Trail Conditions 1-18-06

[Snow VP]

"Good to go" was groomer Nick's quote late last night. :thumb: The 2 groomers made 3 runs yesterday, about 3/4 of our trails were groomed, and both machines are headed out this afternoon.

We got 4-6" in St. Ignace and between 6-10" in the outer trails yesterday, and there are still some light snow coming down. All of the problem areas should be fixed, the snow packed down on the ice trails nicely. Trails should have a minium of a 4" base now. I would like to see another foot for good off trail riding, but the trails are now in good shape, all that work in the beginning of the season is now paying off. All we needed was that 12 hours of snow, and one grooming pass to have great trails! :thumb:

I will see if I get get some more trail pictures soon.

:censored: Hazard: on Caffey TT at H-40 near Rexton - watch for a water hole. It has some seeping water, and likely will not freeze all winter.

I will do this from time to time:

Jan 18 Today (http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/coldandflu/detail/49781?dayNum=0)
Occasional snow showers. High near 30F. Winds WNW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 60%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.
Jan 18 Tonight (http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/coldandflu/detail/49781?dayNum=0)Becoming partly cloudy later with any flurries or snow showers ending by midnight. Low 22F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 30%.
Jan 19 Tomorrow (http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/coldandflu/detail/49781?dayNum=1)Mostly cloudy with snow showers developing during the afternoon. High 33F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 60%. Snowfall around one inch.
Jan 19 Tomorrow night (http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/coldandflu/detail/49781?dayNum=1)Snow flurries and snow showers. Low 29F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 60%. Some snow accumulation possible.
Jan 20 Friday (http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/coldandflu/detail/49781?dayNum=2)Snow showers early. Highs in the mid 30s and lows in the low 20s.
Jan 21 Saturday (http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/coldandflu/detail/49781?dayNum=3)Windy, snow showers possible. Highs in the mid 20s and lows in the upper teens.
Jan 22 Sunday (http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/coldandflu/detail/49781?dayNum=4)A few snow showers. Highs in the low 30s and lows in the low 20s.

[conniver04]

Neil, Thats great news to hear. I'm very thankful for all the work you and all the groomer guys have put in to make them shape up this well with a little snow on them. Its a great reward to see all the work you did early in the season is paying off now.

A question for you though with the recent snow do you think I will be able to ride out of town from the gas station or will I still need to trailer to little bear ice rink?
Thanks for all your time and keep up the great work.

[mike ross]

In the past years what date do you usually see the ice froze so you can ride to the island? Last weekend it was still open water. Is it usually frozen over by now? We have a big group coming up the 2nd weekend in Febuary and hoped we could make the trip to the Island. Any past info would help. Thanks and keep up the good work. mike

[johnsat]

Great news, looks like winter might be back. Keep up the good work guys, you are greatly appreciated.


John

[Snow VP]

Kenny,
you should be OK to ride from S State where you are staying, and the gas station will be no problem. There might be a bit of pavement behind city hall by the end of the week, if they salt, but right now it is fine. Groomer Nick even made a pass all the way through town.

As far as Mackinac Island, the Club has decided that we will not vouch for ice conditions, too much possible liability there. I can tell you this, there is still only a very little ice in the bay. We will normally have a good bridge by the 3rd week of January. Predicting the ice bridge is like trying to predict snow this winter, but I will comment on this: I personally do not believe that you are going to see a good ice bridge this year. There has to be 1 week of sub zero, or 10 days of 10d weather to make that much ice. I have checked as many long range forecasts as I can find, and non of them are forecasting temps that low. everything is pointing to 20s / 30s for the most of the winter - if you can believe that.

At noon, the 9/10 CBS weather says that Saturday storm is going to go well South of us, however a new one tomorrow, for an additional 2-4 in the straits.

Get ready to ride em boys! :cool2:

[ToddMeister]

We are heading up Friday morning, Neil, should be good to go!!!! Yeee Hawwww!

[conniver04]

Neil, Thanks for the info. We will give it a try. Thanks again for all you do for us down state. Can't wait for the weekend:wowza:

[Beagle1]

Neil,

That's a perfect stance by the club on the Ice Bridge. If I may add to it...

I agree, this year I do not see it happening. Why? HONEYCOMB ICE :(

Very dangerous. I personally don't care for any ice this winter. There has been to many warm/cold cycles for it to be stable.

[Polarismark]

You guys are great!!:cool2: All I asked is you could have a little snow by Saturday, and look what you gave us..:bowdown: : I'll be there Saturday afternoon ready to ride!!:woohoo:

[Beagle1]

You guys are great!!:cool2: All I asked is you could have a little snow by Saturday, and look what you gave us..:bowdown: : I'll be there Saturday afternoon ready to ride!!:woohoo:

Really coming from Nebraska? Have you been to the U.P. before?

Neil, I printed a membership form, wrote a check and put it in the mail.

[andie245]

Well, we had an awful Friday the 13th. The trip up was treacherous. We had to dig out our friends' machines in Gaylord and when we finally reached our destination (bar/motel) - no names mentioned- only one out of the two requested rooms had been reserved!!

We did the Poker run, by car and did win nice prizes.
We FINALLY rode on Sunday and Monday. It was a beautiful ride and the trails were in better-than-expected condition.

We left St. Ignace Monday and then
Snow, snow, snow...Snow, snow, snow... Uggghhhh!

If you want to know when the next big melt will be, plan on March 10th. We're headed back up then. I think we are a jinx!

So you're welcome for the snowfall!!