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Southern Oregon Nordic Club

Current Conditons Links & Grooming Report

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Sunny day in the mountains
ore230_at_ore138_diamondlake_pid2293_2013-02-01_1022am.jpg
Diamond Lake Feb 01, 2013
For most recent Hyatt Lake - Buck Pr. grooming update report go to:
 
 
Thanks to the SONC volunteers, the trails are now packed and trackset. 
SONC members and friends interested in helping with trail grooming should contact Bob Plummer.

As always, remember that winter conditions are dynamic and any grooming report posted may/will be outdated very quickly.

Early Spring 2013
30 March 2013
 
March ends with a below average snow pack, but memories of some pretty good skiing this past winter.  Mail Tribune March 29, 2013: 
 
Snow-water content in the Rogue and Umpqua basins is at 78 percent of average this month.

"The average snow depth on Mount Ashland and the Siskiyou Summit at the end of March is 75 percent, while the snow-water content is 82 percent.

"We had another dry month," said Steve Johnson, snow ranger for the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, after spending much of Thursday measuring four snow survey sites in the Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District.

 
 
Trail conditions were better than normal this season tanks in part to the BLM/SONC grooming:
Mt. Shasta Nordic just closed due to warm weather and rain.  Mt. Bachelor expects to continue operations until May 26.  Check out the XC Oregon Spring Ski Camp (May 23-26 and a possible second session May 30 to June 2).  This is a chance to ski with the US and Canadian National XC ski teams.
http://www.xcoregon.org/?page_id=394
 
Check current NOAA Winter Weather Advisory/Warnings and ODOT
Tripcheck cameras/reports before traveling in the mountains.
 
Check SONC's Facebook page for updates:
 

Grooming and Tracksetting Equipment
 
The BLM's Polaris ATV is equiped with a track for over snow travel. It pulls a Yellowstone (TYS) tracking sled and
For more information on the YTS groomer/tracksetter go to:
 
Came across an E-mail newsletter article from SkiPost.com about track-setting:
How far apart and wide are ski tracks?
Hello, a friend who was just visiting Finland has a feeling that the distance in between the tracks THERE is wider than in the standard width of the classic tracks in the USA. Any truth to that?


Q: What is the standard separation between ski tracks?

A: We use 9 inches or 225 mm. FIS says anything up to 250 mm or ten inches, 225 was used at last years WC in OSLO, not sure about Finland. I know that some Finnish coaches awhile back were advocating much NARROWER to improve balance and better glide. Supposedly to get your skis "under" you. So not sure, up to each area within FIS guidelines.


Q: Is it the same in US and Europe?

A: As far as I know, we have way over a hundred Ginzus in Europe and Scandinavia now at 225cm, and no complaints


Q: What is the width of each individual ski track?

A: Bottom width is 65 mm on our track mold.

 

Answers by: Doug E- Yellowstone Track Systems, Inc.

Winter Driving Notes
 
ODOT Winter Driving Tips:
 
Traction tire options
 
Oregon state law allows motorists to use studded tires from Nov. 1 through March 31.
Because studded tires damage Oregon highways, ODOT encourages drivers to consider using 
chains or non-studded traction tires.
 
Studless traction tires that meet Rubber Manufacturers Association standards for use in severe snow conditions
carry a special symbol on the tire sidewall:  a three-peaked mountain and snowflake.
Research shows these tires provide better traction than studded tires on bare pavement.

 
Studded tire facts
  • You can use studded tires in Oregon from Nov. 1 through March 31.
    Driving with studded tires before Nov. 1 or after March 31 is a Class C violation and carries a $190 fine.
  • Research shows that studded tires are more effective than all-weather tires on icy roads,
    but are less effective in most other conditions because they may reduce traction between the road and the tire.
  • Oregon spends more than $11 million a year fixing roads and bridges damaged by studded tires.
  • When it rains, water collects in the pavement ruts caused by studded tires and creates dangerous driving conditions.
    In cold weather, that water can freeze and cause extra-slippery roads. 

Oregon SnoPark Passes Required
SnoPark permits are required for vehicles parked in designated winter recreation areas between November 1 and April 30
Annual permits may be purchased at the DMV office ($25) or at authorized agents.  Note that agents may add a service charge.  Remember to display your permit.

Winter Weather
 
Check weather forecasts and road reports when planning mountain outings.
 
Crater Lake NP. 
Web Cam: 
 
 
MT. SHASTA NORDIC.  Check Mt. Shasta's website for current conditions. 
Mt. Shasta Nordic is a member supported cross country ski area with groomed and track-set trails. 
Non-members are welcome, but donations are gladly accepted (go to website):
http://www.mtshastanordic.org/
 
Diamond Lake Resorts (John Day XC Race is held on the "Northern Exposure XC Trail System) grooming report:
http://www.diamondlake.net/grooming.html
 
Rogue Snowmobilers Grooming Report:
Michael routinely skate skis the snowmobile groomed trails.
 
Mt. Ashland
 
Mt. Bachelor Nordic Grooming Report:
 

Check weather and highway condition for current conditions before driving to mountains.:

 NOAA Weather Forecasts (Western Region):

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/

 

ODOT Trip Check (Web Cams & Road Condition Reports):

http://www.tripcheck.com/

 

 

Backcountry Field Reports from ONC Members & Friends 
 

Southern ONC Facebook Group

Stefanie set up a Facebook Group for members and friends to share ski reports and comments.  To participate, you will need to join the group by going to the following link:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/southernonc/

 

Send your field reports to:  ejhee@juno.com

Highway Webcams - One picutre > 1000 words!
ore230_at_ore138_diamondlake_pid2293_2013-02-01_1022am.jpg
Click on photo for link to ODOT Tripcheck Web Page
CA 89 Snowman Summit Turnoff to Mt Shasta Nordic
caltrans_snowman_2012-12-28am.jpg
Click on picture for Shasta Nordic Conditions

Mountain Weather NOAA Forecast:
 
For current mountain weather forecast, check the NOAA Medford (MFR) weather site:
 

Mt. Shasta Avalanche Advisories
 
Go to Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center website for latest advisory.

Oregon
ODOT Road Conditions
 
ODOT Interactive Incident Map - SW Oregon (Region 7)
Inside Oregon:  511 or 800-977-6368
Outside Oregon:  503-588-2941
 
Northern California
Caltrans Road Coditions
 
Traffic Cameras - Northern California (District 2)
 
Highway Information
Outside California:  916-445-7623
Inside California:  800-427-7623 (800-427- ROAD)
 

Local Ski Area Snow Conditions
 
Mt. Ashland
Snow Report
 
 
Mt. Shasta Nordic
 
 
Avalanche Advisory
The U.S. Forest Service Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center
Avalanche Hotline: 530-926-9613
 
Northwest Avalanche Center