12/10/2022
CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC is good!
JACKPINE RIDERS/ SOLON SPRINGS AREA WINTER TRAIL UPDATE 12/10/22. PLEASE SHARE OUR REPORT TO HELP US GET THE WORD OUT!
YEAH, WE'RE CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC! :-)
The Solon Springs/ Gordon area has received approximately 1.5" of poofy snow this week, and our snow base hovers in that 5"-7" range. Our trails are currently closed in anticipation of next week's storm, and we're continuing to do trail prep. Our snow base is the borderline minimum for trail packing, but the good news is that we've had some really cold mornings this week that have helped to freeze up our swamps.
As you can see from the graphic below updated this morning by the National Weather Service, we stand a good chance of getting hammered next week by the storm system that will arrive Tuesday-Thursday. This storm is still 4 days away, and we expect a lot will change in the forecast. THE BAD NEWS is that the temperature forecasts are trending upward, increasing our chances of rain, ice, and wetter snow during parts of the storm.
So...what does all of that mean? As you're aware, our area is known for its Jackpine, and heavy wet snow or ice tends to bend over or break the Jackpine- often clogging our trails. If the forecast for next week's storm holds true, we may need a few days to get the trails cleared before we can open the gates and get our Tucker groomer through. If you're handy with a chain saw, we might need a hand.
The Jackpine Riders will be having a club meeting at 7PM on Tuesday evening at our groomer garage located at County Road A and Park Avenue in Solon Springs. New members are welcome!
In summary, there are WAY TOO MANY variables to be able to predict whether we'll be able to open the gates and
be riding a week from now. We're organizing our work crews in anticipation of the work ahead. Keep your fingers crossed! I'll provide an update once the forecast becomes clearer. -Z
