TRAIL REPORT FROM CLUB PRESIDENT JERRY WAKEFIELD
With the snow that fell over the last couple of days we are starting to get some base back after the meltdown a week ago. We are still seeing the trails in major traffic areas and close to town continue to deteriorate, with some hills and corners becoming very icy, and even our machines are having some issues navigating them. Some trails we are only able to groom in one direction because of the slick conditions.
I would give an overall rating today as good conditions for most of our trails. With the fluctuating upcoming temps, we can expect that the trails will continue to deteriorate until more snow comes. We will also not groom on days that the temps are above freezing.
We are still seeing logging in the Willow region on Trail 12 near Trail G and Trail G is still plowed to the dirt. There has also been logging starting on trail BB just west of the bridge by Black Bear. They are not logging the trail, but will be crossing the trail to get to the road.
We hope to get a few more weeks in, and March can bring some healthy snowstorms.
Jerry
Minocqua Forest Riders resumed grooming Thursday (2/19) morning. Saturday morning groomer reports say that the corridor trails are in good to very good condition; the new snow has definitely helped. There are dirt, ice, and slush spots starting to appear. East-west trails exposed to the sun are showing more bare spots – the best trails are north-south trails and trails with shade from evergreen foliage.
There is a few inches of water near the Tomahawk River bridge on Corridor 10 between TIN-601 and TIN-602; sleds are going through without problem.
Come to our Vintage Snowmobile Day event on Saturday Feb. 21 at Area 31 west of Minocqua. More info at the event website: https://vintagesnowmobileday.com/
TRAIL REPORT FROM FOREST RIDERS PRESIDENT JERRY WAKEFIELD
What a difference a week makes! Last week I was telling you all how great the trails are, and this week, not so much!
We had almost 5 full days of sun and temps in the 40’s and approaching 50 here on Sunday and Monday. This has had a significant effect on our trails! The snow pack is fading fast, and most trails I’ve seen are wearing thin. This is especially happening on any east-west trail that has been exposed to the sun. Many of these trails are wearing down to the dirt. Many high traffic areas are also wearing thin. The best trails are running north-south with minimal sun exposure. Trails with evergreen foliage blocking the sun are holding up fairly well. Overall, I would rate the trails as fair, as I’m writing this report. The good news is, it’s snowing right now, and they are forecasting snow fall into this weekend, and with some accumulation.
We will resume grooming this Thursday and should have all the trails groomed by this weekend. There will most likely some trouble areas, and all of our road trails are very slick right now.
Logging has begun on Trail G in the Willow area.
Be safe out there!
Jerry
As I’m writing this report, I can say that our trails are in very good condition with some of our higher traffic areas beginning to wear and starting to change colors (Snirt) or dirty snow.
With forecasted weather this coming weekend of highs in the 40’s I can assure you that the trails will deteriorate rapidly! We will suspend grooming starting this Friday, and well into next week. We hope that the forecast will change, but all media is pretty much in agreement that temperatures will be warmer than average into next week.
We have also seen that Trail G has been plowed down to the dirt this week and logging will start soon from Trail 12. We will not groom Trail G until we see that logging is no longer being done and we get some fresh snow. It also appears that the logging has been completed on Trail 5 south of the spillway.
I am hoping many of you will see this report and refrain from riding until conditions change and winter returns. The trails have been great so far, and we would love for the season to continue, but we cannot change the weather. Please be safe!
Jerry
There is now logging on Trail G between Corridor Trail 12 and Manhardt Road (TIN-657 toTIN-658). The trail is still open but has been plowed. Please use caution, slow down in this area watch for logging trucks and be courteous to the loggers!!
Other Trail Updates
Groomer Tracker App (download links)
AWSC Membership $18.00 per year July 1 - June 30
You must be an AWSC member AND a member of a club to purchase a discounted trail pass.
Trail pass cost with AWSC & club membership is $10 per sled
Trail pass cost without AWSC & club membership is $30 per sled
1.) Renew your club membership first.
- We send in AWSC membership renewals on the 1st and the 15th of each month.
- After AWSC receives your renewal, it takes ~1-2 days for them to process the paperwork and activate memberships. New members will take ~3 days.
2.) Log onto AWSC.org, to purchase your discounted trail pass (after you receive your AWSC confirmation).
You need your AWSC membership number AND current snowmobile registration.
Your AWSC membership number does not change from year to year and can be found on your Wisconsin Snowmobile News Magazine or you can look it up on the AWSC website: AWSC Member # lookup
- Credit card payments are the quickest method.
- If you pay by check and mail in your form: Be sure your name and address is EXACTLY what the WI DNR has on file, or the form will be returned by AWSC. Both snowmobile club & AWSC memberships must be current.
- AWSC no longer mails the yellow AWSC membership cards
- Trail passes cannot be picked up in person
- You can legally ride with your trail pass receipt
- US Mail delivery can take up to 21 days
- Call the AWSC office within 30 days of order date if your trail pass has not arrived by mail
- No refunds
The age of your snowmobile matters:
If your snowmobile is 35 years old or Older, a trail pass is NOT REQUIRED
AWSC NOTICE REGARDING TRAIL PASSES / View Notice
"AWSC discontinues Group Accidental Death & Dismemberment Policy" click here to learn more