North Cascades

STEWARDSHIP OF THE PUBLIC DOMAIN:
GOVERNMENT IN THE NORTH CASCADES

OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

United States Geological Survey (USGS)

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) was active in the North Cascades in the first decade of the twentieth century, but its presence was less obvious. For the purposes of recording changing water levels and predicting spring run-off from the mountains, the USGS maintained stream-gauging stations along rivers and snow survey courses in the high country. Although short-lived, gauging stations were sited along the Skagit River at Reflector Bar (until 1914), Stetattle Creek (1914-1916), at Marblemount (1908-1914), and on the upper Cascade River (1909-1913). [107] The snow survey courses outlasted the gauging stations and can still be found today deep in the backcountry of the national park. These courses were designed to measure snow depth and calculate the amount of water run-off draining into the lower valley. As might be expected, SCL was equally interested in these measurements and in how the amount of water would affect power generation. Consequently, SCL aided the USGS in the financing and upkeep of their small cabins, strategically sited along a predetermined snow course.

Between 1943, when the first cabins were built, and the late 1950s, when replacement cabins were erected, the USGS maintained cabins along several waterways, including lower, middle, and upper Thunder Creek; near the mouth of Big Beaver Creek; near Ridley Lake, along Freezeout Creek and Devil's Creek; on the north side of Ruby Creek near Panther Creek; on the east side of Lightning Creek near Starvation Camp; and on the southeast side of Diablo reservoir. [108] The earliest cabins were log structures, later replaced by pre-cut lumber and metal frame cabins of standard design and size (8' x 10'). All had wood stoves inside for cooking and heating. Each fall the cabins were stocked with food, blankets, wood, and other emergency supplies in preparation for winter use. Traveling on snowshoes, USGS employees traced the snow course by following small metal reflectors fastened on trees. The cabins were placed within a day's walk from each another, and the snow measure ladders were sited in open areas near the cabins. Once the snow depth was measured and recorded the surveyor could relax in the relative comfort of the cabin, remaining overnight before continuing on the established snow course the next day. Only a few of these cabins can be found today in the backcountry. Others have been removed for lack of use or destroyed by snow slides. Within the boundaries of the national park, pre-fabricated USGS cabins dating from the 1950s remain on or near Beaver Pass, Thunder Creek (near Meadow Cabins), Ruby Creek, and Ridley Lake. Deer Lick Cabin, located on Lightning Creek not far from the Three Fools Creek junction, was also used by the USGS for backcountry work. Another structure used as a shelter for snow survey work was Fireweed Cabin, located along upper Bridge Creek on the eastern slope of the North Cascades. Originally built ca. 1927 by Washington Water Power Company, the 10' x 12' log cabin was rebuilt in the 1950s by the Chelan County Public Utilities District (PUD). [109] In 1969, the PUD requested that the National Park Service cancel the special-use permit, and relinquished responsibility for the building. Since that time, the simple log structure has been used seasonally by the NPS as a backcountry patrol cabin.

Deer Lick Cabin along Lightning Creek trail as it appears today. Built ca.1920s.
(Photo by G. Luxenberg, NPS, 1984)