It seems we are amidst a mid-winter melt-down, reminiscent of last winter, and strong enough to do some damage to the trail conditions.
Devil Track Lake began to show some gray color after the rainstorms that hit us this weekend, causing slushy conditions across the entire lake, but most of the riders brave enough to ride in the rain were impressed with the trails.
We can hear some of the snowmobiles fighting their way across the lake and it appears they are not having too much trouble handling the 12 inches of slushy snow that covers the lake. It seems strange to want to take the lake since the trails are in good shape, but some riders have been running the entire length of Devil Track despite the slush.
The rain has also caused havoc on some of the roadways in our county, especially the Gunflint Trail. The excess water that melts during the day finds its way underground and then freezes again overnight causing the paved roadways to heave. The Gunflint Trail is notoriously rough in the winter months, but it is now a 35 mph road for anyone carrying a heavy plow on the front of his or her truck.
Some of the worst heaves are near the Bearskin Road crossing and they are deep enough to make my plow bottom out if I am going any faster than walking speed. The latest additions to the roller coaster ride are closer to Grand Marais and the George Washington Pines; I cannot remember exactly where but they are not too hard to see.
Mid-winter thaws are not very common this far north, and it has been difficult maintaining driveways and gravel roads when they become saturated with water, especially when it is likely to freeze again overnight. The muddy conditions during the daylight hours turn into a slippery mess after dark that is nearly impossible to navigate. Our parking lot took a beating from vehicles leaving large ruts behind that would freeze overnight. I have to wait until noon or later before the sun softens them enough to push around with my plow.
Winter is a lot nicer when it stays cold.
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 or call 218- 388-0315. You can also visit Cory’s website at Gunflintfishingguide.com.
Leave a Reply