Boundary Waters Snowbank Lake

Boundary Waters Snowbank Lake
BCM Course Area Guide
Backcountry
Trip Code ________________________
Team Leader ________________________
Table of Contents
Trail Summary ...................................................... 3
Trail Information .............................................................. 3
Trail Description .............................................................. 4
Route Description............................................................ 5
Trail Distances ................................................................ 5
Trail Elevation Profile ...................................................... 5
Map....................................................................... 6
Key to Trail Map.................................................... 8
Camp Site Information .................................................... 8
Map Legend .................................................................... 9
Hazards ........................................................................... 9
Recommended Destinations ......................................... 10
Fishing ........................................................................... 10
Summits ........................................................................ 11
Daily Outline ....................................................... 12
Curriculum Checklist ........................................... 13
Team Leader Recommendations ....................... 14
Team Leader Comments .............................................. 14
Team Leader Feedback Form ...................................... 15
Emergency Information ....................................... 16
BCM Phone Numbers ......................................... 16
2
Trail Information
Trailhead Name:
Snowbank Lake
Trailhead Camp:
Camp at Wilderness Wind Base Camp
Permit #:
Vistor Permit (List agency adult on permit.)
Permit Pick-Up:
Wilderness Wind issues permit on Day 2 on
behalf of the Forest Service. The team leader
Superior National Forest Outfitter Guide Identification Card is in the trip binder.
Wilderness Permit: BWCAW Special Use 10-year Permit
Permit Pick-Up:
N/A
Trail Name(s):
Snowbank Lake
Boot Lake
Ensign Lake
Disappointment Lake
Type of Trail:
Loop
Mileage:
17 - 37 miles
Alternate Routes:
Snowbank to Lake One Shuttle Route
Alternate Mileage:
34 miles
Trail Location:
Superior National Forest
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Kawishiwi Ranger District
Maps:
Fisher-11
Fisher-31 for Snowbank to Lake One Route
OR
McKenzie #114
McKenzie #18, #19 for Snowbank to Lake One
USGS Maps:
Flora/Fauna:
Canoe Country Flora by Mark Stensaas
Canoe Country Wildlife by Mark Stensaas
Weather Trends:
Avg. Low 48-53, Avg. High 72-78
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Trail Description
The Boundary Waters is a pristine, yet rugged wilderness. The
lakes are cut from granite and surrounded in old pine growth. Snowbank Lake is located just west of the most remote part of the Boundary Waters Wilderness. Just east of Snowbank Lake, most of the
trees were blown down in the storm of 1999.
The advantage of Snowbank trailhead (aka entry point), is that it
allows access to more remote areas of the wilderness, and it is accessible from the town of Ely, MN and our base camp. One challenge for the route is that it starts on a medium large lake. When
there are winds, the lake can get choppy. A common problem area
is the north east part of the lake. When westerly winds blow, there is
a long fetch for waves to build into 1-2+ feet. An out for this is to
avoid most of the lake and travel to Parent or Disappointment Lake.
Note that part of the lake does allow for motorized traffic. Once you
reach the far side of the lake, you will be in the wilderness.
The portages north of the lake tend to be longer, in the range of 180220 rods, so you may wish to plan your route to finish your trip from
the north. Of course, then you may have waves to contend with!
Snowbank to Lake One Shuttle Route
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Route Description
Overview
The main route on the map is the loop route from Snowbank Lake to
Kekekabic Lake and back. To shorten the route, take the shortcut through
Gibson Lake. To lengthen the route, head up to Birch Lake. If you prefer,
consider the Snowbank to Lake One Shuttle Route and have our outfitter
partner pick you up at Lake One.
Details
Snowbank Gibson Loop:
Major Lakes: Snowbank – Boot – Ensign – Ashigan – Gibson - Jitterbug –
Disappointment – Snowbank
Mileage: 17 miles, Portages:12, Longest Portage: 200 rods
Good for: Short route for girls who are struggling. Also, a backup in case of
majors issues with medical, group behavior or weather.
Alternates: Add a base camp day on Ensign or day trip over to Ima Lake for
a good girls’ route or a short boys’ route. Do route backwards.
