Lime Creek - Mason City

Folks, one word AMAZING. I don't know if we just got lucky or what, but Sunday afternoon at Lime Creek was simply amazing skiing. We stopped on our way back from having skied at Lake Elmo Park Reserve near St Paul, which was awesome, and thought we would get a quick lap in at Lime Creek. When we arrived temps were in the low to mid 20's and the snow was perfect. Swix V40 Blue was the kick wax of choice. We didn't ski the woodland trails, just the prairie loops. It was picture perfect. There were only a few people skiing when we started but one lap became 2 & 3 and by the time we were done quite a few local skiers had come out to enjoy the day.

The skate lane was also fantastic. In fact, the corduroy was so perfect I was able to easily skate some sections in my waxed classic skis. Todd was right, it set up firm and fast.

Todd - thanks to you and everyone who makes Lime Creek happen. Those of us who have skied it know, what you are doing up there rocks!

George Wyth / Cedar Falls – Waterloo

The skating lane was groomed around noon. Excellent skiing – firm trail with just enough new snow to fill in all the gouges and provide a well structured surface.

East River Valley - Carr Woods

sunday surprise! trail snow cover was still hanging tough at Carr and I had a very nice afternoon out there. For both skate and classic there are icey patches at highly traveled corners, primarily where prairie links to woods and field loops and the beginning yards headed toward the the dam; several patches of scattered small trail trash, yet- conditions were surprisingly good over most the trail. Classic skiers you know you have several places where track is pretty well wiped out, but it's still more than doable. I brought classic skis but stuck with skates, however, a talented, anonymous and clearly pleased classic skier verified a good workout. Advise rock skis to better weather occasional ice and trail junk, but all considered a sweet day out there.

George Wyth/Cedar Falls

Brought out the classic skis this morning in hopes that I would find fresh groomed trails--but it didn't look like any grooming action was happening by the time I left the area around 10. Despite that, classic conditions weren't too bad--and I found them to be quite nice (no extra tracks from snowshoes, humans, etc...) off the main trails into the woods. Really, I think that that's where it's at in George Wyth for classic. I didn't see anybody skating although it did look like somebody had been through since yesterday when we got some extra snow. Skate tracks didn't look ideal! But the fresh snow had at least covered up the pockets from walkers, etc...

Lime Creek Conservation Area - Mason City

Limey skate ski loops were groomed this morning due to some fresh snowfall yesterday, and blowing snow.

The trail is flat and should set up well for a firm base. Despite the small amount of new snow I'd expect it to be a fast ski later today.

Classic track was reset on most all of the loops.

Todd Juhlin, NIN

Waiting for Fresh Snow

Brett shared a very nice XC video the last time we needed new snow, and we got some. In that same spirit, under a winter weather watch, I present to you something with a little more air and a little wider ski, but the same overall downhill-side technique. Of course, I don't know where there are groomed videos, so this is mostly powder. Enjoy and, remember folks, this is why we all should learn a strong tele and tour our brains out (though I think some of this is lift-served. Same could be managed with skins or scales, however). I have never skied with anyone this strong.

Big Creek Polk City

I was able to scratch up a very skateable surface on the disc golf loop yesterday morning. Not much length but enough to get my ski fix. I'm heading out again this morning and will smooth it again if needed. The base is still intact so just a little snow should have us back in decent conditions on the whole system. Thanks to whoever shoveled snow on the bare spot by #11 basket- it preserved the continuity of the trail.

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails - Cresco, Iowa

The Groomer is back online! All trails have been groomed except the River Trail (there's a nice skied-in classic track there). The new loop on the north end of the trail system is now groomed for both classic and skating. Sunday's temp is upper teens (19 F).

I will be putting a new map up this week for download. The second page will have mileage for each trail and loop. All distance figured with Google Earth measurement tool. Pretty cool stuff if you haven't used it.

We are under a winter storm watch for Sunday night, Monday and Tuesday. We are supposed to get significant snow over that period of time. Stay tuned! I will probably groom again Thursday evening or Friday. Wednesday and Thursday temps are predicted to be COLD.

MNRA - 9 am - North Liberty, IA - 1/29/2011

Good morning, folks. The main skate trail was groomed early this morning and seems to be in decent shape. The sled was able to comb out most of the skate tracks with enough passes. The expert trail (trail following Lake McBride) was not touched. The classic track was not touched on any part of the campus and remains in below average to poor in some locations but is skiable otherwise. Happy skiing. -Cabel

Lime Creek Conservation Area, Mason City

Limey skate trails were groomed this AM by the master waxer Mr. Robert Polking. Thank you Robert!! If you develop any dental issues on the trail at Limey be sure to flag Robert down...he'll be more than happy to help you! He may be the nicest guy on the planet earth.

Robert reports to me that Limey "should be a bomb." Trails are in great shape. I trust the judgement of this more that 10 time American Birkebeiner finisher. There's a plug for Robert. Great skier. Nicer guy.

Have fun ya'll,

Todd Juhlin, NIN

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails - Cresco, Iowa

I guess it's our turn for some bad luck. The groomer broke down out on the trail tonight. Therefore, our trails are not groomed. I will post a message when we are up and running again.

Trails are fair. There will also be a ski workshop going on Sunday afternoon, so it may be busy. Best of luck to all who are skiing the Iowa Winter Games this weekend!

Story City Cross Country Ski Trail

The classic trail at Story City's Riverbend Golf Course is holding up well, even with the limited amount of central Iowa snow. As of this morning the trail is clean throughout, with just a few feet of thin snow at one point along the river. The parking lot on Forest Ave., off of Broad, is even plowed. Give it a try!

Pilot Knob State Park - Forest City

The Knob was groomed last night upon finishing skiing for skate and classic. The trail is firm and I would expect fast.

Have had some non-compliance with snowmobilers taking the "inside" on corners of the road and thus riding on the ski trail. Surprise! But in most areas the trail is in good shape. Enjoy!

