Well, the big melt is occurring, we still have 5 to 7 inches of snow on the trail. Now hard-packed but skiable with rock skis. Plenty of folks are making the most out of the marginal snow quality we have.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz)

Our 8 inches of snow is sinking due to warm temps, however, our ski felt like there was plenty of cover to feel at ease going down hills without hitting rocks. We recommend rock skis in case there are indeed rocks out there that might pose a problem. There are lots of whips in areas but they are thin and don't cause any drag unless you are in wetlands where the Labrador Tea plants are thick.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz)

Snow conditions were good today, our 8 inches or so is packed to a very firm 3-inch base. We did not run into any rocks, though we still recommend rock skis in case. There are lots of whips in areas but they are thin and don't cause any drag unless you are in the wetlands where the labrador tea is thick. Strange season indeed.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz)

First grooming - We sent the snow machine out to pack the trails after an estimated 8-inch base of snow fell over the past couple of days. The snow isn't deep enough to set tracks yet but since it isn't that deep, the setting of tracks as you go and skiing on the packed trail is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon in the forest. Rocks are still exposed in some areas and the wetland trails are undulating.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz)

We were hoping for more snowfall, but have to settle for 3.5 inches. Trails are ungroomed. This was our first ski of the season. Started on Lake Gegoka and then moved onto the trail system and found it easy to set my track because the snow wasn't that deep. Grooming plans: We will wait until there are at least 6 inches before packing of the trails occurs.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz)

Walked out to trail post #19 from Boat Landing on Gegoka Lake. 2 to 3 inches of snow has fallen since Friday. We likely could have skied it but it was debatable so we opted to hike.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz)

Though Isabella may be among the first and last to have good skiing, we are in the same boat as the rest the State. No snow. But a lot of local skiers are instead enjoying the miles of bug-free hiking!

(Mary Shedd, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

Nope, we are not yet open because of inadequate snow. The good news is that we have had lots of very cold weather that has frozen down our many wetland bogs, so when we do get enough snow we should be able to open the trail (with exception of segments 9-10-11 that are closed due to logging activity).

Photos:

(Mary Shedd, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)