Wisconsin has experienced some rapidly changing weather conditions in the last week and more changes are forecast for later this week, with a winter storm warning for southern Wisconsin predicting anywhere from 4 to 12 inches of snow Thursday into Friday. After a winter storm dropped up to a foot of snow last week in the south, allowing some ski and snowmobile trails to open, temperatures shot up and much of the snow melted in many areas. Temperatures then plummeted to sub zero, and another snow storm left 3 to 5 inches in the south, and up to nearly a foot in some areas of the north.
The rapidly changing conditions have made it a challenge for park and forest crews to maintain skiing conditions, but as of Thursday most areas of the state were reporting fair to good conditions, though a few areas were reporting conditions as poor. Snowmobile trails have now opened through most of the northern tier of counties, and a few other scattered counties across the state, according to the Department of Tourism Snow Conditions Report .
Despite last weekend’s break in the cold weather, below-average temperatures have helped to increase ice depths to a thickness of 7 to 10 inches in the north and 4 to 6 inches in the south, though some of the larger lakes in the south still had some open water as of this week. Much of Lake Mendota in Dane County appeared to have iced over in the last couple of days.
Fishing pressure has been on the light side due to the cold weather, but hardy ice anglers are out daily. Reports indicate that fishing has been generally fair. Walleye have been the primary target in the north and most anglers and catches have been sporadic for the tip-up anglers. Some angling pressure has also been seen for northern pike and action could only be termed fair, as the cloudy and colder weather seems to have held their activity down. Bluegills and crappies are being caught over the tops of weeds near deep water, and on the weed lines.
There are 6 to 8 inches of ice found in some bays of Lake Winnebago and 5 to 6 inches have been reported in the middle areas of the lake. Numerous cracks measuring several feet wide are found on Lake Winnebago. Anglers on Lake Poygan have been having some success with walleyes. The channels of Lake Butte des Morts are seeing some bluegill action. Anglers on Jefferson and Dane county lakes were having fair success catching panfish by jigging with spikes or waxworms. Most lakes in the south have now frozen over, but some of the larger lakes, still have areas of open water.
Ice is forming in the Sheboygan harbor also, but there are still pockets of open water. In Milwaukee, the river under the Hoan bridge has been covered with skim ice in the mornings, but the ice has been moving out later in the day. Shore anglers there have been catching a few brown trout. The Small Boat Harbor in Kenosha is frozen over, and ice anglers have been catching brown trout. Southport Marina has some ice cover, but there is still open water in places.
Some late season deer hunters had success getting antlerless deer during the 4 day Dec. antlerless hunt. The snow aided the hunters in following fresh tracks until they kicked up deer that were otherwise not moving.
Turkey's are bunching up for the winter season; a group of 88 were spotted recently in the Wautoma area. Gold finches, purple finches, chickadees, nuthatches, juncos, blue jays, cardinals and a variety of woodpeckers are now visiting bird and suet feeders. And as lakes have pretty much frozen over, bald eagles have begun congregating around dams along the Mississippi, Wisconsin and other rivers where water stays open during cold spells. A few goldeneyes, red breasted mergansers and some mallards also remain on these open waters.
Due to the upcoming state holidays on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, the next DNR Outdoor Report will not be until January 8, 2009. Check the Department of Tourism Snow Conditions Report and Wisconsin State Parks Current Conditions Reports pages for updates on ski and snowmobile trails.
A three-minute audio version of this report can be heard by calling (608) 266 2277.
A new report is put on the line each week.
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NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
The Brule River freezing over.
Catherine Khalar photo
Brule River State Forest - Ice making weather is certainly here. Lakes are thickening up and rivers are closing in as the frigid temperature remains around zero for high temperatures. The new snow that accumulated last weekend at least will help home owners insulate waterlines and septic systems from the cold. Conditions at the Afterhours Ski Trail are considered good. The skate lanes are looking nice. The classic lanes are variable with enough snow in spots and grass poking through in other spots. The gun deer seasons are over now leaving the archery season open until January 4. Deer hunters and bird watchers...If you have harvested a deer, think about letting the wildlife take advantage of the high energy protein of the deer carcass or scraps. The fat from the deer can be put into suet feeders or if you don't mind the sight (and have understanding neighbors)...hang the carcass in a tree and watch the wood peckers, chickadees, and nuthatches come in to feed. What a great way to take care of the local birds and get more use out of your harvest.
Pattison State Park - Pattison cross-country ski trails are in very good condition. There is 8 inches of snow, with a 3-inch base on trails. They were groomed Dec. 16. Skiing is very good.