T Juhlin, NIN

Moonlight Ski at Adams Nature Preserve - Sioux City 2/18

Moonlight Ski & Chili Feed Fundraiser - Friday, February 18th, 2011, 4-8pm
Adam's Homestead & Nature Preserve, more info to come please be patient.

East River Valley- Carr Woods, Ames

a lovely night ski tonight, trail is actually in good shape and the snow is very fast: I'm not sure I really had to work much to ski it. not icey yet, looks like it will hold a bit longer. There are enough tracks that you can get something for classic, doable, not great, but not icey - whenever I was in them they were still in pretty solid condition.

Mines of Spain Iowa Winter Games

The Iowa Winter Games will be held this coming weekend, January 29 and 30 in Dubuque. The Mines of Spain Recreation Area will host the cross country ski races on the 29th. Both Classical and Skate Ski Races will be held starting at 10:00 am at the south entrance of the park off Olde Massey Road. The Skate Race will be held on the Prairie Ridge Trail and the Classical Ski Race will be held on the Prairie Ridge and Cedar Ridge Trails.

Be here early to practice Saturday morning. Trails are in good shape and will have a grooming on Friday afternoon.

You can register the morning of the races.

See all Saturday.

Union Grove Trail, Sioux City IA

Union Grove Trail Update 1/26/11, 07:38 AM
Union Grove was groomed on Monday and was reported very skiable.  Classic tracks have not been set yet.

Redbird SWA, Johnson Co. (ungroomed)

Not bad. Fairly consistent track on most of the web of trails. Some foot traffic, but not much. Between the parking lot and the ponds, ice fishermen have dragged sleds, so it's pretty packed and nasty there. But once you get past the ponds, everything's good. Some natural treefall in the timber, but nothing you can't sidestep over. Some massive DNR tree work in the NE corner near fenceline, but this can be avoided by taking to the prairie grass. Some sections of Redbird are dynamite. The wet snowpack from last week made a nice base for the little bit of fluff we've had since then.

Big Creek

Monday night, 6:00PM. Temp was near freezing or just below. The skate lane was very fast and well skied from the weekend. It was downright slippery for this novice skater. Two other skaters joined me later and one of them agreed that it was very fast. Coverage is still good, not great but good over 80% of the lane.

The classic track was OK. I'd say 65/35 decent enough track to no track, or sticks, grass, bare ground. If you go out at night please bring a light. Some of the bare spots sneak up on you pretty quickly.

Kick wax was Swix V45 and it was just right. Glide CH6 and it was very fast.

Be careful at the connectors...the 180 from Disc Golf to Lakeside is icy and has bare spots. The Lakeside to Prairie is getting hairy, somewhat literally, as lots of earth and grass popping up, like skiing on a white and brown chia pet. It's manageable and probably worth the trip to the Prairie loop if you hang back there a while and do a few laps.

If we don't get more snow soon, the classic track will be done in a week or less for all practical purposes. I just don't think there is anything Kevin & Tom can do without more snow. Get out and enjoy now striders.

Ashton - Iowa City... it's rather early

Ashton - Iowa City, 2:45 AM
Skate lane freshened up so ski away. Another classic groove has been put down inside the old one. Please ski both classic grooves to maintain what is left of the old one as well. Also classic folks help fill in with a little snow here and there to cover bare spots. Chances are this will be the last grooming until more snow falls.

Lots of foot traffic on the groomed snow. Seriously,inform those on foot the snow isn't groomed for WALKING, HIKING, RUNNING, or SNOW SHOEING. They need to stick to the furthest inside trail or go elsewhere.  Brett

FW Kent Park, Johnson Co. (ungroomed)

Meh. There's snow and it's deep enough to ski in most places. Off-trail tree skiing is pretty much out of the question, however, and the Bob White hill has been tracked out by sledding kids. The prairie hill from High Point down to the prairie pothole is skiable but very thin for turns--use a lot of power. The hill down from High Point to the lake is thin and slow but doable, just don't fall down in the mutiflora rose section. If you go this way, the small huck off the bank onto the lake is a must--the only thrill in the park today. The hill from Red Haw to the lake is in OK shape but slow.

There's just enough snow to be able to wander off-trail in the park. All trails OK, but none great (typical Kent Park). Snow conditions are from manky to crusty. Depth from 1/2 inch to 5 inches.

George Wyth-Cedar Falls

Good afternoon everybody--sucked it up and skate skied George Wyth in my own 'hood this afternoon. Great skiin' weather, but the trails need a serious refresher. There was some fluffier stuff on the edges in a few places. And it was, as always, really flat. Can't help that. On the plus side, the trails are really nice and wide, and the flat terrain and uneven traffic remnants make for good balance and v1-alternate and v2 practice. Love your hills if you have 'em! Shreddin' snow loses its fun for me without the heart-pounding ups and technical downs.

Adam's Nature Preserve - Sioux City

Trail Update 1/24/11 @ Adam's Nature, 01/24/2011 11:04 AM
The trails at Adam's Nature Preserve have been groomed with skate and classic tracks.  Trails and snow are in very good shape.

Try out our Five Hills 5k in Webster City

Freshly groomed double wide skating lane and a classic track and ....HILLS! Where else in Central Iowa can you practice for those hills where the big races have them? The start is located at the south end of the Briggs Woods golf course clubhouse parking lot. Please also ski through the woods on our Woodland Loop entered by the Lake parking lot. It is 3k and easy for all to ski. Groomed and tracked today too.

Pilot Knob State Park - Forest City

The Knob was groomed on Saturday AM by our faithful lieutenant Mr. Jeff Hovinga of Forest City, IA. I did not make it to the Knob to ski this weekend but word is that the trail is in great shape. Maintenance of the trail has been much easier and skier enjoyment much greater thanks to the response of the snowmobile community. We have split the park's roadway with the snowmobilers and sharing the road is progressing well.

Jeff is rallying the troops in Forest City to consider purchasing grooming equipment for creation of ski trails at their local golf course. He is currently grooming trails there. So far his efforts have been well received. Give him some support ya'll. Go Jeff!

Thanks again,
Todd Juhlin, NIN

Lime Creek Conservation Area

Hi everyone!
What happened at Lime Creek on Saturday you ask. Well let's just say we had a "small" problem with a new snowmobile :) It would not turn! :) And our old faithful sled was delivered to the dealership for routine maintenance. Lesson learned. Sorry to those who visited us this weekend.

Ahh...all is well again though. Limey was groomed on Sunday mid-day by a not so nimble sled :) We had lots of drifting due to light, dry and blowing snow.

The trail is SOFT and SLOW. It may be a week and a couple of grooms before the trails firms up. Classic track is set on the prairie loops.

Thanks for visiting,
Todd Juhlin, NIN

MNRA Sunday

MacBride was cleaned up this morning. The flat sections out toward the peninsula should be pretty good for skating. Wooded sections are marginal. Classic is what it is. We REALLY need a few inches more to keep the groomer from digging up dirt and every stick and leaf along the trail. Unless we get some more snow we won't be out there again until late in the week.

Big Creek Polk City

Teens, sunny, calm. Fresh groomed hard pack corduroy. Fast running skis.
It doesn't get much better than this.
The skate track was Very Good. Thanks Tom for this morning's work.
Peter said this was as good as he's seen the trail.
Tom said this is the kind of day that converts people to skaters.
The classic track looks to remain variable till we get more snow depth. That said there appears to be some very nice spots in the track.

Lime Creek - Mason City, Cerro Gordo county report

From the Cerro Gordo county folks;

DATE:   JANUARY 21, 2011

TOPIC: CROSS COUNTRY SKI TRAILS

The Conservation Board staff continued their cross country ski trail grooming activities following the additional snow received.  Bicyclists and horseback riders are reminded that effective immediately all designated multi-purpose trails at the Lime Creek Area are closed for the winter months.

Lime Creek Woodland (classical/diagonal stride) trails were groomed on Monday (1/17/11).  Skiing conditions are good.

Lime Creek Prairie Loops (freestyle/skating) trails were groomed for skating on Monday (1/17/11).

Quarry Lake Trail was packed and groomed on Monday (1/17/11).

Wilkinson Park Loops were groomed for skating on Friday (1/21/11) with tracks set on outset edge.  Trail conditions are good.

The trail around Quarry Lake has been re-packed and recreational walkers, snow shoe enthusiasts and dog walkers are asked to utilize that trail for their winter activities.  Hiking and other foot-powered traffic on the groomed ski trails damages the trail for cross country skiing.  If users do walk on any of the groomed ski trails it is requested that you please stay off to one side to limit damage to the grooming activities.   Due to a very short winter ski season we strongly urge cooperation from all users, to respect the groomed ski trails when optimum conditions exist.

Updates will be provided on this website when necessary for those interested in trail conditions.  As a guideline for ski trail users updates will appear on this site during the work week only, dependent on changes in general conditions.   For any questions regarding winter trail use at the Lime Creek Conservation or Wilkinson Park Areas please contact our office at 641-423-5309.

Woodpecker/Squire, Johnson Co. (ungroomed)

Not as choice as Thursday. Walker traffic has increased and snow has deteriorated. Skiing in walker lane requires either good balance or wider skis. Plenty of fresh still off to the sides, though it is getting fairly dense with warmer temps. Fresh snow in Iowa keeps about as well as a Wal-Mart peach.
Sunday ski is still a go if classic folks are interested in hitting this one this year. Steep stair run (1st left from woodpecker side) is doable but insane. Medium stair run (second left from woodpecker) is possible and fun, but spicy. Shallow stair run (third left from woodpecker) is an easy go. Wicked Stair Squire Side run (first right from squire) is doable, not much fun, and extremely dicey--snowpack too shallow. Map from Thursday's post still stands. If you're a beginner do yourself a favor and stay off to the sides in the fresh snow, even though it's slower going than in the walker track--the creamy fresh should be why you came out anyway.

Saturday afternoon at Big Creek

definitely a fine day to be out skiing, perfect weather. skating was overall quite fast, the trail is in pretty good shape overall, thanks to recent grooming and a little new snow.

Prarie Springs Cresco

Anyone who has not skied this trail system is missing out. This is quickly becoming one of the premier trails in the state due to the beautiful natural terrain as well as the impeccable grooming done by Mark Johnson. The trails were freshly groomed today and conditions could not have been any better. When the temperatures warm the skiing will be phenomenal.

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails - Cresco, Iowa

Groomed Today. Trail is in excellent shape. Skied after I finished. Bike trail is excellent-wide and flat. Skating is good on all trails, but there are a few places where cutting bar dropped and made a bit of a ridge - easy to deal with. Classic track is very good and was setting up nicely. I started packing a new loop today. Only packed and a bit soft, but I skated it. The new loop can be accessed at the top of the Ridge Trail where it leaves the woods or at the far end of the trail system. I am uploading some photos so you can get an idea of conditions. If you haven't skied here before, most of these trails have some ups and downs. Only the Campground Loop and the Nature Center Loop are totally flat.

Sunday's forecast is for 10 F temps. Slightly warmer than today and I was getting good glide until the sun started to go down. I had a Start hydrocarbon glider rated on the low end for 20 F and the glide was still fairly good for cold temps. Have fun, ski safe!

Ames ERVP/ Carr Woods

I was hoping to get out this weekend and set classic track and groom following the recent snow, but the report from the City Parks and Rec. folks is that the gas leak couldn't be fixed and so the snowmobile needs to go in for repairs on Monday. I will be out there to groom as soon as we get it back. Looks like from the other recent posts that we aren't the only ones with snowmobile issues. Your patience is appreciated!

Todd

Ashton - Iowa City 12:30pm

Ashton - Iowa City, 20 degrees, wind NW - 5, humidity 70%
Where the snow depth was sufficient the skating lane was just a touch soft and medium to fast. On some down hills the classic groove was gliding well. A dapper chap skiing traditional said the grip was good and I'm guessing so was his kick wax choice.  Brett

Maffitt Reservoir Update - Saturday, January 22

Direct from Duncan: Frustrating morning. Machine flawless for 20', then overheating. Of course, I was at the far end of the prairie. Made it back to shed in 5' segments with periods of walking around while the machine cooled. Upshot is 3 things:

• Prairie is groomed, skiable.
• Did not have the opportunity to check out the lake road or elsewhere.
• Machine must go to shop as soon as we can arrange it.

Big Creek was very nice yesterday. Anders & I thought the total climb in our prairie loop was more than you get at Big Creek. ( I concur - perfect skiing this morning at 6am - nice grooming!)

Cheers - G-Marco

Pinicon Ridge County Park update

With the recent light snowfall overnight we tried grooming again this morning. We were able to get the traditional stride laid but the shoes on the groomer would not go back up. Therefore, we could not groom the skating trail again. We hope to get the groomer fixed early this next week.

We apologize for the inconvenience!

Aaron Batchelder
Wapsipinicon District Resource Manager
Linn County Conservation Department

Big Creek Polk City

The trail was groomed tonight. Today's snow laid down quite nice over the existing firm base. The prairie connector is improved but still has grass sticking through although I think it will be worth the trip to ski the prairie loop. The classic track didn't cut very deep in spots due to the cold, hard base and is still variable. No classic track on either connector without more base depth. We'll see how it skis tomorrow.

Webster City Woodland and Five Hills Groomed.

Despite the insane windchills, we managed to groom and track all portions of the Woodland loop. We also groomed and laid the classic track on the 5k Five Hills course, with a skate lane on the plateau section accessible from the Conservation headquarters parking lot at Briggs Woods. When we thaw out we'll finish the 5k skate lane and update. After the thaw last week we had a 3-5" base, followed by 3" then 1 1/2" of new snow. All parts of the trails are in good shape, but watch for gravel wherever the trail runs across a road portion.

Pinicon Ridge County Park & Matsell Bridge Natural Area groomed

Both Pinicon Ridge Park and Matsell Bridge Natural Area have been groomed. This is the first good complete grooming of both areas and with cold temperatures we should have a good base to work off of now. Trail conditions vary greatly but most areas are in really good shape.

Aaron Batchelder, Wapsinpinicon District Resource Manager

Linn County Conservation Department

MNRA

I ran the groomer over MacBride last night. Only worked the skate lanes because there really isn't enough snow to do much except clean up the cuts. We need a couple more inches of snow to really do anything with the classic track. C'mon out to the ski-n-s'mores tonight. should be good times.

Big Creek and crispy evenings

skate report from Big Creek: lots of white in a blanket of snappy cold and clear, with a beautiful fade into a washed rose sky. wow !!!!!!

oh yes, you are reading this for the ski conditions:
I took rock skis, fearing the worse, and was pleasantly surprised: reasonably fair conditions, all considered: it has not been groomed recently but was pretty fast considering the cold and the recent light new snow covers and cushions a variety of semi-crunchy ills underneath that resulted from the big melt down. Good enough that I would go back and do it again.

Didn't use the classic track much, some of seemed to be in pretty reasonable condition and some of it seemed to be iced or too thin for good skis. 60/40 maybe?

Woodpecker/Squire: Johnson Co. (ungroomed)

Green means go, folks. I was surprised to find Woodpecker and Squire trails in such good condition today. I give the loop overall a green rating, which is rare for this trail set. With temps going in the icebox, I'm going to guess that this report will hold until Saturday, maybe Sunday. If you have been wanting to hit a backcountry trail without having to worry about treacherous conditions, I'm thinking Friday or Saturday's your day. This is as good as this trail gets. There's plenty of easy stuff for a beginner, with enough challenging stuff to keep the hardcore satisfied.

There have been some walkers, but they've been sticking to a single-file pattern down the middle of the trail. Lots of fresh snow to be had, and because of the nature of our dense early-week snow, the walker path can actually be used for skiing if you like. There is no walker postholing, just packing.

The fresh snow is a fine fluff on top of a fairly dense base, though the base can easily be crushed and carved up thundering downhill in the steeper sections. I took my big crud-busters today but found I could have easily gotten away with cruisers like the Fischer Jupiter (rent at Fin and Feather or buy at Geoff's) or Solomon Snowscape/Siam (buy just about anywhere). For real fun, though, go with the thickest thing you've got (F&F last year had Alpina Woodies--maybe see if you can "demo" them) and lay down some turns.

Condition notes: 1. Deer have been rooting around in the snow on and near the trail looking for acorns. There's lots of leaves on the trail in these areas but they're frozen, so just go right through them. 2. There's a wide variety of poop on the trail. Mostly domestic canid. Some other brands as well. This adds a fun "slalom" aspect to the skiing.

Here's how I rate the trails today. Usually this map would be all blue and black, with just a few sections of green:

Mines of Spain

Ski trails at the Mines of Spain were groomed Wednesday, January 19, for both Skate Ski and Classical. We had about 4 inches of snow on Monday.

Morgan Creek Park Cedar Rapids

Morgan Creek has been groomed. The skate deck looks fine but the classic track is thin with grass showing through on the lower loops and un-skiable in sections on the upper loop. We need a bit more snow.

