Last Chance Nordic Ski Club

Conditions 2/2

2012-02-02T13:38:00.001-07:00

Emmett reports 3 inches new and 25 degrees and nice skiing at Mac Pass! Said a bit soft in skate lane, but great classic. The days are getting longer, making it easier to get up after work!

Conditions 1/30 and Closure Update

2012-01-30T19:08:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the late posting. Groomed this AM--ginzu'd the skate lane Big Pine, Porcupine, Haul, Lower Micro. Came out pretty nice. Maybe a half inch of new overnight and a bit more snow in the air when I left. The new snow freshened the classic tracks nicely and everyone I saw was enjoying a good ski. Didn't groom Meadows, but it skated nice with the skiff on top of a firm, wide base. Lower temps this week should make for great skiing.

I talked to the FS last week, and while the hazard tree felling project could start as early as Feb 1 per the contract, they seemed to think it would be mid- to late-February before the work begins. This could change, but I'm sure they'll want to give some advance notice when the trails will be closing. We'll keep grooming as long as the trails are open. I'll certainly post as soon as I hear anything. The Club has communicated our desire to ski as many days as possible, but seeing all the broken trees in the woods this year makes me thankful that the project is happening.

Pad

Ski Conditions on Sunday

2012-01-29T13:47:00.001-07:00

The day started out good on McDonald Pass; there was a little new snow from last night and the skate land and track were looking great after grooming. Unfortunately, it's really warmed up on the Pass too. The skate skiers report fair to good skiing. Classic skiing was fair, and waxing was a challenge for those with waxable skis. Try a red wax if you go.

Larry

No Bill Roberts Grooming for Sunday

2012-01-28T16:44:00.001-07:00

I'm going to let the Golf Course be considering how hard it was to get it to mediocre today and how SWEET Mac Pass is right now. As Larry said, good track and skating on all loops!

Pad

McDonald Pass Trail Conditions

2012-01-28T13:47:00.001-07:00

The skiing is great at McDonald Pass! All trails are groomed for classic track and skate skiing, including the Microwave road to the towers. It might be some of the best skiing yet this year.

Larry

Golf Course 1/28

2012-01-28T08:10:00.001-07:00

I worked on the golf course last night and did my best to smooth out the deep ruts in the skate lane, but as some of them were to the grass, it was a challenge. I spent less time on the "school loop" than others. It's thin and firm, but I hope it skis OK today. Classic tracks definitely glazed. Let me know how you find it as I'm on the fence about grooming there for Sunday.

Pad

Fri Jan 27 Conditions Report

2012-01-27T18:55:00.000-07:00

Lots and lots of snow. 10 degrees cooler up on the pass than in town, it was 21F when I got up there about noon. Snow seemed sharp and fine grained. No set classic track. Skate lane is variable, all good but some track is firmer than is other sections. Skiing classic I could see some skating 'strokes' dug in a bit. Skiing classic I lamented my warm kick wax. Tree debris, branches, cones, and so forth, is at a minimum. I saw no ice and no bad spots. It is all good, really good. Thanks, grooming ones. This is spectacular skiing, thanks to you.

There is so much snow. Trials are flat and phat. I heard a rumor that there may be more major-duty trail work tomorrow, on Saturday. Today, while the air temperature was in the low 20s, I could feel the warmth of the sun. It is truly spectacular up there. Dive and and get yours; have a great time.

Mac Pass 1/24

2012-01-24T14:02:00.001-07:00

The pass is in great shape. Everything except meadow groomed and track set. Classic track in meadow tomorrow.

__,_._,___

3 Hazards on Golf Course Classic Track

2012-01-24T13:22:00.002-07:00

Beware when going past the corners of the wooden fence. The track setter hit something hard beneath the snow in corners. Where it goes between two cottonwood trees, I recommend getting off the set track and onto the skate lane until. It looks like a scary drop into a compression effect as it quickly transitions to a steep climb—not a good spot to have put the track—sorry about that.

-Dave

Golf Course Nice and Track Set

2012-01-24T12:50:00.001-07:00

Just got back from Bill Roberts and the skiing is holding up nicely there. Skate lane is fast and firm, but not icy and classic track is set. Thanks Dave and Keith!

Pad

Wax Clinic Tomorrow!

2012-01-24T12:48:00.001-07:00

From Tim at The Base Camp:

The Base Camp will host Masters Champion Randy Beckner on Wednesday, January
25 6:30pm for a wax clinic focused on advanced race prep. Much of the
clinic will focus on preparing for the OSCR race in Seeley Lake on January 28.

Conditions 1/23

2012-01-23T14:44:00.001-07:00

I was able to ginzu Porcupine this AM after a couple laps with just the snowmobile. I imagine it is still really soft. Otherwise I smoothed Big Pine, Haul, and Upper Micro, which also felt pretty soft underneath. Just lots of beautiful snow. Not much track remaining, but lots of soft snow for touring.

Pad

Conditions 1/23

2012-01-23T14:42:00.003-07:00

The golf course was groomed this morning, so it shouldn’t be too rough.

(Thanks Dave and Keith!)

Jan 21 Conditions

2012-01-21T13:03:00.003-07:00

The piston Bully did a good job leveling and packing Big Pine, Haul, Old Cabin, Meadow, and Micro from the cutoff to the top. Porcupine did not get groomed and had about 4 inches of soft snow on top. Mirco road below the cutoff trail also did not get groomed. Meadow was punchy in places especially at the beginning, but definitely worth skiing.
About an inch of new snow came in after the piston bully. Two snow machines (sheriff dept?) got lost trying to find the Mirco Tower and made their way up Big Pine and Haul and finally Upper Micro.
There is still a lot of snow in the trees and it's a beautiful day for a ski.
Luke

January 21 Conditions

2012-01-21T12:49:00.000-07:00

2012-01-21T09:57:00.001-07:00

At 10 am rain turns to snow about 3/4 up the pass. Snowing nice in the parking lot. Snowcat came through, trails look soft.

Saturday 1/21

2012-01-21T08:04:00.001-07:00

It sounds like our groomers will stay off the Mac Pass trails behind the snowcat this AM until Sunday AM when the plan is to groom the skate lane and set track. Temps did not fall up top last night. Love to hear how folks find things today.

Pad

Golf Course is great skiing!

2012-01-20T13:27:00.000-07:00

There is much better cover on the golf course ski lane than I expected. It is setting up and skiing well. It was a wee bit soft over the noon hour, but it should be more firm after work.

-Dave

Golf Course Grooming

2012-01-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

The golf course should be fine for skating by noon today. It was a bit bumpy in places after grooming yesterday. To avoid getting stuck in the powder and frozen grass, I had to go faster than normal on the first two laps, which causes the roller to bounce a little. The later laps were slow, but did not totally fill in the undulations created by the bouncing roller. Keith said this morning’s grooming did not completely fix the undulations. When it firms up more, we’ll lightly skim it with the Ginzu to take out the undulations. Have fun!

-Dave

Various Updates

2012-01-20T07:49:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure what the groom plan for today (Friday) is for Mac Pass. From what I've heard I'd rec'd touring on the trails. Randy has arranged for the snowcat to go in early Saturday AM which typically gives us a gorgeous wide firm base. Dan or John should be able to set track after the snowcat is clear of the trails. It would be great to stay off the trails while the cat is out as it takes up the whole trail, but he should be off by 8 AM or so.