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Big Bay State Park - Ski trails are now open with snowfall depths of 8 to 14 inches reported before grooming. Three of the four designated ski trails are open and have classical track set on them. The Woods, Bay view and Point Loop Trails are open for classic skiing and conditions look good. Point Trail has not opened to skiing due to ice fog forming an impassable barrier on the trail, this trail is along the East side of the park and can be viewed by hiking at this time. The park was shrouded in ice fog this week. This ice fog was created by a very cold blast of arctic air blowing in over the warmer open waters of Lake Superior on Dec. 14. Ice fog is created on Lake Superior by subzero temperatures over the warmer waters of the lake. Ice fog creates a formation on the landscape called Hard Rime. Hard rime is a white ice that forms when the water droplets in fog freeze to the outer surfaces of objects. It is often seen on trees atop mountains and ridges in winter, when low-hanging clouds cause freezing fog. This fog freezes to the windward (wind-facing) side of tree branches, buildings, or any other solid objects, usually with high wind velocities and air temperatures between -2 °C (28 °F) and -8 °C (18 °F). Note: When the ski trails are groomed they become designated ski trails and foot traffic, snowshoeing and pets are not allowed on these trails. This protects the groomed trails from damage and lowers the maintenance cost needed for grooming. We also do not allow skate style skiing at our park because of limited room on our trails. The Lagoon Ridge Trail within the park is designated for snowshoeing, foot traffic and pets. All pets must be on a leash at all times while visiting the park.
Ice Fog forming offshore from Big Bay State Park. Ice Fog is created on Lake Superior by subzero temperatures over the warmer waters of the lake.
Greg Behling photo
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Tuscobia State Trail – As of Tuesday, the trail had received approximately 7 to 8 inches of new snow with fair snowmobile riding being reported. Grooming will be started by the end of the week.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) -Despite a break in the cold weather over this past weekend, below-average temperatures have continued across the Northwoods and this has helped to increase ice depths to a thickness of 7 to 8 inches on most waters. Recent snowfalls have added 4 to 8 inches of snow on top of the ice and this has resulted in some slushy areas on the lakes. The sub-zero temperatures of the past few days have firmed up most of these areas but there are still scattered spots with 3 to 4 inches of slush, especially along shoreline areas where wind-blown snow is a little deeper. Reports from early-season ice anglers indicate that fishing has been generally fair. Walleye have been the primary target for most anglers and catches have been sporadic for the tip-up anglers. Some days have provided some good action on 12- to 16-inch fish and other days produce just a couple of flags. With the thickening ice, the fish have moved to a little deeper water and the best depths are now in the 8- to 14-foot range. Good action has still been occurring over soft bottom areas and around any deep weed edges, but hard-bottom rock/gravel drop-offs are beginning to see some activity, especially if they are near any weed beds or mud flats. Medium golden shiners and suckers have been the preferred bait and the last hour before dark has been the most productive time. Some angling pressure has also been seen for northern pike and action could only be termed fair, as the cloudy and colder weather seems to have held their activity down. Large golden shiners fished near and over any green weeds have provided the best success. More panfish anglers have been venturing out and some fair catches of crappie, perch and bluegill have been reported. Trout action on Patterson Lake has been good, with some anglers reporting catches of brook and brown trout in the 12- to 18-inch size.
Flambeau River State Forest - There was about 6 inches of snow on the ground as of Dec. 16. Ski trails have been packed and tracked for traditional and diagonal skiing. It has about a 3 inch base and is in fair condition. Snowmobile trails are open but have not been groomed as of Tuesday, Dec. 16. The north & south forks of the Flambeau River are still open if a few spots.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) - Ice fishing is in full swing throughout the area with 7 to 10 inches of ice on average, but this thickness is increasing quickly with below zero temperatures in recent days. There are a few trucks driving out on the shallow, smaller lakes but it is extremely early yet and the only vehicular traffic we are seeing is snowmobiles and ATVs. There has been an unfounded rumor stating that ice fishing on the area flowages (Rice/Nokomis, Willow, Rainbow, and Spirit Flowage) is closed due to the drought and low water levels. We are not sure how or where this rumor began, but ice fishing is open on the flowages. There may be some perception that fish are more "crowded" and much easier to catch because of the low water levels; but one has to remember that the baitfish are also "crowded" with the panfish and gamefish, so fishing can actually be tougher in these situations because fish don't have to work as hard to find a meal. Fishing pressure has been on the light side due to the extremely cold weather, but a few anglers are out daily. Bluegills and crappies are being caught over the tops of weeds near deep water, and on the weed lines. The walleye bite has been okay, with some scattered pockets of good action. Walleye are relatively shallow yet and can be caught on rock bars and points generally in 6 to 15 feet of water.
