TRAIL REPORT 1/11/2020

Our trails continue to be in excellent condition. We have had a LOT of extremely heavy traffic – so they have been pretty beat up by the afternoon. However, we have been out every night to smooth them over again for the following day.

Lakes update: Plum and Star Lakes are still NOT marked. However, Plum is getting close and both lakes COULD be marked next Wednesday or Thursday. As always NEVER cross a lake that is not marked. ESPECIALLY THIS YEAR – IF a lake IS marked, stay by the markers when crossing!!!

I said “especially this year stay by the markers” because this year has been one of the worst for the forming ice. We had SOME early ice when the temps were really cold back in November (2019). Then we had a LOT of snow before that ice was very thick. The snow insulated the existing ice from freezing any thicker. Then we had ice form and most of the lakes finished freezing over. Then we had about a week of upper 30s, some lower 40s, and unfortunately rain. This was on top of ice conditions that were shaky to begin with. SO even if a lake is marked – this does NOT mean the entire lake is safe!!! There have been numerous cases of cars, trucks, ATVs, and yes – snowmobiles going through. Unfortunately, there were also 2 riders that lost their lives. The part of the lake (Nokomis – Tomahawk) is not ever marked. However, it is a tragic reminder that if you don’t see markers – don’t cross!!!

For those who don’t know; the snowmobile club does NOT mark the lakes nor do they make the decision on when to mark them.