Wisconsin Winter Trails report 12.22.08
Wisconsin has experienced some rapidly changing weather conditions in the last week and more changes are forecast for later this week, with a winter storm warning for southern Wisconsin predicting anywhere from 4 to 12 inches of snow Thursday into Friday. After a winter storm dropped up to a foot of snow last week in the south, allowing some ski and snowmobile trails to open, temperatures shot up and much of the snow melted in many areas. Temperatures then plummeted to sub zero, and another snow storm left 3 to 5 inches in the south, and up to nearly a foot in some areas of the north.
The rapidly changing conditions have made it a challenge for park and forest crews to maintain skiing conditions, but as of Thursday most areas of the state were reporting fair to good conditions, though a few areas were reporting conditions as poor. Snowmobile trails have now opened through most of the northern tier of counties, and a few other scattered counties across the state, according to the Department of Tourism snow condition report.
Despite last weekend’s break in the cold weather, below-average temperatures have helped to increase ice depths to a thickness of 7 to 10 inches in the north and 4 to 6 inches in the south, though some of the larger lakes in the south still had some open water as of this week. Much of Lake Mendota in Dane County appeared to have iced over in the last couple of days.
Brule River State Forest -
Ice making weather is certainly here. Lakes are thickening up and rivers are closing in as the frigid temperature remains around zero for high temperatures. The new snow that accumulated last weekend at least will help home owners insulate waterlines and septic systems from the cold. Conditions at the Afterhours Ski Trail are considered good. The skate lanes are looking nice. The classic lanes are variable with enough snow in spots and grass poking through in other spots.
Big Bay State Park -
Ski trails are now open with snowfall depths of 8 to 14 inches reported before grooming. Three of the four designated ski trails are open and have classical track set on them. The Woods, Bay view and Point Loop Trails are open for classic skiing and conditions look good. Point Trail has not opened to skiing due to ice fog forming an impassable barrier on the trail, this trail is along the East side of the park and can be viewed by hiking at this time. The park was shrouded in ice fog this week. This ice fog was created by a very cold blast of arctic air blowing in over the warmer open waters of Lake Superior on Dec. 14. Ice fog is created on Lake Superior by subzero temperatures over the warmer waters of the lake. Ice fog creates a formation on the landscape called Hard Rime. Hard rime is a white ice that forms when the water droplets in fog freeze to the outer surfaces of objects. It is often seen on trees atop mountains and ridges in winter, when low-hanging clouds cause freezing fog. This fog freezes to the windward (wind-facing) side of tree branches, buildings, or any other solid objects, usually with high wind velocities and air temperatures between -2 °C (28 °F) and -8 °C (18 °F). Note: When the ski trails are groomed they become designated ski trails and foot traffic, snowshoeing and pets are not allowed on these trails. This protects the groomed trails from damage and lowers the maintenance cost needed for grooming. We also do not allow skate style skiing at our park because of limited room on our trails. The Lagoon Ridge Trail within the park is designated for snowshoeing, foot traffic and pets. All pets must be on a leash at all times while visiting the park.
Flambeau River State Forest -
There was about 6 inches of snow on the ground as of Dec. 16. Ski trails have been packed and tracked for traditional and diagonal skiing. It has about a 3 inch base and is in fair condition. Snowmobile trails are open but have not been groomed as of Tuesday, Dec. 16. The north & south forks of the Flambeau River are still open if a few spots.
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest –
The forest has about 10 inches of snow on the ground. Cross-country ski trails are being groomed and conditions are fair to good. McNaughton and Escanaba were groomed Dec. 17. McNaughton has a skate loop groomed and all other loops tracked. Escanaba is classic only and all loops have been tracked. Madeline and Raven were scheduled to be groomed Dec. 18.
Peninsula State Park -
As of Tuesday morning, Dec. 16, Peninsula State Park had around 3 inches of crusty snow on the ground. All winter trails are ice-covered and not usable. The sledding hill was closed. Some snow is expected Tuesday night.
Potawatomi State Park -
The ski trails have not been groomed since last weekend's rain. A significant snowfall is predicted within the next two days, so trails should be groomed on Friday night for the coming weekend. Fishermen are starting to park their shanties in the launch parking lot, but none have been put out on the ice yet.
Whitefish Dunes State Park -
Ski trails have suffered with the latest warm weather and rainfall. Park staff and volunteers rolled the trails after the Dec. 15 light snow. Trails are considered to be in fair to poor conditions until more snow arrives. Ski trails are for stride skiing only. For those looking for an easy ski with little to no hills, the Green Trail offers a quiet pine forest beginning with a rolling hill red trail ending. Skiers who wish to put on a few miles; the yellow trail covers 4.2 miles through a variety of different habitat types. There are segments of the yellow and red trail that have sharp hills and turns, skiers are cautioned to take their time and ski at their experience level. The Black Trail and beach are open to hikers and snowshoers. There is no hiking or snowshoeing allowed on any ski trail (Red, Yellow or Green). The Brachiopod trail does not make a continuous loop during the ski season; those wishing to see the wetland are asked to return on the Black trail. There is no hiking or snowshoeing on the side of the ski trail. The shelter building is open.
Wautoma
This week of very cold weather will improve ice conditions throughout the county. People should still be wary ice is never completely safe for foot travel. There are a number of spring fed lakes and mill ponds with water currents that will continue to be treacherous all winter no matter how cold it gets. Snowmobile trails will now open after the last antlerless deer season. As conditions change please check with Waushara County Parks department on their 24 answering service 920-787-7037.
Kettle Moraine State Forest -
Lapham Peak Unit - The trails at Lapham Peak recieved about 3 inches of dry snow this week. All the trails were rolled Dec. 16. A track was set on the lighted loop, but ice under the new snow came through in some areas. Overall conditions are pretty good. A big snowstorm is predicted for Thursday. The trails should be excellent this weekend.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit -
As of Monday, Dec. 15, cross country ski trails were in poor condition due to the warm temperatures and rain of the past weekend. The remaining snow base on the trails is very icy. Grooming will resume when more snow is received. Snow is predicted for Tuesday (Dec. 16) and Thursday (Dec. 18). Call (262) 670-3400 for the most current trail conditions. As a reminder, the only groomed trail that hikers, snowshoers, and dog walkers are allowed on is the red trail, located to the south of the beach area.
Kettle Moraine State Forest –
Northern Unit - The Greenbush cross-country ski trail system survived the mild weather. All trails have snow cover, debris has been picked up from the winds and with the snow in the forecast, trails should be in great shape for the rest of the week and into the weekend.
Kettle Moraine State Forest –
Southern Unit -The Southern Unit has good winter recreation conditions. Three inches of new snow fell on the forest on Tuesday Dec. 16. All 3 cross-country ski trail systems at the Southern Unit, Scuppernong, McMiller, Nordic, have been groomed and are in good to very good skiing condition. Scuppernong is for classical skiing only with a double classical track set around the entire trail. McMiller and Nordic are groomed for both classical and skate skiing. The Biathlon range is open for use at McMiller. For more information contact WisconsinBiathlon.com. Snowmobile trails in the forest are snow covered and opened for use.
Kohler-Andrae State Park -
The ski trail was groomed Tuesday, Dec. 9. Rain on Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14 has resulted in fair/poor trail conditions. The trail had approximately 3-5 inches of snow. The track is not visible in many areas. Nature trails and hiking trails have snow covered and slippery areas. Park roadways are also slippery.
Blue Mound State Park –
The park received 5 inches of new snow this week. Cross-country ski trail conditions are very good. Trails are not icy. All trails were groomed Wednesday evening, and new track set in the wee morning hours of hours today after snow stopped.
Wyalusing State Park –
The park received approximately 5 inches of light, fluffy snow on Tuesday afternoon and evening. All trails are snow covered. Due to warm temperatures and rain on Sunday, Dec. 14, much of the snow received early last week is gone. The snow that remains from last week’s snowfall is hard and crusty. As ofDec. 17, there is not enough snow to groom the cross-country ski trails and trails are in poor skiing condition. Sleet and a fresh snowfall ranging from between 7 and 11 inches are forecast starting Thursday evening into Friday morning. Ski trail conditions for this weekend will be dependent on the amount and type of precipitation we receive. Please call the park at 608-996-2261 for current weekend ski trail conditions. A change to the cross country ski trails has been made this year. Mississippi Ridge will no longer be groomed for cross country skiing. In addition to Whitetail Meadows, Turkey Hollow Trail will now be a cross country ski trail. Parking for both trails will be available near the Astronomy Center. Ski trail conditions will change based on the expected forecast of temperatures in the upper 30s on Saturday and Sunday. Rain is forecast for Sunday. Mississippi Ridge will make an excellent trail for snowshoeing. Park visitors interested in snowshoeing can park in the park office lot and travel Homestead Camp Road to Cathedral Tree Drive and Mississippi Ridge Trail. Homestead Camp Road will not be plowed this year. A beautiful winter view of the Mississippi River at Henneger Point awaits those who are willing to brave the elements along the 5 mile round trip trek. Homestead Picnic Shelter is the perfect place to build a fire to take the chill off or to roast marshmallows or hotdogs after snowshoeing or skiing. It is centrally located where both trails meet. Firewood will need to be gathered in the area. Please remember that dogs are not allowed on cross country ski trails when the trails are groomed.
