Snow Cover: 6-12"
Date of Report: February 2, 2017
Area Report:
Trail conditions have improved with some fresh snow this week; however there are still many icy spots that require riders to use caution. Trail 4 East and West out of Mason remains CLOSED due to lack of Snow.
Northern Bayfield County:
The north east Groomer area received 3 to 6 inches of new snow this week and all our trails are in fair shape excluding the Washburn area which received less snow. We have been out grooming and everything should be groomed by Friday (2/3/17) excluding Trail 13 south of Washburn where the snow is marginal. There are Lots of icy spots so please use caution.
Trail 1 in the very Northwest corner of the County is getting groomed today (2/2/2017). Because of logging we are only going up to Greens Rd. until we get some more snow next week
Around Herbster Trails 40, 41, 19, 31 and part of 1 have been groomed and are all good except trail 1 into town which is a little rough but rideable. The rest of Trail 1 will get groomed today (2/2/2017).
Central Bayfield County:
After the initial 3 inches of fresh snow Iron River received another inch, possibly two the following day. Trails 22, 24, and 31 south of Iron River have been groomed and cleared of reported downed trees. Plenty of fresh snow on those trails with a moderate ice base underneath. Trail 4 from Hwy 2 crossing to Delta is rideable with lesser amounts closer to Delta which in turn creates icier conditions. The Tri County Corridor has been groomed from FR241 to Brule in Bayfield County’s jurisdiction with plenty of snow but with heavy ice base. Operations will continue until Friday afternoon on trails 21 and 31 along with south Port Wing and Herbster area.
Southern Bayfield County:
Namakagon: Trails in the Namakagon area have all been groomed once as of last night. Plans are to make another round throughout the weekend. The trails have a few thin spots with some icy corners! Over all though the snow we got helped to rate them Fair to Good condition! We’ll be doing our best to get the most with what we have. Slow down and enjoy the ride. We’ve had a couple close calls with icy conditions and trees. Also remember that the Groomers are out when possible DAY or NIGHT!
Drummond: Trails 6, 7 and 63 have 4″ of new snow this week and are groomed and in good condition. The trail from Mason to Sanborn lacks sufficient for grooming as well as trail 4 towards Delta. Grooming will continue through the weekend.
Barnes: The Barnes area received 4-5” of snow, and grooming operations are back in progress. All trails the Barnestormers groom have or will be completed by Thursday. Grooming operations may continue into the weekend, please be aware of grooming equipment on the trail system. Trails are in fair to good condition but very icy, please ride with caution and ride safe. There is a 1 mile section of Trail 31 South that has been plowed to allow the road to freeze down for a future logging job, but there is still some snow on the trail and it is passable.
News and Reports:
The Apostle Islands Sled Dog Race is this weekend up in the Bayfield area Saturday and Sunday, February 4th and 5th. The race crosses a snowmobile trail and goes on a section of Jodi Rd. which is also a snowmobile trail. Please use caution and watch for dog sled teams if you are riding in this area this weekend.
Timber Sale Activity:
Trail 1 – South of Cornucopia – off Stage Rd. a sale has gone active on this section of trail so watch for caution signs and logging equipment.
Trail 31 – Northwest of the City of Washburn – near Lost Lake Rd. This sale is finishing up so there should be minimal activity.
Trail 31 – South of Barnes – A one mile section of Trail 31 South that has been plowed to allow the road to freeze down for a future logging job, but it is still passable.