Dave and Keith have been working the snow at Bill Roberts and I'm guessing they'll put out an update for the weekend. Nisan and I classic'd there Thursday after work and the lane they've rolled was firming up, but as Dave reported is surprisingly thin in places. Be sure to check/bookmark http://lcnsc.blogspot.com/ for condition reports and links to Mac Pass weather data and webcams! I'm hoping some of the wind gust measures from last night are incorrect, but if you are out on the trails and see downed trees, please reply--we'll want to clear anything for the snowcat.

Pad

Golf Course

2012-01-19T13:06:00.001-07:00

Keith Carparelli and I rolled the golf course last night. I rolled it again this morning—many many times. Tried to groom edges first and then the berm in the middle to pack some snow in the middle for a base. It is very soft, and, believe it or not thin. It will probably be too soft for skating until late afternoon.

For the most part, stay in the middle for skating. The edges are very thin.

Conditions 1/19

2012-01-19T12:33:00.001-07:00

Jordan called down to say that he and Emmett had spun multiple laps with the machines trying to get a handle on all this new snow and that Emmett was going to continue with the roller. Jordan recommended a winter wonderland tour, but said way too soft to skate and no track set. If others are up, please report!

Pad

MLK Day

2012-01-16T13:51:00.001-07:00

Cold AM and not much new snow as was forecasted, but beautiful nonetheless. I ginzu'd Big Pine, Porcupine, Haul, and Lower Micro and managed to mostly stay off the nice looking track that Peter and Dan set over the weekend.
Pad

1/14 Trail Report

2012-01-14T13:21:00.001-07:00

This morning Big Pine, Porcupine, Haul Road and Microwave were groomed and classic tracked. Nothing done to Meadows loop. A lot less tree debris than last week with the snow during the week. Pleasant warm morning for a ski; no wind. Upper Microwave still dry/wind blown, everywhere else is great.

The trail saw a lot of traffic this morning, but the classic track should still be good in most spots.

-Peter

December 2011 Skier Count

2012-01-13T10:38:00.001-07:00

1,266 skiers counted in December on the Mac Pass trails. Good showing!

Conditions Weds Jan 11

2012-01-11T15:02:00.003-07:00

20 degrees sweet classic track sunny scrunch scrunch scrunch

It was cooling down (20-->17) when I left the parking lot, about 4:30 p.m. The ever-so-crisp classic track continues on all trails save Meadow Loop, and it may be extended there as well. It did look as if Meadows had seen a couple passes of the groomer. Conditions are stunningly good for classic skiing. I was waxed too slow with Extra Blue (or maybe it was Special; why am I so blue?). The skate track is a little soft and slow; the lovely new snow is cold and unconsolidated. The debris is buried.

Today was by far the best classic skiing day I've had at Mac Pass this year.

Grooming Wed Jan 11

2012-01-11T13:37:00.001-07:00

Emmett groomed this AM. He said great classic and skate not as soft as you'd think for the 6-8 inches new. Thanks to those of you snow dancing!

Introductory Nordic Ski Classes

2012-01-10T09:08:00.002-07:00

At 10:00 to 11:00 am on January 14 and 15, the Last Chance Nordic Ski Club will sponsor introductory classes in skate and classic ski technique. The skate skiing session will be on Saturday the 14^th; the classic skiing session will be on Sunday, the 15^th. If you do not have your own equipment, rental equipment is available from the Base Camp. Meet in the parking lot of the MacDonald Pass Nordic trails at 10:00 am.

Spring skiing Jan 9

2012-01-09T13:00:00.001-07:00

I groomed this AM and it was gorgeous and warming up quickly. Good track up Micro, Haul, and Porcupine. Icy in spots, especially lower.

Pad

Conditions, Sunday Jan 8

2012-01-08T13:02:00.001-07:00

It is windy up on top, the temperature is in the mid or high 30's. Dan has scuffed up the surface nicely so that it is surprisingly skiable, although probably easier for skaters than waxing classicists. Speaking personally.

There is a workable classic track on the Haul Road.There are icy spots, especially on the Access Trail. And as Pad wrote yesterday, the Parking Lot is a treat.

Watch for downed trees. Pay attention to the wind. There is a fresh tree down, I understand, on Porcupine Loop. All in all the skiing is pretty good, or at least, better than watching football in town.

Think snowy thoughts.

Saturday Jan 7

2012-01-07T17:29:00.001-07:00

We weren't sure what to expect today and were pleasantly surprised. It looked as though much had been groomed for skate and classic with conditions definitely better the higher you went. The initial sections were "firm" in places, but it skated wonderfully and it was great to see a full parking lot even with the valley showing so little snow. The parking lot is double black diamond in ski boots--be careful!

Pad

Club meeting at The Base Camp 6:30 Wed Jan 11!

Online Mac Pass XC Trails Map; Updated PDF Trails Map

2012-01-05T13:39:00.002-07:00

There're two new Mac Pass XC Ski Maps:
A new .pdf line drawing Trials Map, and
A new online map (with topographical contour lines)

A group of local organizations have been working together to produce a free interagency online map of Helena-area trails. You can read about it in the lead article in Fall 2011 issue of Montana Policy Review (a .pdf document).

The MacDonald Pass XC Ski Trails have now been included, thanks to work by the Helena District of the USFS, Greta Dige and Eric Spangenberg from our City/Co IT Dept., and some great ground work by local GIS wizard and XC skier Gerry Daumiller. Gregg Wheeler provided invaluable proofing and editing work, and of course, the original map comes from Craig Pozega's good work.

Using this maps shows trails within 30-40 miles of Helena, including cycling routes and the seasonal Mac Pass XC Skiing Trails. By clicking on the checkbox labeled "Topo", you can view the trails underlaid by metric topographical contour lines.

It's a great way to see where you've been skiing; you may be surprised and a little disappointed, as am I, by the little elevation change between the parking lot and the top of Porcupine.

There's an updated .pdf trails map too, one that includes a few new labels, elevation markings for trail junctions, and a few elevations noted for heights of land (the top of Porcupine, the hump on Big Pine, the bottom of Meadows Loop.)

We are still working on the map, hoping to add a few contour lines and maybe some simple shading to the .pdf version. I'll let you know how this progresses.

Conditions Jan 4, Noon

2012-01-04T15:24:00.003-07:00

At 12:30 today, it was 50 degrees in the parking lot. Unlike what Bruce encountered yesterday, condtions were quite spring-like. In the sun it was soft and sort of slow; in the shade, in places, its was a bit hard. The Microwave road wasn't that fast, perhaps because a snowmobile had been up it earlier (the snowmobile did minimal damage). But it was in good shape, and the skiing was good.

Stan

Conditions Tues Jan 3, late morning

2012-01-03T12:52:00.002-07:00

It's warm up there. Snow coverage on the trails is good. Most trail surfaces have been ginzued, but particularly down low things are mighty hard and chunky. The classic track is mostly blown out.

There is a little tree debris, but not much.

The Access Trail is icy but ginzued. The Microwave Road is icy and fast -- uphill and down. The Haul Rd and Porcupine Loop are skiing very well. I saw signs of heroic shoveling by Emmett, filling in thin spots, thanks.

More fresh Snow and cooler temps please. For all our groomer's valiant efforts, it will just get icier before it gets any better.

Club Meeting Wed Jan 11 6:30 PM Base Camp

2012-01-03T08:42:00.001-07:00

LCNSC Members,

We'll have a Club meeeting Wednesday, January 11 at 6:30 PM at The Base Camp. This will be more of a business meeting with financial info, etc and hopefully an update from the Forest Service on the Hazard Tree project at Mac Pass that may begin as early as Feb 1. If you are interested in the workings of the Club, have input for the Board, or want to help out this meeting should provide information about the many efforts that go into ensuring good cross-country ski opportunities in Helena. Hope you are all enjoying some good gliding!

Pad

Conditions Report, Monday January 2

2012-01-02T15:54:00.001-07:00

The trails are in good shape. It was warm (46F?), and classic skiers with waxable bases may find identifying that perfect kick wax an elusive if highly desirable goal. Today's conditions sometimes juxtaposed icy classic tracks alternating with sugar snow in the trees. Oh the humanity!

Skaters were zooming around at noon today, although they were working with (as one wag suggested) "April snow in January". The trails are fully covered and very nicely groomed, all but Meadows Loop. There's a workable classic track pretty much everywhere, save the Microwave Road.

It was really pretty up there, the parking lot was full, and the trails were festooned with nice people out having a great time.

December 31

2011-12-31T14:35:00.002-07:00

My guess is they had between 2-3" of snow at the Pass yesterday, and it did
wonders for the skiing. Was groomed Sat a.m. but no tracks were set. I'm
guessing there might be track set on Sun a.m.

Coverage was really good. Only a few thin-ish spots. I expected a lot of
junk on the trails from the wind, but the trails looked very good at noon
Saturday. Surprisingly good. I'm thinking about breaking out the "good" skis
now. Skiing Sunday and Monday should be even better. (From Jason Brent--thanks!)

Friday evening Dec 30

2011-12-31T11:14:00.001-07:00

We went up after work Friday and it had snowed an inch or so on top of what had been groomed that AM. It was fairly sticky, but with a firm, fast base underneath. The weather station reports more snow overnight! And continued gusty winds--be mindful of those trees. Would love to hear a report from someone today (Saturday)! This week's weather made for a lot of grooming challenges and conditions more like April than December, but it's still skiing well up there. Enjoy!

Pad

Conditions, Wednesday Dec 28

2011-12-28T11:39:00.002-07:00

At noon, 40F degrees, nicely groomed, nice skating surface (really!), significantly less debris than before the slight snow we've had in the last couple of days, it is barely raining or sleeting -- not uncomfortable.

Actually pretty darned nice. Thanks Emmett (?) for the swell grooming job. Silk purses can be made from sows ears, indeed!

Conditions Monday, Dec. 26, & Strategies for Dealing with Low Snow

2011-12-26T15:27:00.004-07:00

A big thanks to Emmett for the Christmas morning groom (I thought he had an elfish twinkle in his eye on Sat.) and to Pad for the grooming this morning. If a groomer has time it would be nice to hook the big ginzu to the machine with the track setter. Machine X as it is now affectionately know. That is the one the had over heated. It would be nice to give it a workout to make sure the problem is solved. It has set track twice without a problem. Please let me know how it performs. It's great to see all the cars in the parking lot from so many different places.

Below is an article from Boulder Nordic Sports.

Carl

Strategies for Dealing with Low Snow

[2011 US Nationals Trail Preparation]
The 2011 Sprint Course at Black Mountain of Maine in Rumford

When Mother Nature fails to deliver bountiful snow, races are often held on a surface that resembles a dirty ice rink. Artificial snow, old snow, dirt, ice and moisture stick together in a weird conglomerate that can be very challenging for wax technicians. Athletes are forced to train in less than optimal conditions, stressing them physically and mentally. Given the dearth of snow in North America this season and the very likely chance that the US Nationals will be run on mostly man-made snow, we thought it would be good to put together a skier's and service tech's guide to dealing with low-snow conditions. We've put together this guide to ski selection, structure and waxing.

About "Snow" in Low-Snow Conditions
[http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs045/1101765066691/img/21.jpg]

There are a couple of useful things to know about the track that you're skiing on when conditions are less than optimal. When the snow is thin mid-season, it is usually a mixture of old, greasy, fine-grained snow, man-made snow and ice with significant dirt thrown in for good measure. All of these require special considerations in order to produce fast skis.

As snow ages, the sharp crystals that define fresh snow tend to soften with freeze/thaw cycles as well as the mechanical fracturing caused by grooming and skiing. In other words, skiing over and grooming snow breaks it up into smaller pieces and breaks off the delicate features of the the iconic snowflake. Fine-grained snow tends to get greasy and glaze easily because the snow crystals lose their ability to soak up moisture and hold it in the snowpack. It also requires different wax, ski and structure choices.

Man-made snow varies wildly based on the conditions when it was made, the equipment and chemicals used, as well as its age and application method. Generally, artificial snow is very aggressive and looks more like large ice crystals stuck together than snowflakes. Because of the high ice content, man-made snow requires special considerations for durability of kick and glide waxes, as well as structure.

[2011 US Nationals in Rumford]
2011 US Nationals at Black Mountain

Dirt is a very important consideration when dealing with these conditions. As snow melts, all of the dirt and dust that have collected in the snowpack are deposited right on the surface. Grooming and moving snow around, especially when there is not a lot of snow available, also introduces huge amounts of dirt. Dirt particles stick to wax and structure on the ski base and then drag through the snow as you ski. The more dirt on the ski base, the more drag slows you down. Keeping skis clean will have a very large effect on ski speed, especially toward the end of a race. These snow conditions generally require aggressive structures, but choosing the best structure will require finding something that is fast, but also minimizes dirt accumulation. Softer waxes may be faster initially, but they tend to attract dirt faster than harder waxes, so dirt affects how you should choose your glide and kick waxes.

Merry Christmas Day!

2011-12-26T13:54:00.002-07:00

Thank God for Christmas Day and thank Santa and his helpers for grooming and setting fresh track this morning! No wind, lots of sunshine, beautiful skiing!

Posted by [Amanda?]

Dec 26

2011-12-26T13:08:00.003-07:00

Ellie, Access Trail, Dec 26 (photo by Bruce)

(Report by Pad) It's still skiing pretty nice up there--a little firm down lower, but gets nicer as you move up Micro, Cabin, or Big Pine. I freshened the skate lane and left the nice looking track intact. It's been windy up there all night and morning so there's a fair amount of debris and as always keep an eye/ear out for falling biomass.

Pad

Christmas Light

2011-12-25T17:26:00.000-07:00

For me, Mac Pass is more than just an outdoor gym. Almost every day I am up there, I am dumbstruck by the beautiful light. There's a lot of beauty in this old world.

Conditions, Sunday Dec 25

2011-12-25T17:00:00.000-07:00

To quote Jennifer Griggs: "Thank you groomers for the beautiful trails for my Christmas Day ski. Merry Christmas to all." This says it nicely.

Conditions are good. A little icy near the bottom, presumably firmer higher up on the trails. Very warm temperatures mid-day (in the 40s?), good classic track and trails nicely re-rolled today.

Thanks groomers, you are making a little snow go a long long way.

Conditions Saturday 24 December

2011-12-24T22:38:00.003-07:00

Conditions similar to Dec 23, save the trails are firmer. Great skiing.

Conditions, Friday afternoon, Dec 23

2011-12-23T16:46:00.000-07:00

In a word: Fabulous. 8-10" of new snow in this last storm, groomed with scrupulous care and exquisite skill. Thanks folks for the wonderful job, farming our Solstice snow.

Glorious classic track everywhere I saw save the Lost Cabin Loop and the un-groomed, as of yet, Meadow Loop. Firm snow down below, great for skating. Snow still setting up the higher you go on the trails. Porcupine Loop, for instance, is beautifully groomed for skating, but, as of 3 p.m. today, still a little soft in places.

