The intent of the outing today was to remove a few blowdowns near Junction 18, but after doing this, we decided to ski the outer western trail to the shelter and back. We cleared several more trees along the way. The 40-plus-degree day made for a slow glide, but not so slow it was frustrating. We really enjoyed the spring-like ski with the sun and whatever glide we could get. Meanwhile, Mary skied the eastern trails around and near Flathorn Lake and discovered more blowdowns. So if you're headed that way, expect a few workarounds.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

It was a pleasant surprise to be skiing on 1" of new snow that held a lofty condition while in full sun and 29 degree temperatures. The tracks benefited from new snow, covering up all the debris. Tracks were easy to distinguish but not freshly groomed. It was a fantastic spring skiing afternoon.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz)

40-degree ski afternoon on trails that were soft in spots but mostly decent glide using waxless skies. Surprisingly, the debris was visible, but it must be melting into the track because I didn't experience the jerky slide that comes with having your skis stop in mid-stride. Beautiful sunny day to be in the forest regardless of spring skiing temps.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

Skied out with the poke and chainsaw to remove a large aspen on the main trail. It was 30 degrees, and the tracks were fast despite debris on the track. I used waxless skis.

(Nancy Schultz, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

Debris on the tracks is still a problem; using waxless skis helped. The glide was better than Sunday's ski; the debris must be settling into the track. It was a mixed slide due to some areas being soft from the sun and warm temps, and others being really fast, with a bit of a glaze over the track bed. We skied the wetland trails on a 32-degree day with the sun shining.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

The high winds on Friday made covered many sections of the trail with tree litter; bark, pine needles, moss, which made it impossible to use kick wax. Shifted to skin skis which worked, but still slow. Many downed trees across the trail.

Photos:

(Rick Vatsaas)

Wow, what a difference a day makes. With 21 mph winds and 33-degree temperatures, yesterday's ski was completely different from the perfectly groomed trails that Thursday provided. Lots of debris covered the trails, and I cleared several small tree blowdowns along the way. I used my waxless skis and still experienced a little sticking problem at the start; however, as the day progressed, the trails crusted over slightly as temperatures dropped. I was able to see the scars and challenges the groomers faced working through all that deep, deep snow.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

After an entire week of Mary patching together volunteers and grooming equipment, today we accomplished grooming/tracking all the trails after the big snowfall last Tuesday and Wednesday. A few of us were able to ski a short distance and experienced the best tracks we have ever produced to date. Check out the photos to see if you agree.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

Grooming update: we were able to pack and clear another bunch of trail segments today. See attached photo of map. 20km out of 24km are now packed (but not tracked). Snow is good, cold, not icy.

Photos:

(Mary Shedd)

I am in charge this week of grooming operations, and I skied some segments. The bottom line is that trails are not yet skiable. 20 inches of new snow fell in the blizzard this week. Temperatures stayed cold, so the snow is good (not heavy). However, the snow is so deep (20 inches, plus deeper drifts) that any attempts are more like snowshoeing and hard going. Most trails have not yet been packed or groomed. Grooming plans: We are hoping to get them all at least packed in the next couple of days. (See attached photo of the map to see which trails have been packed so far.) The parking lot is plowed out.

Photos:

(Mary Shedd)