The big question is right now: How are the trails and what will happen to them after the rain?
If I was a betting man I would have to say that they will be OK for the weekend, with possibly some water laying in low spots and maybe some dirt showing in the corners. But the trails should be in good shape and this weekend will have some decent conditions.
The further North one travels they will find deeper snow. The Central Aroostook area still has a deep snowpack and temperatures will dictate if clubs can get back out to groom. With very little traffic during the week, if clubs got out earlier on at the beginning of this week the trails should have held up nicely.
What a winter this has been for the clubs and most importantly the snowmobilers. March has been one of the best months for snow and the clubs have done a great job with all the fresh snow that has fallen during this month. Unfortunately, the lady is starting to sing and we can hear her in the background. As I type this possible last report of the season it is 43 degrees out and raining. The forecast is calling for some colder temps at night and the potential of snow during the middle of next week.
With trails that go through swampy areas are beginning to deteriorate quickly and the weight of the groomers could damage the base, so please keep this in mind when venturing out in these areas. Road crossings are becoming muddy and soft, but please still use the crossings that have been there all winter.
Grand Isle (ITS 81) has indicated that the area where there was logging and they were using the Grivois is becoming very muddy and soft. The same will be the case on ITS 85 where the trail shared logging operations all winter long. ITS 90 on the Caribou section also has a section that is about 600 feet long is less than desirable. The rail line in Bridgewater which is ITS 83 will be reopening on Saturday for the remainder of the season.
The base on the trails is still quite deep and snowmobiling will be still good once the temps cool off. Some projects will get back out and try to do something. the best way to find out if they have groomed will be checking out their Facebook pages.
On the social side
The Ashland Snowmobile Club will have a hot dog roast on March 31. The roast will be at Mark Rafford’s camp.
Presque Isle Snowmobile Club Stew night this Friday starting at 5 at their Clubhouse.
St. Francis Sno Angels will have their clubhouse open Saturday 11-7.
Washburn Trailrunners’ Clubhouse will be open 7-2 on Saturday, March 31, and this will be the last day for the season.
Climb the Pine hill climbs hosted by the Fort Kent snoriders will be on Saturday, April 7, starting at 10 a.m.
