Weather forecasts are about as dependable as the fish biting, but the local meteorologists got it right this week with their prediction of back-to-back snowstorms. Many parts of Minnesota’s Arrowhead saw eight to 12 inches of snowfall this week, covering the lakes and trails with a fresh blanket of fluffy white powder.
High winds that followed the storms caused some drifting to occur, especially on the bigger lakes. The storm travelled from the south, then it circled over Lake Superior before descending from the northeast, causing some lake-enhanced snowfall that accumulated quickly.
The existing snow base was getting packed tightly, making trails hard from the continuous use, but the fresh snowfall will cure that. The past few weeks have been too cold for any significant snowfall leaving us with an eight-inch base of snow that could have been devastated by a few sunny days in the 40-degree range, but the groundhog indicated more winter to come and it was right.
Winter is a touchy season that could go from good to bad, and then back to good again with the onset of a few significant storms.
Nordic skis, snowshoes, fat-tire bikes, and snowmobiles will all be enjoying the new snow this weekend on the numerous trails scattered throughout the wilderness. Cook County now has the best trail conditions in the state, and our phone has been ringing off the hook for lodging and trail information. Winter enthusiasts know where the snow is and the lodge rooms and cabins fill up quickly with ambitious riders and skiers looking to enjoy the wonderful outdoors.
Cory Christianson has worked as a fishing guide on the Gunflint Trail since 2000. If you have any fishing or wildlife reports or stories to share, send an email to: christiansoncory@hotmail.com. You can also visit Cory’s website at Gunflintfishingguide.com.
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