Maps needed: MacKenzie #9 or Fisher F-11 or F-31
Snowbank Birch Gibson Loop:
Major Lakes: Snowbank – Boot – Ensign – Trident – Birch – Carp – Vera –
Ensign – Ashigan – Gibson - Jitterbug – Disappointment – Snowbank
Mileage: 28 miles, Portages: 20, Longest Portage: 220 rods
Good for: boys of average/low-average ability/teamwork or stronger girls
Alternates: Head straight back from the second visit of Ensign to save miles
if group is having a hard time. Jump onto longer Kekebabic loop route at
Knife if group is doing great. Do route backwards.
Maps needed: MacKenzie #9 or Fisher F-11 or F-31
Snowbank to Lake One Shuttle Route
Major Lakes/Rivers: Snowbank – Disappointment – Ahsub – Jordan – Thomas – Kiana – Insula – Hudson – Four – Three – Two – One – K. River
Mileage: 34 miles, Portages: 19, Longest Portage: 179 rods
Good for: boys of average ability and good teamwork or very strong girls
Alternates: add Alice Lake to extend the trip a few miles and portages.
Maps needed: MacKenzie #8, 9, 18 and 19 or Fisher F-31
Snowbank Kekebabic Loop
Major Lakes: Snowbank – Boot – Ensign – Vera – Knife – Spoon –
Kekekabic – Wisini – Fraser – Thomas – Hatchet – Jordan – Disappointment – Snowbank
Mileage: 36.5 miles, Portages: 23, Longest Portage: 220 rods
Good for: boys of average ability and good teamwork or very strong girls
Alternates: Consider inland Missionary-Diz cutoff with windy weather. It is
about the same distance. Do route backwards. Paddle over to Birch on the
way back to add a couple of miles.
Maps needed: MacKenzie #8, 9 or Fisher F-11 or F-31
5
Only portages and camps described in the guide
6 are marked on this map, while al
bed in the guide are marked on this map, while all are on supplied trail maps.
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Camp Site Information
Favorites
5- Lake Insula – UTM 629556E 5309073N
"Phil's Beach" is a beach camp, north, on the eastern shore . It is the
one nearest the letters “19” on the Fischer map. This site is very
popular since it is one of the rare beach camps, so try to get in early.
6- Lake Insula – UTM 628579E 5307653N
"Bernie's Hilton" is an awesome camp on an island straight east of
the letters “25” on the Fischer map. It is huge and sits nicely above
the lake. There is a great star gazing rock down near the water and
a great jumping rock on the south side of the island.
Good Alternative
1- Snowbank Lake – UTM 620420E 5316998N
Descent camp in a protected cove, it is a long narrow site. Tent
spots are good. Bugs may be an issue in June.
2- Disappointment Lake – UTM 622855E 5316288N
The north island camp is pretty good. It has a great bear hanging
tree limb and some rocks to sit out on for eating or star gazing.
3- Abinodji Lake – UTM 623713E 5319137N
The only camp site on this lake is not used much. The kitchen is
good, but tent sites are limited due to the steepness of the terrain
and tree roots. Camp site is above the lake.
7- Lake Four – UTM 619120E 5306335N
On large northern peninsula is a very nice camp, sits above the lake.
Not Recommended
4- Ensign Lake – UTM 624033E 5321480N
The camp site on the south shore due east of the words Lake on the
Fischer map is buggy and weedy. Not recommended.
Lake One and Two camps – tend to fill up quickly.
Refer to trail map for corresponding numbered campsites.
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Map Legend
Campsites (Not all sites are recommended.)
Kitchen area
Reported Water Source (River, Pond, Creek, Spring)
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Portages
Point of Interest
Hazards
Fishing
Main Route
Alternate Routes
Hazards
On water, the hazards are rapids, waterfalls, and drowning. On
land, falls are a risk on rough portages with steep slopes, tree roots,
or stone slabs (sometimes on an angle). There are also some cliffs.
Fires and subsequent smoke can be hazards on land and water.
Animals
 Black bears
 Wolves
 Moose and other large mammals
Poisonous  Poison Ivy is present, but uncommon.
Plants
Weather
Hazards
 Thunderstorms
 Hypothermia
 90 degree weather (which is very rare, but possible)
Lightening  Lightening strikes occur on the water and on land.
Exposures
No Water
Between
 Make sure you have plenty of water on long portages.
High Waves  High Waves are a problem, especially on large lakes
and in the afternoon. Snowbank Lake can be a problem.
Refer to trail map for corresponding hazards.
