Explore Minnesota Winter Trails Report January 21, 2010
At the time of this report, many areas of the state were receiving precipitation in the form of sleet. Snow is in the forecast for most of the state this Saturday, January 23 continuing into Sunday, January 24. Any accumulation of snow should result in improved conditions. Please note that the Twin Cities vicinity and areas south may receive more sleet than snow. As always, please call ahead for the most current conditions.
At present, conditions are very good to excellent for cross-country skiing at McCarthy Beach, Hayes Lake, Zipple Bay, Lake Bronson, Old Mill, Buffalo River, Whitewater, Minneopa and Lac qui Parle state parks, as well as in the International Falls, Ely and Grand Marais vicinities. Just some of the areas offering good to excellent conditions for snowmobiling include McCarthy Beach, Gooseberry Falls, Hayes Lake, Zipple Bay, Old Mill, Savanna Portage, Banning, and Sakatah Lake state parks. Some or all of the North Shore, Willard Munger, Glacial Lakes, and Sakatah Singing Hills state trails are also great for snowmobiling, as well as trails running through the International Falls and Brainerd vicinities. Please note that sleet was falling in many areas of the state at the time of this report which may cause trails to deteriorate rapidly. As always, please call ahead for the most current conditions before traveling.
Information used to compile the Winter Trails Report is provided courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources Climatology Office, the Three Rivers Park District, and communities throughout the state.
A Snowmobile State Trail sticker is required for all snowmobiles operating on state or grant-in-aid trails. All cross-country skiers on state park or forest ski trails, or on state or grant-in-aid trails, who are 16 years old or older must have a Minnesota Ski Pass. Please note that a new state law requires nonresidents to have ATV trail passes beginning January 1, 2010 if using state or grant-in-aid trails. For further information, contact the Department of Natural Resources, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-888-646-6367. To order cross-country ski passes and snowmobile trail stickers, dial 1-888-665-4236. To locate a license center in Minnesota to purchase ski passes and snowmobile stickers, check out DNR License Agents.
Northeast Region
International Falls
The Koochiching State Forest Tilson Creek ski trails are in excellent shape. The trails have a 7 inch groomed surface. Local snow depth is 20 inches. Area snowmobile trails are in fairly good condition and the groomers are operating on a regular schedule. There may be some thin patches where trails meet logging operations, but they are short. The Rainy Lake trails running through Voyageurs National Park are open and staked, and area cross country ski and snowshoe trails are open and tracked. Regular weekly winter trail conditions reports will be available through Voyageurs National Park. Information may also be obtained by contacting the city of International Falls.
Hibbing
McCarthy Beach State Park ski trails are groomed and in very good condition, with a 3 inch groomed surface. The snowmobile trails are groomed and in fair condition, with rough spots in the swampy areas and ground showing at the corners. The trail has 1 inch base. Snow cover in the park measures roughly 6 inches. Towards the city of Tower, at the intersection with the Taconite Trail, the entire Arrowhead State Snowmobile Trail has been groomed. Conditions are reported to be good, and best on the northerly end where the snow base is deeper. The trail base ranges from 1-5 inches. Local snow depth is 8-20 inches. Regular grooming will continue where possible, but some southerly stretches cannot be groomed until additional snowfall is received. Watch for ice flowages across the trail. Local lakes are in good riding condition. Always use caution on lakes and inquire about current ice conditions before venturing out.
Ely
The Ely vicinity has roughly 6 inches of snow on the ground. The Hidden Valley, Trezona and Babbitt Golf Course trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing. The ski trail base is approximately 3-6 inches, and ski conditions are reported to be good to excellent. Area lakes have been staked for lake travel. Please follow the staked snowmobile trails when choosing lake travel. The Tomahawk Trail from Ely to the Knotted Pine is not being groomed at this time due to a lack of snow. That portion of the trail is listed in poor to fair condition, with a base measuring roughly 1 inch. The Tomahawk Trail from the Knotted Pine to the North Shore Trail is groomed and in good condition, with base measuring about 6 inches. Please watch for debris such as broken branches due to previously heavy snowfall. The trail from Burntside Lake to Lake Vermilion is bare due to necessary excavation in that area. Other local trails around Ely are not being groomed at this time due to lack of snow. Trail conditions can change on a daily basis - please call ahead for the most current trail conditions.
Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail
The Grand Marais vicinity received 2 inches of snow this past week. Cross-country ski trails throughout out the area have been packed and tracked for classic skiing. Conditions range from good to excellent. Area snowmobile trail conditions are fair to good. The base of these trails measures 6-12 inches. Grooming continues on all trail systems. Trails located further inland, away from Lake Superior, have the best conditions, and riders should consider trailering up the Gunflint Trail to Devil Track Lake or the South Brule River parking lot for the best snowmobiling. Up the Gunflint Trail, the Pincushion Mountain classic and skate ski trails are in very good to excellent condition. The Banadad Trail system is in good to excellent condition, with an 8 inch base. And just to the south, towards the city of Lutsen, the Deeryard Lake, Cascade Loop, Hall and Massey loops are reported to be in good to excellent condition.
Two Harbors
The ski trails at Gooseberry Falls State Park are groomed and in poor condition, with a 6 inch base. The snowmobile trails have now been groomed and are in good condition. The ground is covered in 6-12 inches of snow, with lesser amounts towards Lake Superior. The snow is hard and icy after the weekends warm weather, and the ski and snowshoe trails are icy. The waterfalls are exceptionally beautiful with all of the snow and ice. Visitors are enjoying all of the wildlife sightings, along with lots of wolf, pine martin and fox tracks.
Duluth/Grand Marais
Conditions for the North Shore State Snowmobile Trail are good after grooming. Overall, there is an 8 inch base along the trail, with approximately 18 inches of snow on the ground. Please note that warmer temperatures are in the forecast for the weekend and will likely reach the 30's - this could interrupt the grooming schedule. Please use caution while riding since trail conditions will vary.
Hinckley/ Duluth
Most sections of the Willard Munger State Trail are in fair to good condition for snowmobiling. The trail is groomed, with a 2-4 inch base. Some of the best conditions can be found on the northernmost portion of the trail and within the Nemadji State Forest - please note that a large amount of logging activity is taking place along the Gandy Dancer Trail. Local snow depth is 6-16 inches.
Carlton
The ski trails at Jay Cooke State Park are groomed and in fair condition. The trail base is roughly 8 inches. The snowmobile trails running through Jay Cooke are also in fair condition, with a similar base. Approximately 11 inches of snow covers the ground in this area.
Sandstone
Banning State Park ski trails are groomed. They are in good condition, with a 5 inch base. The ski trails are hard packed with tracks, and showing some glazing due to recent warm temperatures. Area snowmobile trails are also groomed. These trails have a 3 inch base, with ground exposed along some portions of the trail. Conditions are reported to be good. There is a snowmobile parking lot at Banning Junction Restaurant & C-Store. Local snow depth is roughly 10 inches.
Northwest Region
Williams -northwest of Baudette
Zippel Bay State Park offers excellent conditions for skiing and very good conditions for snowmobiling. All trails are fully groomed, with a 6 inch base. The ground is covered in just under a foot of snow. Just to the south, the Eastern Segment of the Beltrami Island State Forest snowmobile trails are groomed and in fair condition. The trail base measures 0-2 inches, and has worn thin in the high use areas. Local snow depth is 8-11inches.
Roseau
Roughly 19 inches of snow covers the ground at Hayes Lake State Park. The ski and snowmobile trails are groomed and in very good to excellent condition. Both have an 8 inch base. All ski trails are groomed with a classic track and a skate ski lane. Anglers and snowmobilers should use extreme caution due to extensive flooding on the ice due to heavy snow - always test ice thickness as you move across the lake.
Lake Bronson -southeast of Hallock
Skiers report excellent conditions at Lake Bronson State Park. There is a 5 inch base, with 10 inches of snow on the ground. A warming area with flush toilets is available at the Visitors Center. The snowmobile trail is groomed and in fair condition, although there are a few spots that need more snow. The overall base measures 3 inches. Similar ski conditions are being reported for nearby Old Mill State Park. The park snowmobile trails are reported to be in good condition. Dried kindling and firewood are available in the Picnic Shelter to warm the building. Please note that the Candlelight Snowshoe scheduled for January 23 has been rescheduled for Friday, January 29 due to impending weather and poor driving conditions.
