Day 40 of skiing this season.
Trail conditions remain poor to fair, as we have not had any new snow since last weekend's melt and re-freeze. Downhill sections should be skied with extreme caution. Only expert skiers should tackle the trails under these conditions.
Friday, 31 January 2020
Thursday, 30 January 2020
January 30 - more of the same
Today is Day 39 of skiing.
I'm getting tired of writing the same thing every day. Please read yesterday's post; nothing has changed.
I'm getting tired of writing the same thing every day. Please read yesterday's post; nothing has changed.
Wednesday, 29 January 2020
January 29 - more of the same
This is Day 38 of skiing this season.
Conditions on the trails remain the same as they have been for the past couple of days: poor to fair. It is possible to ski, but not enjoyable because the trails are very icy. Extreme caution should be used on downhill sections. It's very difficult to control speed and direction.
One bright spot is that the temperature is trending cooler - closer to where it should be at this time of year. The next significant snowfall in the forecast is next Tuesday and Wednesday. We will have to wait and see if it materializes. Until then, trail conditions will remain very challenging.
Conditions on the trails remain the same as they have been for the past couple of days: poor to fair. It is possible to ski, but not enjoyable because the trails are very icy. Extreme caution should be used on downhill sections. It's very difficult to control speed and direction.
One bright spot is that the temperature is trending cooler - closer to where it should be at this time of year. The next significant snowfall in the forecast is next Tuesday and Wednesday. We will have to wait and see if it materializes. Until then, trail conditions will remain very challenging.
Tuesday, 28 January 2020
January 28 - still in the doldrums
Today is Day 37 of skiing this season.
Conditions remain the same on our trails. It's possible to ski, but not much fun because of the ice. I would rate the conditions as Poor to Fair. It's not too bad on the level sections, but downhill sections are especially challenging (scary).
I do NOT recommend skiing here today.
Conditions remain the same on our trails. It's possible to ski, but not much fun because of the ice. I would rate the conditions as Poor to Fair. It's not too bad on the level sections, but downhill sections are especially challenging (scary).
I do NOT recommend skiing here today.
Monday, 27 January 2020
January 27 - be cautious
I'm going to say today is a skiable day, so it's Day 36 of skiing this season.
I've been out skiing this morning, and it's possible, though not good. We received about 1 cm of new snow yesterday and overnight; just enough to create a tiny soft cushion between your skis and the icy crust below. Adding to the challenge is the fact that the temperature is currently -1 and is predicted to hit 0 later today, so waxing will be difficult and glide will probably not be good.
Conditions are difficult, and skiing here today should only be attempted by expert skiers.
I will try some grooming later this morning, to see if I can make things any better.
I've been out skiing this morning, and it's possible, though not good. We received about 1 cm of new snow yesterday and overnight; just enough to create a tiny soft cushion between your skis and the icy crust below. Adding to the challenge is the fact that the temperature is currently -1 and is predicted to hit 0 later today, so waxing will be difficult and glide will probably not be good.
Conditions are difficult, and skiing here today should only be attempted by expert skiers.
I will try some grooming later this morning, to see if I can make things any better.
Sunday, 26 January 2020
January 26 - We're closed.
Today is not a ski day. Yesterday's predicted snowfall did not happen. Instead, we had rain with a temperature of about +2 most of the day. Overnight, the temperature has dropped to just below 0, and the snow has frozen into an icy crust.
My grooming equipment is not able to deal with ice. The trails will be dangerous today, so please do not come here skiing.
If we can get a minimum of 7 or 8 cm of new snow, then what we have on the ground now will make an excellent firm base. But until that happens, ski conditions are going to be poor.
My grooming equipment is not able to deal with ice. The trails will be dangerous today, so please do not come here skiing.
If we can get a minimum of 7 or 8 cm of new snow, then what we have on the ground now will make an excellent firm base. But until that happens, ski conditions are going to be poor.
Saturday, 25 January 2020
January 25 - Not a ski day
Today is not a day for skiing.
I skied a little bit first thing this morning, but it was not enjoyable. There was rain, and the temperature remained above freezing overnight. Current temperature is +1, with some light drizzle. The snow pack has softened and settled and is now tending toward slush. It would be better for the trails if skiers stayed off them today. Please don't come skiing, until temperatures have dropped and we've had some new snow.
I skied a little bit first thing this morning, but it was not enjoyable. There was rain, and the temperature remained above freezing overnight. Current temperature is +1, with some light drizzle. The snow pack has softened and settled and is now tending toward slush. It would be better for the trails if skiers stayed off them today. Please don't come skiing, until temperatures have dropped and we've had some new snow.
Friday, 24 January 2020
January 24 - not too bad
Today is Day 35 of skiing.
Conditions here first thing this morning are not bad, considering that our temperature went up to +2 yesterday afternoon. We're currently sitting at -3, and the snow surface is surprisingly soft. It's not quite powder, but it's also not the icy crust that I was expecting. The forecast high for today is 0. Skiing will be best this morning, before the temperature hits the freezing point.
Conditions here first thing this morning are not bad, considering that our temperature went up to +2 yesterday afternoon. We're currently sitting at -3, and the snow surface is surprisingly soft. It's not quite powder, but it's also not the icy crust that I was expecting. The forecast high for today is 0. Skiing will be best this morning, before the temperature hits the freezing point.
Thursday, 23 January 2020
January 23 - things may be changing
Today is Day 34 of skiing.
Ski conditions remain very good here this morning. However, the weather forecast is not favourable for skiing over the next few days, as temperatures are predicted to rise above freezing starting today. Environment Canada shows highs of +2, with the possibility of rain Friday night, and wet snow Saturday. The Weather Network is a little more palatable (from a skiing perspective), as they show highs of 0, no rain, and 5 to 10 cm of snow Saturday. Both are indicating a slight drop in temperatures starting Sunday. All we can do is wait and see what happens.
This morning, I will be freshening up some of the grooming in the south end. One area near the sugar shack on the Tai Chi property got a bit messed up by their tractor, so I'll be trying to remedy that.
If you plan on skiing today, I suggest you come as early as possible, to get here before the temperature reaches 0. It's currently -4.
Mid-morning Update: I've cleaned up the grooming on a number of the southern trails, pruned a few low-hanging trees, and reset tracks in several areas. I also have a confession to make: I've been saying that all trails were groomed, but in fact one trail #8 Get Down was not done. Now it is. I also pruned a couple of low-hanging branches on that one. Conditions are very good right now, but I can't guarantee the future.
Ski conditions remain very good here this morning. However, the weather forecast is not favourable for skiing over the next few days, as temperatures are predicted to rise above freezing starting today. Environment Canada shows highs of +2, with the possibility of rain Friday night, and wet snow Saturday. The Weather Network is a little more palatable (from a skiing perspective), as they show highs of 0, no rain, and 5 to 10 cm of snow Saturday. Both are indicating a slight drop in temperatures starting Sunday. All we can do is wait and see what happens.
This morning, I will be freshening up some of the grooming in the south end. One area near the sugar shack on the Tai Chi property got a bit messed up by their tractor, so I'll be trying to remedy that.
If you plan on skiing today, I suggest you come as early as possible, to get here before the temperature reaches 0. It's currently -4.
Mid-morning Update: I've cleaned up the grooming on a number of the southern trails, pruned a few low-hanging trees, and reset tracks in several areas. I also have a confession to make: I've been saying that all trails were groomed, but in fact one trail #8 Get Down was not done. Now it is. I also pruned a couple of low-hanging branches on that one. Conditions are very good right now, but I can't guarantee the future.
Wednesday, 22 January 2020
January 22 - still nice
Today is Day 33 of skiing this season.
Conditions remain good on our trails. It looks like today will be the last day of good temperatures from a skiing perspective, as some milder air will move in tomorrow and over the weekend. The snow may get a little moist and sticky, as the high temperature reaches +1 for several days in a row.
There are a few drifted spots on our trails, mainly on the open fields at the north end. I will take the groomer over these today to re-establish a packed snow surface.
After noon update: drifted areas at the north end have been re-packed, and some tracks reset in the central area.
Conditions remain good on our trails. It looks like today will be the last day of good temperatures from a skiing perspective, as some milder air will move in tomorrow and over the weekend. The snow may get a little moist and sticky, as the high temperature reaches +1 for several days in a row.
There are a few drifted spots on our trails, mainly on the open fields at the north end. I will take the groomer over these today to re-establish a packed snow surface.
After noon update: drifted areas at the north end have been re-packed, and some tracks reset in the central area.
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| Trail #3 after resetting tracks. Walking area to the left. |
Tuesday, 21 January 2020
January 21 - nice again
Today is Day 32 of skiing this season.
Conditions remain very good on our trails. I did a little touch-up grooming yesterday, and added some more track. The wet spot at the far north end of Mainline, near Airport Road, is still wet in spite of my efforts to cover it with snow, so watch for it if you're up that way.
Today should be an excellent ski day; currently -8, forecast high -5. There is a little bit of light flurry activity right now.