Devil’s Lake State Park -
Several inches of snow cover the ground, and 6 to 12 inches are forecast for Dec. 18. Cross-country ski trails are definitely ski-able, but may not be groomed and tracked as consistently as many ski aficionados would like due to budget restraints. The surface of the lake is frozen, but only since Dec. 7. Keep in mind that the park does not monitor the thickness or condition of the lake’s ice, and does not vouch for its safety. The hill where many like to sled is snow covered. The park is open every day of the year, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Visitor Center at the north shore is open every day except Christmas day, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Campgrounds (or a portion of them) are open every night of the year.
Mirror Lake State Park -
Currently all cross-country ski trails were groomed on Dec. 17 and are in good-fair condition with a 3 inch base. Snow cover on the classical tracks is thin in some areas. With significant snow expected for Thursday night trail conditions are expected to improve for the weekend.
Lake Kegonsa State Park -
Cross-country ski trails are in fair condition. The trails were packed but not groomed on Dec. 17. The trails are skiable, but the base is very thin and icy.
Willow River State Park –
Conditions are good skate ski cross country skiing. The entire trail was groomed with the new Ginzu groomer. Tracks were set throughout most of the trail system. Most of the trails are well covered but there are some spots with grass and sticks poking through. There may be some rocks lurking beneath the surface so rock skis are probably in order although good ski could be used with care.
Wildcat Mountain State Park -
The melting Saturday and Sunday reduced the snow cover and the cold temperatures. As of Monday, Dec. 15 ski trails were ice covered and in poor condition.
Black River State Forest -
Warm weather this past weekend melted a considerable portion of the snow base. The cold temperature drop on Sunday turned the trails into a hard crusty condition. More snow is predicted on Tuesday night and Thursday so hopefully we will return to excellent winter conditions soon. As of Tuesday, Dec. 16, ATV and snowmobile trails were in poor condition. Although open we would not recommend snowmobiling at this time. ATV riding is probably slightly better. One new change to the trails this year is that the Oak Ridge trail running south from Castle Mound to Millston will no longer be open to ATV whenever the trails have been groomed. This is due to a new change in Jackson County's trail ordinances. ATV riders will still be able to access Millston by travelling east of Castle Mound. Cross-country ski trails were also poor with hard and icy conditions. The primary grooming equipment is being repaired and in the mean time crews are using our older equipment. The ridge trail and the east half of the north loop will be closed for the next few weeks to accommodate a timber sale. The warming cabin is open for the season. Snowshoeing is allowed anyplace on the property not groomed for other uses. Three recommended trails are the five mile trail running east and west from the Pigeon Creek Campground, the nature trail at Castle Mound, and the trail from Castle Mound south to Hwy 27. Pigeon Creek Campground has a loop plowed for winter camping. Backpack camping is also of course allowed during the winter.
Buckhorn State Park -
Cross-country ski trails were packed Thursday, Dec. 11 afternoon and a good base is started. The trails were in poor condition for skiing. Remember, snowshoes and hikers must stay off the groomed portion of trails. The park is open for late season for bow hunting (no special hunting permit is required).Park staff does not monitor ice conditions.
Oshkosh
There are 6 to 8 inches of ice found in some bays of Lake Winnebago and 5 to 6 inches have been reported in the middle areas of the lake. Numerous cracks measuring several feet wide are found on Lake Winnebago. Recent snow cover makes these cracks hard to detect. Ceape Avenue, 24th Street and the mouth of the Fox River in Oshkosh have significant cracks with a thin layer of ice and snow concealing them. Ice picks, cell phones and some type of flotation jacket are recommended safety items to take out with you on the frozen water.
Snowmobile trails in Winnebago County had not opened as of Dec. 17, but a weekend snowfall should be enough to do the trick. For the most current conditions in Winnebago County, you may call their Parks Department at 920-232-1960, #4
