Trail Condition Updates Now Possible

We've added a new section where you can get the latest trail condition updates for Pilot Butte.  Look to the right of this post.  You don't have to have a twitter account to read the updates. Just check this website.

If you want to contribute updates, you'll need a twitter account.  The more people tweeting about the
trails the better.  Hopefully we get people tweeting about all the trails including the asphalt track over by the host site.

The cool thing is that once you have a Twitter account, you can let everyone know about trail conditions using just your cell phone.  Any cell phone that does texting will work.  Just link your phone to your twitter account and start texting to twitter.  I'm sure there are easier ways using a smart phone, but my phone is dumb and so I don't know about that.  For Pilot Butte trail updates, end your tweet with #pbtrails    When you do that, your tweet gets picked up by this website and everyone knows what you observed on the trail.

Here are a few ides that might help you supply the best info:

1. This time of year, people are mostly interested in how slick the trails are and locations where things are the worst.  They are also interested in knowing when the trails are not slick.  Remember to report good news too because many people will be looking specifically for that type of a report.
2. People are also interested in the temperature and wind speed (see below).  But also report anything you find that you think might be of interest.  A down tree, a washed out section of trail. a large hiking group that is difficult to get around, an aggressive dog off leash, someone harassing people, an emergency situation in progress, and so on.  Remember that many people will have immediate access to this information on their smart phones.
3. There is a thermometer on top.  It's located behind the restroom on the wall of the green supply shed.  Just walk around the restroom on the right side and it's right there.  It is a bit difficult to read because it's a standard thermometer.  We'll try to get one up someplace with a digital readout.
4. When the wind is howling, you can estimate wind speed using this method.  Stand with your feet side-by-side about shoulder width apart.  Make sure your back is facing directly into the wind.  If you can stand like that in the gusts, then the gusts are under 30 mph.  If the gusts cause you to step forward, then they are over 30 mph.  If there is no way to stand like that, put one foot forward to brace yourself better with your back still facing into the wind.  If a gust then causes you to have to make an adjustment, the gust was probably over 40 mph.  If you absolutely can't stand long like that with your back into the wind, the gusts are probably over 50 mph.  Remember to report this type of wind speed as an "estimate."
5. If you hike regularly, have access to twitter, and want to report accurate wind speed, contact me (bendSMB@gmail.com).  I have a few portable wind speed meters and I'll be happy to lend you one.