Another winter storm last weekend blanked most of the state with an additional 6 to as much as 20 inches of snow, with the central portion of the state receiving the heaviest snowfall. The far southeast portion of the state received the least amount with only a couple of inches or less reported. Snow depths now range from an inch or two in the far southeast, to 18 to 20 inches in west central Wisconsin. The far north and northeast has a bit less snow, with about 8 to 16 inches on the ground.
The new snow allowed snowmobile trails to open in more than two dozen counties across the state, with the most trails open in the south central, northwest and northern areas of the state, according to the Department of Tourism Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). Last week’s snowstorm started as freezing rain and slush, which brought down tree branches in many areas. Many local snowmobile clubs are actively working to clear and groom trails and more trails could open this week, especially if the state receives more snow. Remember, trails are opened on a local level, with clubs and county snowmobile coordinators determining when trails can open. Using trails before they are officially open is trespass and could result in trail damage and the loss of trail easements with private landowners.
Many state parks and forests have been grooming and tracking cross-country ski trails, with conditions ranging from fair to excellent. The least amounts of snow have been in the southern kettle moraine area and those trails have the least snow cover. Trails in the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine, Black River, Brule River, Flambeau and Northern Highland-American Legion state forests are generally in good to very good condition. Pattison, Mirror Lake, Lake Kegonsa, Blue Mound, Brunet Island and Wyalusing state parks are all reporting good to very good conditions. Wildcat Mountain State Park received quite a bit of snow and crews hope to have those trails groomed by the weekend.
The heavy snow has caused slush to start to build up on some northern lakes. Ice cover was generally from about 5 to 7 inches before the storm. With the cold snap last week, many lakes in southern Wisconsin also froze over, but with ice thickness highly variable. The heavy snow will provide insulation to keep the ice from adding much more thickness in the next week or so, and ice thickness will be quite variable. As such, early season anglers should still be extremely cautious when venturing out and check ice thickness regularly.
Northern anglers were reporting fair action some days for walleye in the 12 to 16-inch range on tip-ups with small suckers or large fatheads but other days have produced few flags. Panfish action has been good on many southern waters, with nice bluegills, along with some perch and crappies being taken on small jigs with wax worms or spikes.
Whitetail buck antlers sheds have already begun to be found in the north. Rough-legged hawks are being observed in the Coulee Region, although recent heavy snowfalls might push these birds farther south. These large hawks, which get their name from their furry-looking legs that are feathered to the toes with soft feathers, breed in the Arctic tundra and migrate to and winter primarily in the lower 48 states. They feed mainly on small rodents and often hunt for them by hovering above a grassy field before diving down on the unsuspecting prey.
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
Brule River State Forest - Conditions on the Afterhours Cross-Country Ski Trail are considered very good for both skate and classic skiing. There is about a 6 inch base on most of the trail system. Keep in mind that there are a couple of snowshoe loops on the Afterhours trails to use. It is reported that bucks are beginning to shed their antlers. On the surface it would appear that the conditions are right for snowmobiling and winter recreation here in Douglas County. However, as of Dec. 15, the snowmobile and winter ATV recreational trails under the management authority of the Douglas County Forestry Department remain closed for the season at this time. Although there is snow on the ground and the temperatures have been downright cold, Douglas County experienced several significant late fall/early winter storms involving freezing rain and wet heavy snow resulting in many deadfalls and bent saplings blocking trails. Many trails are also non-frozen due to the rain with a subsequent layer of insulating snow. The end result is these unfortunate circumstances are significantly hindering the opening of the trails and starting of grooming operations. Currently members of the Northwest Trails Association, who handle trail maintenance, are actively working hard clearing deadfalls and attempting to freeze-down wet areas as conditions allow. Club members would like to thank everyone for their patience and would like to assure everyone that they are working as fast as they can. Trails will be opened as soon as conditions safely allow. For the most up to date information on the trails please call the 24 hour hotline (715)-378-4528. The annual fall public meeting of the Brule River State Forest will be Dec. 18 at 9 a.m. at the Brule Town Hall. A recap of the 2010 recreation season will be discussed. Up coming projects will also be mentioned during the meeting.
Pattison State Park - Cross country ski conditions are excellent. Trail was groomed and is in excellent condition with a 5 inch base and 12 inches of snowcover in the woods.
