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shaganappivollie

December 14 update: 12 day Chinook Glaze on ski trails = grooming paused, opting for snow retention vs increased snow loss/increased sublimation


Dec 11th Chinook Glaze icy snow surface

Unfortunately, the Chinook temperatures that started December 2nd continue to plague us through this weekend, with only a two-day break forecasted for Monday/Tuesday. Calgary then goes back into a Chinook weather pattern through to January, which is the worst-case scenario predicted by the various long range forecasting models found online.


The Accessible porta potty is in place in the upper parking lot NW of the clubhouse.

Expect icy surfaces in the parking lot and wherever you walk at Shaganappi Point golf course.


Scroll down for condition updates on the three separate trail systems.


Ski trails have not been groomed or track set since the Chinook started on December 2nd. This is due to Shaganappi's significant wind and sun exposure, as well as a shortage of available grooming volunteers. Snow retention is currently our priority. Nonetheless, we plan to go out Saturday evening to scarify the surfaces of the skate lanes on Alasdair's Alley (junction 1-7) and possibly add new track setting in the unpacked snow for the Ultimate Parasports try-it session on the 15th.


The reports December 8th were skiing is not bad with glazed tracks, rocks and needles everywhere - some bare ground in the usual locations (by the upper parking lot, along the condos and in the far SW Corner) Northside is better . . . . No new grooming is possible presently. - DJ Grey

 

FatBike/Snowshoe Trails December 8th

Snowshoeing is possible beside the packed down trail or on it, depending on the preference by snowshoers.


As reported by DJ Grey:

 

I'd give Shaganappi a '4' or Good on the Rasmussen scale (below) for riding . . . some 2/3 where the SNOw gives way a bit, no washouts, some dirt in places. More traffic would help ... Studs would be nice though I don't think they are required.


I did a Bachler Pack with 250LBs of weight to try and crush down the Isothermal SNOw.   I got about 90% of the Blue and Green Trails punched down (not perfect by any stretch).


If it gets warm and sunny again beware of that sinking feeling

 

Rasmussen - 6 rating scale 

0: Miserable. Barely walkable, let alone rideable. 

1: Poor. A mix of walking and riding. 

2: Marginal. Rideable with skill, power, and a little cursing. 

3: Fair. Not perfect, but rarely frustrating. 

4: Good. The upper end of typical conditions. 

5: Outstanding. Memorable throughout. 

6: The Holy Grail. Literally better than dirt.


Walking trail system: The yellow pin-flagged walking trail system will be challenging to walk on and possibly icy without additional traction on footwear or snowshoes. When temperatures are warmer, the trails may be soft in areas until they are packed down by more foot traffic.


Consider volunteering! SNO needs more volunteers to move snow onto ski trails after every significant snowfall, before the next Chinook hits! Use scoop shovels or the snowblower, you can volunteer at your convenience and as your schedule allows!



Dec 11: Typical extended Chinook snow loss at Shaganappi, notice the sunken footprints and leaf holes on and beside the ski trail!

That's it for now - we need to do a lot of snow dancing!



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