Snow Cover: 9" - 10" in the woods
Date of Report: January 30, 2017
Area Report:
The groomers have been out for the last 4 nights. Temps fell to low single digits last night & trails firmed up pretty well. We have had about 1/2″ more or less of light snow that has at least turned the brown snow banks white & gave us something to groom into the old stuff. A clipper is forecast for today but as usual, the NWS is now backing off the snowfall estimates.
I groomed the WEST side last night & what I found was:
Trail 8 along K within 1 mile of town is bumpy, basically ice with a thin brown snow cover. Groomer just followed the frozen contour. I’d call it poor/fair. Beyond this area, everything on the SOUTH side of K west to & including the Deer Path trail is good or better with a few icy corners.
Trail 13 & 45 NORTH of K was basically good with a section about 2 miles north (but before the bridge) that had thin brownish snow but groomed flat. After the bridge, 13 was good all the way to Rummels Rd intersection with Land-O. I did not head east on 45. Again, watch for ice in corners.
Expect the east side has similar conditions; Primarily good with a some fair areas, possible icy corners & poor road crossings.
Expect poor (bare) road crossings on 45 & K and road routes will be about the same. The driveways & road crossings along the south side of K were good.
Twin Haven via the new trail; Trail is nice except for the last 3/4 mile where it turns off the grade. This section has now been groomed & is much better but still has new trail bumps. For those running along the power lines N from North Twin boat ramp, you now have a stop sign at the grade, E/W traffic has the right of way.
The lakes are marked and had lots of snow. Watch for the possibility of slush/ ruts and/or standing water anywhere on the lakes. More snow is needed to smoothen out the lakes.
News and Reports:
It crossed my mind that for those of you that have never snowmobiled in Vilas or surrounding, it is unlike areas further south. We really have nearly zero farm field crossings. Most riding is in the woods, some trails are on old rail grades & there are lots of lake crossings. But, be prepared to travel a distance to the next stop, especially along the northern portions of the county. Please stay on the trails; Trespassing is the fastest way to loose trails.
Don’t forget you need a WI trail permit to ride the state’s groomed trail system. Aggressive riding causes more trail damage than slower, less aggressive riding. Ride right & be safe.
Snowmobile Information:
Conover Blizzard Blast is February 18th at the Conover Town Park on Hwy K east.