Yesterday, Monday, November 14, 2022, the FOSM Trails Maintenance Crew hiked 10K North, Survey and a portion of Challenge trail to remove previously reported hazard trees and to do other maintenance as needed. A report had been received indicating that there were four fallen trees on 10K North, with two being located near the trailhead and another two located on 10K North above its junction with Osha Loop Trail. Removing those trees was the primary objective. None of those reported trees were found. It is possible that someone removed the trees and failed to report that fact. Due to the snowy conditions, it was not possible determine for sure exactly where those trees were located. Evidence of their removal could have been covered by the snow. This could be yet another example of trail work being done but not reported. As a courtesy to volunteers who do trail work, having our "forest gnomes" report their work can possibly prevent a crew wasting time looking for reported trees that have been removed without their knowledge.

Fortunately, our Monday crew did find other work to do. Three hang-ups ranging in size from four to eight inches in diameter were removed from 10K North. Branches were cut away from a high, well supported leaner to allow for safe passage underneath. The tops of five and seven inch trees protruding into the trail were cut away. A fallen seventeen-inch diameter fallen fir blocking Survey Trail was removed. There was a broken top of a four inch diameter tree protruding into headspace on the portion of Challenge Trail between the Ellis parking lot and 10K South parking lot. It was removed.

The day started cold and remained as such all day. Occasional sun in the morning, but heavy overcast remained for the rest of the day. In fact, is seemed to get colder as the day went on. Although the snowfall was not particularly heavy, it seemed to be a good start for the Sandia winter. It was enough for NMDOT to run snowplows on the Crest Road that morning.