Pasayten's Methow Valley Bulletin Board

We drove up buttermilk to Black Pine Lake. We went down Libby Creek. Roads are clear of snow.

We rode bikes up about 12 days ago. We made it to the West Fork turn-off. From there it had about 8" of snow but it had been driven on and there were occasional bare patches but still would have need 4x4 and high enough clearance. I bet after today it will be passable.

Any updates anyone?

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Talked today - with someone who drove up the Buttermilk road, today, April 11.

He was stopped by snow at the first set of switchbacks - the ones well below even the turn-off to the West Fork Buttermilk Rd.

I just checked a map, to be sure….those switchbacks are right about 3000’ elevation.

BPLake is over 4000’.
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I know one bet I would NOT lose!

That you are such a dumb-f*ck that you believe a picture taken in JUNE 2016 means that the lake is ice free and the road is open, right now, in early April.
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Looks like Jim is as full of sh** as always! I would have suggested a bet but we all know how that would go with that low-life.

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The first road open to BP Lake is ALWAYS up Buttermilk. The road up Buttermilk Cr is mostly a southern and western exposure, so gets better sun. There is some stubborn snow that’s hangs in right up near the Lake.

Both other routes up there - Poorman and Libby - have major accumulations of snow on northern/eastern aspects and open much later. I recall driving up to the lake one year and then driving around the top of Poorman Cr to see about 2’ of snow blocking access down Libby Cr.

In my experience; BP Lake is accessible by May 1. About the same time one can drive to Road’s End on Twisp River.
Some years, maybe a week or so earlier - or sometimes later - than May 1.
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Agree this is a wonderful way up there. Who is monitoring the lake and access? Good question, as I don't know if there will be campground hosts. The Town of Twisp may take it on for trash collection because they are working with the Forest Service to keep the campgrounds clean, toilets pumped, etc. but only through Sept. and only one individual to help with all the campgrounds.
Guess what, we, we are going to have to pick up the slack. Picking up trash on the ground(not from the dumpsters) is very easy to do. And there will be trash, there always is.
They did patch the road so the logging trucks would have an easier time, but it is getting beat out again.
I haven't been over there this season yet. I would assume with the warming, the road will be melting out. Forest Service site probably doesn't say just yet. If I should go over that way will let you know. If you do can you let me know?

Every year I look forward to the roads up to Black Pine Lake to be clear of snow and open. One year, not knowing that the Libby Creek Road outside Carlton is often times the first road open all the way to the lake. I had to walk in several miles only to discovery a good crowd at the lake who had gone Libby Creek way. I like going up Buttermilk Creek for the drive though I will admit that the road can be mighty rough past pavements end. I wonder who loves this lake and who is monitoring access.