The latest storm to hit the Rocky Mountains has brought about 2 feet of gorgeous powder snow to our area of the wilderness. While the outside temperatures are a bit cool (down to -20 C or so), the cabins are wonderfully warm and cozy. With the cooler temperatures, I will be able to get the snow machine and track-setter across the creek (previously still with open water) to start grooming trails for cross-country skiing. Look for new posts next week for an update on my trail grooming progress.
WE HAVE SNOW!
Filed under Snow and Trail Report, Snow Report
Trails Set for Cross-country Skiing
We have wonderful snow conditions at Rocky Mountain Escape and the Willmore Wilderness area of Alberta. Today, I set track for x-country skiing from the ‘Escape cabins down to Rock Lake, around the Green Mountain loop, over to the Equestrian Overflow meadow into Doug Phillips’ trapper’s cabin and back up the Munn Creek Trail to the cabins. There is approximately 20 km of trail track-set, and I’m hoping to get the upper part of the Munn Creek Trail set within the next couple of days.
Our weather is gorgeous (a balmy -5 C today) and the forecasters indicate more snow coming Wednesday/Thursday.
Best wishes for the holidays!
Filed under Snow and Trail Report, Snow Report
Road Advisory
Just back from my weekly/bi-monthly town trip. The warm weather (+6 C today) has caused very icy road conditions on the Rock Lake Road. Any travelers coming in to Rock Lake and/or the southern end of Willmore Wilderness should use caution – keep a toe in the dirt or soft snow, as they say, particularly around corners and the Big Hill.
Filed under Snow and Trail Report
We Have Snow
More snow at the ‘Escape cabins over the last week. With any luck, I’ll be out on the sled tomorrow starting to groom trails for cross-country skiing. Temperatures continue to stay mild (0 to -10 C range).
New snow at the cabins
Filed under Snow and Trail Report, Snow Report
Fresh Snow
We’ve received about 3 inches (10 cm) of fresh snow yesterday at the cabins. Not yet enough to fire up the ski-doo and get out on the trails to groom and track-set for cross-country skiing, but we’re getting close.
The wolves were back in the Munn Creek valley the day before the snow hit. I don’t know if the snow makes it easier for the wolves to track their prey, or if the wolves know that most animals will be out in the open right before a storm. Comments from any wolf experts would be welcome!
Snow covered mountains
Filed under Snow and Trail Report, Snow Report, Wildlife
In-between Seasons
Grizzly Bear
We’ve received more snow in the high country over the past week, although warm temperatures have melted the snow on the open areas and lower elevations trails. There is 8-10 inches of snow in the bush. We saw fresh Grizzly track on the Alpine Meadow trail, and fresh wolf track on the Munn Creek loop back to the cabins.
Filed under Snow and Trail Report, Wildlife
First Snow!
It’s snowing in the mountains this morning! Mild temperatures, no wind and gorgeous snow. The forecast is for 10-15 cm of fresh snow over the weekend.
Filed under Snow and Trail Report, Snow Report
Willmore Wilderness weather update
Overcast with light rain this morning. Wispy clouds are sitting low on the ridges, creating a rather surreal vista. Temperature is mild (15C), which is a welcome relief from the unseasonably HOT temperatures we’ve had the past few days. This light rain should help dampen the fire (Meadowland Creek prescribed burn in the west end of Willmore) and clear the smoke.
We are in our gorgeous Indian Summer in the mountains, with the poplars and aspen showing off their fall colors. Peak color should occur in another week or so. Of note, there are no buffalo berries this year – a vital fall food source for the Grizzly.
Filed under News, Snow and Trail Report
