Signposts for Snow Trails
Fixed-Base Signposts
Wooden Signposts
Traditional wooden signposts anchored in the ground were the most common signposts. They work fine in areas of low and moderate snowfall, even though the sign may end up less than the recommended 40 inches (1 m) above the snow (Figure 4).
Figure 4-BEFORE:
This sign has just about lost its effectiveness.
Anticipating the amount of snow accumulation allows trail managers to customize their fixed signposts. For example, in areas with low to moderate snowfall, a standard summer-use sign height may be satisfactory for winter. Or a post two feet (610 mm) taller than normal might be good for year-round use.
For deeper snow, a much taller fixed wooden signpost may be needed. Signposts up to 16 feet (4.9 m) long can have a number of mounting holes that allow workers to move the sign up and down (Figure 5).
Figure 5-AFTER: Raising the sign to a
higher set of holes makes it effective once again. Some
Districts use permanently set signposts up to 16 feet (4.9 m)
tall with holes drilled at several levels.
Another variation is to bolt post extensions onto existing signposts. The extensions should be bolted on before heavy snowfall to avoid having to dig out the top of the post. Metal braces can be used to help support larger signs (Figure 6).
Figure 6-Metal braces can strengthen sign supports on larger signs.
For holding heavy bulletin boards, the Deschutes National Forest built a ladder-like, double-post frame. The bulletin board hangs from one of the ladder rungs (Figure 7). The 4- by 4-inch posts shown in the photo were not strong enough, so they were replaced with peeled 8-inch (200-mm) logs.
Figure 7-Simplicity itself. Hooks on the back allow the bulletin board to be moved from one
rung to the next. Hooks are much easier to work with than nuts and bolts. Two people can
easily lift the bulletin board to the next rung. Supplemental security bolts or a lock and chain
could be added in areas where users tend to evaluate signage by its warming fire potential.
Steel Signposts
Steel signposts (Figure 8) are popular in areas where a sturdy post is required. They work best for low to moderate snow depths. These signposts, designed for highway signing, are made by several manufacturers. They offer the convenience of a permanent base embedded in the ground, and they have adjustable, removable steel posts for mounting the sign.
Figure 8-Steel signposts are quite popular at plowed snowparks where
signposts need to withstand the force of plowed or blown snow.
The steel posts come in a variety of lengths and dimensions. A 15-foot (4.6-m), 2- by 2-inch (50- by 50-mm) steel post would be long enough for most areas. The sign could be raised and lowered as needed.
Tubular steel posts can be telescoped with posts of the next larger or smaller size. Because of their relatively tight fit and the tendency of the bolts and steel members to freeze together (and the need to dig out part of the buried post for adjustments), few managers prefer telescoping signposts. It is easier and less expensive to simply move the sign to another set of holes on a fixed signpost.
The steel posts are heavy, so freight costs and the logistics of getting them to the site are important considerations. The underground bases need to be installed before the ground is frozen. The steel signposts are more expensive than most wooden ones. Costs vary too much nationwide to provide a good comparison here.
