No News is Bad News

Our temperatures continue to be on a roller coaster, above and below freezing. In the past week we had a couple of days around +7. This morning, it's -3 and there is a very light dusting of snow on the ground, but not nearly enough to ski on. The forecast for the coming week looks quite warm, with one day predicted to reach +11. I don't think we'll be skiing anytime soon.

No skiing yet.

Yesterday's rain changed to snow overnight. This morning, we have 1 to 2 cm of snow on the ground - not enough to ski on.
I'm heading over to Monora Park this morning, for the Mono Nordic Ski Club open house and registration day.

A little snow, but not enough

We have about 3 cm of snow on the ground. Grass is sticking up through it. Not enough to ski on. With temperatures going up to +6 on Monday and Tuesday, this snow won't stay around for long.

This was the Hockleycrest Trail at about 8 this morning.

Winter Arrives

We have some snow on the ground this morning. It is not sufficient to ski on, but we are heading in the right direction. The forecast calls for snow squalls today; if these should happen to cross our area, we could receive larger amounts of snow.
I will not groom until there is sufficient depth. Look for updates later today and tomorrow.

Getting ready for winter, and sharing the trails

We've been busy clearing all the trails and putting up our signage for the approaching winter ski season. Something new this year is some signage on the wide portions of the Hockleycrest Trail (#3) directing trail users to walk left and ski right (or the opposite if they are going in the opposite direction). I hope this will help to maintain the groomed ski tracks in better condition.

Erosion Repairs

On June 23, 2017 the Hockley valley area experienced a very intense rain storm - exceeding the 100 year storm. Homes and roads in the valley were flooded. Up on the shoulder of the valley, our trails suffered some serious erosion damage, especially the North Plateau Trail. Repairs are now underway, and are going well. Come winter, we should have some good skiing here, provided we get some snow!

damaged trail section after repairs

Deep eroded gulley before repairs.

The grass is always greener ......

Lots of rain means lots of grass growing on our trails. We keep them cut through the summer, because it's easier to do it several times when it's not too tall, rather than waiting until late fall when it's up to your shoulder. Also produces a better turf. One nice aspect of doing this is that there is lots of milkweed along the trails, and I am seeing quite a few monarch butterflies.

The Lowdown trail

The Pasture Trail