Voyageurs National Park Winter Ice and Trail Conditions Report March 6, 2013

Date: March 6, 2013
Contact: Tawnya Schoewe, [phone]

Voyageurs National Park Winter Ice and Trail Conditions Report 

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minnesota: All snowmobile trails, ski trails, and snowshoe trails in the park are open and in excellent condition. Over the past week, off-trail slush conditions have improved, but slush may redevelop quickly when warmer temperatures and sun return.

Snowmobile Trails- see trail status list at end

The snowmobile trails in the park have been groomed and continue to be groomed on a regular basis. Park staff recommends staying on the designated trails on the lake surfaces because of hazardous slush conditions off of the groomed trails. Though conditions have improved over the last week, slush may redevelop quickly with sun and warmer temperatures. Also be aware of frozen ruts in the slush off of the trails. A reminder that the snowmobile speed limit in the park is 45 mph on lake surfaces and 25 mph on the land trails.

Ice Roads- see trail status list at end

The Kabetogama Lake Ice Road is open from the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center to the Ash River Visitor Center. The Rainy Lake Ice Road is open from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center to Dove Bay, and to the north side of Dryweed Island. The speed limit on the ice roads is 30 mph.

To reduce hazards to snowmobile users, all ice blocks are to be immediately chopped up, submerged, or hauled to land. Placement of equipment or any type of structure must be greater than 50 feet off the center of all ice roads and snowmobile trails. Written authorization from the park is required for individuals to plow any lake surfaces within the park.

Snowshoe Trails- see trail status list at end

All snowshoe trails in the park are open. Snowshoes are available for loan at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center near International Falls, Arrowhead Lodge in Kabetogama, and Ash Trail Lodge in Ash River. Take advantage of this opportunity to try this winter activity.

Cross-Country Ski Trails - see trail status list at end

The Echo Bay, Tilson Connector, and Black Bay Ski Trails are open and tracked. The Rainy Lake Visitor Center near International Falls has adult-sized skis available for rent and children's skis available for loan during business hours. The visitor center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Snowmobile Trails

International Falls to Kettle Falls (Purple Trail) - Open and staked

Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River (Green Trail) - Open and staked

Ash River to Crane Lake (Green Trail) - Open and staked

Chain of Lakes (Dashed Black Trail) -Open and staked

Ash River to Kettle Falls (Yellow Trail) - Open and Staked

East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake (Blue Trail) - Open and Staked

Ice Roads

Rainy Lake Ice Road - Open to Dryweed Island.

Kabetogama Lake Ice Road - Open between the Kabetogama Lake and Ash River Visitor Centers

Ski Trails

Echo Bay Ski Trail - Open, packed, and tracked

Black Bay Ski Trail - Open, packed, and tracked

Tilson Connector - Open, packed, and tracked

Snowshoe Trails

Sullivan Bay Trail - Open

"STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE"

ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARDS