Voyageurs national park winter ice and trail conditions report for December 28
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Contact: Jim Hummel, 218-283-6670
Over the past week ice conditions have not changed significantly due to mild temperatures in the Voyageurs National Park region. Early season lake ice and snow conditions have made it possible to open and stake the Green Trail from Rainy Lake to Kabetogama Lake and on to the Ash River community. As of today, no pressure ridges have formed along the Green Trail. Snowmobiling conditions are smooth on lake surfaces. Overland portages have adequate snow for traveling, but conditions are occasionally rough. Also, with the recent snowfall, pockets of slush are beginning to form and travelers are urged to use caution. The balance of snowmobile trails is not open at this time and travel is not recommended in any areas other than the marked Green Trail. Lake surface ice safety checks in Voyageurs National Park are ongoing and an update on snowmobile travel status will be reported early next week.
Please remember that the snowmobile speed limit within Voyageurs National Park is 45 mph on frozen lake surfaces and 25 mph on all overland portages. Speed limit signs are posted at trailheads and overland portages. Regular weekly winter trail conditions reports are available on our website at www.nps.gov/voya.
Snowmobile Trails International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) – Not Open Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River – Open & Staked Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) – Not Open Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) – Not Open Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) – Not Open East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) – Not Open
Rainy Lake Ice Road– CLOSED
Ski Trails Echo Bay Ski Trail – Open and in fair condition Black Bay Ski Trail – Open, packed and in fair condition Tilson Connector Trail – Open Packed and Tracked KabAsh Trail – Open
Snowshoe Trails Blind Ash Bay Trail – Open Sullivan Bay Trail – Open Oberholtzer Trail – Open
“STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE” ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARD |
Did You Know?
You can see the park just as the voyageurs did over 200 years ago. Each summer the park offers guided trips aboard a 26-foot North Canoe. Call for more infomation at 1-888-381-2873.