Conditions remain very good on our trails. I did a little touch-up grooming yesterday, and added some more track. The wet spot at the far north end of Mainline, near Airport Road, is still wet in spite of my efforts to cover it with snow, so watch for it if you're up that way.
Today should be an excellent ski day; currently -8, forecast high -5. There is a little bit of light flurry activity right now.
Monday, 20 January 2020
January 20 - Nice!
Today is Day 31 of skiing this season.
It's -15 outside this morning. Skiing conditions are very good. There was a dusting of fresh snow overnight. All trails were groomed yesterday. I will be doing a bit of "touch-up" grooming today, refreshing a few areas and re-setting tracks. There is one tiny fly in the ointment: at the very north end of the Mainline trail, just as it reaches Airport Road, there is a persistent wet spot. Hopefully, with the cold temperature this morning, it will have frozen. I will go up there with a snow shovel and throw some powder snow on top.
Enjoy these great conditions while you can; we don't know how long they will last.
It's -15 outside this morning. Skiing conditions are very good. There was a dusting of fresh snow overnight. All trails were groomed yesterday. I will be doing a bit of "touch-up" grooming today, refreshing a few areas and re-setting tracks. There is one tiny fly in the ointment: at the very north end of the Mainline trail, just as it reaches Airport Road, there is a persistent wet spot. Hopefully, with the cold temperature this morning, it will have frozen. I will go up there with a snow shovel and throw some powder snow on top.
Enjoy these great conditions while you can; we don't know how long they will last.
Sunday, 19 January 2020
January 19 - Finally real snow!
Today is Day 30 of skiing this season.
Yesterday's snowfall did not disappoint; between 15 and 20 cm of nice, fluffy powder. Right now, we have excellent back-country conditions. Trails that I packed yesterday afternoon (which was most of the network) are skiing nicely with about 8 cm of powder on top of a firm base. I will be out to groom again as soon as there is enough daylight.
The temperature is comfortable, at -5, and is forecast to drop to -8 this afternoon. The skiing will be very good today.
Update 10:20 a.m. South end and central trails have been groomed, including some track-setting, mostly in the central area. North end trails will be packed soon.
Afternoon update: All trails have been groomed today. I've been out skiing to assess the conditions, and they are excellent. It doesn't get much better than this. Today is a near-perfect ski day; nice comfortable temperature, and packed powder snow. The temperature is at the perfect point where your skis have good grip and great glide. You can get up some nice speed on the downhills, but the packed powder surface allows you to control speed effortlessly.
The weather forecast looks great for the next few days, so these great conditions should continue until at least Thursday.
Yesterday's snowfall did not disappoint; between 15 and 20 cm of nice, fluffy powder. Right now, we have excellent back-country conditions. Trails that I packed yesterday afternoon (which was most of the network) are skiing nicely with about 8 cm of powder on top of a firm base. I will be out to groom again as soon as there is enough daylight.
The temperature is comfortable, at -5, and is forecast to drop to -8 this afternoon. The skiing will be very good today.
Update 10:20 a.m. South end and central trails have been groomed, including some track-setting, mostly in the central area. North end trails will be packed soon.
Afternoon update: All trails have been groomed today. I've been out skiing to assess the conditions, and they are excellent. It doesn't get much better than this. Today is a near-perfect ski day; nice comfortable temperature, and packed powder snow. The temperature is at the perfect point where your skis have good grip and great glide. You can get up some nice speed on the downhills, but the packed powder surface allows you to control speed effortlessly.
The weather forecast looks great for the next few days, so these great conditions should continue until at least Thursday.
Saturday, 18 January 2020
January 18 - Ready and waiting
Today is Day 29 of skiing this season.
We are ready and waiting for the snowfall. The weather office is predicting 15 to 20 cm of snow for our area. Hopefully they will be correct this time.
I will begin grooming when the snow depth has reached about 10 cm. in order to stay ahead of it, and to achieve better compaction. Trails will probably require 2 passes of the groomer.
Afternoon Update: We have snow! It's been snowing since about 9 this morning, and is still snowing fairly hard. So far, we've gotten about 10 cm. This afternoon, I packed most of the trails. The only ones not done are #14, #19, #21 and #23. Everything else has had at least one pass of the roller. Next grooming will be after the snowfall stops, probably tomorrow morning.
We are ready and waiting for the snowfall. The weather office is predicting 15 to 20 cm of snow for our area. Hopefully they will be correct this time.
I will begin grooming when the snow depth has reached about 10 cm. in order to stay ahead of it, and to achieve better compaction. Trails will probably require 2 passes of the groomer.