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Tuscobia State Trail - First grooming of trail will be completed by Dec 17. There is approximately a 4-inch base layer of snow The trail will be open to ATV use (Sawyer County-Washburn County segment) on Dec. 16.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The big snowstorm of this past weekend added anywhere from 6 to 12 inches of snow onto the ice cover and this has created some major slush problems on many waters. Most lakes had 5 to 7 inches of ice prior to the storm, and this heavy snow will provide quite a bit of insulation to keep the ice from adding much more thickness in the next week or so. With that said, ice thickness and snow cover continues to be quite variable and travel conditions have gotten very difficult with the slush. As such, early season anglers should still be extremely cautious when venturing out and always check ice thickness and slush conditions before heading across any body of water. Reports from early-season anglers indicate that fishing has been generally fair. Walleye have been the primary target for most early 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 have produced just a few perch flags. The most productive areas have been the mud/muck flats and weed edges in the late afternoon hours, with small suckers or large fatheads fished at the 5 to 8 foot depth. Some angling pressure has also been seen for panfish and success for perch and crappie has also been fair. Perch have been hitting small minnows and have been found at a variety of depths, from as shallow as 4 feet and out to 20-plus feet of water. Some nice crappie have been found suspended just off the bottom in 18 to 24 feet of water, and many of the fish have been in the 11 to 13-inch size.
Flambeau River State Forest - Flambeau Hills Ski Trail conditions range from fair to very good for skate skiers. There is 8 to 10 inches of snow from last weekend's storm. There are areas where soil, grass, and leaves have been exposed. Ice dams on the Flambeau River have flooded a portion of Pinery Grade trail.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Northern Highlands-American Legion State Forest – There is 10-12 inches of snow in undisturbed wooded areas. Cross-country ski trails have all been groomed. Escanaba was groomed Dec. 13. The Pallette (green) loop was leveled and tracked. Still some thin spots with the groomer pulling up some debris but good condition for the first grooming. Madeline trail had all loops packed and the tracks were being set Dec. 16. Raven was groomed Dec. 15. All loops have been tracked. Good conditions overall with some thin spots on the yellow loop along Hemlock lake. McNaughton trail had all open areas of trail have packed and it will be groomed Dec. 16. There is a section of the skaters (red) loop from the parking lot to the first intersection which is closed due to timber sale activity. The rest of the skaters loop may be accessed from the classical loops or an alternate parking area at the McNaughton lake boat landing which will be kept plowed for this reason. Vilas County snowmobile trails are opened and groomed but could use some more snow. The cold weather has helped firm up swampy and marshy areas.
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Council Grounds State Park - With approximately a foot of new snow the ski trails are groomed and in excellent condition. The campgrounds are closed for the season. Bow Hunting will take place in the park through Jan. 9. All hunting permits for the season have already been purchased.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Peninsula State Park – Snow depth ranges from zero to 12 inches due to blowing and drifting. Cross-country ski trails are in fair condition with thin spots and forest debris. Trails were groomed Dec. 16, best at Lot 5 (yellow, orange & red loops). The sledding/tubing hill is still closed (hill is bare). Snowmobile trails are closed. Candlelight Ski/Hike will be held on Feb 5, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Ski or hike a one-mile candlelit trail through forest and meadow. Please, no dogs on the trail. Bonfire with refreshments at the warming shelter. State park vehicle admission sticker required. Event will be cancelled if weather is severe. Call Park Headquarters day of event for current conditions 920-868-3258.
Potawatomi State Park - About 10 inches of snow fell on Potawatomi during the December 12 snowstorm. All winter roads and parking are plowed, including electrical campsites 22, 24, 26, and 28. All ski trails were last rolled and tracked on Dec. 15. Trails are in generally good condition. The volunteer groomer said the Red, Black and Green trails are an 8 on a 10-point scale, with 10 being the best. The Blue trail is rated a 6 due to quite a few small sticks still on the trail which came down during the storm. Strong winds earlier this week distributed the 10 inches of new snow unevenly, so snowmobile trails remain closed at this time. Ice conditions are not good. There is still open water in the harbor and Sturgeon Bay. With the sun shining and temperatures around 20 degrees, it felt balmy Thursday after the storm and cold temperatures earlier this week.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit - The Zillmer cross-country ski trails have been cleared and groomed, and are being tracked Dec. 16. The Greenbush purple, red, and brown trails have been cleared and groomed, and minimally tracked. Work continues on clearing the green loop. All state forest snowmobile trails are open. However, staff and volunteers continue to remove fallen trees off the 60 miles of trails, and some areas may be impassible into the weekend. Use caution, and watch for debris. The Fond du Lac and Sheboygan County snowmobile trails are open. Early season conditions are fair - use caution, and watch for debris on the trail. ATVs and snowmobiles are not allowed on Mauthe Lake.
