Snow Cover: 8"-9" in the woods
Date of Report: January 26, 2017
Area Report:
The groomers went out last night after a 5 day break. Temps finally fell below freezing early yesterday but unfortunately, the snow fall basically all went south. We have had about 1/4″ of mixed precipitation that has at least turned the brown snow banks white. Really all the groomers could do was smoothen out the slushy base as it refroze. There is no snow cover on the trails and it will take 4″ or more to fix the damage. Expect poor (bare) road crossings and road routes will be about the same. Trails may be fair in the woods but corners will be icy. Watch for cooling issues with the hard pack.
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 and/or standing water in low spots along the trails and anywhere on 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:
SnoBuddies’ Soup & Chili cook-off at Twin Haven this Saturday at 3 PM.
Conover Blizzard Blast is February 18th at the Conover Town Park on Hwy K east.