The park received 7" of snow yesterday, most of it very dry. Grooming plans: Due to snowmobile failure the stride-only trails can’t be groomed at this time; we are trying to find a means to purchase a replacement. Due to selective logging occurring near the shop and ballfield, the Pipeline Loop will not be groomed for the next two weeks. One of our Volunteers was able to roll the Meadow and Red Granite loops, but still too soft to comb it. We are hopeful to have it combed by Friday.

(James Enigl)

Rain and warm temps on Wednesday resulted in snow melting and bare ground conditions. Over the last few days the Park's Friends Group checked trails and cleared them; we faired pretty well given the strong winds that occurred with only minimal branch debris and a couple downed trees. Significant snowfall will be needed to resume trail grooming operations.

(James Enigl)

The park received about 1/2" of rainfall throughout Wednesday afternoon, eroding pretty much all of the 5" base. Nothing skiable remains of the trail system at this time. Once the ground firms up again trail crews will evaluate hazards, address downed trees/branches, and provide an updated report.

(James Enigl)

Skied 7mi on the Meadow Loops Tuesday morning. Looks like many people have enjoyed this early-season snow! The trail is holding up well, some needles and cones have fallen but still pretty clean. The base is now mostly firm with 5in in most places, with firm classic pole plants too. The track is glazing a bit and in one spot on the south end of the loop some grass is sticking through the track under a pine tree, otherwise still in great shape given the warm conditions. I did not ski the other trails but Pipeline still looked good from the intersection/roads. If this base survives, we should have a good chance at building upon it. Grooming plan: With snow in the forecast, there won’t be any further grooming until after new snowfall in an effort to reduce bringing debris onto the ski surface.

(James Enigl)

Touched up Meadow Loops, Pipeline Loop, and Red Granite this morning. The Meadow Loops look excellent but a little soft still. Pipeline West is excellent, but soft in places. Both have full tracks and no debris. Some needles are falling off some of the pines but this is the best early skiing I’ve ever seen in ten years of skiing here. Pipeline East is fair but decent enough to skate, just be careful on the big hills as the summer washouts are still evident. The north end is the best I’ve seen it this early, this summer’s trail work by the friends group volunteers and staff paid off. Red Granite is good but expect soft conditions and so post holes due to being a multi-use trail; already saw two skijorers today. There’s decent snow coverage over the RG’s water bars but expect it to still affect ski control. Vahtera Short is tracked and in excellent condition, poles plants may be soft tho. Takesson Long is good but expect soft pole plants. Enjoy these great conditions while we have it; get out and ski!

Photos:

(James Enigl)

Meadow and Pipeline West: groomed and tracked; very good; 4-7" base that is firming well. Clean deep tracks. Pipeline East: fair to good; skate deck only. Takesson and Vahtera: packed but no tracks due to equipment problem. Red Granite: OK, only rolled.

Photos:

(James Enigl)

Another 6” fell overnight bringing the park to 20” total in the woods. Meadow has been groomed and tracked - great. Packing is a little messy due using only light equipment so far. Pipeline West has been groomed and tracked - good. Pipeline East has been groomed for skate but not yet tracked - fair; more work to be done. Red Granite - only rolled so far. Grooming plan: hope to have Takesson and Vahtera tracked by this evening.

(James Enigl)

The park received an additional 6" on top of the previous 8". Trails were rolled today but not groomed, as more snowfall is anticipated. Further rolling/packing and possible grooming is expected to take place Saturday.

(James Enigl)

The park received 6-8" throughout the weekend. This morning I started rolling the skate trails and packed the Meadow Loops with the ginzu. I would rate the Meadow as Poor to Fair but skiable for skate; not deep enough for tracks. Vahtera Loops are still fresh powder. Rest of the system is still pretty rough; priority right now is creating a firm base. More snow is forecast and next planned grooming will be Friday. Stay tuned.

(James Enigl)

The ski season has started at Copper Falls State Park. James rolled and/or ginzued most of the system. He even put a little track down but not enough snow for good classic. I skied parts of most of the system and found it decent. The meadow would be OK for skating.

Photos:

(Michael McFadzen)