A major winter storm that hit Wisconsin earlier this week dropped varying amounts of snow across the entire state. According to the National Weather Service (exit DNR), snow depths range from a low of just a few inches along Lake Michigan in southeastern Wisconsin, to 6 to 9 inches through central Wisconsin, to up to 18 inches in Dane County and 20 inches along the Lake Superior snowbelt in Ashland and Iron counties.
The new snow is tempting skiers and snowmobilers, but state recreational specialists urge people to check ahead before venturing out for winter sports. Nearly half of Wisconsin state park properties were reporting some storm-related damage, ranging from down trees and branches to road damage. Crews will be focusing on plowing roads and parking lots and then clearing trees and branches before grooming ski trails. However, a number of parks either had groomed trails, or were expecting to have them groomed by this weekend. Check the State Park Current Conditions Reports for updates or contact the park or forest office directly.
The decision to open snowmobile trails is made at the local level. In addition to snow conditions, factors such as open water, standing crops and landowner agreements all dictate the actual opening date, which is announced by county officials. Trail preparation and grooming is done by volunteers representing the snowmobile clubs across the state. Using trails before they are officially open is trespass and can hamper efforts to open trails. Check the of the DNR Web site for a list of county snowmobile coordinator contacts.
Snowmobile and ski trail information can also be found in the Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism Web site TravelWisconsin [exit DNR].
Everyone venturing out this weekend should also note that a antlerless gun deer hunt is being held statewide Thursday through Sunday. All people spending time in the outdoors should wear brightly colored or blaze orange clothing. Antlerless tag availability will determine how many hunters will be out. In some areas, mostly in the north, very few permits were available and few hunters will be out. In other areas, primarily the herd control and CWD deer management units of southern and central Wisconsin, hunters may use their free antlerless tags and more hunters will be eligible to hunt. Late archery season hunters re reminded they are also required to follow blaze orange requirements and are restricted to the harvest of antlerless deer only during this period.
The colder weather of the past week has put ice cover on most northern lakes, but ice thickness was only in the 1- to 3-inch range. This is not considered safe for ice travel as there are still many areas that may have much thinner ice, such as inlet, outlet and mid-lake areas. However, there have been a few early ice anglers creeping out onto shallow bay areas, but success has been generally slow with no reports yet of any catches being made.The recent heavy snows may cause some slush to form, which will further weaken this thin, early ice.
The storm that moved into Wisconsin moved out some major flocks of sandhill cranes that had been staging in the southern half of the state the last few weeks. Flocks numbering in the hundreds were seen flying south over Dane County prior to the cold front that moved in following the snowstorm.
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 - Brule looks like a winter wonderland with the beautiful blue skies and the snow sticking to the evergreens. It is beautiful, but cool with sub-zero temperatures. The new snow has cross country skiers ready to hit the trails. The Afterhours Ski trails will be rolled today (Thursday) and tracked Friday. Updates will be posted on [www.skinnyski.com]. Wednesday, Dec. 9 marked the end of the muzzle loader season, transitioning into the four-day antlerless season (Dec. 10-13). Antlerless deer may be harvested with a gun or bow during this season but archers must wear blaze orange. The Brule River State Forest annual fall public meeting will be held this Saturday, Dec. 12, at 1 p.m. at the Cloverland Town Hall.
