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Nov. 20 short snow update:
Yesterday it was determined that it was not time to open Dutchman Flat to motorized use. Forecasted snow during the week did not quite put enough snow down to allow for effective sign installation; and testing the 16-18" snow depth with a moderately powered snowmobile resulted in breaking thru to soil below. High winds yesterday and today would likely have resulted in some of the signing blowing over. The present NOAA forecast is 1-2 feet of new snow over the weekend in the Dutchman area and this will allow for signing and opening the Flat early next week. Also of note, early to mid next week, NOAA forecast is indicating a chance of rain to snow/rain for the sno-parks along Hwy 46. Too early to say what the Holiday weekend snow conditions will be for winter fun at Deschutes National Forest's sno-parks.
Though the snow depth for snowmobiling on the 370 road beyond Todd Lake is adequate, be aware that it is very rough with no immediate indication of when the groomer will be able to groom it. For relatively safe grooming up Trail 5 to Dutchman, the groomer needs a minimum of 2 ft. of snow at the Mile post 17 grooming shed. Snow conditions in the Moon Mt. area yesterday, while deeper than Dutchman, were still marginal at best (not recommended) for safe snowmobiling. "Rock gardens" are plentiful along with hazardous drainages, logs, sign posts, stumps and other low snow hazards. None of the trail signing on snow poles has yet been installed due to the marginal snow conditions. Unless you are very familiar with the area, becoming disoriented beyond Hwy 46 is very possible, and likely with poor visability. Even regular riders to the area may lose their way.
On the north end of road 370 (snowmobile trail 8), only 3" of snow was reported at Upper Three Ck Lake Sno-Park.
Snowmobilers: be aware that plowing of one lane of Hwy 46 from the the north end of Elk Lake then south to Deschutes Bridge is in effect for a logging operation on the east side of Elk Lake. Report of approx. 10" of snow on the road in that area. Check the Elk Lake Resort website for their winter opening.
Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend trail report will be out no later than next wednesday in the afternoon.
Have a safe weekend!
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