Afternoon Update: We have snow! It's been snowing since about 9 this morning, and is still snowing fairly hard. So far, we've gotten about 10 cm. This afternoon, I packed most of the trails. The only ones not done are #14, #19, #21 and #23. Everything else has had at least one pass of the roller. Next grooming will be after the snowfall stops, probably tomorrow morning.
Friday, 17 January 2020
January 17 - finally, winter
Today is Day 28 of skiing this season.
After about 3 weeks when the temperature barely went below freezing, colder temperatures have arrived. It's -18 outside this morning, but with no wind it doesn't feel too bad.
We received another 1 to 2 cm of snow yesterday and overnight, so there's a slightly softer surface over the ice. There is still not enough snow to make grooming practical; however, it looks like that is going to change tomorrow. All the forecasts are predicting a snowfall in the range of 10 to 20 cm. It's about time!
If you come skiing today, make sure to dress for the cold, and be aware that there may still be a few tree branches on the trails. Debris continues to fall, as a result of last Saturday's ice storm.
After about 3 weeks when the temperature barely went below freezing, colder temperatures have arrived. It's -18 outside this morning, but with no wind it doesn't feel too bad.
We received another 1 to 2 cm of snow yesterday and overnight, so there's a slightly softer surface over the ice. There is still not enough snow to make grooming practical; however, it looks like that is going to change tomorrow. All the forecasts are predicting a snowfall in the range of 10 to 20 cm. It's about time!
If you come skiing today, make sure to dress for the cold, and be aware that there may still be a few tree branches on the trails. Debris continues to fall, as a result of last Saturday's ice storm.
Thursday, 16 January 2020
January 16 - slight improvement
Today is Day 27 of skiing this season.
Last night's snowfall was a disappointment; it was supposed to be 5 cm but has only amounted to 1 or 2 cm. Nevertheless, ski conditions are a little better as a result, with the surface now covered by a soft powder layer. The situation is also improved with regard to ice storm damage; above-freezing temperatures yesterday afternoon allowed ice to melt off of some trees (although much still remains), and I cleared fallen debris from trails, for the second time. Broken branches continue to fall, so be prepared for possible obstructions.
Today's forecast calls for dropping temperatures, and possible snow squall activity.
Last night's snowfall was a disappointment; it was supposed to be 5 cm but has only amounted to 1 or 2 cm. Nevertheless, ski conditions are a little better as a result, with the surface now covered by a soft powder layer. The situation is also improved with regard to ice storm damage; above-freezing temperatures yesterday afternoon allowed ice to melt off of some trees (although much still remains), and I cleared fallen debris from trails, for the second time. Broken branches continue to fall, so be prepared for possible obstructions.
Today's forecast calls for dropping temperatures, and possible snow squall activity.
Wednesday, 15 January 2020
January 15 - more of the same
Not much has changed on our trails since yesterday. I guess I have to count yesterday as a "skiable" day, since I saw one skier on the trails, and she said it wasn't too bad. So that means yesterday was Day 25 of skiing this season, and today is Day 26.
It got a bit mild yesterday afternoon and overnight, so the snow got a bit moist. Ice is beginning to fall off the trees and shower the ground with little nuggets. It's possible to ski on this, but it's not the soft powder that you might like to have. There are newly fallen branches on some of the trails I've already cleared; I will be out later to remove these. Trail #5 has some wet areas; best to avoid it until we get more snow.
On that subject, the forecast says we will get 5 cm of snow tonight, and a more significant snowfall on Saturday. Let's hope it proves to be correct.
It got a bit mild yesterday afternoon and overnight, so the snow got a bit moist. Ice is beginning to fall off the trees and shower the ground with little nuggets. It's possible to ski on this, but it's not the soft powder that you might like to have. There are newly fallen branches on some of the trails I've already cleared; I will be out later to remove these. Trail #5 has some wet areas; best to avoid it until we get more snow.
On that subject, the forecast says we will get 5 cm of snow tonight, and a more significant snowfall on Saturday. Let's hope it proves to be correct.
Tuesday, 14 January 2020
January 14 - cleanup continues
Three days after the ice storm, and we are still cleaning up fallen trees and limbs. Yesterday, I completed all the north end and most of the south. Only Gazebo #2 and a small portion of Around the Pines #7 remain uncleared. However, this does not guarantee a clear trail, as new debris is continuing to fall.
Skiing is possible, but snow cover is very thin (about 3 cm over the ice) and conditions are not good.
Mid-day update: all trails have now been cleared at least once, but there could be newly fallen debris anywhere. Also a reminder that trail #5 West Side Story has a number of wet spots. These are currently frozen over, but if the temperature rises above freezing, as predicted, then the wet surface may return, and skis could ice up as a result. Probably best to avoid #5 until we have more snow cover.
