Snow and Trail Conditions at Crane Lake

January 31, 2010

They say "A picture is worth a thousand words."

January 23, 2010

Warmer temps last week compacted the trails nicely.  Local clubs are still grooming land trails on a normal schedule of at least three times per week.  It rained last night which made things a bit slippery, but the rain has turned to snow and we are expected to get 4-10 inches of snow.....that's what the folks who "know" are saying. Everyone in the business hopes they are correct.  Lake riding remains in good condition, and the trails have deteriorated a bit, but are in good shape, and there are few complaining about them. Area resorts are here ready to serve you!

January 7, 2010

Conditions remain excellent throughout our trail systems.  Where conditions are adequate local clubs have begun to groom the frozen lake surface!!  Groomers were able to run from Crane lake to Sand Point, smoothing out some rough portages.  The lake surface is really nice riding even off the states.  There is a normal amount of slush, but the -30 temps late last week firmed things up quite a bit.  Normal grooming is taking place on all trails in our area.  Clubs are grooming 3-4 times per week, and most businesses are open and happy to serve you!  There are a couple of spots where beaver dams are a bit slow to develop ice so take care to watch for areas which re-route traffic. Make plans to visit the Northland!!!  Not as much traffic as the UP and twice as much fun!  Have a great time!! 

December 27, 2009

WOW, what a snow!  A fresh foot or so arrived with the last storm that came through MN. The groomers have now just begun to groom the land trails.  My family and I rode the lakes all the way to Ash River today and had fantastic ride.  There are some areas of slush beginning to develop which is expected with the extra weight of the fresh snow, but nothing out of the ordinary.  Come on up and enjoy our winter wonderland!!

 

December 22 2009

The entire trail system (green trail) from Crane Lake to Rainy Lake staked, safe and open!!
Ice conditions are the best they have been in years this early.  It snowed yesterday about 2" so our total on the ground is about 9". Area resorts are mostly open starting the day after Christmas so make your plans early and come up and enjoy our unique area!!  All we are missing now is you!

December 21, 2009

Voyageurs National Park News Release

December 21, 2009

For Immediate Release

Park Headquarters (218) 283~6600

VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK

WINTER ICE AND TRAIL CONDITIONS REPORT

Park staff has continued monitoring rapidly improving ice conditions over the weekend. Early season ice and snow conditions have developed in a favorable manner. As a result, park staff is counting on the weather to allow most snowmobile trails to be open several weeks earlier than they have in many years. The remaining section of the Green Trail is now staked and the entire trail from Crane Lake to Rainy Lake is open. Snowmobile conditions are smooth on lake surfaces with the presence of 6 to 10 inches of snow. Overland portages have adequate snow for traveling but conditions are occasionally rough. Ice checking efforts will continue today on Rainy Lake from Kettle Falls west to the park boundary and tomorrow between Ash River and Kettle Falls.

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 will be 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) – Open & Staked 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

Black Bay Ski Trail – Closed

Tilson Connector Trail – Open and Packed KabAsh Trail – Open

Snowshoe Trails

Blind Ash Bay Trail – Open

Sullivan Bay Trail – Open

Oberholtzer Trail – Open

~ REMEMBER ~

“STAKED TRAILS MAKE SAFETY SENSE”

ORANGE IDENTIFIES HAZARD

 

 

 

Stay tuned to this website for the latest trail conditions.

Feel free to check out our web cam, and visit our site frequently for trail condition updates!! 

Regular weekly trail reports will be available from Voyageurs National Park beginning sometime in early December.  Reports will be posted on the park website at:

http://www.nps.gov/voya/parknews/trails.htm

Here is a link to a webcam (sponsored by Voyagaire Lodge) that is in the Crane Lake area; follow the link to:  http://cranelkcam.lutefisktech.com/images/cranelakecam.jpg

 A TRAIL MAP of the area is available.

Keep checking our website for current information on snowmobile trail conditions.   

 

For further information on Lake conditions call Voyageurs National Park at 218-283-9821 or visit www.snowmobilevacation.com, http://ridetheborder.com/trailrep.htm, or
Arrowhead Trail

 

 Always check with area resorts for trail conditions when you arrive in Crane Lake. Remember to stay on marked trails.

 
 
 

Crane Lake Tourism Bureau
7238 Handberg Raod · Crane Lake, MN 56725 · 1-800-362-7405

©2009 Crane Lake Visitor & Tourism Bureau