Voyageurs National Park Association » winter trail and ice report

Winter Ice and Trail Conditions Report: 1/11/12

Kari — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:44:53 +0000

From the National Park Service, 1/11/12:

Snowmobile Trails – see trail status list at end

Winter weather conditions have allowed the park to open the Green Trail from Ash River to Crane Lake. Now, the entire Green Trail is open from Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Crane Lake.

Hazardous pressure ridges continue to be an issue along the Green Trail on Kabetogama Lake. Staff continue to re-route the trail in problem areas to provide a safer passage through the pressure ridges. Due to frequent and extreme changes to the pressure ridges, snowmobilers should use extreme caution and only cross the pressure ridges at designated crossings along the staked route. Slow travel speeds are highly recommended. Snowmobile land portages have rough riding conditions due to minimal snow cover.

Park staff are checking ice along the Blue Trail from East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake today and will determine if there is sufficient ice to stake the trail. At this time the trail remains closed.

Outstanding scenery is one of the reasons why Voyageurs National Park was established. Please enjoy the scenery as you ride and follow the snowmobile speed limit of 45 mph on frozen lake surfaces and 25 mph on all overland portages. Speed limit signs are posted at trailheads and overland portages

Ice Roads – see trail status list at end

In addition to the ice road on Rainy Lake, Voyageurs National Park will open an ice road on Kabetogama Lake. The anticipated date of this opening is Saturday, January 14, 2012. Ice and snow conditions this winter have allowed the park to provide this opportunity for visitors to enjoy a scenic drive, watch wildlife, ice fish and explore the park. Similar to the Rainy Lake Ice Road, the Kabetogama Lake Ice Road will have two-way traffic. The road follows a route along the south shore of Kabetogama Lake between the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center and the Ash River Visitor Center. Written authorization from the park is required for individuals to plow any lake surfaces off an ice road.

Snowshoe Trails – see trail status list at end

The Sullivan Bay snowshoe trail is now open and tracked. This trail is located along the Ash River Visitor Center entrance road. Travel about two miles in on the entrance road and look for the snowshoe sign on your right that marks the trail.

Cross-Country Ski Trails – see trail status list at end

Snow conditions are limiting the opening of park ski trails. Forecasted snowfall has the potential to improve trail conditions.

Regular weekly winter trail conditions reports are available on our website at www.nps.gov/voya.

Snowmobile Trails
International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) – Open & Staked
Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) – Open & Staked
Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) – Open & Staked
Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) – Not Open
Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) – Open & Staked
East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) – Not Open

Ice Roads
Rainy Lake Ice Road – Open to Rainy Lake City
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road – Starting, Saturday, January 14 – Open between the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center Boat Launch and the Ash River Visitor Center Boat Launch

Ski Trails
Echo Bay Ski Trail – Open with minimal snow cover
Black Bay Ski Trail– Not Open
Tilson Connector Trail– Not Open
KabAsh Trail– Open with minimal snow cover

Snowshoe Trails
Blind Ash Bay Trail – Open with minimal snow cover
Sullivan Bay Trail – Open and tracked
Oberholtzer Trail – Open with minimal snow cover

“STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE”

ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARDS

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Winter Ice and Trail Conditions Report: 1/4/12

Kari — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:40:49 +0000

From the National Park Service, 1/4/2012:

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minnesota: On Wednesday, January 4, the Purple Trail from International Falls to Kettle Falls and the Yellow Trail from Ash River to Kettle Falls opened due to improved ice and snow conditions.

Hazardous pressure ridges remain along the Green Trail on Kabetogama Lake. Staff have re-routed the trail in some spots to provide a safer passage through the pressure ridges. Due to frequent and extreme changes to the pressure ridges, snowmobilers should use extreme caution and only cross the pressure ridges at designated crossings along the staked route. Slow travel speeds are highly recommended. Snowmobile land portages have rough riding conditions due to minimal snow cover.

Park staff continue to find insufficient ice along the Green Trail from Ash River to Crane Lake, requiring this section of the Trail to remain closed. Staff will evaluate ice conditions early next week as cooler temperatures are expected to settle into the area.

Snowmobile Trails
International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) – Open & Staked
Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) – Open & Staked
Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) – Not Open
Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) – Not Open
Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) – Open & Staked
East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) – Not Open

Rainy Lake Ice Road – Open to Black Bay Ski Trail

Ski Trails
Echo Bay Ski Trail – Open with minimal snow cover
Black Bay Ski Trail – Not Open
Tilson Connector Trail – Not Open
KabAsh Trail – Open with minimal snow cover

Snowshoe Trails
Blind Ash Bay Trail – Open with minimal snow cover
Sullivan Bay Trail – Open and tracked
Oberholtzer Trail – Open with minimal snow cover

STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE”

ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARDS

Winter Trail Conditions Report: 12/29/11

Kari — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:46:51 +0000

From the National Park Service, 12/29/2011:

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minnesota: Voyageurs National Park staff, in northern Minnesota, is regularly checking ice and snow conditions in anticipation of opening the park’s 110 miles of snowmobile trails and 10 miles of cross-country ski trails when conditions are safe.

As of Thursday, December 29, lake ice and snow conditions are improving slowly in Voyageurs National Park; two inches of snow fell on Wednesday evening. The only snowmobile trail currently open is the Green Trail from Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama to Ash River. Snowmobiling conditions are marginal in the park because the lake surface has little snow and numerous bare icy spots. Several hazardous pressure ridges have formed along the Green Trail on Kabetogama Lake. Use extreme caution and only cross the pressure ridges at designated crossings along the staked route. Slow travel speeds are highly recommended. The park’s land portages have very rough riding surfaces due to the lack of snow.

The rest of the park’s snowmobile trails remain closed and are not safe for travel this weekend. The park will perform more lake ice checks next week and update the snowmobile travel status at that time.

The Sullivan Bay snowshoe trail is now open and tracked.

Snowmobile Trails

International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) – Not Open
Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) – Open & Staked
Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) – Not Open
Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) – Not Open
Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) – Not Open
East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) – Not Open

Rainy Lake Ice Road – Not Open

Ski Trails
Echo Bay Ski Trail – Open with minimal snow cover
Black Bay Ski Trail– Not Open
Tilson Connector Trail– Not Open
KabAsh Trail– Open with minimal snow cover

Snowshoe Trails
Blind Ash Bay Trail – Open with minimal snow cover
Sullivan Bay Trail – Open and tracked
Oberholtzer Trail – Open with minimal snow cover

“STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE”

ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARDS

Winter Ice Conditions: 12/14/11

Kari — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:35:43 +0000

From the National Park Service, 12/14/11:

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minnesota: Aircraft observations last Sunday, December 11, 2011 revealed extensive open water and new thin ice on all major lakes within Voyageurs National Park. The existing ice is deceptively attractive and near shore testing by park staff has revealed ice thickness ranging from 1 ½ inches to 11 inches. In addition, the ice lacks visible signs of diminishing thickness without removing and inspecting ice wedges for quality and thickness.

During the overflight, open water was observed on the following lakes:

Rainy Lake north of Black Bay and east to the eastern shoreline
Kabetogama Lake from Blind Indian Narrows east to the eastern shoreline of Namakan Lake
Sand Point Lake — middle lake area

Current conditions are not adequate to support snowmobile use and travel is not recommended on any lake surface.

“STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE” ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARD

Final Winter Trail and Ice Report: 3/18/11

Kari — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:55:04 +0000

From the National Park Service, 3/18/11:

All snowmobile trails are open, staked and in fair condition in Voyageurs National Park. With the current and forecasted warm temperatures, snow conditions are rapidly deteriorating and ice quality is expected to diminish.

Snowmobile trail maintenance in Voyageurs National Park will end next week for the winter season and further travel on frozen lake surfaces will no longer be recommended. Removal of all trail markers will begin on Monday, March 21st and will be completed by Friday, March 25th. Weekly winter trail conditions reports will be discontinued on Monday, March 21, 2011.

Park staff wishes to thank all of the area snowmobile clubs who assisted Voyageurs National Park in maintaining snowmobile trails over the course of a very challenging winter.

Remember that the snowmobile speed limit within Voyageurs National Park is 45 mph on frozen lake surfaces and 25 mph on all overland portages. Speed limit signs are posted at trailheads and overland portages

“STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE”
ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARD

Winter Ice & Trail Report: 3/10/11

Kari — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 21:02:45 +0000

From the National Park Service: 3/10/11

All snowmobile trails are open, staked and in good condition in Voyageurs National Park. Overland portages are groomed weekly and are in good condition as well. Deep snow is present throughout the Chain of Lakes Trail so travelers should use caution. Weekly winter trail conditions reports are available on the Park’s website at www.nps.gov/voya.

Please remember that the snowmobile speed limit within Voyageurs National Park is 45 mph on frozen lake surfaces and 25 mph on all overland portages. Speed limit signs are posted at trailheads and overland portages.

Snowmobile Trails
International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) – Open & Staked
Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) – Open & Staked
Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) – Open & Staked
Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) – Open & Staked
Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) – Open & Staked
East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) – Open & Staked

Rainy Lake Ice Road – CLOSED

Ski Trails
Echo Bay Ski Trail – Open, packed, tracked and in good condition
Black Bay Ski Trail – Open, packed, tracked and in good condition
Tilson Connector Trail – Open, packed, tracked and in good condition
KabAsh Trail – Open

Snowshoe Trails
Blind Ash Bay Trail – Open
Sullivan Bay Trail – Open
Oberholtzer Trail – Open

“STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE”
ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARD

Winter Trail and Ice Report – 2/23/11

Kari — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 19:19:26 +0000

From the National Park Service, 2/23/11:

Snowmobiling conditions in Voyageurs National Park along staked trails are in very good condition with portages groomed on a weekly basis. With the recent temperature changes the snow on the lake surfaces has settled eliminating the previous slush conditions. Some rough conditions exist along the trails so travelers should continue to use caution while traveling along trail systems. Forecasted snow fall by this weekend is expected to provide the best riding conditions of the season. All trails within the park with the exception of the chain of lakes trail are open and staked for traveler use. Weekly winter trail conditions reports are available on the Park’s website at www.nps.gov/voya.

Snowmobile Trails
International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) – Open & Staked
Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) – Open & Staked
Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) – Open & Staked
Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) – Not Open
Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) – Open & Staked
East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) – Open & Staked

Rainy Lake Ice Road – CLOSED

Snowshoe Trails
Blind Ash Bay Trail – Open
Sullivan Bay Trail – Open
Oberholtzer Trail – Open

“STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE”
ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARD

Winter Trail and Ice Report – 2/9/11

Kari — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 21:51:33 +0000

From the National Park Service, 2/9/11:

Snowmobiling conditions continue to improve in Voyageurs National Park. The Green and Blue staked snowmobile trails are in good condition. Overland portages are regularly groomed and are also in good condition. Travelers are advised to stay on staked trails and use caution as areas of slush are still present throughout the park. Frequent ice checking operations are ongoing. Weekly winter trail conditions reports are available on our website at www.nps.gov/voya.

Snowmobile Trails
International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) – Not Open
Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) – Open & Staked
Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) – Open & Staked
Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) – Not Open
Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) – Not Open
East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) – Open & Staked

Rainy Lake Ice Road – CLOSED

Snowshoe Trails
Blind Ash Bay Trail – Open
Sullivan Bay Trail – Open
Oberholtzer Trail – Open

“STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE”
ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARD

Winter Trail and Ice Report – 2/3/11

Kari — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:06:32 +0000

From the National Park Service, 2/3/11:

The Green and Blue staked snowmobile trails in Voyageurs National Park are in good condition. Travelers are advised to stay on staked trails and use caution as areas of slush are present throughout the park. Overland portages are regularly groomed and are in good condition. Frequent ice checking operations are ongoing. Weekly winter trail conditions reports are available on our website at www.nps.gov/voya.

Rainy Lake Ice Road – CLOSED

Snowshoe Trails
Blind Ash Bay Trail – Open
Sullivan Bay Trail – Open
Oberholtzer Trail – Open

“STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE”
ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARD

Winter Trail and Ice Report — 1/26/11

Kari — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 20:48:38 +0000

From the National Park Service, 1/26/11:

The Green and Blue staked snowmobile trails in Voyageurs National Park are in good condition. Lake surfaces are rough in some spots off of the staked trails due to pockets of frozen slush. Travelers are advised to stay on staked trails and use caution. Overland portages are groomed regularly and are in good condition. Frequent ice checking operations continue and efforts to open additional lake surface trails and the Rainy Lake Ice Road are a priority, but deep slush still exists throughout the park. Weekly winter trail conditions reports are available on our website at www.nps.gov/voya.

Rainy Lake Ice Road – CLOSED

Snowshoe Trails
Blind Ash Bay Trail – Open
Sullivan Bay Trail – Open
Oberholtzer Trail – Open

“STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE”
ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARD