Wet weather trail damage.
While the recent influx of rain has been great for the land, providing much needed water for native plants and animals, there is no denying that the resulting trail closures have been tough. With so much of the landscape turning green, it’s only natural to want to get outside and explore. However, wet trails can be dangerous, and using these trails before they dry out can result in long term damage that will likely require further closures and extensive repairs.
During wet weather, the Irvine Ranch Conservancy team and its partners work diligently to monitor storm damage and trail conditions so we can quickly address any issues and reopen the trails once they are safe for use. During closures, it is important that everyone does their part to minimize damage. Soil in our region tends to have a high clay content, which is great for capturing and retaining moisture during rare Southern Californian rainstorms. However, this also creates really slippery conditions for hikers, bikers, and equestrians. It also means that once the soil dries out, any ruts or footprints will harden, creating potentially hazardous conditions. In other words, using wet and muddy trails can not only cause long-lasting damage to the trails, but it can also be dangerous for visitors.
During wet weather, the Irvine Ranch Conservancy team and its partners work diligently to monitor storm damage and trail conditions so we can quickly address any issues and reopen the trails once they are safe for use. During closures, it is important that everyone does their part to minimize damage. Soil in our region tends to have a high clay content, which is great for capturing and retaining moisture during rare Southern Californian rainstorms. However, this also creates really slippery conditions for hikers, bikers, and equestrians. It also means that once the soil dries out, any ruts or footprints will harden, creating potentially hazardous conditions. In other words, using wet and muddy trails can not only cause long-lasting damage to the trails, but it can also be dangerous for visitors.
IRC Planning and Infrastructure team work to repair water damage on a trail. For this reason, most trails are closed after receiving about a half-inch of rainfall until they can be assessed by professionals and are found to be dry enough for use. It is important to note that entrances to trails might appear dry, but there could be areas farther down the trail that are shaded, cross a stream, or retain moisture for a number of other reasons, and these areas could take longer to dry out. Protecting these areas from footprints, hoofprints and tire marks while they are still muddy is crucial to sustaining the trail and is the reason why closures can sometimes last several days following the rain.
Make sure to check if a trail is open before heading out and try to avoid muddy areas once they have been reopened. All of this rain is sure to create some spectacular sights, but a little patience now will go a long way in sustaining the trails so everyone can enjoy them.
For any activity and trail updates due to weather, visit LetsGoOutside.org. To learn more about the significance of maintaining our trails visit IRConservancy.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Make sure to check if a trail is open before heading out and try to avoid muddy areas once they have been reopened. All of this rain is sure to create some spectacular sights, but a little patience now will go a long way in sustaining the trails so everyone can enjoy them.
For any activity and trail updates due to weather, visit LetsGoOutside.org. To learn more about the significance of maintaining our trails visit IRConservancy.org or follow the Landmarks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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