December 10, 2019 Grooming Report
Forestville: Andy took the Bombi out this morning to groom and track set all trails inside the 17k mark. Trails may be a little soft early this morning until the snow sets up.
Way to Long Grooming Report: I write this missive from the newly expanded wood shed wing of the grooming report writer’s guild hall. When I was hitting the “send” button on yesterday’s report I knew my prediction of ideal new snow accumulation by 11:45 lacked adequate basis. In reality, it was not until 1:30. I knew my confidence interval was less than 95% and failed to disclose this fact. I would be in my hair shirt today but do you know how hard it is to find burlap in December? I couldn’t find any at the box store so had to use my last hair shirt to tie up the arbor vide. Full punishment has yet to be meted out.
So anyway, one of the advantages of being old is the increased game time schedule flexibility. Seeing the later than expected snow event, I adjusted my nap to come before skiing and hit the trails at 1:30. Afternoon skiers were greeted by 1.5” of new fine snow on top of the glaze left from Sunday’s mist event. The optics were spectacular. The snow from last week is still heavy on the trees with 6” fur trees bent in half. The pellets of mist snow were so fine it looked like so much fog. Calm winds and pleasant temperatures made for an ideal time in the woods. While it was the ideal amount of new snow, it had not married to the crust below; c’est la vie. This type of layer causes fatal avalanches for alpine skiers but, for cross country at least, it won’t kill you. However, for skate skiers the new snow tends to squish out from under foot. It doesn’t sound like a big deal but it takes a sport that isn’t designed to be fun in the first place and makes it less fun. One needs that turn-off-the-pain gear to press on regardless. I fear I am not self loathing but rather just self disliking. So, while I was all set to ski to the upper Mead gate, I did turn back at the lower gate. See you out there today.
Saux Head: All trails were groomed and track set Sunday. The trail is in very good skiing condition.
Big Bay Pathway: After a strong volunteer showing this weekend, we have the Big Bay Pathway near ready for setting classic tracks. We have completed brushing from the storms on Hidden Grin Loop, and with fresh snow, will be in good shape. Tracks will be set as soon as this next snow event is over.
Fit Strip: Fit Strip was roll packed yesterday so skate skiers should have fair to good skiing today. Classic tracks will be set as soon as snow depths in the City permit.
Snow Bike South Trails:
As of this morning Jerimiah reports: Granite point, main, Greywalls, Jeep plowed this morning. Variable conditions, air down.
As of Saturday morning the report included:
• East of 553
• Mt Mesnard loop (granite/jeep) & chapel spur in good condition, 4-6 psi.
• Cx race course for today 3-5 psi, occasional soft spots.
• West of 553
• Main loop (benson/freak/smiley) groomed and getting good, 3-4.5 psi.
• Other loops remain closed by trees for now, storm recovery continues.
Snow Bike North Trails: As of last weekend most sections of North Trails have been regroomed to pack down the traffic and loose snow, with The Pine – Penstock – BLP Rocks loop firmest for biking and other activities.
Equipment and Facilities Update: If you have been to Forestville for the early November skiing you will have seen lots going on. We are expanding the trail head and will be done soon. We plan to be open before Christmas. New grooming equipment has been purchased for both skiing and snow bike grooming. We will detail equipment and trail head facilities over the next few weeks.
To learn more about the NTN, to join, volunteer, become a sponsor or make a comment, please visit www.noquetrails.org .
Sondo