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Points of Interest
 Hike to Kekekabic Lookout Tower. (View unknown.)
 The cascading waterfall at the east end of Cattyman Lake.
Fishing
 Ima Lake- Shallow channel loaded with pike & walleye at Jordan
Portage. Lake trout around first large island.
 Hudson & 4- Walleye and Smallmouth Bass below rapids, leeches
 Lake Three- East side, Walleye in shallows and edge of channel.
 Ensign- Small mouth in channel west of Boot portage.
 Knife- Deep dropoff by bay: bass in shallows, pike/walleye deep
Area History
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) was established in 1978 by Congress through BWCA Wilderness Act. This
act restricted logging, mining, and most motorized access to this
1,000,000+ acre area in northern Minnesota. Located in the Superior
National Forest, the BWCAW has more than 1500 miles of canoe
routes and 2000+ camp sites.
Local Environment
BWCAW has the largest virgin forests east of the Rocky Mountains,
and some of the oldest exposed rock in the world (up to 2.7 billion
years old). Between 2.6 and 1.6 billion years ago, the ocean encroached into this area, creating inland seas that deposited sedimentary rocks including: quartzite, shale, sandstone, flint, and the
iron ore that was later mined by settlers. Also during this time, periods of mountain building, intruded granite magma into the existing
sedimentary rocks, creating regions of softer and harder bedrock,
which is the solid rock underlying the soil.
Between 2 million and 10,000 years ago, glaciers of the Ice Age,
gouged out the softer rock, creating the lakes and ridges of the
Boundary Waters. The ice scoured rock ledges, leaving behind parallel grooves called striations. When the glaciers melted, a scattering of rocks called glacial debris, ranging from small pebbles to large
boulders, were left stranded. The glacial debris completely covered
the state, except the exposed bedrock of the border lakes.
Refer to trail map for corresponding locations.
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Challenge Day
Challenge day is when the teens face and overcome a significant
challenge. This challenge may be the symbol of accomplishment for
the trip. The challenge can be a long portage or an unexpected
event. Talk up the challenge, strategize, motivate, overcome, and
celebrate. Challenge day should be during the later part of the trip,
once the group is feeling successful and ready to push themselves.
Potential Portages for Challenge Day*
With a counter clockwise loop, you can do the Ensign-Boot Portage
or the two Vera Lake portages on Day 6. The SnowbankDisappointment Portage could be a challenge for less strong groups
doing an out-and-back.
Alternate Challenge Days
1. The group might face a big storm or strong headwinds.
2. An injury can motive a group to step it up for the team.
3. The biggest challenge can be a long paddle to find a campsite.
4. A really long padding day due to falling behind (weather reasons
or otherwise) can also be the group’s biggest challenge.
Portages
Snowbank-Disappointment* (140 rods)- Long, but easy, not steep
Haven-Abinodji Portage (80 rods) - Steep, rocky, and difficult. The
Abinodji Lake camp site may not be available.
Boot-Ensign Portage* (220 rods)- Long; flat in the middle with nice
views, a pond about 1/3 the way through becomes a “false” end.
Knife-Vera Portage* (200 rods)- Difficult, steep: steep stone slab
Vera-Ensign Portage* (180 rods)Not easy: rocky with a section where the stone slabs tip left or right
Ima-Hachet Portage (50 rods)- Rocky, narrow, moderate difficulty.
Ima-side cramped, feet wet. Hachet-side, portage is hard to find.
Short Hachet Lake Portages- Rocky, tree roots. When water is not
swift, it is easier to walk canoes thru creek and rapids.
Insula-Kiana Portage (180 rods)- Moderately difficult terrain.
Lake 1 and 2 Portages- Overcrowded, especially on weekends.
Avoid mixing gear with others'. Wait for others to finish portage.
Refer to trail map for corresponding locations.
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Daily Outline
Recommendations
Day
1
WW
Day
2
WW
Day
3
Day
4
Day
5
IN
THE
FIELD
Day
6
Day
7
WW
Day
8
HOME
 Chicago groups ensure early departure so that
your group can arrive in time to make dinner.
 Make dinner at base-camp.
 Issue sleeping bags, liners, and headlights.
 Complete pre-trip surveys.
 Repackage food
 Issue clothing and dinnerware
 Set-up tents for the trip before you package them
 Check out backcountry gear using checklist.
 Inspect all gear.
 Team-building activities
 Practice canoe strokes, portages & t-rescue:
Armstrong Lake
 Start packing the Duluth Packs.
 Get permit from Kathy
 Watch the LNT video from the Forest Service
 Load canoes onto canoe trailer
 Depart for Snowbank Trailhead early as camp
sites can fill up early (at Disappointment Lake).
 Teens may start complaining about the difficulty
of the journey. Be proactive with a discussion.
 This is the middle day of the wilderness journey.
Teens should hopefully turn the corner and start
feeling good about the journey sometime today.
 Last full day in the wilderness.
 If the teens are ready, put them in charge.
 Try to be at takeout by 1130.
 Don’t forget lunch!
 Clean Gear
 Laundry
 Pick up food for Day 8
 Celebration Dinner
 Awards are issued to the teens and adults.
 Evaluations and surveys (or on drive, Day8.)
 Be prepared for the group to leave early. Finish
all tasks the evening before, on Day 7.
 Don’t forget to thank Kathy and the WW staff.
 Make arrangement to pay for gas and meals on
the way home. Perhaps send grocery food.
 Report to the Regional Program Manager when
the group safely returns to the agency.
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Curriculum Checklist
Day 1
 Welcome
 Introductions & Ice Breaker
 Expectations
 Policies
 7-Day Overview
Day 2
 Trust Activity
 Policies Review
Daily Activities
 Quote of the Day
 Reflection Roundtable
 Journaling
Lessons
 Canoe Strokes
 Portaging
 T-Rescues
 Lost & Alone
 Camp Craft 101
 LNT
 Group Travel
 Food Waste Disposal
 Campsite Selection
 Health & Hygiene 201
 Cat-Holes
 Dry Bag Packing
 Food Protection
 Water Treatment
 Lightning Safety
Outcomes
 Set expectations, roles & responsibilities.
 Establish structure & daily routine.
 Build Trust.
 Establish common understanding of trip purpose.
 Reflect on physical and emotional stresses.
 Understand one is capable of overcoming & learning from challenges.
 Work as a team to overcome challenges.
 Support and encourage each other to overcome challenges.
 Peak hike: overcome challenges, reflect, and learn from experiences.
 Celebrate achievement.
 Create Meaning: How did we overcome challenges?
 Create Meaning: What are our strengths and weaknesses?
 Create Meaning: How do we transfer what we have learned
home?
 Setting individual goals for the future.
 Record learning and achievement in something tactile that teens
can take home with them as a reminder of their experience.
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Team Leader Comments
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This is an area for free form comments for future Team Leaders.
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Team Leader Feedback Form
Recommended points of interest or recreational locations?
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Trail Hazards? ________________________________________
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Animal life? ___________________________________________
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Cell Phone Coverage? _________________________________
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Suggested Flora/ Fauna Guidebooks? ______________________
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Describe any new camp sites. Do you have any additional information regarding listed camp sites?
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Stores or gas stations to recommend (near base camp or trail)?
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Recommended rest areas (driving) or base camp gathering spots?
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Emergency Information
Location
Base Camp
Backcountry (On-Trail)
Hospital
Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital
328 W Conan St, Ely, MN
218.365.3271
Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital
328 W Conan St, Ely, MN
218.365.3271
911 Services?
Yes
Limited
Local Contact
Lake County Sheriff
218.749.6010
Kawishiwi Ranger District
118 S 4th Ave
Ely, MN 55731
218.365.7600
Cell Phone
Coverage?
Spotty
Limited
BCM Phone Numbers
Emergency Phone Number
800.208.2483
If an emergency arises on trip that needs immediate assistance, call the
emergency number first to reach a BCM staff member. If you do not
receive a return call within 20 minutes, contact BCM staff directly. Regional BCM office numbers are listed below. Cell phone numbers and
office extensions are on the inside cover of the Field Handbook.
Denver Office
303.271.9200
Chicago Office
847.397.7304
Pacific NW Office
310.871.7557 (cell)
Urban Family Gateway
San Francisco Office
510.895.8607
Emergency Exit: Canoers can exit at Snowbank Lake, Moose Lake or
Lake One.
Cell Phone Coverage: Verizon provides the best service. In the backcountry, call 218.749.6010 for Lake County Sheriff Emergency.
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