Friday brought the snow we SORELY needed to make ilsnow land look like winter again. The storm is winding down and Indian Lake has totaled 9 inches of snow. Overall snowpack ranges from several inches-plus in the exposed areas to 12-20 inches elsewhere.
But this doesn’t mean it’s all white unicorns and roses. Enduring two washout thaws in the past week has left deep scars.
Your best strategy this weekend would be to hit the seasonal road networks like Perkins Clearing, Speculator Tree Farm, Moose River Plains, Powley Road and Newcomb trail. But even on those, you will need to ride carefully with glare ice underneath the new snow. You’ll need to beware of leftover washouts.
Narrow woods trails have thin conditions with glare ice under the new snow. Grooming, if any, will be done on a case by case basis by snowmobile clubs and municipalities. You’ll need to beware of rocks and leftover washouts.
Lakes
I strongly advise against riding the lakes this weekend, for safely’s sake. Or at least THINK LONG AND HARD before riding them. New snow is hiding many danger areas near inlets and outlets.
Indian Lake has risen nearly 4 FEET since February 17th. This has weakened the shore ice with open holes showing up.
Bottom line
If you’re smart about it, you can play here this weekend and next week. Set your expectations reasonably…
For the ilsnow nation,
Darrin
This report is brought to you by Chef Darrell’s Mountain Diner on the snowmobile trail in Blue Mountain Lake! A traditional diner serving breakfast all day, as well as lunch and dinner. They use fresh ingredients to handcraft a home-style menu in a casual, family-friendly environment. Open Thursday through Sunday all winter.