Larry Howe

Adams Nature Preserve - Sioux City

Adams Nature Preserve - Sioux City

Trails have been groomed since the snow yesterday.    As of right now the skate lanes on lake loop and the river loop out and back have been groomed.    All the classic tracks, Mary’s North, and south have not been hit.   Conditions were very fast and the new snow tilled in helped make things not so icy.   Jean Chesterman

Decorah

All Decorah trails have been groomed. The sun is shining and the wind hasn't picked up too much, yet. Time to get out there!

MNRA 4 PM addendum - North Liberty, IA - 1/18/2011

As the day progressed and the freezing drizzle continued, the snow continued to "sink" so that there isn't a lot, but enough to groom. Good news is that the skate track will set up nicely I think, but the bad news is that the lack of snow makes for a poor classic trail. I was leaving a wake of leaves as I laid down the classic track. A skater trying out the new track commented that it was fast. Classic will be best in the open areas and worse in the woods (ie., expert area/black diamond area.)

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails - Cresco, Iowa

Groomed tonight and trails look very good, at least 4 inches of new snow. Perfect conditions for grooming, classical track should set up nice and firm. Skating lanes combed out nice and should have just enough on top to get just some bite but still good glide (although when it's cold, glide is usually not the best).

I was going to open a new loop on the north end of the trail system, but too much snow! Buried the groomer up to the doors, and I didn't even have the tracksetter hooked up. That's the kind of snow cover we have.

Weather this week is going to be chilly, but lots of the trails are sheltered. 9 F tomorrow (Wed) and 10 F on Thursday. Friday may see some more snow, we'll have to wait and see what happens. Have fun, ski hard!

MNRA 4:00 PM

I just received word from my grooming assistant that MNRA is finished. Get out there and enjoy it.

Pilot Knob State Park (Forest City, IA)

North Iowa Nordic (NIN) out of Mason City, IA has been working with Park Ranger Deb Coates this year and last year to provide skiing on the main roadway (which is closed to vehicles, but not snowmobiles) in the winter months.
This year NIN attempts to groom Pilot Knob on Friday and/or Saturday as time allows. Snow falls also encourage NIN to get over to the Knob for a groom.
New signs have been placed in the roadway to divide the road in to both a ski trail and a snowmobile trail. This has been a process of educating snowmobilers of the shared nature of the trail this year, and we are gaining ground.
If you have skied the Knob and have enjoyed it...THIS IS A GREAT SKI VENUE...spread your thanks to Park Ranger Deb Coates, and send a letter to the editor to the Forest City Summit newspaper.

Todd Juhlin, NIN

Lime Creek Conservation Area

Limey was groomed this past Sat AM and PM. We had great conditions all weekend for skiing.
Limey received more snow Monday.
Skate trails (approximately 3 miles) were groomed Monday PM (1-17-11). They are wide, firm and in great shape. Classic track is set on all skate trails too.
The County personnel groomed the woodland trails for classic on Monday AM (1-17-11).

We have had many a visitor from Ames, Des Moines, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Albert Lea...enjoy!

Todd Juhlin

Ashton - Iowa City 12PM

Ashton - Iowa City 8AM-12PM, 24 degrees, wind - NW 15, misting at times.
Ashton has been groomed but no classic track has been set due to lack of snow. A couple more inches should be sufficient to set a good classic groove.

Skate wise I can't really say until it sets up. I'm thinking it will firm up quickly as there wasn't that much snow fall. The mist coming down while grooming could make the surface very fast, here's hoping!!!

Beware the NE and N-NW sides of Ashton as MidAmerican has been marking the ground and will be working on a gas project. Don't hesitate to ask them to try and stay off the groomed snow when skiing. They will be crossing at the south entrance to Ashton and crossing the ski trail a few times. Once they established their path I'll probably do something different with the ski trail layout so heavy truck traffic doesn't destroy the trail.  Brett

MNRA

MNRA is being groomed by Cabel during the day today. Grooming isn't rocket science (or quantum physics) but he is new at this, so give him good feedback.
I'll touch everything up Thursday night for the big ski and s'mores.

Decorah Trails

We have three inches of new snow on top of the old crusty stuff. It has not been groomed, but there are several people who made classical tracks today.

With the temperature around freezing this afternoon, it is likely that everything is going to get pretty fast tomorrow after a cold night.

It is the perfect time to get off of the trail!

Grooming at the mid Iowa latitudes

A couple of inquiring emails and comments about when grooming will happen. Well not till it cools off more. 28 degrees is sort a pivot point used, if it's over that grooming probably isn't going to happen, at least around Iowa City. Brand new moisture laden heavy snow needs to cool off and dry out otherwise it packs into ice or a skating rink. Same with older snow and trying to condition the surface, too warm and you'll end up with a very fast but treacherous surface.

Hence my alluding to grooming as a mix of meteorology, alchemy, and mysticism...
Mysticism referring to the late hours your snow groomer tend to creep around...

Ames - Carr Woods/ERVP

Thanks to all of you Ames skiers who have been patient concerning the less than ideal conditions at Carr Woods so far this season. Due to work obligations I have not had much of a chance to get out there and whip those trails into shape. Some people had noticed the lack of trail width and the placement of the classic tracks in the center of the skate lane in the woods. The reason for that is someone had to fill in for me last week in my absence, they likely hadn't done the much grooming in the past . I do thank them and appreciate their efforts - it's better than having no groomed trails! But I am happy to report I did get out and roll 100% of the trails this morning before things got too wet out there. With the temps dropping again and hopefully a little bit of fresh stuff in a few days, I'll be back out there to break up the crust and set new classic tracks over the entire system.

Todd

Moonlight Ski & S'mores, 1/21/2011 condition depedent...

