MUD CREEK TAKES OUT PORTION OF THE TRAIL

Unprecedented hot weather over the summer has been melting glaciers on Mt. Shasta.  The resulting gushes of water have rushed down to Mud Creek carrying heavy silts, rocks, and fallen trees, filling and compromising the Creek channel and the Great Shasta Rail Trail’s Mud Creek Bridge and adjacent relief culverts.  The October “Atmospheric River” rain event was heavy enough to mobilize the loose silts in the compromised channel and flood plains resulting in even more filling of culverts.  According to a Forest Service hydrologist, a second channel has split off of Mud Creek to the east of the trail’s bridge causing damage where it is overtopping the trail grade and actively eroding through it.  There is also a plugged culvert that washed out.  Jerry Harmon, the GSRT’s maintenance engineer, said that “It looks like we will need to spend significant money to get the drainage working again and to restore the eroded trail.  We can’t make any cost estimates until the water recedes, but we know it will be significant.”

 The Great Shasta Rail Trail Association (GSRTA) is looking for sources of funds to make the necessary repairs in the spring.  “We’re first focusing on the upcoming Giving Tuesday event,” reported April Gray (Treasurer), “asking our supporters to consider boosting their donations this year and designating “Mud Creek repairs” as the project for their donations.”  Once damage is assessed and costs to repair can be estimated, the GSRTA will be applying for grant funds, as well.