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Copper Falls State Park - Winter has arrived at Copper Falls. The recent snow storm brought more than 20 inches of snow to the Mellen area. Staff have been busy plowing and grooming ski trails. We anticipate having the grooming complete by mid-day on Friday, Dec. 11. The snow was light and fluffy, unlike many of the reports from the southern part of the state. Trails are shaping up with approximately a 6 inch base and appear to be excellent. All ski trails will be open. New to Copper Falls this year is the addition of a 3 km skate loop. The skating loop starts at Park Headquarters and meanders along the edge of the woods. The Friends of Copper Falls State Park, Inc. have assisted with trail development and we are quite excited as we anticipate good use of the trail. The Park will also continue to groom 8 km of classical trail. A new multi-purpose trail has also been established allowing people access to Copper and Brownstone Falls regardless of their preferred way to navigate the snow. The trail will be groomed for use by people on snowshoes and walkers. Skiing will also be allowed on the trail but tracks will not be set. Follow the Copper Falls Winter Access Sign for parking and Trailhead.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The seasonably cold weather of the past week has put ice cover on most local lakes but ice thickness was only in the 1 to 3 inch range as of December 8. This is not considered safe for ice travel as there are still many areas that may have much thinner ice, such as inlet, outlet and mid-lake areas. However, there have been a few early ice anglers creeping out onto shallow bay areas, but their success has been generally slow with no reports yet of any catches being made. Early-ice anglers should also be warned that the recent heavy snows may cause some some slush, which will further weaken this thin, early-season ice.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) - All area lakes skimmed over with a thin sheet of ice during the weekend of Dec. 5. Large, deep lakes such as Trout Lake (Vilas County), and Lake Tomahawk (Oneida County) still had open patches of water. Ice is building fairly quick and a couple anglers have begun venturing out on shallow bays. There should be more opportunities to find safe ice starting the weekend of December 12, but local conditions should be checked out carefully prior to making a trip out. Heavy snows predicted this week could also hamper ice conditions - the ice is not thick enough to support much snow at this time, which will cause a slushy mess and weaken the little ice we have at this time.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Blizzard conditions along the shoreline dumped snow and ice on the roadways causing much drifting of snow. Overnight temperatures will be below zero for the most part. Ice was forming before the storm hit but the snowfall may now insulate it slowing down the ice making process. Snowmobile trails will open December 15 in this area.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Peninsula State Park - The park received more than 12 inches of wind-driven snow on Wednesday. Staff have been plowing roads and lots, hindered by trees on roadways and trails. Ski trail groooming has commenced but may take some time to complete. If all goes well, most ski trail loops should be groomed by late Friday afteroon. A trail pass is required to ski on Peninsula's ski trail system. As of late Thursday, snowmobile trails have not yet been groomed. Efforts to groom may be hindered by downed trees. Call park headquarters for updated. Peninsula has three snowshoe routes that are in excellent condition.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Hartman Creek State Park - As of Dec. 10, the park received about 14 inches of snow over the past two days. A severe weather alert is currently in place because of wind chill expected through Thursday. Due to the large amount of snow, crews will first try to get the roads plowed and open for park visitors, but they will attempt to groom the cross-country ski trails before the upcoming weekend. We plan to groom the Pope Lake Trail and portions of the Oak Ridge and Hillview trail systems on Friday, Dec. 11. Please call ahead, (715) 258-2372, for updated weather conditions. Not all cross-country ski trails will be groomed after every snowfall. Primary trails groomed will be the Pope Lake Trail and the outside loop of the Oak Ridge Trail System. Please remember that no pets are allowed on the ski trails. Other trails such as the Deer Path and the area north of Hartman Lake are open for pet walking. Snowmobile trails are not open at this time.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Big Foot Beach State Park The park received 8 to 9inches of fresh snow on December 8. The cross-country ski trails will be groomed on Friday, Dec. 11. Please keep pets off of the groomed ski trails! Other areas of the park are available for hiking and pet walking. Lake Geneva does not have ice cover at this time.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit - The area received approximately 14 inches of snow on Dec. 9. The Zillmer Trail System was packed on Wednesday. Futher work will be performed on the system Thursday. Hopefully the entire system will be groomed for skate and diagonal skiing by the end of Thursday. Most likely, the surface for skate skiing will remain soft for a few days.
Kettle Moraine State Forest Lapham Peak Unit - The lighted lower loop was very skiable Wednesday night. There was good coverage everywhere and not too many sticks. Two crews were out to clean up the upper loop downfall. Skiing should be great for the weekend after they have packed again, and the snow sets up. Please help groomers by throwing sticks and branches off the trail.
Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit Nordic, McMiller, and Scuppernong ski trails at the Southern Unit received approximately 7 inches of snow on Tuesday night. The snow had a high moisture content. As of Wednesday morning, groomers had been packing the trails throughout the snow storm. The groomers have packed all of the trails although with the high moisture content some ruts were created in the trail surface. The groomers are going to get some rest, let the snow set up and dry out so that they can return later on Wednesday to finish grooming and set a classical track. Conditions for Wednesday skiers are fair to good with a 2-3 inch packed base and no classical tracks set. There are a number of trees down or hanging over the Nordic, McMiller and Scuppernong cross country ski trails. As winds increase the damage could increase. For Thursday the forest staff will focus on addressing the downed tree issue first and complete grooming after that has been accomplished. About 95 percent of the state forest is open to public hunting during established open seasons, including a four-day antlerless deer hunt Dec. 10-14. Anyone who plans to use any forest trails this weekend should wear bright-colored clothing; blaze orange is the best. . Hunters are reminded not to walk on the groomed ski trails. Hiking/Snowshoe trails are open. Please do not hike on groomed ski trails. The Ice Age trail, Emma Carlin, John Muir trail and any nature trail are open for hiking. Pets as long as they are on an 8 feet leash are welcome on all hiking trails except nature trails.
