A Dusting of Snow

A half-inch dusting of snow fell today - it's a start! Low temperatures have finally given us better ice on the lakes and ponds and swamps. Trails are packed but there isn't much snow on them - no grooming yet.  Think SNOW! 
​
The Green Trail (Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River) in Voyageurs National Park is open not groomed. Lakes are ice with no snow cover (see the photo at https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/conditions.htm). You'll need good scratchers! Park staff are not traveling far because of overheating and excessive wear and tear. Land portages are rough with a little hard packed icy snow. There are still hazardous areas where the ice is somewhat thin: pressure ridges, sand bars, shorelines, and shallow areas.  We join them in reminding everyone - Ice is never 100% safe!

The Kabetogama Ice Road is open and staked to the Sphunge sledding hill (lots of expose rock on the hill, though). Stakes will be removed once there is snow to make berms. Most ski and snowshoe trails are open in the park. 

The DNR reports that ice in the swamps is better (from 6" - 12" thick). They are seeing a lot of shelf ice in beaver ponds where water is still draining, as well as more hummocks and stumps to watch out for. A beaver dam encountered on a trail is likely a steep berm. Stay alert for these conditions especially in the following areas: from Big Aspen to Pfeiffer Lake and from Black Bear trail to the Y Store Trail on the Taconite State Trail; and on the Arrowhead just south of the Hwy 1 crossing, at the Frazier Bay shelter, and in the Elephant Creek/Blackduck grade segment north of Elephant Lake.

Stay safe on the ice and courteous on the trails if you venture out to enjoy the scenery. The forecast is for a little more snow Saturday/Sunday. Every inch helps, but it will be a bit before the groomers work the trails. If you're in the area, please visit our sponsoring businesses!

For the latest info, visit:

• VTSI:  https://www.snowmobilevacation.com and https://www.facebook.com/VTSIGrooms
• Crane Lake Voyageurs Snowmobile Club:  www.facebook.com/groups/a723936869357904
• International Voyageurs: http://www.ridetheborders.com/trail-report.html and https://www.facebook.com/IVSClub
• VNP Trail Conditions: https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
• DNR Trail Conditions: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snow_depth/index.html
• Buyck Portageurs: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057218389432
• Ash River/Kabetogama Snowdrifters: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068157102512