** Grade variances should be based upon soils, hydrological conditions, use levels, and other factors contributing to surface stability and erosion potential. *** Maximum pitch density refers to the percentage of the trail that is within 5% (+/-) of the imum Grade.

8 PROPOSED Parameters (Sept 2008) Trail Parameters provide guidance for the assessment, survey and design, construction, repair and maintenance of trails, based on the Trail Class and ed Use of the trail. Exceptions and variances to these parameters can occur, however, when site-specific circumstances demand such exceptions. ed Use Equestrian Trail Class 1 Trail Class 2 Trail Class 3 Trail Class 4 Trail Class 5 Tread Width Grade* Native, w/ limited grading Exceptions: May be to 48 at switchbacks, turnpikes, fords and steep side slopes. Up to 60 along precipices (With above exceptions) Native with some on-site borrow or imported materials. Roots, rocks, logs to 12 Generally clear. Occasional protrusions to 6. < 20% < 12% < 10% 30% 20% 15% 24 Exceptions: May be to 48 at switchbacks, turnpikes, fords and steep side slopes. Up to 60 along precipices Native with some imported materials or stabilization. Smooth, few obstacles. Occasional protrusions 2-3. < 5% of trail < 5% of trail < 3% of trail 5 10% 5% 5% Cross-Slope Maximum Natural side-slope 10% 10% Height Wilderness Not Applicable: Not designed for equestrians as primary user, although equestrians may be Exceptions: May be to 48 at switchbacks, turnpikes, fords and steep side slopes. present. Non-Wilderness (With above exceptions) Width Radius Not Applicable: Not designed for equestrians as primary user. Equestrians generally not present. * Grade variances should be based upon soils, hydrological conditions, use levels, and other factors contributing to surface stability and erosion potential. Due to effects of use on tread and erosion, steeper pitches should be carefully evaluated based on potential effects of these various factors. ** Maximum pitch density refers to the percentage of the trail that is within 5% (+/-) of the imum Grade.

9 PROPOSED Parameters (Sept 2008) Trail Parameters provide guidance for the assessment, survey and design, construction, repair and maintenance of trails, based on the Trail Class and ed Use of the trail. Exceptions and variances to these parameters can occur, however, when site-specific circumstances demand such exceptions. ed Use BICYCLE Trail Class 1 Trail Class 2 Trail Class 3 Trail Class 4 Trail Class 5 One Lane Tread Width Two Lane Not applicable. Not applicable Accommodate two-lane travel with passing lanes. Native. Firm, hardened surface. Rough, unstable or soft tread. Grade* Rocks, logs and roots up to 6 12 common. Forced portages likely. Native, with limited grading. Unstable or soft sections likely. Embedded rock, protrusions to 6. Some portages may be needed. Native with some on-site borrow or imported materials. Some soft areas. Generally smooth with few protrusions exceeding 3. Likely imported or stabilized tread. Few, if any, loose or soft surfaces. Smooth, few obstacles. 1 2 protrusions. 15% 18% < 12% < 10% < 8% < 5% 30% 50% on downhill-only travel. 25% 35% on downhill-only travel. 15% 10% 8% < 10% of trail < 5% of trail < 5% of trail < 3% of trail < 3% of trail 5% 10% 5% 10% 5% 3% 5% 3% 5% Cross-Slope Maximum Width Some vegetation may encroach into clearing area Some light vegetation may encroach into clearing area outside of tread edge outside of tread edge. Height Radius No obstacles to wheeled transport outside of tread edge. * Grade variances should be based upon soils, hydrological conditions, use levels, and other factors contributing to surface stability and erosion potential. Due to effects of use on tread and erosion, steeper pitches should be carefully evaluated based on potential effects of these various factors. ** Maximum pitch density refers to the percentage of the trail that is within 5% (+/-) of the imum Grade.

10 PROPOSED Parameters (Sept 2008) Trail Parameters provide guidance for the assessment, survey and design, construction, reconstruction and maintenance of trails, based on the Trail Class and ed Use identified for the trail. Exceptions and variances to these parameters can occur, however, when site-specific circumstances demand such exceptions. ed Use CLASSIC CROSS- COUNTRY SKI Groomed Width* Grooming & Grade** Cross-Slope One Lane Two Lane [Caused by use, lack of grooming, melt, or surface/subsurface protrusions] Trail Class 1 Trail Class 2 Trail Class 3* Trail Class 4* Trail Class 5* 3-4. If groomed, width of grooming equipment. Typically not designed for two-lane travel. Employ 6-8 passing areas in steeper sections. Coarse compaction. Occasional or no grooming (may be skipacked). Snowmobile packing sufficient. Tracklayer optional. Dips, bumps, or ruts to 12 common and may be tightly spaced. obstacles may occasionally require offtrail bypass. 6-8 (or minimum width of grooming equipment). >8 (or min width of grooming equipment) and/or accommodate with passing areas 8-12 wide. Groomed or compacted using implements and/or tracklayer when packed surface is snowcovered, drifted, melted or skied out. Generally smooth. Dips, bumps, or ruts to 8 uncommon and widely spaced. obstructions not present. <15% <10% <8% 25% 20% 12% <10% of trail <5% of trail <5% of trail <10% <5% <5% Maximum [For up to 50 ] N/A Not designed or managed for skiers as primary user. 20% 15% 10% 8-10, but typically managed to accommodate two-way passage Well-groomed with tiller and/or other implements. Groomed frequently, and when groomed surface becomes degraded or buried. Consistently smooth. Small, rolling bumps, dips and rises. obstructions not present. N/A Not designed or managed for skiers as primary user.

11 ed Use CLASSIC CROSS- COUNTRY SKI Width Height [Above normal max. snow level] Radius [Use Climbing versus Switchbacks for Ski trails whenever possible] Trail Class 1 Trail Class 2 Trail Class 3* Trail Class 4* Trail Class 5* 4-6 (or minimum width of grooming equipment, if larger). Light vegetation may encroach into clearing area 6-8 or height of grooming machinery, if used if not snowcatgroomed. OR: Minimum based on turning limits of grooming machine. >1 outside of groomed edge. Light vegetation may encroach slightly into clearing area. >8 or height of grooming machinery (Provide sufficient radius for grooming equipment). >2 outside of tread edge. Widen clearing at turns or if increased sight distance needed. 10 >25 * Trail Classes 3, 4 and 5 may potentially provide accessible passage. If assessing or designing trails for accessibility, refer to current Agency trail accessibility guidance. ** Grade variances should be based upon factors such as common snow type, use levels, tightness of turns, and other factors contributing to surface stability and erosion potential. *** Maximum pitch density refers to the percentage of the trail that is within 5% (+/-) of the imum Grade.