Skiing is possible, but snow cover is very thin (about 3 cm over the ice) and conditions are not good.
Mid-day update: all trails have now been cleared at least once, but there could be newly fallen debris anywhere. Also a reminder that trail #5 West Side Story has a number of wet spots. These are currently frozen over, but if the temperature rises above freezing, as predicted, then the wet surface may return, and skis could ice up as a result. Probably best to avoid #5 until we have more snow cover.
Monday, 13 January 2020
January 13 - In clean-up mode
We are recovering from Saturday's ice storm. The power is back on, after an outage of about 18 hours. All the trees are still heavily laden with ice. I have cleared debris from some of the trails, but not all. I will be out today, trying to clear the rest.
It's snowing lightly here now, and it would be possible to ski, but I would not recommend it yet.
Mid-day update: I've cleared debris from all trails in the central and northern parts of the network. The south end remains to be done, this afternoon or tomorrow.
It's snowing lightly here now, and it would be possible to ski, but I would not recommend it yet.
Mid-day update: I've cleared debris from all trails in the central and northern parts of the network. The south end remains to be done, this afternoon or tomorrow.
Sunday, 12 January 2020
January 12 - good news, bad news
The good news is that the freezing rain has ended, it is now snowing lightly, and there is a small amount of new snow on top of the ice: about 2 to 3 cm. It probably would be possible to ski on this.
BUT, here's the bad news: there are numerous tree branches and limbs down on the trails, and many more hanging down low into the trails. I haven't been around the whole network yet, to see how bad things are, but I expect it will take me a couple of days to have everything cleared. In addition, there are a few spots that are flooded from all the rain we got before the temperature dropped. Once again, I haven't been able to do a complete assessment, but I'm pretty sure that the SW corner of trail #5, between # 6 and #3, will be wet.
Current temperature is -8, and the forecast for the week ahead looks pretty good, so after we clear away this mess, we might actually have some decent skiing.
BUT, here's the bad news: there are numerous tree branches and limbs down on the trails, and many more hanging down low into the trails. I haven't been around the whole network yet, to see how bad things are, but I expect it will take me a couple of days to have everything cleared. In addition, there are a few spots that are flooded from all the rain we got before the temperature dropped. Once again, I haven't been able to do a complete assessment, but I'm pretty sure that the SW corner of trail #5, between # 6 and #3, will be wet.
Current temperature is -8, and the forecast for the week ahead looks pretty good, so after we clear away this mess, we might actually have some decent skiing.
Saturday, 11 January 2020
January 11 - Yuck!
It's raining outside. This afternoon, it's expected to change to freezing rain. No skiing again today.
Friday, 10 January 2020
January 10 - no skiing, again
The temperature rose to +4 overnight, and we have already lost much of the little snow we had. No skiing today.
Thursday, 9 January 2020
January 9
Our conditions remain much the same. The snow cover is very thin; trails are skiable, but just barely. Rock skis recommended.
The weather system coming in on the weekend does not look favourable for skiing.
The weather system coming in on the weekend does not look favourable for skiing.
Wednesday, 8 January 2020
January 8 - little change
This is day 23 of skiable conditions. Not much has changed since yesterday. The high yesterday was a bit above 0, so there was a tiny bit of snow loss, but we received a little new snow overnight, so conditions are about the same; not good, but tolerable. Rock skis recommended.
Tuesday, 7 January 2020
January 7 - a little more snow
We had some pretty persistent flurries yesterday, especially in the late afternoon/early evening, and that brought us 1 to 2 cm of additional snow. It's now possible to ski here, although the snow cover is very thin. Conditions are not good, but are tolerable. Rock skis are recommended.
This is day 22 of skiable conditions this season.
This is day 22 of skiable conditions this season.
Monday, 6 January 2020
January 6 - a little snow
We received about 3 cm of snow overnight. It would be possible to ski, but conditions are not good. I would not recommend skiing here today.
Saturday, 4 January 2020
Friday, 3 January 2020
January 3 - too warm
Yesterday's high temperature reached +4, and the overnight temperature was +2. Consequently, we've lost most of our snow. Another day without skiing.
It looks like things may improve over the next few days.
It looks like things may improve over the next few days.
Thursday, 2 January 2020
Wednesday, 1 January 2020
January 1, 2020 - Happy New Year
Yesterday's snowfall left us with about 3 to 4 cm of snow on the ground; not enough to ski on, but a step in the right direction. The forecast says we will have a couple more days of mild temperatures before a return to seasonable cool weather.