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest – The forest has about 10 inches of snow on the ground. Cross-country ski trails are being groomed and conditions are fair to good. McNaughton and Escanaba were groomed Dec. 17. McNaughton has a skate loop groomed and all other loops tracked. Escanaba is classic only and all loops have been tracked. Madeline and Raven were scheduled to be groomed Dec. 18.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County
Peninsula State Park - As of Tuesday morning, Dec. 16, Peninsula State Park had around 3 inches of crusty snow on the ground. All winter trails are ice-covered and not usable. The sledding hill was closed. Some snow is expected Tuesday night.
Potawatomi State Park - The ski trails have not been groomed since last weekend's rain. A significant snowfall is predicted within the next two days, so trails should be groomed on Friday night for the coming weekend. Fishermen are starting to park their shanties in the launch parking lot, but none have been put out on the ice yet.
Whitefish Dunes State Park - Ski trails have suffered with the latest warm weather and rainfall. Park staff and volunteers rolled the trails after the Dec. 15 light snow. Trails are considered to be in fair to poor conditions until more snow arrives. Ski trails are for stride skiing only. For those looking for an easy ski with little to no hills, the Green Trail offers a quiet pine forest beginning with a rolling hill red trail ending. Skiers who wish to put on a few miles; the yellow trail covers 4.2 miles through a variety of different habitat types. There are segments of the yellow and red trail that have sharp hills and turns, skiers are cautioned to take their time and ski at their experience level. The Black Trail and beach are open to hikers and snowshoers. There is no hiking or snowshoeing allowed on any ski trail (Red, Yellow or Green). The Brachiopod trail does not make a continuous loop during the ski season; those wishing to see the wetland are asked to return on the Black trail. There is no hiking or snowshoeing on the side of the ski trail. The shelter building is open.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
This week of very cold weather will improve ice conditions throughout the county. People should still be wary ice is never completely safe for foot travel. There are a number of spring fed lakes and mill ponds with water currents that will continue to be treacherous all winter no matter how cold it gets. Snowmobile trails will now open after the last antlerless deer season. As conditions change please check with Waushara County Parks department on their 24 answering service 920-787-7037. The late bow season will still offer the deer hunter time to take a deer if the hunter can handle the cold temperatures. Turkey's are bunching up for the winter season; a group of 88 were spotted recently. The recent partial melt has left a crust of snow. This is good if you are a rodent making an insulated living under the crust, but difficult for birds and other animals that are trying to get through the crust for food and cover.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
There are 6 to 8 inches of ice found in some bays of Lake Winnebago and 5 to 6 inches have been reported in the middle areas of the lake. Numerous cracks measuring several feet wide are found on Lake Winnebago. Recent snow cover makes these cracks hard to detect. Ceape Avenue, 24th Street and the mouth of the Fox River in Oshkosh have significant cracks with a thin layer of ice and snow concealing them. Ice picks, cell phones and some type of flotation jacket are recommended safety items to take out with you on the frozen water. Fishers on Lake Poygan have been having some success with walleyes at Herbst landing. The channels of Lake Butte des Morts are seeing some bluegill action. Snowmobile trails in Winnebago County had not opened as of Dec. 17, but a weekend snowfall should be enough to do the trick. For the most current conditions in Winnebago County, you may call their Parks Department at 920-232-1960, #4. The close of the 2008 Fall Turkey hunting season had a success rate of about 14% in zone 3 with a total harvest of 3,027 turkeys and 21,927 permits issued.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak Unit - The trails at Lapham Peak recieved about 3 inches of dry snow this week. All the trails were rolled Dec. 16. A track was set on the lighted loop, but ice under the new snow came through in some areas. Overall conditions are pretty good. A big snowstorm is predicted for Thursday. The trails should be excellent this weekend.
