Much Better

 Yesterday's storm did not bring us the predicted 10 cm of new snow. Nevertheless, the 5 cm we did receive has made ski conditions much better than before. The snow we got was mixed with ice pellets, so it is much denser than ordinary, fluffy powder snow, which means that on ski trails it behaves as if it is deeper than the measured amount.

I groomed all the central trails late yesterday afternoon as the snowfall was coming to an end. I will pack the southern and northern trails this morning. I'm not sure if there is enough snow depth to set a track; I will experiment and see how it turns out.

There are still some thin spots under conifers, but these are smaller and much improved.

It looks like these good conditions won't last very long; tomorrow's forecast calls for freezing rain or rain.

Noon Update: All remaining trails have been groomed, and many sections have been track-set. The track went in fairly well in most places. It's very good skiing right now.

Waiting for the Snow

 According to Environment Canada's weather radar, it's already snowing outside. But I've just come in from skiing, and it is not snowing.

As of now, trail conditions remain the same as the past 2 days: thin coverage and a little bit icy. Hopefully that will change later today, as the forecast promises a snowfall of 5 to 10 cm, lasting until about 6 p.m.

8 a.m. Update: No more waiting. Snowfall has started!

Expecting More Snow

 Conditions on the trails this morning are not bad. On a scale from 1 to 10, I would give it a 5.

Most trails are flat packed granular snow. There are some places, maybe 5% to 10% of the network, that are very thin and icy. These are mainly where the trail passes under a dense canopy of conifer trees.

One of my main objectives in grooming yesterday was to create a relatively smooth, flat, firm base for the next snowfall, and in that I think it succeeded. It looks like that next snowfall will be tomorrow, with estimates in the vicinity of 10 cm of snow, possibly mixed with ice pellets.

The temperature outside right now is a comfortable -1, predicted to drop during the day. If you come skiing, be aware that the granular snow is fairly fast, so it will be important to control your speed on downhills.

Back Below Freezing

 After sitting around +1 to +2 for much of yesterday, the temperature has dropped below the freezing mark and is now at -2. According to the forecast, it will continue to drop during the day.

Yesterday morning's new snow has experienced partial melting, a little bit of rainfall, and partial refreezing. Right now, we have a soft crust, which I think can be packed and flattened. I'm going to try some grooming after breakfast and see what the result is.

Noon Update: I've groomed virtually the entire network and the result is better than I expected. Most trails are a flat packed granular surface. There are a few thin icy spots, mainly where the trail is under a dense canopy of conifer trees. One of the worst areas is right next to the parking lot at the 5 Sideroad.

There is one trail section that is blocked by a fallen tree: #1 Mainline right at the north end, just before it reaches Airport Road. I will clear it this afternoon. In the meantime, this can be bypassed by using the northwest portion of #17 Northfield.

1:30 p.m. Update. The tree blocking the Mainline trail has been cleared. All trails are open.

A Little New Snow

 We have received close to 5 cm of new snow overnight. This snow is moist and packing, as the temperature is very close to 0. According to the forecast, it will reach +4 later today, with possible rain or drizzle. Cooler temperatures are predicted for tomorrow, so that may give us an opportunity to groom. But we will have to wait and see what we have at the end of today.

Right now, skiing is difficult, as the snow tends to stick on the bottom of your skis.

Not Much Change

 Trail conditions remain about the same. We have 3 to 5 cm of powder snow over a hard icy base.

Skiing is possible but difficult, and not very enjoyable.

The weather forecast says we might have snow squalls today and we might get 5 cm of new snow, but you cannot rely on that.

Skiable, but not great

It's now possible to ski on our trails, but conditions are not great. We received some new snow yesterday. There is 3 to 5 cm of new powder over a hard, crusty base; this is not very comfortable to ski on.

I don't think I will try grooming, as it's not likely I can make any real improvement. Also, the weather forecast over the next few days calls for more above-freezing temperatures, so our efforts would probably be wasted anyway.