justnorth posted on January 01, 2008 20:16 :: 896 Views
Although Wisconsin only received minimal snowfall in the last week, colder temperatures and the wet, heavy condition of the snow that fell in the first snowstorm have allowed snow cover to hold up very well through this week. Unfortunately, freezing rain or drizzle is in the forecast for later this week, which could cause conditions to change dramatically. Snow is forecast to follow the rain, so conditions could improve. As always, before heading to a destination to ski or snowmobile over the holiday break, it is best to call ahead to the destination or check the Snow Conditions Report on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism Web site.
As of this late this week, most state park and forests are still reporting that cross-country ski trail ranging from good to excellent condition. Some parks in the southern portion of the state that received the most snowfall have been able to re-groom trails. Most parks and forests in the north are awaiting additional snowfall before re-grooming. Snowmobile conditions were being reported in fair to good condition, with a few counties reporting excellent conditions and several counties through the central portion of the state still having trails closed.
Ice depths on Northwoods lakes generally range from 7 to 11 inches, with about 6 inches soft powdery snow on top. This has caused some slush to form on the lakes, but the slush is spotty and only about an inch or two thick. Lake ice cover can be variable with a solid 10 inches in some areas and only 6 inches of ice only a few hundred yards away. Ice fishing success has been generally slow. Walleye action has been inconsistent, but beginning to pick up in some areas. The best success has come in the late afternoon just before dark, with shiners or suckers fished on tip-ups in the 6 to 12 foot depths. Panfish action has been erratic--though a few anglers have reported some fair catches of crappie and perch. Northern pike action could only be termed fair, as the cloudy and colder weather seems to have held their activity down.
In the south, anglers were finding some ice on lakes but, none of the lakes are considered entirely safe for even walking access. The deeper lakes are especially dangerous due to the fact that they get ice covered the latest. There are still areas of open water on some of the larger lakes. Anglers were catching northern pike and panfish action on frozen lakes and shallower bays of larger lakes. While some bays and harbors along Green Bay are iced over, much of the northern portion of the bay itself is still open water. On Lake Superior, the Madeline Island fairy line was still running as of this week.
Some deer have already been reported to be shedding their antlers. The shedding of antlers is usually genetically triggered or stress related.
Ruffed grouse are being observed along roadways in search of gravel. Bald eagles are being sighted daily along the Mississippi River, and many rough-legged hawks have been observed in the Coulee Region. These large hawks breed in the Arctic tundra and migrate to and winter primarily in the lower 48 states. They feed mainly on small rodents and often hunt for them by hovering above a grassy field before diving down on the unsuspecting prey. Rough-legged hawks get their name from their furry-looking legs, which are feathered to the toes with soft feathers.
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