Another Winter Blast this Week

GMNCers,

 

I hope all the Barne skiers enjoyed the winter storm on Saturday and stayed warm. After a cold start this Sunday morning, today is a bluebird day on the Mesa. Any activity you choose should be a pleasure with lots of natural vitamin D available.

 

Monday, pre-frontal SW winds increase to 15-25 mph and gusty in the open areas. A strong Pacific Northwest cold front sweeps through Western Colorado late Monday night. The front will put an inch or two of snow into the Grand Valley, probably less in the North Fork valley, for your Tuesday driving pleasure. On the GMNC trails, expect 5-10 inches of new windblown and drifted snow by Tuesday sunset. 

 

Wednesday through Friday look like pleasant ski opportunities, with afternoon high temperatures in the 20s. Now that we are on daylight savings time, this brings some nice after-work ski opportunities. Wednesday is officially the full moon date, but still expect the moon to rise about 40 minutes after sunset. Friday may bring some light snowfall, but no accumulations expected for now. Cold morning and snow temperatures still favor cold ski waxes and good waxable classic skiing.

 

First outlook for the Mesa Meltdown next Saturday, is sunny skies and light winds. Race time air temperatures in the upper teens to mid 20s, but snow temperature remaining cold and dry for easy waxing conditions.

 

I will update this week if, as usual, the weather proves to be more complicated.

 

Mojo

 

Wind Waves

Wednesday's wind created some interesting snow sculptures near the trail junction at Scales Lake and Lions.

Don't be scared off though, the wind sculptures are mostly off the trail and the tracks are in fine shape everywhere else. But these photos will give you an idea of some of the extra work our groomers do.

The trails will be freshly groomed again tomorrow (Saturday). For details, see grooming report below.

Enjoy our trails? Thank a groomer, and consider making a spontaneous, kind-hearted donation.

--Christie

weekend grooming

Slight change in plans for Ward due to wind and forecast. Al will groom on Sat. afternoon or Sun. AM as storm moves out.
Skyway/County Line will stay the same, with morning grooming both days unless it's out of control with blowing and snowing.

WRobertson

Perfect tracks...

What a day! A warm breeze and perfect tracks at County Line. Best part: no dog poop! Let's try to keep it that way...

Enjoy!

--Christie

Grooming for week 3/4-8

Plan to have Skyway/County Line groomed on Wed., Fri.P.M. , and both days on the weekend if needed.
Ward will be groomed on Friday PM, and possibly again on Sun. Due to the warm temperatures, it is getting difficult to groom at Ward.

WRobertson

weather outlook... or alms for Ullr

GMNCers,

 

Last Friday I promised you a winter storm this Thursday that would produce some good snowfall.  This is not to be.

 

Now some of the NWS forecasters are talking about a perisistent long-wave western ridge, and geeky stuff like forecast model performance during transitional periods. But you and I know in our heart of hearts the norse god of skiing, Ullr, is unhappy with us! If you have not yet "made a spontaneous, kind-hearted donation to GMNC" here is your opportunity to bring winter back to the GMNC trails!

 

The outlook is for breezy and mild conditions to continue through Thursday. There is a chance of snowfall starting on Friday and into the weekend. The current forecast models do not produce much snow over the Grand Mesa through the weekend, but alms to Ullr could change all that!

 

Cuurent forecast for the Barnelopet, is cloudy with a slight chance of only light snow. Breezy SW winds in the open areas will gust to 20 mph or so. Temperatures in the low-mid 20s.

 

But be flexible, bring some extra clothes for your child, and watch the current conditions and evolving forecast here  http://home.mesastate.edu/~jerry/gmnc/weather/weather.htm

 

Mojo

 

Barnelopet Weekend

This Saturday 3/7 brings us the Barnelopet at Skyway. Please note that due to the expected big crowd, the scheduled adult lessons for the day have been cancelled. Also note that parking may be tight so it's especially important to carpool if possible.

The Barnelopet is the free ski day for kids 3-16 brought to you by the Sons of Norway Vestafjell Lodge and the Grand Mesa Nordic Council. Registration is from 10 until 11 AM. After registering kids can get a free ski lesson tailored to their ability. Finally there will be a fun non-competitive ski race starting at 12 PM with a choice of distance and challenge. Hot drinks and snacks will be available with no charge. Kids must bring their own or rental equipment with them. There will be none available on site. It's a great day for kids to get a taste of cross country skiing. For more info give me a call or write.

Tom Ela
434-9753
nachtambule@aol.com

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