If you have time, would it be possible to pack a trail out to the rifle range? Just up and down with the snowmachine would be fine.

Thanks BJ

Regarding #433, I just try to keep the main, narrow path workable. Sometimes just shuffling feet can help break through a set-up layer. Having the side slope is not bad for shovelling, as the stuff can mostly go downhill a bit. The established trail is at or becomes somewhat less of a side angle, but it can be a challenge. It's easier at colder temperatures, and easy to maintain in a low snow year, but here's hoping that at least the latter condition doesn't prevail too much of this season.

Ken (#431) nailed the deeper problem. The canted section of trail is a real challenge, at least on a bike. I like his suggestion of shovel maintenance by users. I would happily contribute to this effort. However I am not entirely clear *how* to keep up the trail. I'll take any pointers. Is it just a matter of trying to compensate for the tilt along the canted sections?

I will be packing the commuter trail with the snowmachine regularly. It has been done this morning

Regarding #427, I still maintain that the commuter trail is made much tougher for biking by the groomer. It's great for skiing, but can't support feet or bike tires so we end up with a trail of craters. #430 suggests running the sno-go on it, and maybe that might help, but I think some amount of shoveling is also needed. My feeling is that the trail gets a lot of use, and the users can help maintain it by regular traffic and shovels when needed. I haven't been of much help recently, but eventually will do what's necessary to make it ridable. (To be clear, this is all regarding the "slanted" horizontal section above the farm.)

Today I encountered a two legged albino moose in the middle of the ski trail leading to the hut. I told him not to run on the ski trails, but he said he liked to run on the trails and that moose were allowed on the trails. I initially thought he was human because he was wearing shoes...but I must have been moose-taken! Is there more we can do to educate this sort of unique species regarding winter trail etiquette? He was 15 feet from the walking trails!

# 427

I would concur with Michael in part. The commuter trail would be better in the long term if a few passes were made with a wide-track snow machine after each significant snow fall with a follow-up of weekly passes. That would maintain a wide firm base for all that use the trail. Using the roller on the commuter trail makes for a punchy base for walkers and bikers. Again, I think the trail grooming in the last couple of years has been great!

I also noticed that the lights were not on I put in a request to have them turned on Friday and I will check into it again today. Thanks for your feedback on the commuter trail. I will give it some attention today.

As we head into another grooming year I want to encourage the continued grooming of the Sheep Creek Commuter trail. Last year grooming was stopped part way through the year. I suspect this was in response to negative feedback in this forum. A few comments about a year ago suggesting that grooming made the trails punchy and difficult were, however, short-sighted. Once grooming stopped, the quality of the trail went downhill and by March it was nearly impassible on a bicycle (as judged by the countless errant tracks attempting to follow the trail.)

I strongly encourage occasional grooming. Even a handful of passes during the season will help ensure that it remains useable until spring. I assume this was part of the rationale for widening the trail last year. If users have continued complaints about punchy trails, perhaps the trail could simply receive an occasional snow machine pass without the roller. I dont believe this trail is being skated. Wide-track snow machines are a time-tested grooming method on just about every trail system in the interior. If it works throughout the White Mountains and the Chena Recreation area, it is difficult to argue that it is a bad idea on the commuter trails. Happy to discuss with anyone (mewest "at" alaska.edu).

As always, kudos on the grooming overall. The last two years have been magic. Looking forward to another one.

I skied on Wed. night and the lights were not on. Aren't they supposed to be?

The trail across Ballaine and trailhead ramps have been rolled. The base is really thin in spots.

Ice thickness on Smith Lake is 6+" and it has been rolled today. There are some spots where there is overflow like conditions.

is it safe to ski on Smith Lake yet?

Does anyone know about Creamers Field grooming? Have they done anything yet?

Thanks fro being so prompt on the trail grooming, it is great to get out finally. You are much more timely than DOT andtheir snowplows!