Nordic Pulse

Dec 21st: Plans changed for Friday as a large tree needed removed on Elk Pass, so trails in the South end were groomed, and mostly trackset as usual- there are still some places not fully trackset such as the top 200m of Blueberry Hill where rock is lurking just below or even at the surface; snowmobile grooming in the Pocaterra Hut area will have to wait until early next week.  Snow on Wednesday brought accumulations ranging from about 3cm's (at the very North end) to over 10cm's (at higher elevations in the South end). Grooming this week was mostly done by snowcat except a snowmobile and Ginsu groomed Woolley, Amos and Meadow from Elkwood to the Discovery Centre. Most trails trackset this week were not fully trackset due to underlying hazards in places. Warm weather in early Dec left some icy areas, especially around Pocaterra Hut, but created a nice solid base, though it still quite thin in places and below normal for this time of year. 

Trails that do not show up as groomed this season have been snowmobile packed at least once and have the thinnest base or most hazards that need covering; all grooming was done by snowmobile before Dec 17th. Packers has been packed but needs the most snow to eliminate hazards and deserves special mention for the quantity and severity of early season hazards.

Though the solid base has eliminated most exposed rocks and dirt (a few are still possible), and recent grooming has improved surfaces considerably, early season natural hazards exist on many trails, including bumps and uneven surfaces, possible open water/ice/slush, possible exposed brush, as well as the possibility of downed trees. 

Ski trails sharing campground roads in Elkwood Campground have had the previous plowing covered over with snow; caution is still advised for construction, however this will be limited to the occasional vehicle crossing Wheeler at the south exit of the campground.

Click on the computer icon above to access the Alberta Parks report and information on individual trails.