Trails Are open – Grooming as weather allows. Expect spring conditions on mostly good cover. We picked up 3-4 inches of new snow Monday night into Tuesday. We are out grooming and the trails should be in fairly good shape going into the weekend. We expect mostly sunny and chilly weather into the weekend. Be aware that trails will be firm and the lakes with extensive hard ice early each day.
SNOW & WEATHER REPORT: It looks like an extended period of typical spring conditions. Spring conditions include a little snow, some rain and temperatures all over the place but generally near or below freezing at night and above freezing by mid-day. The sun works hard now so south facing banks and slopes start to melt off. Grooming opportunities are limited so do not expect mid-winter conditions. We will have all trails groomed for the weekend and maybe for the weekend of April 2nd. The best riding is from late morning into the early evening when surfaces have started to soften.
Be cautious. New snow has covered bare spots and there are water holes and wash outs on the trails. Trails getting sun are getting thin in places and developing bare areas.
Lakes are not good riding at this time. The ice has stayed hard and there are ruts and ridges on the travel lanes along Rangeley Lake. It is easy to lose control without studs. There is some snow along the north side of the lake that allows a slower but safer ride. Trails are good-do not use the lakes if you do not have to.
Maps are available at local businesses and the Chamber of Commerce.
NOTICES:
Lake riding is never safe! If you are not experienced and comfortable with riding on lakes. Don’t do it! The Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club has no trails on any lakes, ponds, rivers or streams.
Caution: Lake conditions: Traction, cooling and lubrication advisory..
Caution: Deep snow pack off trail. Snow depths off trail range from 20” to 40” of loose snow under a crust. People are getting stuck riding off trail. If you are not experienced and prepared for off trail riding-please stay on the groomed trails.
Caution: The logging operation on ITS 84 near South Shore Drive and the South Bog Stream has ended but there is a half mile or so or plowed trail that will get bare quickly with warmer temperatures.
Trail Change Notices:
We rerouted ITS 89 between Rangeley (our Junction R2) and Lang TWP (our Junction R12). Watch for signs.
We have closed ITS 89 over Quill Hill because of logging. There will be no loop possible once you travel past Junction R2 toward the trail to Stratton. The Quill Hill Trail is closed just beyond where the trail crosses Redington Road. The newly rerouted trail heads east and connects to the Stratton Trail. Watch for signs.
ITS 84 has been rerouted between Lincoln Pond Road and Camp 14. This is a longer trip (apx 9 miles one-way) to Bosebuck Mt. Camps and NH.
The Arnold Trails SC is grooming a connection just north of Kennebago Lake between ITS 84 and its Tim Pond Road Trail. This allows a scenic loop between Rangeley, East Kennebago Mt. and Oquossoc and a new route into Stratton and Eustis and points east.
Use caution around the construction at Moose Alley (formerly Club House) and at Boss Power (formerly PJ’s).
Be aware that Oquossoc Marine has closed until further notice. You can buy some Polaris oil and other items at Koob’s Garage, Loony Bin and at Lakeside Convenience.
