ATC Warns of Trouble on the AT from Maryland through New York

[chknfngrs]

Call ATC for details I presume

[Lauriep]

Jim,

Thanks for the Connecticut update. Very helpful.

LDSailor,

It's hard to predict the specifics, but if past storms are any guidance, volunteers will get out there and clear trail quickly. In a couple of weeks, most damage will be likely be cleared or temporary reroutes in place if needed. We'll try to keep the Trail Updates page current as reports come in. We've heard of a tree that came down very close to the Sam Moore Shelter in northern Virginia, but it reportedly did not damage the structure. Other than water pooling in campsites, we haven't heard of any damage, but it will take time for complete assessments to be conducted.

It's always good to look for overhead hazards when camping. If strong winds come through soon before things dry out, that would be cause for extra concern.


Re: the status of the Potomac River Footbridge:

A state of emergency was declared today for Washington County, Maryland, which the A.T. runs through along the entire Maryland portion.

Closed roads in the southern end of the county are access roads to the A.T. or parallel the A.T. These closures, and their impacts to rescue and emergency services, may be a contributing factor in the early and continuing closure of the footbridge over the Potomac River in Harpers Ferry.

Also, the C&O Canal National Historical Park posted a few days ago: “Harpers Ferry Area- AVOID the towpath between Weverton (MM 58) and Huckleberry Hill Hiker Biker Campsite (MM 62.9). This stretch of the towpath sustained heavy damage.” We don't know whether that damage is on the A.T. portion or upstream, but either way, it could influence when the footbridge is reopened.

[chknfngrs]

So, the water levels of the river was not the issue with closing the bridge as much as the access to the trails around it? I was imagining high water on that footbridge which is mad! That bridge is high off the water

[tdoczi]

So, the water levels of the river was not the issue with closing the bridge as much as the access to the trails around it? I was imagining high water on that footbridge which is mad! That bridge is high off the water

it may not be under water this time but it's happened. it does seem crazy. theres video of it submerged in the river a few years back to be found i'm sure

[BlackCloud]

The ATC posted pix on facebook showing the Potomac river level just below the bridge. The C&O Canal NHP posted pix of the canal being washed out just upstream of the bridge. More updates to come today no doubt.

Here's the last flood at the base of the bridge in 2011:

[CalebJ]

Don't forget about PA. Near the Doyle's (Duncannon) they had 50-70 mph winds early this week with several inches of Rain. (Long range weather outlook, more Rain for this area.) Has anyone been on the trail since the start of all this Wind/Rain?

I went from Swatara Gap on Friday afternoon through Port Clinton on Sunday morning. The section from 501 to Eagle's Nest shelter on Saturday was flooded. We spent about 9 miles walking in 4-6 inches of standing water. Made for a memorable trip. By the time we got to Eagle's Nest we were pretty chilled and ended up pulling out our bags and pads for a while to get core temp back up.

[Gambit McCrae]

HF bridge is now open

[NJdreamer]

Thanks for the updates on trail conditions. I'll be going through the mentioned areas in less than two weeks. How about the shelters and the designated camp sites around them? Are any of the shelters damaged? Have the designated camp sites been covered with blow downs? Are these areas even safe for camping considering how saturated the ground is (fear of falling trees)?

My assumption is you are section hiking, so you might want to note where to get more help. In NY, the RPH shelter is in between the areas noted, and was not impacted. (Note that a very large tree that was very close to the shelter fell, but fortunately fell the opposite direction from the shelter. Whew.) The camp grounds looks OK, but did not camp nor look for "widow" makers on the edges of the camp areas. I stayed in the shelter (which was very nice).

Many thanks again to those helping to mark the temporary trails and determine how to resolve the issues.

[Lauriep]

The footbridge across the Potomac River was open briefly this morning but has been closed on the Maryland side, so there is no access to the Towpath / A.T. on the Maryland side of the River. For today, the footbridge may be open on the Harpers Ferry side, which allows access to the footbridge itself, but not to the spiral stairway that leads down to the canal.

You may see photos or videos that make it look like the bridge is open; you can't see the far end of the footbridge from the Harpers Ferry side.

There was a mudslide across a parallel road that went into the canal; portions of the towpath were recently reported still underwater.

No word yet on when the bridge will re-open to through pedestrian traffic.

[Lauriep]

Update from the Appalachian Trail NPS Acting Chief Ranger: Emergency crews are at work clearing the road parallel to the A.T. to make sure emergency vehicles can have access to the area. Officials will see that the AT and footbridge are open as soon as possible.