Glyndon -east of Moorhead
The three mile Riverview Loop ski trail at Buffalo River State Park is groomed and in very good condition. Other ski trails have not been recently groomed and are in poor to fair condition. The base of the Riverview Loop trail measures 8 inches, with roughly 10 inches of snow on the ground. The sliding hill is in good condition, and the warming house is open all week from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Detroit Lakes
The Winter Wonderland Snowmobile Trails in the Detroit Lakes vicinity are groomed, with a 0-3 inch base after the recent warm temperatures. Grooming has been suspended until more snow is received, at which point the trails may once again be in good to excellent condition. Area snow depth is 8-10 inches. The Winter Wonderland Trails join neighboring trails in all directions, equaling more than 250 miles traversing rolling hills and secluded wooded areas filled with wildlife.
Central Region
McGregor
Conditions for skiing within Savanna Portage State Park are good. The trails have a 2-6 inch base, and have been groomed. There are more than 20 miles of groomed ski trails within the park and the adjoining Remote Lake Solitude Area. The trails through the park are 6 feet wide with a track down the middle, whereas the Remote Lake trails are 12-16 feet wide with a track down one side. There are thirty-two miles of groomed snowmobile trails accessible from the park. These trails have a 1-4 inch base, and are also groomed. The condition is reported to be fair.
Pelican Rapids
The 11 kilometers of ski trails at Maplewood State Park are partially groomed, tracked, and in good condition. The snowmobile trails are also partially groomed, but considered to be in fair condition. The ski trails have a 4-8 inch base, and the snowmobile trail base measures 0-4 inches. The ski trails are icy in some spots and the snowmobile trails are showing some bare area due to recent warm temperatures. Snow on the ground is roughly 1 foot.
Carlos - north of Alexandria
Lake Carlos State Park cross-country ski and snowmobile trails have a 4-5 inch groomed surface. Both trails are in fair condition. Local snow depth is just under a foot.
Brainerd Lakes Area
The Land O' Lakes State Forest Washburn Lake ski trails are groomed and in good condition. The base of the trail measures 4-5 inches, with a foot of snow on the ground. Crow Wing State Park offers fair conditions along their groomed ski and snowmobile trails. The snowmobile trails are becoming thin with tufts of grass showing at some of the corners. The ground is covered in roughly 9 inches of snow. While trail conditions in the Brainerd Lakes Area are mostly good, there has been no snowfall since the end of December. Temperatures have been in the 30s and some portions of the highly traveled trails may have exposed dirt or grass. Trails continue to be groomed on a regular basis. To learn more, dial 1-800-450-2838, or visit the Brainerd Lakes area web site.
Onamia
Both the ski and snowmobile trails have a 4 inch groomed surface at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, and conditions are reported to be fair. Expect some sticks and leaves on the ski trails. The ground is covered in 1 foot of snow.
Monticello
All ski trails within Lake Maria State Park have been groomed and tracked. The base measures 4-6 inches, and conditions are good. Thawing temperatures may have caused some icy conditions. Leaves and debris on the trail may be a problem in a few areas. The three-mile winter hiking and snowshoe trail is packed and open. Lake Maria offers 22 kilometers of traditional ski trail and 5 kilometers of skate ski trail. Local snow depth is 10-12 inches. Ski-in camper cabins are available for winter dates - to learn more, dial 1-866-857-2757.
New London/north of Willmar
Conditions for skiing at Sibley State Park have been down-graded to good due to a coating of ice. These trails have a 6 inch groomed surface. The snowmobile trails have 2-4 inch groomed surface, and are also reported to be in good shape. Freezing rain is expected to fall today and over this coming weekend, and grooming operations may have to be temporarily suspended. There is approximately 1 foot of snow on the ground in this area. The nearby Glacial Lakes State Snowmobile Trail is also in good condition, with a 2-4 inch groomed surface.
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan Vicinity
Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Scott and Wright county parks
Most traditional and skate ski trails within the Three Rivers Park District are packed, tracked and in good condition, including at Baker Park Reserve in Maple Plain, Carver Park Reserve in Victoria, Cleary Lake Regional Park in Prior Lake, Eagle Lake Regional Park in Plymouth, Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove, French Regional Park in Plymouth, Glen Lake in Minnetonka, Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington, and Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve in Savage. All sliding hills are also open. For the most current trail conditions, dial 763/559-6778. Rentals are available at many of the parks within the Three Rivers Park District - please call ahead to secure equipment rental.