Richard Bong State Recreation Area The area received 4 to 5 inches of wet snow on Dec. 8 and 9. Cross-country skiing is permitted on the trails south of Hwy. BB. Enjoy Being the first to cut the trail or follow in a previous skier's path. Ski trails are not groomed at Richard Bong nor is a trail fee charged for skiing. Snowshoeing is permitted except on ski trails. Vehicle admission sticker is required to enter the Recreation Area.
Sheboygan County - Sheboygan County received between 3 inches of snow near Lake Michigan and 14 inches of snow inland during this last storm. Friends groups are actively grooming the ski and snowmobile trails. However, with the weekend deer hunt the earliest they will open is December 14, assuming the weather holds. There is still standing corn in the county, which may also delay the opening of some snowmobile trails. Please check the following Web sites for the latest trail information:
www.nkmsnow.com for snowmobiles, and
www.greenbushusa.com for skiers.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County In Sheboygan shore anglers have been catching a few rainbows and browns on both spawn and crankbaits in the marina. In the Sheboygan River anglers have been catching browns and a few steelhead up to the Kohler dam. Most fish have been taken on flies and spawn.
Ozaukee County - Shore anglers in Port Washington have been catching a few browns and rainbows near the power plant and in the north slip. Both skein and spawn sacs produced fish
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee boaters have been catching decent numbers of browns in and around the harbor. Shore anglers have been catching a few browns on spawn behind the Summerfest grounds and in the Menomonee River at the MMSD offices. Some browns and steelhead have been caught in the Milwaukee River in Kletzsch Park, with small flies and spawn both producing.
Racine County - Shore anglers fishing in the Racine harbor have been catching a few browns. Crankbaits and spawn have produced the most fish. On the Root River, water levels are good, and all areas of the river have been holding good numbers of browns and steelhead. Small egg imitation flies have taken the most fish, but wooley buggers and egg sucking leeches have produced as well. Spawn drifted through deeper pools has also taken a fair number of fish.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha a few browns have been active in the Small Boat Harbor. Both small white tube jigs and spawn have been productive.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Blue Mound State Park All cross-country ski trails are groomed and tracked for classical skiing. There is 100 percent coverage. There will be some drifting in open areas. Not perfect, but overall should be some very good conditions.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Lake Kegonsa State Park- The park received 15 inches of wet, heavy snow during the night of Tuesday and Wednesday. The park is open and all roads and parking lots have been cleared. Crews plan to begin trying to groom ski trails Thursday afternoon. This may be difficult given the wet, heavy snow conditions and the possibility of trees down on the trails. It may take a couple of days to get this done. Check the parks Web page or voice mail (608-873-9695) to find out when the trails are open.
Mirror Lake State Park - As of Dec. 9, the park received over 12 inches of new snow. Broken branches from high winds will need to be removed, slowing the groomers down. Crews will be working on the trails daily and hope to have all trails opened and groomed for the up coming weekend. Portions of the park will be open for the four- day antlerless deer hunt running from Dec. 10 13.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
The La Crosse area received 10 to17 inches of new snow over the past few days. Despite the snow cover La Crosse County snowmobile trails remain closed at least until December 15th due to the antlerless only deer season in La Crosse County. La Crosse County snowmobile trail information can be heard by calling 608-782-4500.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest One foot of snow blanketed the ground on Tuesday and Wednesday. Cross-country ski trails will be groomed on Friday and should be in excellent shape. The Smrekar warming shelter has a new feature for this year - electricity. The Black River Forest Trail Foundation generously paid for the building to be hooked up to the grid. All snowmobile and ATV trails will open on Dec. 15. Currently the state forest and Jackson County are working to get all of the trails packed. With a couple of days to harden down after packing they should be in great shape when they open next week. Anyplace on the state forest not designated for skiing or motorized recreation is open for snowshoeing. Two recommended places include the five mile trail that runs from Pigeon Creek Campground to Smrekar Road and the nature trail at Castle Mound Campground. If you use the Pigeon Creek trails you could start at the Smrekar warming cabin and hike out to Smrekar road to the trail head. Please use caution though and remember that you can not snowshoe on any cross country ski trails.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Several inches of snow fell Tuesday night through Wednesday. When plowing is complete and weather conditions (not too much drifting, snow stops, etc) are better, cross-country ski trails may be packed sometime this weekend or later.
Last Revised: Thursday December 10 2009
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