There's still a little granite peaking out on Big Pine Trail, center-trail, 100 yards shy of the Haul Road. And the wind has scoured a few places on the Haul Road nearby. The tail-end of Porcupine Loop, skiing clockwise, has some gravel and roots showing. But mostly, the tree debris has been covered and the trail is groomed like it was readying itself for the prom.

Go up and dance.

Grooming Plans for Dec 23-24

2011-12-22T17:28:00.000-07:00

Jordan said he ginzu'd everything today--Thursday 12/22. Emmett is planning on setting track after Dan grooms on Saturday morning.

(From Pad, Thanks!)

Thursday 12/22

2011-12-22T14:49:00.002-07:00

It sounds like Mac Pass received about 6" in this last storm. Emmett (?) rolled out the trails Wednesday and Jordan ginzu'd everything (!) today. We should have track set for the weekend.

Pad

Masters Schedule and Women's Skate Clinic

2011-12-15T09:59:00.001-07:00

Master skiers

Wow, we have had some great turnouts and a lot of good skiing out there. Based on the Saturday skate technique session response, we will continue to have a Saturday skate and Sunday classical ski format. We will try and have a first time skate clinic in the weeks to come, most likely after the first of the year. We also need to throw out some dates on pot luck and video party. I'm thinking either the 7th or 14th of January. Is someone interested in hosting?

This weeks schedule will be Women's Skate Clinic. It will be divided up into 2-3 groups. Newer skiers, intermediate (good weight shift) & advanced (V2, and V2 alternate, off camber skiing, jump skate). Depending on who shows up, we will divide up and have an instructor or two with each group. We start at 10am on Saturday the 17th, plan on about 1-2 hours for the whole session. There will be a mens training group meeting at 11am, at the cabin for those just wanting someone to ski with. No formal session will happen on Sunday, although 11am training group for classical tech will meet at the cabin for those wanting to ski together.

For the 24th and 25th no formal technique sessions are scheduled, For those interested in training, a 11 am training on Saturday and Sunday is available for those wanting to meet for training. If no one shows, just head out for a good ski.

The 31st will be skate technique session starting at 10 am with training at 11am. On the 1st, we will have a classical training session starting at 10am for those wanting someone to train with. I may or may not be available for coaching on this weekend, so I would like someone to volunteer to lead the charge without me.

Phil

Conditions, Dec 13 -- Moosely Words of Advice

2011-12-13T13:27:00.005-07:00

The groomers continue to perform heroic deeds, thanks. All but Meadow (and the Old Cabin Loop) are ginzu'd. A snowcat went up the Microwave, there are a few places that are Extra Chunky. Most of the classic track is blown in (tree hoar) or wallowed out. Some of the old debris is getting worked into the tread, in other places new debris adds to the fiber content of one's daily ski. Overall it is a bit more icy, especially on the Access Trail from the Parking Lot, and any place low in the trail network where the sun got a chance to cook things.

Most alarmingly, or fabulously, depending on your feelings about running in to large ungulates, a bull moose was seen by several skiers this morning. Randy spotted him up on the upper Microwave Road, and a young woman on skate skis saw him down lower, at the far end of the Haul Road Trail. There is also, we think, a cow moose wandering around at the far end of the Haul Road, near the beginning of Porcupine Loop.

Moose are not only smarter than the average XC skier, they are bigger and faster. Moose are dangerous at all times. A quick scan of the Web unearthed the following advice:

How to Survive a Moose Attack

Remember, a moose charges to ward off potential threats. Wild moose are aggressive, but by assuring the bull or cow that you are not a threat, you can survive an aggressive moose encounter. Signs of an aggressive moose include:

Walking in your direction
Stomping its feet
Peeling its ears back
Grunting
Throwing its head back and forth

These are all signs of an aggressive, wild moose. If you are hiking through moose habitat and encounter a moose behaving in this manner, it perceives you as a threat and you must be prepared for an attack.

Should you encounter an aggressive, wild moose, here is how to prevent and survive an attack:

Back away with your palms facing the moose
Speak softly and reassuringly, like you would to a little child
If the moose charges, get behind a large tree or rock in order to separate your body from the moose. Most moose charges, like grizzly bear charges, are bluffs
If the moose attacks you, feign death by curling up in a little ball. Protect your head and neck with your arms. If you are wearing a backpack, your pack will protect your back

Another web site suggested carrying a spare pair of underwear. Good luck. Your best bet is to avoid contact, and if you see a Moose, don't threaten it in any way.

Monday morning, rolled trails and fog

2011-12-12T08:43:00.005-07:00

Pad and company have been keeping the trails rolled out nicely. I think their efforts have been as efficacious as they have been heroic. If you meet a groomer, thank them.

The trails are wide and evenly firm, with just a hint of ginzu'd loose stuff on the surface to provide grip for skaters. There is an aging classic track on the Lost Cabin Loop and the Haul Road. However, the lack of snow over the last week has proven to be a problem for the trails. It's rock skis time on the Pass. Here's a quick summary of the worst problem spots I noticed Monday morning:

The Access Trail, immediately below the parking lot, is icy in spots, and has suffered from debris being cast upon it from rotary snowplows on the highway. There are also some icy spots to watch out for all the way to the Patrol Cabin and gracefully reclining Kiosk.
The Lost Cabin Trail, halfway between the Microwave Road and the Kelly Hump Road, has some bare and debris-covered spots. Coming down this at speed would be an error.
Big Pine Trail has a bit of granite exposed center-stage about 100 meters below where it joins the Haul Road.
Porcupine Loop has several heavily debris covered stretches. Dave Dalthorp e-mailed me today, reporting accurately: "...there was adequate snow cover and the skiing was good. Due to the unhealthy state of the forest, however, we are seeing a lot of pine cones and twigs on trails through areas of dead lodge pole pines. The snowis relatively clear of debris in areas where Douglas fir predominate." Nothing impossible to navigate, but worth paying attention to. Speaking of thanking LCNSC members, thank you Emmet and Randy for clearing the trail from this deadfall last week.
There's a Moose on the loose on the far end of the Haul Road. It would be-hoof us all to keep alert and not crowd this guy (or gal) on its home turf. Forest. Whatever.

Don't be discouraged by my report. The trails are really skiing quite nicely. With a little more snow, I bet we'll have everything covered up again and have enough depth to set more classic track. Skiing is good, and all the skiers I meet have smiles on their faces.

SNOTEL Links

2011-12-12T07:01:00.002-07:00

Montana SNOTEL sites give us skiers an online means of glimpsing snow conditions in the backcountry, before we actually slog out into our beautiful mountains. There are many SNOTEL sites in Montana, two of which (Frohner Mdw at 6,480 ft, and Nevada Ridge at 7,020 ft) at are close enough to MacDonald Pass to, in conjunction with MDOT's summit report, be useful if not perfectly indicative of conditions on the Pass.

To quote from the Wikipedia: "SNOTEL is an automated system of snowpack and related climate sensors operated by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the United States Department of Agriculture in the Western United States.

...[S]ites are generally located in remote high-mountain watersheds where access is often difficult or restricted....

...All SNOTEL sites measure snow water content, accumulated precipitation, and air temperature. Some sites also measure snow depth, soil moisture and temperature, wind speed, solar radiation, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. These data are used to forecast yearly water supplies, predict floods, and for general climate research."