Johnson Co. BC update, Shackelton style

It's tough out there SE Iowa folks. But desperate times call for desperate measures. If you must get your glide on, try the Coralville rez. Not the trails or any land around it, but the rez itself. There's between 1 and 5 inches of sugary granular on it and of course the base is solid, as it is ice.
Downsides:
1) You've got to file your ferrules to dagger points to be able to pole on ice.
2) It's about as hilly as Bonneville.
Upsides:
1) It's skiing.
2) Absolute solitude.
Broke a classic track from near Mehaffy Bridge to near the Turkey Creek Marina and back, with a stopover to check out the Sugarbottom land area. Other classic skiers had tried the land at Sugarbottom, bless them. I do not recommend going that route. Thin as a St. Louis pizza. A skater left from Sugarbottom out toward Turkey Creek. I'd give conditions on that, but I don't understand what skate skiing is.
Disclaimer: It's ice and conditions change. Ski at your own risk. If you go into Turkey Creek, look out for both muskrat and beaver holes. Both live back there.

Cresco--and a question for Cedar Falls/'Loo folks

Skate skiied Cresco's Prairie trails this morning between 8:30 and 10. They were still fantastic! I had on blue wax, it was 10 degrees, and I was gliding very well. Love these trails and hilly, fun, terrain!

PS--On my way home, I tried to find the Warren Golf course trails in Waterloo--drove through a number of parking lots off 4th street and drove west on Ansborough--but I didn't see any trails? Could someone who knows at which entrance the skating trails are located please post the intersection/details? Thanks!

Webster City, Briggs Woods

Saturday.....This was my first time to Briggs and what a treat. As with most of us in Central Iowa they need snow too but what snow they do have the groomer has set up very well. Got on the classics first and did the woodland loop including Whitetail, which by the way is appropriately named, and it was in great shape up to the top of the hill where there is bare rock - BE CAREFUL HERE. The track is pretty shallow in some spots but what a beautiful trail.

Moved to the golf course and while it holds great promise with good snow and no wind, the track was in not so good shape by noon. On the other hand, the rolling hills make for some super fun skiing. Then it was back to the woods to try the 7B trail and I made it down to the double bridge crossing before having a binding failure and turned around. This is thin too, on top of a paved trail so be careful on the thin spots. Temps were in the mid teens and my kick wax was Swix Blue V30. It worked just ok as I was experiencing some icing. Green 20 would have been better or maybe VR30.

I didn't skate but it too was quite variable due to the wind.

Thank you to the folks who work Briggs Woods, this is a great ski location!

Big Creek, Des Moines/Polk City

The trail was groomed Friday night resulting in a much more compact and level skate surface. The snow wasn't super fast today, but was very controllable  making for a  enjoyable technique workout. The disc golf loop is good+, the lake mostly good with some thin spots that are avoidable, and the prairie good on the north side with some grass and the south side fair with more grass. Be cautious of the tractor ruts (about 50' worth) on the north side west end of the loop. The lake connector has a short very thin area but you can get through. The prairie connector is the poorest section with a lot of grass, but not the kind of stuff to trash your skis ( I just think of it as finishing my wax job with a "grass" brush, or roller skiing with speed reducers on).  The classic track is quite variable from mostly good to fair with some very poor/ non-existent sections which are avoidable. Overall the trail is very skiable. Get out and enjoy!  Kevin
                                                                                                    

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails - Cresco, Iowa

Just got in from skiing and thought I would update conditions. As I predicted, there was a bit of drifting in the open areas, mainly the hill at the far north end of the course. Striders have skied most of the classic track back in where there was any drifting.. There is about an inch of fresh snow on the skating lane, but it's still quite fast. I was skating today and had a Start glider rated at 20 to 27 degrees, and I was gliding really well and the air temp was only 15 F.

Temp tomorrow (Sunday) will be colder, about 10 F, but the winds are supposed to be low. Most of our trails are sheltered or in the woods, so it should be good skiing; come and see us! Bring hot chocolate!

East River Valley - aka Carr woods, Ames

Skate Report: river bed is deep with snow but skateable for the determined, of which there were five of feeling determined.
Trail itself is rolled with classic tracks set; fairly narrow in the woods; with fair conditions for skating on the prairie and outside loops. classic tracks look thin on outside loops.
Skatefully yours, Jeri and Ethy (w/ some collaboration by Steven, Michael and Sue)

Webster City Freshly Groomed

Although windswept, the Five Hills 5k race course was groomed with a classic track relaid today. There are a few grassy spots in the tracks but easily skied. The Woodland loops are re-groomed and tracked, and since the top of the dam is partially bare, we laid another track at the west side foot of the dam. Also new is a groomed section of the park road from the back lake parking lot up to the upper road to rejoin the other loop. As mentioned in the last posting, the Boone River Trail is groomed and tracked from 7B to Briggs Woods. It did not need refreshing today.

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails - Cresco, Iowa

The conditions really were good today. I just wanted to update those of you who might drive up here on Saturday or Sunday. We received between a 1/4 and 1/2 inch of new snow tonight. This really wouldn't be a big deal except the weatherman says we may get wind gusts up to 30 mph between midnight tonight and noon Saturday as this little front passes through. Probably won't have a great deal of impact in the wooded areas, but exposed sections may get some drifting. Winds are supposed to subside after noon on Saturday. Saturday's temp around 15 and Sunday's a bit cooler, around 10.

Monday we may get some measurable snow. Ski fast, have fun!

Waterloo – Byrnes Park

The Waterloo Parks Dept has groomed for both skating and classical skiing on the Warren Memorial Golf Course. The loop groomed for skating is 2 ¼ miles long. I skied for 1 ½ hours tonight and the skatinig conditions are fairly good. In spots where there is no underlying old snow it is a little thin.

I didn't ski the classical tracks but they looked decent. A friend said that they had drifted in some from the recent wind.

Our local trail advocacy organization, Cedar Trails Partnership, has been working with the Waterloo Parks Dept to groom for skating so this is new to them. They will continue to improve as they gain more experience.

The Parks Department has been setting classical tracks on both the Byrnes Park and Gates Park for years and they have continued to do so this year.

