Roads, Skid Trails, Landings, and Stream Crossings
         
  Winter Operations      
  Winter provides an opportunity to conduct harvest operations in areas which might be sensitive during warmer drier times. One example is wetland areas which are particularly suited to being logged during winter. The snow pack can provide support across wet areas which would be deeply rutted if logged
during the summer months. Freezing of some wetland areas can also extend operating periods and reduce impact from logging. Operations conducted during cold weather months have different maintenance requirements. Roads are vulnerable to heavy damage and erosion if not maintained correctly. However, if properly maintained during winter months, road usage can extend the logging
season without creating excessive impacts. Some of the issues of winter operation are:
 
 
  • Remove snow from roads initially to allow deep freezing which will increase stability of the road base.
  • After roads have frozen solidly, maintain packed snow on the road to insulate the frozen road base.
  • Berms of snow along road edges can keep melted snow on the road surface from entering streams.
    During times of alternative freezing and thawing, suspend operations if deeply frozen road base begins to thaw.
 
         
     
  Use a water bar to divert snow melt from frozen roads.   Use snow berms to keep streams clean.