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SNOTEL

http://www.mt.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/data/current.html

http://wernersoftware.com/weatherpages/montana_snotel.php

Revised Trail Map

2011-11-27T16:42:00.002-07:00

This new map is made possible by Gerry Daumiller, who redrew a few of the trails, and Gregg Wheeler, who helped me with making the presentation as clear as possible. What do you think? Does some of the additional detail help or hurt the map's readability and usefulness? Anyhow, here you go, a new trail map for a new ski season. 'Click' map to for a larger view, and here's a link to a .pdf version.

2011--2012 Grooming Schedule

2011-11-21T11:02:00.001-07:00

From Jane --
2011-2012 Grooming Schedule (will be updated as time goes along)

Mondays Pad McCracken
Tuesdays Emmett Purcell/Randy Beckner
Wednesdays no grooming
Thursdays Jordan LaRue
Fridays Dave Dalthorp/Jeff Lepley
Saturdays Dan Zarling and volunteer rotation (see below)
Sundays Dan Zarling and volunteer rotation (see below)

Golf course as needed: Dave Dalthorp/Keith Carparelli

Weekend: Saturday Sunday
Dec 3 & 4 Groomer training Groomer training (a.m./p.m. sessions both
days)
Dec 10 & 11 Peter Brumm Peter Brumm
Dec 17 & 18 Rick Finley Rick Finley
Dec 24 & 25 Larry Dolan **potentially no grooming ??

Dec 31 & Jan 1 Mark Hall **
Jan 7 & 8 Larry Dolan Larry Dolan
Jan 14 & 15 Peter Brumm Peter Brumm
Jan 21 & 22 John Addis John Addis
Jan 28 & 29 Peter Brumm Peter Brumm

Feb 4 & 5 John Addis John Addis
Feb 11 & 12 Peter Brumm Peter Brumm
Feb 18 & 19 Luke Osborne Luke Osborne
Feb 25 & 26 Mark Hall Mark Hall

Mar 3 & 4
Mar 10 & 11
Mar 17 & 18
Mar 24 & 25

Mar 31 & Apr 1
Apr 7 & 8
Apr 14 & 15
Apr 21 & 22
Apr 28 & 29

Counter is in

2011-11-20T15:59:00.001-07:00

What a great nordic day for Helenans today! Lots of skiers at the golf course and up on the pass. And with the help of my assistants Mac Pass skier counting has begun.

Winter Stoke from Last April

2011-11-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

Jason and Angela Brent sent these pictures in, a coda from last season's plentitude of snow and excess fun. "Attached are some pics from April 30 of this year up at MacDonald Pass. It had snowed 12" overnight, but it's amazing how much snow was still left up there at the beginning of May."

It's a coming...

Tree Felling at MacDonald Pass Article

2011-11-05T16:33:00.000-06:00

See the Helena Independent Record's article, Tree felling begins today near Mac Pass cross-country ski trails, regarding the Forest Service's efforts to hand fell hazardous trees along portions of the cross-country ski trails for safety purposes.

Work Day Photos

2011-10-31T10:46:00.001-06:00

Scott sent out kudos to the listserv about all the hard work our trail volunteers did this fall getting trails ready for snow. Here are a few pictures (I hope) of one of the work days that proves the adage "many hands makes light(er) work"! Thanks Scott for all the coordinating efforts to accompish all the trail work!

Want to show your appreciation for these hard workers? Buy 'em a beer next Monday 11/7 5-7 PM at the Blackfoot. A dollar for every pint sold goes to the Nordic Club!

Pad

Microbrews and Supporting LCNSC

2011-10-13T09:41:00.001-06:00

The Blackfoot Brewery is donating $1 from every pint sold on Monday November 7, to the Last Chance Nordic Ski Club. This is terrific, and we thank them for helping support cross country skiing on the pass. Frankly, we need the money to help us with cash flow.
Please mark Monday, November 7, 5:00--7:30 pm on your calendars. Come and quaff a tasty pint with friends, and while doing so, support LCNSC.

Upcoming Events (from Amanda)

2011-10-07T18:04:00.002-06:00

Skiers,

Wed Oct 12 6:30 PM Base Camp Club Membership meeting

Monday Nov 7 5-7:30 PM Blackfoot Community Night to support LCNSC!!!
Wed Nov 9 6:30 PM Avalanche Clinic at the Base Camp
Wed Dec 7 6:30 PM Toko Wax Clinic at the Base Camp

I hope that everyone had a great summer and is looking forward to a big snow year!

2011-2012 Membership Form

2011-10-07T17:55:00.004-06:00

Amanda has provided us with a new and improved membership form. I have linked it here as a .pdf file, and again linked it here as a MS/Word file.
Amanda reminds us: The club has an updated membership form this year, available on this website. Bring your completed form to the meeting next week, or bring it with you to the fundraiser at the Blackfoot Brewery on Monday, November 7th.
Thanks Amanda. We're all looking forward to a fantastic ski year.

Endless Winter

2011-04-15T18:12:00.001-06:00

It looks like we will have another weekend of skiing. The grooming plan is for Jeff to groom Sat AM and then I'll take the Sun AM shift. Look forward to seeing you up there. Carl

Conditions Report 15 April 2011, 7 am

2011-04-15T09:41:00.002-06:00

Good crust cruising-like conditions this morning on the Mac Pass trails. Solid base with consolidated snow from the last storm on top, drifted in spots. Once trails are groomed skiing will be excellent as long as it stays cool.

Mac Pass Skier Count: January-March 2011

2011-04-11T11:25:00.006-06:00

The Mac Pass skier count is in for January through March 2011:

January: 1,686

February: 1,517

March: 950

When we're done grooming this month I'll get that info out too.

Spring Skiing

2011-04-09T11:57:00.007-06:00

Great skiing and a beautiful day on the pass today. There's about a foot of fresh soft snow that Emmet rolled this morning in a couple passes on the main loops. Conditions were soft but improving with each passing skiier. Rumor has it that Jeff is going to get out and groom tomorrow morning.

Lots of happy skiers out there today:

Endless Winter

2011-04-08T09:40:00.001-06:00

I'm in Billings, but had a message from Emmett that he groomed Thursday and will try to groom Saturday as well. If folks go up, please post some updates as you're able!

Pad

Monday April 4

2011-04-04T11:08:00.001-06:00

If you are on the fence about skiing today, I'd say GO! Brent groomed fairly extensively for both skate and classic--very nice!

No Foolin' Groomin'

2011-04-01T13:22:00.001-06:00

It was definitely borderline this AM, but I did groom the skate lane around the basic loop. I thought it skated fairly well--a lot of debris from the wind especially down lower. I was able to smooth the snowcat ruts to some degree on lower micro, but I'd still be careful if you choose to come down that way. The walk in is kind of ugly--don't be dissuaded; it gets way better quickly!

Pad

Grooming April Fools

2011-03-31T18:32:00.001-06:00

I just spoke with Brent and he found things too mushy this AM to groom. I'll head up Fri AM, but expect things to be equally sloppy. Will make a report noonish. Brent and Jeff will monitor temps Sat and Sun and groom those days if possible. It is supposed to cool down for the weekend some. We'll take next week day by day.

Pad

Conditions 3/29

2011-03-29T12:31:00.001-06:00

Skiing very nice up top! Brent cleaned up the skate lane up and around Porcupine, out Haul Road and down, and was going to spin a couple laps on Meadows Loop, so it should be good for skate and classic as well. I'd still rec'd walking in as it is thin and icy in that first 150 yards, with a couple rocks lurking. Great coverage past the cabin. Enjoy!