Kettle Moraine State Park - Pike Lake Unit - As of Monday, Dec. 15, cross country ski trails were in poor condition due to the warm temperatures and rain of the past weekend. The remaining snow base on the trails is very icy. Grooming will resume when more snow is received. Snow is predicted for Tuesday (Dec. 16) and Thursday (Dec. 18). Call (262) 670-3400 for the most current trail conditions. As a reminder, the only groomed trail that hikers, snowshoers, and dog walkers are allowed on is the red trail, located to the south of the beach area.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit - The Greenbush cross-country ski trail system survived the mild weather. All trails have snow cover, debris has been picked up from the winds and with the snow in the forecast, trails should be in great shape for the rest of the week and into the weekend.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit - The Southern Unit has good winter recreation conditions. Three inches of new snow fell on the forest on Tuesday Dec. 16. All 3 cross-country ski trail systems at the Southern Unit, Scuppernong, McMiller, Nordic, have been groomed and are in good to very good skiing condition. Scuppernong is for classical skiing only with a double classical track set around the entire trail. McMiller and Nordic are groomed for both classical and skate skiing. The Biathlon range is open for use at McMiller. For more information contact WisconsinBiathlon.com. Snowmobile trails in the forest are snow covered and opened for use.
Kohler-Andrae State Park - The ski trail was groomed Tuesday, Dec. 9. Rain on Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14 has resulted in fair/poor trail conditions. The trail had approximately 3-5 inches of snow. The track is not visible in many areas. Nature trails and hiking trails have snow covered and slippery areas. Park roadways are also slippery. Mourning doves, juncos, bluejays, black-capped chickadees, goldfinches, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, red-bellied woodpeckers, and cardinals are all daily visitors to the office feeders.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan the Sheboygan River is iced over and unfishable in most areas. Ice is forming in the harbor also, but there are still pockets of open water.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington shore fishing has been slow overall, but anglers have been occasionally catching a few browns on spawn near the power plant.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, the river under the Hoan bridge has been covered with skim ice in the mornings, but the ice has been moving out later in the day. Shore anglers there have been catching a few browns on spawn.
Racine County - In Racine most of the Root River is locked up with ice, but some open water remains in Colonial and Quarry Lake Parks, as well as below the Horlick dam. Stream flows rose over the weekend with the rain and melting snow, and anglers have still been catching a few browns and coho from the deeper holes. Drifting spawn sacs has produced the most fish.
Kenosha County - The Small Boat Harbor in Kenosha is frozen over, and ice anglers have been catching brown trout on spawn. Southport Marina has some ice cover, but there is still open water in places.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Blue Mound State Park – The park received 5 inches of new snow this week. Cross-country ski trail conditions are very good. Trails are not icy. All trails were groomed Wednesday evening, and new track set in the wee morning hours of hours today after snow stopped.
Grant County
Wyalusing State Park – The park received approximately 5 inches of light, fluffy snow on Tuesday afternoon and evening. All trails are snow covered. Due to warm temperatures and rain on Sunday, Dec. 14, much of the snow received early last week is gone. The snow that remains from last week’s snowfall is hard and crusty. As ofDec. 17, there is not enough snow to groom the cross-country ski trails and trails are in poor skiing condition. Sleet and a fresh snowfall ranging from between 7 and 11 inches are forecast starting Thursday evening into Friday morning. Ski trail conditions for this weekend will be dependent on the amount and type of precipitation we receive. Please call the park at 608-996-2261 for current weekend ski trail conditions. A change to the cross country ski trails has been made this year. Mississippi Ridge will no longer be groomed for cross country skiing. In addition to Whitetail Meadows, Turkey Hollow Trail will now be a cross country ski trail. Parking for both trails will be available near the Astronomy Center. Ski trail conditions will change based on the expected forecast of temperatures in the upper 30s on Saturday and Sunday. Rain is forecast for Sunday. Mississippi Ridge will make an excellent trail for snowshoeing. Park visitors interested in snowshoeing can park in the park office lot and travel Homestead Camp Road to Cathedral Tree Drive and Mississippi Ridge Trail. Homestead Camp Road will not be plowed this year. A beautiful winter view of the Mississippi River at Henneger Point awaits those who are willing to brave the elements along the 5 mile round trip trek. Homestead Picnic Shelter is the perfect place to build a fire to take the chill off or to roast marshmallows or hotdogs after snowshoeing or skiing. It is centrally located where both trails meet. Firewood will need to be gathered in the area. Please remember that dogs are not allowed on cross country ski trails when the trails are groomed. Park office bird feeders remain a popular spot for winter residents. With the fresh snowfall, the dozens of cardinals near the feeders make an excellent photo opportunity. Recent bird sightings this week include: gold finches, purple finches, chickadees, nuthatches, juncos, tufted titmice, blue jays, cardinals, mourning doves, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers and red-bellied woodpeckers. A large flock of cedar waxwings visited the trees near the feeders briefly today. A tom turkey was spotted feeding in the grassy area just past the park office before the snow started falling yesterday. Eagles are still being seen in the area, but the large convocation at the park entrance is gone for the time being.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County
Devil’s Lake State Park - Several inches of snow cover the ground, and 6 to 12 inches are forecast for Dec. 18. Cross-country ski trails are definitely ski-able, but may not be groomed and tracked as consistently as many ski aficionados would like due to budget restraints. The surface of the lake is frozen, but only since Dec. 7. Keep in mind that the park does not monitor the thickness or condition of the lake’s ice, and does not vouch for its safety. The hill where many like to sled is snow covered. The park is open every day of the year, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Visitor Center at the north shore is open every day except Christmas day, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Campgrounds (or a portion of them) are open every night of the year.
