We’re nearing time to close the books on another short and sub-par snowmobiling season. I hope you were able to get a reasonable amount of saddle time in.
Before you know it, I’ll be wading through ankle deep mud, then swatting black flies. And don’t get me going on #summersucks!
Saturday’s snow totals have reached or exceeded a half-foot throughout the central Adirondacks as of 2pm.
Seasonal roads such as Moose River Plains, Perkins Clearing, Powley Road, Speculator Tree Farm and Newcomb trail should offer good enough riding Sunday and into Monday to scratch the itch. There was a icy-sub base remaining on trails before the new snow.
Narrow woods trails are clinically rideable. But you would need to ride them with caution – looking out for rocks, water hazards and leftover blowdown from previous windstorms. I doubt the groomers would come back out to do those trails, if they come out at all.
Lakes
Having endured 3 significant thaws/rain since mid-February, lakes must be treated carefully. Avoid inlets/outlets if you decide to ride them. Don’t loiter near the shore. If you don’t feel good about riding lakes, by all means you can stay OFF.
Indian Lake has risen 5-and-a-half FEET, which has weakened shore ice. I wouldn’t count on Saturday night’s cold to completely button it up, especially with new snow insulating and hiding danger spots.
Remember…
If you ride to Newcomb, don’t go there with a near empty gas tank.
Midweek outlook
With temperatures expected to hold above 32*F most of Monday night, you’d be pressing your luck in regards to putting on anything close to real mileage by mid-week. By next weekend, the plunger will have been pushed into die-hard season.
Can I rule out another snow event before the end of March? Nope… But we’d be sliding into oblivion by the time that would happen. Only ultra-diehards would hit it. With the price of gas sky high, very few would bother anyway.
Looks like I have a ride or two left, maybe three if I press it. We’ll see….
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.