Pad

Conditions Report March 27, 2011: GO SKI

2011-03-27T16:01:00.003-06:00

Take off your muddy running shoes. Drop your bike. Go SKI. Skiing is great on Mac Pass.

Sunday 3/27 Conditions

2011-03-27T09:52:00.001-06:00

Jordan reports new snow at Mac Pass and that he groomed the basic loop for skating and was able to leave the classic track in place for the most part. Thank you Jordan! The MDT webcam links from the LCNSC site http://lcnsc.blogspot.com/ make it look like more snow is/will be falling. Get your winter while you can!

Celebrating Ullr--Saturday Party Cancelled

2011-03-24T14:32:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone,

The Annual Ullrfest will need to take a hiatus this year as Emmett is recovering from the crud. Celebrate and give thanks for a great snow year however you see fit. Raise a pint, chow a Clif bar, GO FOR A SKI!

Pad

Conditions 3/23

2011-03-23T12:30:00.001-06:00

Conditions are very nice up top! I groomed the basic loop for skate and classic this AM--Old Cabin, Big Pine, Porcupine, Haul Road, Lower Micro. See attached picture. Upper Micro was groomed yesterday and skated nicely with just a skiff on top of firm base. The first 150 yards or so from the parking lot is still pretty thin--use caution or simply walk. Enjoy!

Pad

March 10 2011 Meeting Minutes

2011-03-21T10:26:00.002-06:00

LCNSC Mar 10, 2011 Meeting Agenda

Call to order: 1830 o Attendance: 9 members (Amanda Osborne, Jason Brent, Bruce Newell,

Robert Ray, Fran Penner-Ray, Stan Bradshaw, Pad McCracken ,Rick

Finley, Luke Osborne) o Approval of minutes: Approved as sent out via email

II. Reports: o President (Pad):

 Trail closure due to tree removal to occur on only one day. May need to walk 150-200 yds for the rest of the season due to thin snow and debris.

 Executive committee will meet on April 13 to discuss next season. 7 pm at Pad’s House.

 This is our last regular club meeting.  We will groom as long as we can – there’s still great skiing up

there.  End of season party is scheduled for Sat, March 26. Beer and brats

on the Old Cabin Loop at the shelter. Donations welcome.

o Vice President (Rick) o Treasurer (Anne)

 “I deposited $975 in member donations, I paid out $1,530 to Brent for grooming and mileage in February, and $350 to the Helena Snowdrifters for grooming at the pass, and $223 for worker's comp. There is a current balance of $1,524. I am not aware of any issues hanging over us with respect to worker's comp, taxes, etc. and when I checked the mailbox yesterday it was empty.”

o Secretary (Amanda) o Grants Coordinator (Tim):

 There is a small hiccup with the AOP because numbers didn’t match up.

 Tim is still working on a large-scale RTP grant. o Trails Coordinator (Scott):

 There are some areas that have potential to be groomed to provide easier access to trails for beginner and young skiers. There is also potential to modify existing entrance to the trails. The Exec Committee will discuss this issue.

 The outhouse still needs work. This is part of our AOP. Perhaps the club should seek a grant to build/rebuild an outhouse in a better location.

o Grooming Coordinator (Randy) o Equipment Maintenance Coordinator (Carl) o Forest Service Agreements Coordinator (Jamie) o Web Coordinator (Bruce)

 Thanks to everyone for posting conditions. I would like Luke Osborne to post the skier numbers on the blog after March data is downloaded.

 GIS data may be used in the future to update the trail maps and give more precise distances.

III. Old Business o Counter to document number of skier-days (Bruce/Luke)

 Latest skier data downloaded last week. o Jackets (Dan/Rick):

 Rick talked to Tim and it’s too late to order either hats or jackets for this season.

o Response to Steve Gilbert’s grant question o Posting Mac Pass conditions on Missoula Nordic Ski Club website (Rick). o Sign at the golf course

 Bruce sent several emails to Amy and plant to meet with her. IV. New Business

o An email from Bill Hammer: “does the club's health and safety plan on file with the Forest Service address injury and rescue incidents such as happened on Sunday morning, 3/6/2011, on the Mac Pass trails? I just returned the "lost" duffle bag belonging to the Bauxendale Volunteer Fire Department, that Pad retrieved from Mac Pass this morning, to the BVFD representative who works for DEQ in my building, Paul Hicks. Paul sincerely appreciated the LCNSC's assistance transporting emergency responders (two EMTs from the fire department, and one EMT from the ambulance) from the trail head to the injured skier on Little Porcupine. The injured skier was moved from the mountain to the trailhead by the search and rescue team. The clubs role was solely to provide transportation via snowmobile for the three EMTs mentioned above. It would be a nice gesture (I think) if the club could send a get well card to the injured skier...Colleen somebody I think. A skate skier and PT.

Maybe Scott Gerken knows her name.”

 Amanda will ask Jane if she knows her.

 We do not have an “incident” report for such occurrences. o Trail Closure: see above

V. Announcements VI.Adjournment: 1930

Conditions 3/16

2011-03-16T10:34:00.001-06:00

Just had calls from Brent and Bill Hammer reporting 3-4" new snow and nice conditions for skiing. The new snow allowed Brent to groom up to the normal parking lot trailhead again, but it is thin with some debris. Use caution! Brent was going to groom for skate and classic on most if not all trails. Should be nice. Parking is a bit limited for now. If you park up higher near the Frontier Town gate, be sure to leave clear access through the gate for Mr Battershell! Enjoy!

Pad

Trail status

2011-03-14T17:34:00.002-06:00

I hope this is my last report on this project! I had a call this afternoon that the clearing project along the first stretch of trail would be complete this evening or early tomorrow (Tuesday 3/15) AM at the latest. Trails should be open/accessible by mid-morning Tuesday. I am not sure what accelerated the project from this AM's estimate, but good news regardless! Brent called from the trails and reports that things are certainly tore up in places, but not as bad as he thought they might be. He will be up there Tues AM working to clean up that first stretch. He said there would be a fair amount of small brush to pick up by hand and any help would be appreciated. Be prepared to walk in a bit and please do so with care as the surface is pretty uneven.

Pad

Trails Monday 3/14

2011-03-14T10:34:00.001-06:00

I just received a call from Kurt at the FS that the Hwy Dept tree clearing is happening today, Monday March 14 and the parking area and adjacent trail access are closed. It sounds like the initial 200 yards of trail from the parking lot are going to be heavily impacted from machinery and tree skidding and that the work may take longer than planned (maybe 2-3 days). Both Brent and Rick have been told that skiers can park at the lower DOT building and access the trails from there via the micro road. Please, park mindfully and do not block any garage doors, machinery, or road access. Brent is going to check in with Randy and Emmett about trying to groom a bit further down micro in the next couple days for easier access from there. I'll update as I know more.

Pad

Conditions Friday 3/11

2011-03-11T12:48:00.001-07:00

Brent reports that conditions are nice up on the Pass. Cooler temps, fresh snow, and it sounds like he groomed pretty extensively. See you up there!

Pad

Weekend skiing

2011-03-10T13:26:00.001-07:00

OK. The tree clearing work has been put off again until Monday 3/14. The trails are open and will be through the weekend. Brent will groom Fri, Sat, and Sun doing his best to ensure good conditions for skate and classic. Please let him know how much we appreciate him and his patience/flexibility with this work interruption!