Kettle Moraine State Park - Pike Lake Unit - Cross country ski trails are groomed and tracked and generally in good condition. There are some areas with lots of twigs on the trail and a few areas that are quite narrow due to overhanging brush. When trails are snow covered hikers, snowshoers, and dogs are not allowed on trails east of Powder Hill Road (groomed ski trails). Pets are not allowed on the Black Forest Nature Trail and must be on a leash 8' or less at all times in other areas.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit - The cross-country ski trails are open but more snow is needed. The trails were packed last Saturday as well as on Friday. The snow coverage is thin - particularly in the wooded areas - with lots of leaves and twigs exposed and up hill climbs it is easy to go through to the underlying trail tread. No tracks have been set. Keep an eye on the weather and call the trail information line for up-to-date conditions, (262) 594-6202. Snowmobile trails are not open.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Wyalusing State Park - With the recent snowfalls, the park has been transformed into a true Winter Wonderland. The park received approximately 8 inches of fluffy, fresh snow after the freezing rain this past weekend. All trails are snow covered. Whitetail Meadows Cross Country Ski Trail and the road to Henneger Point are groomed but not tracked. As of Dec. 16, Turkey Hollow has not been maintained for cross country skiing due to the number of limbs down on that trail. The walkway to Point Lookout will be packed but not plowed this year. The Mississippi River stage at Prairie du Chien is 10.3. People have been fishing off the backwaters of the Mississippi River at the park boat landing. Park bird feeders have been a popular place for the winter resident birds. The backdrop of snow laden trees with a sprinkling of beautiful red cardinals provides the perfect setting for a winter postcard. Other birds taking advantage of the bird feeders include: blue jays, juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, red-bellied woodpeckers, purple finches, nuthatches, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers and gold finches.
Blue Mound State Park – Cross-country ski conditions are good. The trail has been groomed with tracks set. There are some icy spots.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County - The Dodge County ATV trail along the Wild Goose Trail from Hwy 60 to Hwy 49 is open. ATV riders are cautioned that the trail through the City of Juneau is not groomed and could result in some rough trail conditions especially at the road crossings. Zone 3 which is in the southeast portion of the County remains closed at this time because of trail segments in the Hustisford area not yet completed. This zone will be opened when the trail segments are completed. All riders are cautioned to watch for icy areas and drifted areas throughout the trail system. 24 hour trail status message: 920-386-3705.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Lake Kegonsa State Park - As of Dec. 15, all cross country ski trails are open have been groomed. Trails are in fair to good condition with some icy spots and a few bare spots. Pets, hikers and snowshoes are prohibited on all designated cross country ski trails. For the most up to date ski conditions, please call the park at 608-873-9695. 2010 Candlelight Ski Events are scheduled for January 8 and February 12, from 6-9 p.m. These events are weather and snow conditions permitting.
Mirror Lake State Park - Cross country ski trails are groomed are in very good to excellent condition with a 5 to 7 inch base. Remember, pets and hiking on groomed ski trails is prohibited. Trails open for snowshoeing and hiking include Echo Rock, Lake View, Sandstone and Wild Rice. The next candle light ski/hike/snowshoe event will be held on Jan. 8.
