How Loam estimates trail conditions
Loam looks at recent rain, local soil, terrain, canopy, temperature, and drying time to estimate whether a mountain bike network is ready to ride. It is a planning tool, not an official trail status system.
What goes into the estimate
Recent rain
How much fell, when it fell, and whether more is coming.
Local ground
Soil and terrain affect how quickly water drains or lingers.
Sun and cover
Tree cover, slope, and exposure change the drying pace.
Current weather
Temperature, freezing conditions, and ongoing precipitation matter too.
Official closures always win
When Loam has a current closure from the managing authority, the trail is shown as closed even if the environmental model would otherwise say it is rideable. Riders should always respect posted signs and local guidance.
Questions trail organizations may have
Is the Loam verdict official?
No. It is a modeled estimate unless the page is displaying an authoritative closure and its source.
Why are the standard widgets free?
Loam is a consumer app for riders. Single-network badges and standard widgets for up to six networks help riders discover Loam, so trail organizations do not need to pay for them. Loam may charge for custom, white-label, API, or managed integration work later.
Does using the badge endorse Loam?
No. The badge identifies itself as a Loam estimate and can be removed at any time. It does not speak for the organization hosting it.
What does Loam measure?
The standard widgets do not ask a partner to install an analytics script. Widget links include referral attribution so Loam can measure visits from partner placements. Loading a widget also creates normal web infrastructure logs, as any embedded web content does.
What if the estimate is wrong?
Tell us. Obvious misses are useful model feedback, especially during the validation pilot. A cautious unknown is better than a confident answer built from missing or stale inputs.
Can an organization publish its own status through Loam?
Not yet. Loam can display verified authoritative closures, but it does not currently provide partner accounts or a status dashboard.