Minnetonka/Glencoe
The Luce Line State Trail is groomed and in fair to good condition for snowmobiling. The trail base measures roughly 4-6 inches. Snowmobiling is allowed on the section of the trail between Stubbs Bay Road and the McLeod County Line. The first seven miles of the trail, from Vicksburg Lane to Stubbs Bay Road, is non-motorized. This eastern ski trail segment is ungroomed and in fair condition, with a 2 inch base. Local snow depth is 8-10 inches.
Almelund -east of North Branch
Despite the recent warm temperatures, the trails are holding up well. All of Wild River State Park's ski trails have been groomed and tracked. There is roughly 8 inches of snow on the ground, with a 3-4 inch base on the trails. Most trails are fast, but in good condition. Trails in the wooded areas of the park are in the best condition. Lots of Trumpeter Swans can be seen on the river below the Never's Dam. A warming house is available at the Trail Center. Wild River offers ski and snowshoe rental throughout the winter season when trails have suitable snow cover. And don't miss the Candlelight Ski, Hike and Snowshoe event on Saturday, January 30. For rental information or to learn more, dial 651/257-0685.
Afton -north of Hastings
The fifteen miles of ski trails within Afton State Park are groomed, tracked and in good condition, although they are turning icy. Grooming will not resume until more snow is received. Most sections of trail have a 3 inch base, with a few scattered bare spots showing up. Snowshoe rentals have been selling out so reservations are recommended. Local snow depth is 6 inches.
Southern Region
Nerstrand -south of Northfield
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park snowmobile trails are groomed and in very good condition. In fact, all Rice County trails are snow-covered and in the best condition in years. The ski trails are groomed and reported to be in good condition. The base on both trails measures 8-10 inches. Conditions are also perfect for snowshoeing. Local snow depth is more than 2 feet! Ice is building on the falls as the creek continues to flow. Please keep in mind that Prairie Creek may look snow covered in areas but there is open water in some places. And mark your calendar for the Moonlight Ski on Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Please call ahead for information.
Frontenac -south of Red Wing
The ski and snowmobile trails are groomed, but icy and in poor condition at Frontenac State Park. The Candlelight Ski scheduled for January 23 may need to be cancelled due to forecasted rain and sleet which will deteriorate conditions even further. Snowshoe rental is available at the park office and the sledding hill has been very popular. Approximately 8 inches of snow covers the ground.
Elba - west of Winona
Whitewater State Park ski trails are entirely groomed, and conditions are very good. The trail base averages 5 inches. Snow cover measures roughly 9 inches. Despite mild temperatures, the snow depth is holding up well. Snowshoes are available at the Visitors Center. And, bring your fishing equipment too - the winter catch and release trout season is now open!
Albert Lea
The ski and snowmobile trails are groomed and in good condition at Myre-Big Island State Park. The ski trail base measures 3-7 inches. The base of the snowmobile trails is 2-6 inches. Recent warm temperatures and freezing rain have begun to deteriorate the trails. Please call ahead for up-to-date trail conditions before traveling. Local snow depth remains roughly 1 foot.
Faribault/Mankato
The Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail is entirely groomed for skiing and snowmobiling. Skiers and snowmobilers report very good conditions. The ski trail base measures 3 inches. The snowmobile trail base measures 2-6 inches. There is 14-18 inches of snow covering the ground in this area. At nearby Sakatah Lake State Park, conditions are good for both skiing and snowmobiling, yet the trail base is greater.
Mankato
Minneopa State Park ski trail conditions are considered very good. The trails are fully groomed, with a 7 inch base. Local snow depth is roughly 14 inches. Please call ahead before traveling since conditions may deteriorate later this week with the predicted sleet and rain.
New Ulm
The cross country ski trails at Flandrau State Park are groomed and remain in good condition, with a 7 inch base. The best skiing will be during morning hours before the trails turn somewhat sticky. Flandrau rents cross country ski equipment and snowshoes. Please call ahead to reserve. Local snow depth is 18 inches.
Montevideo
Local skiers claim that the Lac qui Parle State Park ski trails are in great condition. The trail base turns soft during the day, and hardens at night. The trails have a base measuring up to 1 foot, and are fully groomed. Please take note of the temperatures when waxing your skis. Current warm temperatures and sleet may result in icy conditions this weekend.