Jefferson County - Ice anglers are having some success on panfish in the marsh on Rock Lake. Bluegill are biting on small jigs with wax worms or spikes. A few limits have been taken. Ice thickness is in the 4-5 inch range. The ice is treacherous on the local rivers yet so ATVs and snowmobilers are avoiding them. The snowmobile trails are open as of Dec. 13 in Jefferson County. The trail condition hotline number is 920-699-SNOW(7669). When the trails do open a couple trail segments will remain closed until after the holiday gun deer season due to landowners still hunting their property. A few coyote hunters have been out now with the recent snowfall but the bitter cold is slowing activity
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Rough-legged hawks are being observed in the Coulee Region, although recent heavy snowfalls might push these birds farther south. These large buteos breed in the Arctic tundra and migrate to and winter primarily in the lower 48 states. They feed mainly on small rodents and often hunt for them by hovering above a grassy field before diving down on the unsuspecting prey. Deep snow cover tends to push the birds farther south. Rough-legged hawks get their name from their furry-looking legs, which are feathered to the toes with soft feathers. Identification characteristics include a small bill and feet, long, rounded wings, much white on the under-wing flight feathers, and a white tail with a wide dark band or bands near the tip. Most rough-legged hawks have a dark belly and dark patch at the under-wing "wrist" or carpal patch. There are two color phases, light and dark, with light phases outnumbering dark phases.
Wildcat Mountain State Park - With all the snow crews were having problems grooming cross-country ski trails. They hope to have the trails groomed and tracked by Saturday Dec. 18. Snow shoeing can be done anywhere in the park except the ski trails. The Old Settlers trail has been has been marked for snow shoeing and has had the trail broke using snow shoes. The only hunting is late season deer archery by permit only ( all permits have been sold out).
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - Nearly 20 inches of snow fell in the Black River Falls area this past weekend—winter is here! The heavy snow is both a blessing and a curse. The large snowfall and drifting that occurred will result in a much longer time than usual to groom the trails. However, once the trails have been groomed and set up, there should be great conditions. Snowmobile and All-terrain Vehicle trails were groomed Wednesday evening. They need a day to set up and will open at noon on Friday the Dec. 17. The conditions are very good. There may be some additional snow on Thursday. ATVs are being asked to not use the trail system for the time being. There are areas of the trail with drifts more than 4 feet deep. If an ATV breaks through this, retrieving the machine may be next to impossible. Once the trail base has hardened up then ATVs should be fine. Cross-country Ski Trails are groomed with the exception of the Norway pine for both skating and traditional. We would rate the conditions as very good. If we receive significant additional snow on Thursday we will groom the trails again on Friday. With the heavy snow, we will not be grooming the Ridge Trail, as we would not be able to traverse the hills. Typically we groom the Ridge early in the year until additional snow and drifting make it impossible to traverse. Mother Nature took care of this early this year. Skiers will notice that there has been a fair amount of timber sale activity along the trails this year. The annual candlelight ski will be held Saturday, Feb. 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. The event is held at the Smrekar Warming shelter and includes a luminary-lit 1.5-mile trail. Refreshments and hot dogs will be available, along with a raffle and bonfire. This event is sponsored by the Black River Forest Trail Foundation. a nonprofit group that raises funds for the betterment of the hike, bike, and ski trail system. Snowshoers are welcome to enjoy their sport on any ungroomed trail in the state forest. We recommend people try either the nature trail at Castle Mound Campground, a two mile circular loop, or the five mile trail from Pigeon Creek to Smrekar road. This trail can be accessed by the Smrekar parking lot by hiking west on Smrekar road. The trail intersects the road just when the road takes a sharp 90 degree turn north. The trail continues west to Pigeon Creek Campground. Please note this trail is not a loop so you will need to turn around and retrace your steps at some point. If you are with a group, one option is to have at least one vehicle at Pigeon Creek and at least one at the Smrekar parking lot so you do not have to turn around. East Fork Campground is closed for the season but a few select sites will be plowed at Castle Mound and Pigeon Creek this winter. All sites are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park – The park received over 20 inches of snow on the weekend. The cross country ski trail system has been packed and track has been set. Panfish action has been good in the north campground bays. Anglers are reporting generally good ice conditions in the backwater areas. The park does not monitor ice conditions. The Cornell flowage water levels fluctuate throughout the year and we urge caution when venturing onto the ice. Species of birds seen or heard include: ravens, black capped chickadees, northern juncos, piliated and red headed woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, and bald eagles.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Ski trails will possibly be packed later this week, depending on staffing, trees down, and if more snow falls. Walking on trails when groomed is not allowed. Snowshoers must stay off to the side of trails and not on the groomed trails. The park and wildlife areas are open to late bow deer season.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The campground and main gate are now closed for the season. Parking is available at the winter lot on Czech Ave and that pit toilet is still open.
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