GA Hwy 348 Closed for now...

[gatc-blazer]

Richard Russell Highway closed. This highway touches Tesnatee Gap and crosses the AT at Hogpen Gap. Expect rough going since the tread-way can not be access for maintenance due to ice and snow damage.

http://www.whitecountynewstelegraph....ews/news02.txt

[Cool AT Breeze]

If you drive around the barrier you can get to Tesnatee snow and ice free but you're risking a 250.00 ticket.

[gatc-blazer]

I did take the risk since I oversee that part of the trail and cleared what I could with my bow saw from Hogpen to Tesnetee Gaps.

[Cool AT Breeze]

Thanks. I took some hikers to Hogpen on Fri. and ran into GADOT guys that told me about the ticket.

[gatc-blazer]

I believe GA Hwy 348 (Richard Russell) is now open.

[Richard Anderson]

Snowy conditions from Springer Mt. north. Hwy 348 to Hogpen is closed, the top at AT & Hogpen Gap very treacherous driving yesterday @ 5PM (wed, 3/3). Over a foot of snow on FS 42 to Springer Tues PM; approach and rescue off the trail will be difficult for a few more days except at main highways. Through Hikers tell of deep drifts and blown down trees making for wet cloths and slow going. Crowded shelters make for very cold and wet camping in the snow. Warming weather will help, but night temps in the 20's, highs in the 40's mean North slopes will have snow/ice on the trail for several more days. Yak traks would be nice.

[gatc-blazer]

Worked from Hogpen to Wildcat Mtn overlook (half-way to Tesnatee going south) on Sunday - cleared blowdowns and fallen branches. The trail is clear. However, snow on trail was melting and muddy/slushing conditions with icy/slick patches.