Birkie trail still has snow

Thu, Feb  17, 2011 - By Birkie

The loops at "OO" were groomed and the Boedecker to "OO" Loop was also groomed on the Skate and Classic Trails yesterday morning.  The grooming  was a complete reset with our PB's.  We will not be grooming today and will make a decision late today as of when we will groom for the weekend.  So far the trail has held up very well to the warmer temps and the sun yesterday.

The final downhill to the lake at Wheeler Rd, holding up to the sun on Thursday, Feb 16, 2:30 PM

Reason for NOT grooming the entire Birkie System:   The snow under the frozen crust is very cold and dry.  When we till we bring up a little of this snow each time and create excellent conditions.  With the next day forecast to be in the forties, we do not want to expose and use this snow as a precaution for Race Event preservation.  Once the temps drop and daytime highs are below freezing, we will start grooming the entire system.  The base is stable and has great snow to use.  With what we have seen in the forecast, we should have a Great Event week coming up!!

RACE GROOMING IS STARTED

PLEASE READ THIS!!!

With the warmer temps forecast and the Race our top priority, we are looking to preserve and optimize the snow that exists on the Trail.  There is a solid 6"-9" base.  We will only be grooming the lighted loops at "OO" and the Boedecker Loop of the Classic and Skate Trails over the next 3-4 days dependent on weather.  When we start grooming the whole trail system again late in the week, we will only be setting one track or as per the race event on each Trail.

About 1-2" of new snow has fallen since Saturday morning.  The  trails are AWESOME where it is groomed!!  Ski conditions are excellent and will continue to be so!! 

A ribbon of snow 12' wide and 36" thick has been constructed across Lake Hayward. It will later be spread and groomed for the race.  We are now only 4 blocks from the finish line for the last Saturday in February, now just 9 days away!!! 

The Boedecker warming cabin is now complete for use this winter.  We still will be building benches and drying racks and hooks, but you can use it to warm up and rest during your ski journeys.  The loop from "OO" is a pleasant 10k ski total and makes for a great weekend ski with the family.  Enjoy the Winter!!

 The OO loops are lighted from dusk until 9 PM, Sunday through Thursday, and until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday.