Current Trail Conditions 01-06-05

[Snow VP]

Just a general update for now:

Things have cooled down considerably in the last 30 hours. The trails have firmed back up, and will hold traffic much better than yesterday. The groomer did make a partial run last night, and did the loop (Castle rock, pipeline, burma, RR) but did not go all the way into the cut river area. I have not talked to, and can not get ahold of Groomer Dave, but there was NO note of conditions in the tractor this morning.

Generally the same conditions posted in the last few days will hold true, with an update of a lack of snow in the logged/open areas of the cut river trail. Everything in the woods should still have 4" of snow on it.

Snow, remember what that is? It falls from the sky in a white form... well we did get some last night, about 1/2" and we have flurries right now. Nothing to get excited about I am afraid. We are forecast for 1-2" for the next 2 days. every bit will help.

Sorry I don't have more. I will update this if I get ahold of Groomer Dave - he is probably still sleeping :)

[admin]

Update:

Just talked to Groomer Dave, and he says things are good to go, believe it or not. It snowed more on the outer trail system then it did in St. Ignace. He is heading out right now, planned trip St.Ignace RR to Trout Lake, over to the Caffey TT, then Castle Rock to St. Ignace.

Trails are thin, but smooth. A bit of dirt showing in the corners where sleds tore it up but surprisingly good. There are some bare spots on the pipeline still, but you can get around them. several very thin spots are on the RR grade between Castle Rock, and Moran, in the open areas. No update on the cut river trail yet, probably Monday. Cedarville connector is good, except right up by the M-134 area, where there are some thin spots entering and leaving Mackinac Trail.

As long as it stays cold, and we get a little snow here and there, this hard pack/ice will hold up.

-Neil

[Snow VP]

Update #2,
I just talked to Groomer Nick about his Monday run. He clarified the situation with the RR grade. Yes there are a few thin spots, but there is a great base of about 3" of solid Ice built up. In the early grooming this year, before the hard freeze and while the snow was real soft, a few rock have worked their way up from the base. These rock are now on top of the ice, and we can't get them packed down because there is only an inch or 2 of snow over the ice. A solid and smooth ice base means great things for the future of the trails. All we need is snow, and we will be able to groom them smooth all winter. :cool2:

We are training 2 new guys next week, with 1 more to go after that.
The trails will be smooth.:aGuitar: