| Sunny day in the mountains |
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| 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may/will be outdated very quickly.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/
Rogue Snowmobilers Grooming Report:
Michael routinely skate skis the snowmobile groomed trails.
Mt. Ashland
Mt. Bachelor Nordic Grooming Report:
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/
| Highway Webcams - One picutre > 1000 words! |
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| Click on photo for link to ODOT Tripcheck Web Page |
| CA 89 Snowman Summit Turnoff to Mt Shasta Nordic |
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| Click on picture for Shasta Nordic Conditions |
Mountain Weather NOAA Forecast:
For current mountain weather forecast, check the NOAA Medford (MFR) weather
site:
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