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails - Cresco, Iowa

Groomed tonight. We received 3-4 inches of new snow this week on top of a substantial base, so conditions for both skaters and striders are very good to excellent. Weather report for Friday and Saturday is mid-teens and for Sunday 10 with a chance of light snow. All trails are now groomed and open. Enjoy!

Big Creek - Polk City

Folks I'm no expert but I would say that the skate lane here would be much better off if we stayed off it for a few days. It is very soft and whoever skied it today left some pretty deep scars and you can see that pole plants are going through the snow to the turf. That's no good. I only skied about a 100 yard stretch and quit.

The Disc Golf loop classic track on the other hand was pretty darn nice. with temps in the teens Blue 40 kick wax was working well. The track is thin and sketchy in a few places but all in all Kevin did a great job with what snow he has to work with.

Big Creek

I was correct on BC, here is what Kevin, the groomer has to say.

"The trail was groomed last night. The snow did not pack as well as I would liked- it was fluffy with not much moisture. The disc golf loop looked to be mostly good and has a classic track set. The lake loop is fair, but has no track. I think the prairie loop is mostly good (other than the rutty area). once you get there. The connector trails are not so good."

Big Creek - Polk City/Ankeny/Des Moines

Drove out to BC this morning to see how it is coming along.

From what I can see the trail has been packed. The Disc Golf Loop looks to have been groomed for skating and a classic track has been set, albeit shallow. The Lakeside Loop has been packed but it does not look to be groomed and there is no classic track set yet. Couldn't get to the Prairie Loop by foot so I have no idea how that is progressing. On all loops what is visible from a vehicle or on foot the coverage looks to be pretty thin. Enough but maybe only barely.

It could be that Kevin/Tom just got to BC last night or early this morning and it looks like there is still work to be done so you might want to give it at least one more day unless we hear more.

Keeping thinking snow.....

Maffitt reservoir - Des Moines IA

Maffitt Reservoir - Des Moines
The trail around Maffit Lake will be skiable tomorrow (Wednesday, 1/12) after final grooming has been completed today - enjoy!

As a friendly reminder, please do not bring your snow shoes to this trail as they destroy the groomed surface necessary for skiing - thanks for your consideration and understanding.

That said, there are plenty of other great places to hike with snowshoes out at Maffit as well as locations like the old Science Center (Greenwood, Waterworks Parks) and Raccoon River Park.

Adams Nature Preserve- Sioux City

Adams Nature Preserve - Sioux City

We got over 14 inches in Sioux City and we are back in action at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve with approximately 15k of trails currently groomed.  We added a new venue this year at Union Grove State Park which is about halfway in between Sioux City and Sioux Falls.  Union Grove will have a maximum of 5k of trails groomed, some of which are dedicated classic trails.  Unlike Adams, it is very hilly and probably better suits intermediate level and above skiers.  We will groom Adams at least 3 to 4 times per week.  Union Grove may only be groomed 1 to 2 times per week.

We have developed a website which can be found at: https://sites.google.com/site/siouxcitynordic/home  In addition to posts on this site, we will try to regularly post updates on the trails conditions on the new site.  The site also has information about each trail system.  Cody McCullough

Decorah Conditions

Scott has the groomer back in service, but we only got a couple of inches on top of the icy melt. He has groomed the Luther Bottom and Prairie, the Dike Trail and a new track between the dike and the river (South side). He went over Dug Road (Oneota Trail), but the grooming has exposed some ice. He'll wait for more snow to groom any of the other trails.

The other trails have been humanoid groomed. We skied Palisades today and Silvercrest yesterday. They were both very smooth. The driveway at Silvercrest has not been plowed. We walked up and skied down, but LOOK OUT for ice under the snow on the steep slope of the driveway!

Webster City 7B to Briggs Woods Groomed Today

The Boone River Trail was groomed for the first time with a skate lane and a classic track. The sheltered sections should hold well but the windy hillside will drift a bit, and have a few icy spots. I also groomed and tracked all sections of the Woodland loop, and conditions there are about perfect.

The wind prevented re-grooming the Five Hills race course, and the tracks and lanes have some drifting. The base is established well so when the wind lets up I'll hit it again.

Ashton CCC - Iowa City 12PM

Ashton CCC - Iowa City, 12PM, Ashton has been packed and not much more. Bring rock skis and don't expect too much as the snow depth was 2-4 inches. We're trying to pack down what we have so the wind doesn't blow it all away. Hope for more snow soon, 3+ inches would be ideal.  Brett

Webster City Back in Action Today

Webster City has had right at 6" in this storm so I groomed the Woodland trail with the waterfall loop, and double groomed and tracked the Five Hills 5k race track on the Briggs Woods Golf Course. There are thin spots on the race course, but with a grass base there are no "grabbers" or rocks to damage skis. Hopefully the grooming will hold the snow as the winds come up. A reminder that the Hamilton County Ski and Snowshoe clinic is at the Conservation Headquarters at Briggs Woods Saturday afternoon at 2PM. Free equipment is available in teen and adult sizes but registration is required if you need equipment. Call 515-832-9570. Following the clinic will be a soup supper, and a night ski and snowshoe is planned.

Grooming guiedlines

Lots of inquiries into when snow grooming happens or doesn't.

The initial snow fall needs to be 6 inches, why? 1 - sufficient snow to keep from damaging equipment. 2 - Preventing turf damage, especially if your ski trails are on a golf course. Mess up the grounds and I guarantee they'll never let you groom that golf course again.

After the base is packed, minimal snow falls will prompt grooming. 1-2 inches and the skate lane will be groomed. 2 and more then the classic track will usually be redone. In season grooming is dependent upon base melt off. If the temps stay cold then all is well. Get some warm ups and the classic track will burn through before the skate lane shows melting. 

