Trail Detail

16K
Skating/Classic
No
No
608-785-9007
[ NWS ]
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Notes

The Coulee Experimental Forest is about 3,000 acres of upland oak forests, experimental tree plantings, ridgetop open fields, rock outcroppings and a few small "goat" prairies on steep topography.
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Trail Reports

2018-2019 season
Reports 16 to 24 of 24    Month: Mar | Feb | Jan | Dec
Saturday, December 22, 2018
Afternoon
Grooming 
[ Trails Open: Partial, B skis ]
Still good coverage at Coulee, we survived the thaw. The snowpack is condensed and there is a good crust in the open fields which could be skate skied. There are a few areas of sun-burn on the trails, easy to step over. There isn't much we can do with ski tracks; Classic skiing on the South Loop and North Loop are icy, hard and not recommended. The West Trail has some logger activity and bare spots, and is icy. We groomed the Ridge Trail today, the main skating trail, and could scratch up a fast, icy deck with a few dirt spots. B skis advised. The Ridge Trail is 5 miles out and back.
(Steve Beezley)
Friday, December 14, 2018
Afternoon
Grooming 
[ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
The skating trails were groomed and combed this morning. Skate trails have good coverage, with a few spots of dirt. We decided to leave the classic trails intact as they are still in good shape but expect needles and leaves. With warm temperatures and debris in the tracks, no wax skis might be a good choice. We have been getting skiers from all over the State with our good snow depth. Thank you Kevin the DNR Forester who brought out the quad track for today's grooming, our regular snowmobile is in the shop (see fundraiser).
(Steve Beezley)
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Afternoon
Firsthand: Both 
[ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
Wonderful ski on deep snow 6" base on good but kinda sticky corn. Skated and strided with wide classics with light blue kick. Great "sleeper" ski.
Photos:
(Craig McCallum)
Sunday, December 9, 2018
Morning
Firsthand: Both 
[ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
Good coverage. A few sticks poking through. Lots of pine needles and small branches on trails in places. Grooming a bit rough from lots of use on Saturday.
Photos:
(Neil Campbell)
Sunday, December 9, 2018
Afternoon
Firsthand: Freestyle 
[ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
Skate and classic tracks in terrific shape. Any trail issue (sticks, dirt, etc.) is easily seen and avoided. Lucky to be skiing great snow in early December. Thanks to Steve the groomer! I used my good skis.
(John Ericsson)
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Afternoon
Firsthand: Both 
[ B skis ]
Good coverage on all the trails - sticks and taller weeds poking through in a few spots but no thin spots at all. Both the skate deck and classic trails are pretty soft. If you have a choice, opt for large baskets on the classic trails because the snow isn't very packed next to the tracks and poles will penetrate deep. Downhill turns on the classic trails require a bit of skidding because the snow is too deep and loose to step turn. The northern skate out/back is in better condition than the west skate loop; the deck is wider and better packed. Overall good conditions for early December and a good base to usher the trails through a long winter of skiing!
Photos:
(Douglas Ansel)
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Afternoon
Firsthand: Classic 
[ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
Skied the south loop, snow coverage is very good, especially in the woods. Saw a few twigs poking through but no rocks or dirt patches. Groomers did a great job of packing the trail and setting the classic track. Lots of snow still stuck to the tree trunks and branches. Beautiful skiing for early December.
Photos:
(Mike Bolger)
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Afternoon
Firsthand: Freestyle 
[ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
The entrance road to the ski trails has been plowed and parking lot is open. There has been some logger and DNR activity with only minimal effects to trails, some hikers too. Overall the trails are good, skate trails are soft. There will be some logging this winter affecting the skate trails mostly, classic trails should be unaffected.
Great for early December. Lots snow in the trees.
(Steve Beezley)
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Afternoon
Grooming 
[ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
Coulee received 8 to 10 inches of dense, moisture laden snow on Sunday. All trails were groomed over two days. Trails are good, conditions are soft. There were a lot of downed branches and a few deadfalls due to the heavy snow requiring some short reroutes. Ski tracks were set coming in on the entrance road because it is impassible due to drifting.
The South Loop and North Loop are tracked for classic skiing. The Ridge Trail and the West Trail are open for skating and the Ridge Trail is also tracked. No tracks on the West Trail. The elevation of the trails is about 600 ft. higher than Lacrosse airport, and we get snow. Please help us and pick up brush on the trails. There was a lot of low hanging brush with snow. There was dirt that kicked up in a few places. B skis would be prudent. Do not attempt to drive the entrance road until it is plowed. Have fun!
(Steven Beezley)

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