12 replies to this topic

[Skip]

The good new...it finally snowed. The bad news...not anywhere near enough!

Across our trails anywhere from 6 to (in places) 10 inches fell. However in open areas the wind blew a lot away. What could be packed was done today from Canoe King/White Lake State Park out to White Face. Some areas around James Pond Loop remain closed until those gates are opened, possibly as early as tomorrow.

We need another good storm before we can commence grooming. We have not received word from Bureau of Trails folks on the status of Corridor 19, but there is not enough snow on the tracks for us to even try to pack yet. The State was out grooming Corridor 15 last night, but again we have not yet received a report from them on conditions up and over Mount Shaw.

If you venture out on our trail system expect early season riding. Some stumps, rocks and stretches of bare trail are exposed. And remember, NO ICE IS YET SAFE within our trail system.

Hopefully we have started to establish a base, and patiently await the next storm.

Regular updates have commenced at our WEBSITE!

[laker]

Skip, on 27 December 2010 - 06:39 PM, said:

The good new...it finally snowed. The bad news...not anywhere near enough!

Across our trails anywhere from 6 to (in places) 10 inches fell. However in open areas the wind blew a lot away. What could be packed was done today from Canoe King/White Lake State Park out to White Face. Some areas around James Pond Loop remain closed until those gates are opened, possibly as early as tomorrow.

We need another good storm before we can commence grooming. We have not received word from Bureau of Trails folks on the status of Corridor 19, but there is not enough snow on the tracks for us to even try to pack yet. The State was out grooming Corridor 15 last night, but again we have not yet received a report from them on conditions up and over Mount Shaw.

If you venture out on our trail system expect early season riding. Some stumps, rocks and stretches of bare trail are exposed. And remember, NO ICE IS YET SAFE within our trail system.

Hopefully we have started to establish a base, and patiently await the next storm.

Regular updates have commenced at our WEBSITE!

Thanks for the report on the ICE. That info is very important for us in the southern part of the state, who ride the lakes, and don't know the conditions up there.

[Skip]

Thanks Laker.

This year is setting up to be one where we could see a tragedy or two in our area due to people riding on unsafe ice. With low snow conditions and plenty of frozen water around, and a lot of people up for the Christmas vacation, some are going to be tempted to ride a lake or river they are not familiar with. A light coating of snow only adds to the illusion of safety.

We have had too many people go through the ice near our system, especially over near the Westward Shores Campground and Bearcamp River areas of Ossipee Lake. Let's hope folks use a little more commmon sense this sledding season!

[pokker]

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Edited by pokker, 29 December 2010 - 09:49 AM.

[pokker]

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Edited by pokker, 29 December 2010 - 09:49 AM.

[Skip]

UPDATE ON TRAIL STATUS:

All gates are now open. However we still suffer from lack of snow/early season conditions. We have track packed from WLSP out to Whiteface but will not be able to groom until more snow falls.

The State has opened the railbed (Corridor 19) however there are a number of trees down and at least several plowed snow piles blocking the trail near Town (Center Ossipee). The Trailmaster is in the process of getting these issues resolved.

The railbed remains hazardous with exposed rails, ties and switches. We have received at least one report of a sled suffering extreme damage (folded A-arm) this morning after striking an exposed rail.

The solution? More snow.

The answer? Mother Nature!

If you ride our trails please use extreme caution until conditions improve.

[Oldtimer]

It should be noted that the gates on the Welch Top trail (On rt25 in Ossipee and in Effingham) are not yet opened.
There is a safety issue that needs to be resolved first. With luck, it will be taken care of within the week.

[Skip]

Oldtimer, on 29 December 2010 - 12:53 PM, said:

It should be noted that the gates on the Welch Top trail (On rt25 in Ossipee and in Effingham) are not yet opened.
There is a safety issue that needs to be resolved first. With luck, it will be taken care of within the week.

Thanks for the update Richard....I am showing those trails as "CLOSED" on our website until I get the word from you that everything has been rectified.

[pokker]

Issues resolved on rail bed. Use caution when going threw Center Ossipee .....TM

[Skip]

Happy New Year from the OVSC!

Most of our trails will be open for the Holiday weekend, but expect mild temperatures and extreme springlike conditions. Corridor 19 is open but exposed rails, ties (with spikes) and switches make travel hazardous. Slow down and be careful, already sleds are being damaged striking exposed objects on the railbed.

We have track packed from White Lake State Park out to Whiteface/Intervale but still do not have enough snow to effectively groom. This first snowfall will make for an excellent base when the next storm comes.

And remember, this early in the season with some expected melting occuring during the day, none of the ice in our system can be considered safe!

Yes, not a pretty picture...but here at the OVSC we believe in updating our website on a regular basis (daily when conditions warrant) and giving accurate trail reports so our riders won't be surprised or disappointed when they choose to ride our system.

Please be safe out there this weekend, we don't want to see or read about any more tragedies!

As always the latest news and trail conditons can be found by pointing your browser HERE!

Be safe.....

[W8in4SNO]

Skip, on 31 December 2010 - 07:03 AM, said:

Corridor 19 is open but exposed rails, ties (with spikes) and switches make travel hazardous. Slow down and be careful, already sleds are being damaged striking exposed objects on the railbed.

I could not believe my eyes when i saw sled tracks on there when i drove up 41, holy russian roulette !

Was that a re-route around the switches on the north side of 41 i saw?

[ckf]

W8in4SNO, on 01 January 2011 - 07:40 AM, said:

I could not believe my eyes when i saw sled tracks on there when i drove up 41, holy russian roulette !

Was that a re-route around the switches on the north side of 41 i saw?

Yes, there is a re-route around the switches on both sides of 41 in West Ossipee.

[hazelnut]

Skip, on 31 December 2010 - 07:03 AM, said:

Happy New Year from the OVSC!

Most of our trails will be open for the Holiday weekend, but expect mild temperatures and extreme springlike conditions. Corridor 19 is open but exposed rails, ties (with spikes) and switches make travel hazardous. Slow down and be careful, already sleds are being damaged striking exposed objects on the railbed.

We have track packed from White Lake State Park out to Whiteface/Intervale but still do not have enough snow to effectively groom. This first snowfall will make for an excellent base when the next storm comes.

And remember, this early in the season with some expected melting occuring during the day, none of the ice in our system can be considered safe!

Yes, not a pretty picture...but here at the OVSC we believe in updating our website on a regular basis (daily when conditions warrant) and giving accurate trail reports so our riders won't be surprised or disappointed when they choose to ride our system.

Please be safe out there this weekend, we don't want to see or read about any more tragedies!

As always the latest news and trail conditons can be found by pointing your browser HERE!

Be safe.....

Thanks for the information and updates. It is greatly appreciated.