If you head out to ski late and notice the snow is being groomed go home. Freshly groomed snow needs time to set up (freeze). If time isn't allowed for set up the results are usually deep snow scars in the skate lane and gashes in the sides of the classic grooves. 

Lime Creek Conservation Area - Mason City

Sorry this is a bit late but hopefully it will still be useful.

Skied both Skate and Classic Saturday afternoon and per Todd's Saturday update the skate lane at Lime Creek is in great shape. Level, solid, fast over 85% of the track and just a little soft in a few spots. For this Des Moines area skier the best surprise may have been the fact that the walkers and dog excersisers actually respect the groomed trails by staying to the edges or off it completely!

As for the classic track, the Praire Loops that are groomed with the skate lane are in good condition. Washed out it a few spots from overzealous skaters and in some corners but for the most part the track is deep and well set. Temps were around 12F so my kick wax was Swix V30 Blue which was great for all but just a few hills open to the wind were the track was icy. The Woodland Loops were trashed for the most part. Between the walkers and lack of snow since the warmup and rain the woods were a pretty tough ski. Not a complete wreck but it required quite a bit of concentration.

Sorry to ramble but folks, if you have not made the trip to Lime Creek I heartily recommend you give it a try. It is a big park, the grooming is top notch, they have great snow, the people are friendly. This is more than worth the 3 hour round trip (from Des Moines) for a day of skiing. Or, stay the night and get 2 days in. Food and lodging are very reasonable in Mason City.

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails - Cresco, Iowa

Just finished grooming. All trails except River Trail have been rejuvenated, combed and classic track set. I think skating should be very good. Classic track is fair to good. The snow we have is so compacted that even with a great deal of weight on it, it was hard to set very deep in places. What is there should set up solid as the temps are really dropping.

I would say that conditions are better than the last weekends report. We did have a little snow last week, so some areas where it blew in are quite good.

Forecast for Sunday is 15 and partly cloudy with low winds. Should be a good day to ski. Light snow is predicted for Monday and Tuesday. I will groom again based on amount.

Lime Creek Conservation Area (LCCA) - Mason City

Limey skate trails were groomed Friday PM and again Sat AM. We had some light snow and strong winds which created some drifting.
Trail is level, fast in the sun and slow in the shade. Overall very good.
Enjoy.
To the couple from Ames and the nice lady from Jefferson...feel free to comment on the trail if you wish...we welcome your opinions.

Todd Juhlin, NIN

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails - Cresco, Iowa

People have been skiing -- both skate and classic -- all week and seemed satisfied all things considered. However, I would call conditions marginal at this point. I skated last night and had no trouble getting my edges in to push off, but it's not great. We had a little light snow yesterday and then some wind, and the classic tracks have that snow in them. All in all, skiable but not great. The forecast for tomorrow is some light snow (up to an 1") and 30 mph wind gusts. Saturday's forecast is single digit highs and subzero windchills. I will probably not groom until Sunday. Thought you should know reality before making any long drives. I will do a new post as soon as I have groomed again.

Decorah Trails

Since the melting temps and sunny days of the end of 2010, skiing is limited here. The groomer is still in the shop. We have been able to ski classical on the flat trails in spite of the crust. In fact, if you step off on the side of the trails, the snow is crusty but skiable. We sink in just an inch or so on top of the foot+ of snow that is left.

True Desperation (kind-of Iowa)

Saw a guy on black Solomons skating the top of the bowl at Ski Snowstar in Andalusia, Ill., this afternoon. Cruising by on Atomics that weigh 100X more, I didn't have the heart to stop and tell him how sad I was for both of us that there's no nature-made snow for almost 100 miles in SE Iowa and Illinois.

If that was you on the Solomons, keep up the good work, buddy.

Snow, dang it!

Monday, January 3, 2011 at Adams Nature Preserve

Considering the moderate amount of snow, the trails are in good to very good condition, particularly for skating. The skating track on the lake is a nice bonus. Temps in the lower twenties, wind from the Northwest.
Thanks, Cody, thanks, Clark!

Lime Creek Conservation Area - Mason City

Happy New Year! We want some fresh white fluffy stuff. Skate trails are hard and crusty. We still have a good base on the skate trails. Plan is to rejuvenate the skate trails Monday am. Will see how that turns out! I have no info to offer on the woodland classic trail system...bet is you would find ice there.

T Juhlin
(North Iowa Nordic, aka NIN)

Prairie Springs XC Ski Trails - Cresco, Iowa

Groomed today. It was tough going, but I think the conditions are above average. We still have a foot or better packed base in most areas. Very few icy spots left after rejuvenating for four hours. Skating lanes have a decent amount of loosely packed snow. Classic tracks are about 75%. Some areas were difficult to get the tracksetter down all the way, but it should be decent considering the conditions. Not the perfect Birkie trail, but way better than no skiing at all. I haven't skied it yet, just got off the groomer. Will give it a shot tomorrow. Weather for the week is mid-teens to mid 20s with temps into single digits on Friday.

Waterloo – Gates Golf Course

Although the trails at George Wyth are quite icy the skate skiing at Gates Golf Course is quite good. No grooming just natural conditions. I skied at Gates for 2 ½ hours today (Sunday). It was necessary to pick and chose routes to avoid bare spots and patches of ice but there was plenty of good snow. If you ski there beware of rocks on either side of the bridge (the one bridge with some snow on it).

I’m confident that the skiing at Warren Memorial Golf Course (Byrnes Park) will be equally good. I will be checking it out in the next day or two. Jerry

Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, and Waterloo

Skiers from Cedar Rapids and Dubuque have sent me notes saying the snow is more or less gone in those areas. A chap from Waterloo says there is enough snow or ice if you prefer for some very rough and probably sketchy skiing. We'll see if the George Wyth folks try to break up the surface a little. Sioux City got a touch of snow but no word on conditions yet. Looks like it's travel North to ski until the rest of us get some snow...  Brett