Pad

What I do and don't know Thurs noon

2011-03-10T12:40:00.001-07:00

After calling to check the status of the tree clearing work this AM, I heard back that nothing was happening yet today and the contractor was not on site. The FS was going to track down the contractor and get back to me with the best idea of when this work will take place.

The trails are apparently open (though not groomed to my knowledge) today, Thursday March 10, but whether the contractor will show up at some point this afternoon and start working is anyone's guess. If anyone goes up, please report back to the listserv. Sorry for this prolonged inconvenience and barrage of emails.

Pad

Trail Update Wednesday PM

2011-03-09T14:29:00.001-07:00

Skiers,

Just had a call from FS and the tree clearing work/trail closure has been delayed until tomorrow, Thursday 3/10. The contractor is confident that the work will be completed in one day. I hope things do proceed in this way and that we can get back to skiing Friday and for the weekend.

Pad

Tuesday AM Report

2011-03-08T12:14:00.001-07:00

Nice AM up at the Pass and should be a nice afternoon as well. I took out the Ginzu and cleaned up ruts, etc from snowmobile and snowcat traffic on Porcupine, Haul, and Micro. The classic track was still intact and I did my best to leave it that way. I did go up Micro to the top, but it is kind of funky and soft. There were deep ruts from whatever tracked vehicle tried to make it up to the radio towers. It appeared to have gotten very stuck in a couple of places. There is a pit off to the side of Micro just below the Haul Road junction--heads up! A nice suprise was how well Meadow skated in spite of not being groomed in several days--just a thin layer of fresh on top of crisp, wide base...

There did not appear to be any tree cutting happening today. The logging equipment was parked at the Hwy Dept shed, but they look ready to move up to the section that will close our trails temporarily. As far as I know that work will be happening 3/9 and 3/10; will post when I know more.

Pad

Tree Clearing Update--Closure Change

2011-03-07T18:57:00.001-07:00

I got a call Monday afternoon that, due to a machinery delay, the Hwy Dept tree clearing that will affect the first 200 yards or so of the Mac Pass trails will most likely take place on Wednesday and Thursday this week (March 9 and 10) instead of Mon and Tues as planned. At this point I would not plan on skiing up there Wed and Thurs. I will go up and groom Tues AM and make a report when I get down and continue to update as I know more.

Pad

Conditions and Grooming Plan for Saturday

2011-03-04T17:59:00.001-07:00

Brent had hit the basic loop this AM--Old Cabin, Big Pine, Porcupine, and Lower Micro. It was nice skiing! The track was a bit drifted in in places but mostly intact up higher. Depending on wind and any new snowfall, I'll probably spin that same basic loop Saturday AM once to comb out the skate lane and once to set track. Depending on conditions I may hit Meadow--there was a new skiff on top of it this AM. Should be a nice weekend for skiing!

Pad

Tree Clearing and Trail Closure

2011-03-03T09:24:00.001-07:00

Club Members,

It sounds like the contractor may begin falling trees in the vicinity of the parking lot in the next couple days and plans to skid them out next Monday and Tuesday, March 7 and 8 closing our trails on those two days. I spoke with the Forest Service sale administrator Wednesday and these plans seem fairly firm. I'll update as I know more.

The plan is to rehab the section of impacted trail between the parking lot and the cabin as soon as the work is completed. It's unclear how torn up the trail will be, but we'll do our best to get it back in skiable shape quickly. Be prepared to ski on dirty snow or possibly walk in the first couple hundred yards. I'll update next week on conditions.

It also sounds like there will be a slash pile in the parking area following this work. If parking is limited, please be mindful of leaving clear access to Frontier Town--Mr Battershell has been a champ in keeping the parking lot plowed for us!

I think Emmett is planning on Saturday March 26 for the annual Ullrfest celebration--mark your calendars and keep an eye out for more info.

Skiing was great last night at Mac Pass. Brent has been hitting Meadow and it was wide enough to skate. There was a nice classic track set up Big Pine and on Porcupine loop. Upper Micro had not been hit in a while. Still plenty of snow up there! Remember to check the LCNSC blog for updates and quick links to temp, wind, and webcams http://lcnsc.blogspot.com/

Pad McCracken

Tuesday Feb. 22 AM Conditions

2011-02-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

Great skiing on the Pass this morning. All trails, including the microwave road to the top, are groomed and track set.

Bill P. at 12:37 PM, 2/22/11

Conditions Feb 14 5pm

2011-02-16T20:27:00.001-07:00

Mac Pass trails are skiing well with a solid base. Wind drifts are cleared and pine needles and twigs are covered with two inches of new white.

Saturday Feb 12 Conditions

2011-02-12T13:31:00.001-07:00

The PistenBully leveled and put down some fine corduroy on Old Cabin, Big Pine, Porcupine, and Meadow. I set classic track up Lower Micro, Porcupine, Big Pine, Old Cabin. No grooming on Upper Micro today. Definitely windy and some drifting, but lots of smiles from happy skiers! Enjoy!
Pad

Mac Pass Report and Saturday Request

2011-02-10T12:21:00.001-07:00

Brent and Emmett worked all morning busting drifts, leveling and setting track. The skiing is excellent despite the wind. On Saturday morning we are sending the big piston bully out on the trails. The plan is to start at 7:00. This usually takes about two hours. We'll set track after he's done. Please use caution if you get out on the trails before he is finished. This groomer is WIDE!!. Let's try to let him get out before we go in.

Thanks,

Randy

Golf Course was groomed last night

2011-02-07T21:27:00.003-07:00

I did a couple laps with the roller on the golf course yesterday afternoon to get a base started before it blew away, and Keith Carparelli did a couple of laps last night to pack the new snow. It should be good Tuesday.

Enjoy,
-Dave D

Bill Roberts Golf Course Conditions

2011-02-02T11:24:00.002-07:00

Regarding whether there was enough snow from the last storm to groom the golf course. I tried to groom Sunday at about dark, but there was not enough snow. It’ll take about another 2-3 inches to lay down a track.

Dave Dalthrop at 4:51 PM, 2/1/11

Grooming Donations Recently Received

2011-01-30T17:39:00.000-07:00

In addition to all the individuals that have had a hand in keeping quality groomed skiing in the Helena area, the following businesses stepped up recently with contributions to the Club to help pay for grooming expenses:

The Base Camp
Elkhorn Veterinary Clinic
Great West Engineering, Inc.
Windbag Saloon & Grill

Thanks to everyone who is helping out this season.

MacDonald Pass Conditions

2011-01-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

Classic skiing at the pass was great this pm.

Jen Brunsdon at 7:27 PM, 1/28/11

Skating was fine tonight and will be good tomorrow. Someone drove a tracked vehicle up the microwave road, so it was skiing on chickenheads coming down in the dark, but the groomers will probably buff that out in the morning.

Alan Wintersteen at 7:53 PM, 1/28/11

MacDonald Pass Conditions

2011-01-27T17:30:00.000-07:00

Don't let the brown in town fool you. Cross country skiing on Mac Pass is great. Lots of snow, trails are groomed and track set.

Bill P. at 1:05 PM, 1/25/11

Trail Names?

2011-01-21T15:48:00.005-07:00

I wonder if the trail names on the XC ski trails up at Mac Pass are correct? As the indirect result of a mapping-related project I am involved with, I've noticed (for example) that:

1. The Microwave Road is in places misnamed Big Pine, and that...

2. ...The Haul Road, a gruesome distance up the Microwave Road and leading to the beginning of the Porcupine Loop, is not identified as such. Is this the Kelly Hump Road?

