I believe that the snow making machine’s on/off switch is broken and is stuck on. The snowpack is getting deeper and deeper as March rolls on. This is some of the deepest snowpack we have seen in places since the winter of 2008.
Projects are still out there doing what they do best: flattening out that white ribbon. A lot of the projects are getting close to their allotted hours for the grant, so what this means is that they will slow down a bit and try to groom right up until the end.
As the snow keeps getting deeper the deer and moose are staying on the trails, as they are having difficulty going through the deep snow.
Most projects are reporting that the trails will be in excellent conditions for the upcoming weekend.
Trail Info
ITS 92: This trail is in good condition. This is the best trail to head up on Saturday to catch the drag races in St. Francis.
ITS 90: This trail continues to be in great shape. There is a logging operation about 2 miles from the Woodland road crossing near Caribou. It is marked; watch for log trucks. Fort Fairfield is reporting good conditions. Portage is reporting a small logging operation near the Beaver Brook Bridge; please use caution.
ITS 120: This trail is in great condition and one of the most scenic rides in The County. Make sure you stop by Deboullie Mountain.
ITS 83: reporting good conditions. The logging operation is now in effect and the reroute is now open; please watch for signs and plan accordingly. There is also a new logging operation in Monticello south of the transfer station road; watch for signs. Night trucking has started, so please be cautious.
ITS 81: This trail is connected all the way through. There is a logging operation on the section in Grand Isle; please watch for signs. There is a logging operation where trail 98B and 81 intersect; watch for signs. Madawaska is reporting good conditions.
ITS 85: Groomers have been out.
ITS 105: This trail is in good condition from Van Buren all the way through to Scopan.
ITS 88: Good conditions are being reported, especially after the snow.
Trail 61: in Washburn is groomed and in good shape.
Trail 89: This trail is open to the Black Bear Lodge and connects with trail 102, which is the old trail 100 that Pleasant Ridge Riders maintain. From this intersection North to 94 still has not been connected.
Trail 71A in Ashland is now open to the river. There is one mile of plowed road; other than that, this trail is awesome.
Frenchville is reporting good shape on their trails.
Sly Brook Snowmobile Club reports good conditions on trails 96 and 73.
Moosetown Riders report their whole system is complete.
Caswell is reporting good conditions.
Trail 71D is closed for the season as there is logging; this is in the Grand Lake-Seboeis area.
Municipal trail 70, Benedicta/Whetstone Falls, is closed due to heavy logging.
Trail 81: Nordic Lakers are reporting good conditions.
Easton Snowmobile Club is reports they have packed everything and will groom Friday night.
Trail 73 and 73B is being maintained by Fort Kent; there are a few water holes on 73.
Central Aroostook Snowmobile Club reports a lot of moose traffic on the Number 9 Lake trail and Rte. 70A.
Southern Aroostook Report
All clubs are dealing with a lot of wet snow (18 to 24 inches) and are looking forward to a drop in temperature this weekend to help keep the trails in good condition for spring sledding.
Bowlin/Mattagamon/Shin Pond is hoping for a great weekend with all trails groomed and ready. ITS 83, 85 and 85 to 71D are in great shape. They will be hosting the 3rd Annual Vintage Snowmobile Races at Shin Pond on Sunday the 18th. Gates open at 7 a.m. with racing staring at 10 a.m.
Benedicta Snow Gang has had some breakdowns this week but should have all groomers on the trails late Thursday. ITS 81, 81A and 83A to Sherman will be ready for the weekend.
The Molunkus Valley Snow Drifters in Sherman will have ITS 83, 83A and their portion of 3A groomed and report that all trails are in great shape.
The Rockabema Snow Rangers in Patten will have ITS 81 to Shin Pond, 112 to Island Falls and club trail 62 north will be groomed and ready by Friday.
The Meduxnekeag Ramblers are reporting 18 inches of new snow with more on the way. Club Trail 81 will be groomed Friday. ITS 83-rail bed is being groomed now with conditions looking good. ITS 86 West to St. Croix Stream is ready and in excellent shape. ITS 86 by Houlton International Airport and through to Hogdon will be groomed on Saturday.
2 more breakfasts at the Wiley Rd. Club on Saturday starting at 6 a.m. Take a ride over and support the club!
Eastern Maine Snow Riders with 3, 3A and ITS 110 to Macwahoc are groomed and ready for the weekend.
Linneus Snow Sports is packing this new snow with a drag before going out with the groomers on Saturday. ITS 105 from Hodgdon to ITS 83 and club trails 8 and 1 should be in great condition on Saturday.
On the Social Side
Pleasant Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club will host a club ride down to the Blue Moose in Littleton on Saturday, March 24. Be at the clubhouse by 9 a.m.
Cold Mountain Snowmobile club will host breakfast on March 25 from 7-11 at the Grand Isle Community Center.
Ashland Snowmobile Club will have a hot dog roast Saturday, March 24.
Presque Isle Snowmobile Club will have stew night this Friday starting at 5 at their clubhouse.
St. Francis Sno Angels: clubhouse open on Saturdays from 11-7.
Washburn Trailrunners: clubhouse open Friday 8-12,Saturday 7-2 and Sunday 7-12.
Maine Snowmobile Association Directors’ Meeting Saturday, March 17 at the Swamp Buck Restaurant in Fort Kent. Meeting starts at 5 p.m., followed by social, meal and a short directors’ meeting. All are welcome to attend. Food and drinks are at your own expense; price of the meal in the $16 range with a limited menu.