Mirror Lake State Park - Currently all cross-country ski trails were groomed on Dec. 17 and are in good-fair condition with a 3 inch base. Snow cover on the classical tracks is thin in some areas. With significant snow expected for Thursday night trail conditions are expected to improve for the weekend.
Dane County
Lake Kegonsa State Park - Cross-country ski trails are in fair condition. The trails were packed but not groomed on Dec. 17. The trails are skiable, but the base is very thin and icy.
Jefferson County - Anglers were having fair success catching panfish on the marsh on Rock Lake and on Mud Lake next to Sandhill campground by jigging with spikes or waxworms. The ice is approx. 4-5 inches thick. The Jefferson County snowmobile trails closed on Dec. 13 due to the recent snowmelt. Call the trail condition hotline in Jefferson County at 920-699-7669 and in Dodge County at 920-386-3705 for trail updates. Some late season deer hunters had success getting antlerless deer during the 4 day Dec. antlerless hunt. The snow aided the hunters in following fresh tracks until they kicked up deer that were otherwise not moving.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Willow River State Park – Conditions are good skate ski cross country skiing. The entire trail was groomed with the new Ginzu groomer. Tracks were set throughout most of the trail system. Most of the trails are well covered but there are some spots with grass and sticks poking through. There may be some rocks lurking beneath the surface so rock skis are probably in order although good ski could be used with care. The trumpeter swans are again making a winter home at Willow along with a large flock of robins and several bald eagles.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
The best places to view bald eagles in winter are around dams along the Mississippi, Wisconsin and other rivers where water stays open during cold spells. Some can also be spotted around smaller areas of open water. A few golden eagles may be in the vicinity as well. Goldeneyes, red breasted mergansers and some mallards also can be seen. If snow falls during the night, one need only step outside to find that visitors have been to our yard, garden, fields, or woods. Though none may be in view, their footprints in the snow are evidence that they have been there: a grouse, wild turkey, sparrow, crow, squirrel, fox, weasel, or deer perhaps. All prints tell a story if we know how to read and interpret them. Prints in the snow are best studied when freshly made in newly fallen snow, for later, when snow has become packed or blown about, prints become distorted. Check out a tracking book from your local library to assist you with track identification.
Wildcat Mountain State Park - The melting Saturday and Sunday reduced the snow cover and the cold temperatures. As of Monday, Dec. 15 ski trails were ice covered and in poor condition.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - Warm weather this past weekend melted a considerable portion of the snow base. The cold temperature drop on Sunday turned the trails into a hard crusty condition. More snow is predicted on Tuesday night and Thursday so hopefully we will return to excellent winter conditions soon. As of Tuesday, Dec. 16, ATV and snowmobile trails were in poor condition. Although open we would not recommend snowmobiling at this time. ATV riding is probably slightly better. One new change to the trails this year is that the Oak Ridge trail running south from Castle Mound to Millston will no longer be open to ATV whenever the trails have been groomed. This is due to a new change in Jackson County's trail ordinances. ATV riders will still be able to access Millston by travelling east of Castle Mound. Cross-country ski trails were also poor with hard and icy conditions. The primary grooming equipment is being repaired and in the mean time crews are using our older equipment. The ridge trail and the east half of the north loop will be closed for the next few weeks to accommodate a timber sale. The warming cabin is open for the season. Snowshoeing is allowed anyplace on the property not groomed for other uses. Three recommended trails are the five mile trail running east and west from the Pigeon Creek Campground, the nature trail at Castle Mound, and the trail from Castle Mound south to Hwy 27. Pigeon Creek Campground has a loop plowed for winter camping. Backpack camping is also of course allowed during the winter.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Cross-country ski trails were packed Thursday, Dec. 11 afternoon and a good base is started. The trails were in poor condition for skiing. Remember, snowshoes and hikers must stay off the groomed portion of trails. The park is open for late season for bow hunting (no special hunting permit is required).Park staff does not monitor ice conditions.
Last Revised: Thursday December 18 2008
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