3. The trail from the parking lot to the picnic shelter is named the "Old Cabin" trail. Is this correct, or is there another name for the trail segment from the parking lot to the Microwave Road?

4. Is the trail, now named the Lost Cabin Trail, really called this from the Microwave Road to the trail junction where the road leads to the Meadows Loop, Big Pine takes off, and the Lost Cabin trail heads off into the woods?

5. Finally, what is the name of the first sometimes gated road leading to the intersection described immediately above? Is this the Haul Road and is the road above the Kelly Hump road?

You can see a copy of the trail map at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/helena/recreation/MacPassMap.pdf

We have a chance to update the names on the Mac Pass trail map available from the club's web site. I'd like to correct a few of these errors, or, what I think are errors. Perhaps you can straighten me out.

If anyone has an opinion about these things, or knows something I don't know (which is very likely), please e-mail me (at bruce dot newell at gmail dot com) and I will pass your thoughts on to the cartographer who has volunteered to help update the Mac Pass XC ski trails map.

Thanks,
Bruce

LCNSC Jan 13, 2011 Meeting Minutes

2011-01-21T14:44:00.001-07:00

From Amanda:

Call to order: 18:30 hours, aka 6:30 p.m. Attendance: (14 members: Amanda Osborne, Anne Woodland, DeeAnn Cooney, Larry Dolan, Bruce Newell, Robert Ray, Carl Anderberg, Peter Brumm, Scott Gerken, Alan Wintersteen, Stan Bradshaw, Pad McCracken, Rick Finley)

Approval of minutes: All members were in favor of approving minutes as posted on blog.

II. Reports:

President (Pad): he is gaining insight on grants, employment issues and club workings. He’s been grooming some. The AOP is not signed yet because the final RAC grant figures are not approved yet. o Vice President (Rick): He talked to Missoula Nordic Ski Club regarding posting information on Mac Pass on their website.

Treasurer (Anne): We are still waiting for a letter from the IRS regarding non-profit status. BILLS: December payroll plus mileage $1975 pd, worker’s comp $405 pd, balance remaining in club’s account was $ 5300. Since then, $1116 pd to Bruce for skier counter, $2280 to Jason Herberger for tree removal. Approximately $1900 now remains in account. Bills still outstanding include $350 for the piston bully, $309 for snow machine covers. RTP grant money arrived ($4143.92). Several big bills outstanding. How do we want to prioritize these expenses?

Reimbursed Bruce $1,116.69: Paid Payment to Jason Herberger for tree removal work done before Dec 1, 2010: Paid Scandic repairs: $1500 still to be reimbursed

Secretary (Amanda): o Grants Coordinator (Tim): As reported by Pad – The club is approved for $8500 RAC grant for 2010/2011, but there is a shortfall on funding. This will likely lower grant amounts, but we are still waiting to hear how this will specifically affect our allotment. Tim is looking for letters of support and he will meet with FWP regarding a large RTP grant to target future hazard tree removal.

Trails Coordinator (Scott): He will check the cash box at the trail this week. “You are here” maps are now up.

Grooming Coordinator (Randy): We should thank our groomers! They are grooming as much of the trail to accommodate as many users as possible. Also the Piston Bully has made its first pass on the trails and the schedule for the rest of the season is set up.

Why isn’t meadow groomed for skating? Does the club want it to be? Brent is now grooming Meadow on a regular basis, but the schedule will be dictated by several factors including snowfall, maintenance, and groomer scheduling.

Setting a classic track for the weekends (see Phil Steele’s email): It is difficult to juggle all the issues and maintain a classic track and skate track at all times. There are many issues involved and Pad will set up a grooming meeting with groomers and other interested parties to resolve some of these issues.

Equipment Maintenance Coordinator (Carl): Expect $600 per Yamaha for annual maintenance. The club should consider snow machine replacement. They were both purchased in 2007 with a life expectancy of five years. Pros and cons of piston bully purchase were discussed.

Forest Service Agreements Coordinator (Jamie): none

Web Coordinator (Bruce): Lots of people are now contributing to the updates. Gregg Wheeler is helping “clean-up” the web page.

III. Old Business

Counter to document number of skier-days (Bruce/Luke). Luke is downloading the data. Two more people are authorized to retrieve the data. Anyone interested?

Desiccants are needed to protect the counter from moisture. Carl donated $30 to purchase these.

Jackets (Dan/Rick): Rick still needs to take care of this. He will try to accomplish this in the next week and coordinate with Tim.

Response to Steve Gilbert’s grant question: Pad is still compiling a good list of club equipment. Stan will send the list that he has.

Sign at the Golf Course – Bruce sent a message to Amy but never heard back – he will call her again.

IV. New Business

DUNS – pass this duty from Randy to Secretary? This is now a one-time number that never expires. o CCR issue is resolved. It needs to be updated annually. Randy took care of it this year and will pass the necessary information to Anne and Amanda. This duty will now fall under the secretary. o Fundraising: Pad will explore some options. One possibility is “Monday Nights at the Blackfoot” o Hazard tree removal message from Bill Hammer: We have funds remaining, approximately $2000.00, that must be spent by next summer. Jason Herberger is interested in continuing hazard tree removal for the LCNSC beginning as soon as March 31, 2011, the end of ski season. Jason and I feel that there is a more efficient way to stretch the hazard tree removal funds. He is willing to resume another phase of tree removal with the guidelines existing in the November contract; however, a more efficient method would be for Jason to fall, limb, and buck only. A separate crew would follow behind (at least 200 feet away) clearing debris that happens to fall within the ski trail corridor.

The club should reach out to the new Helena National Forest district ranger and continue to communicate with Roy Barkley to expedite the identification of imminently hazardous trees for removal. This should be done within the next few months, allowing the hazard trees to me removed before September 1, 2011 when some hunting seasons begin.

V. Announcements

VI.Adjournment: 2006, aka, 8:06 p.m. MST

Still winter up top!

2011-01-19T14:06:00.001-07:00

A midweek update on conditions at Mac Pass: wintery and wonderful! Get up there for some good skiing. Brent combed out the fresh snow this AM for skating and Emmett will set track Thurs AM. It sounds like things will be groomed for skate and classic both days this weekend--enjoy!

Pad

Conditions Saturday--several more laudatory reports

2011-01-15T21:11:00.003-07:00

[From Bill Hammer]

When I was driving west through Helena this afternoon (Saturday, 1/15/2011), headed up to Mac Pass for some skiing, the yards and streets looked a lot like spring melt. My skier's heart was sinking.

And then the higher I got on Hwy 12, the more it looked like it should for this time of year. A winter wonderland greeted me at the MacDonald Pass parking lot. About 1 inch of dense snow had just fallen mid-afternoon and the skiing was terrific. Many thanks to all the groomers and their efforts for preparing a solid base for both classic and skate skiing!

Happy Trails!

[From David Pepin]

I was up there today also and it was fantastic. My thanks to all the hard working groomers. I'm grateful.

Conditions Sat Jan 15

2011-01-15T10:59:00.001-07:00

After checking in with Randy this AM, I decided not to groom due to temps and wind. I did ski though and found it pretty good. Quite a bit of small debris in places, but grooming from yesterday holding up well. Good skating Porcupine and Micro; the best track looked to be on Porcupine and Haul. It is surpisingly good for the meltdown intown--not crusty at all and even still drifting in places. It was starting to spit precip as I left so things could change. Do think safety with this wind! Happy skiing! Pad