Update from the course setter, Phil Hawkes-Teeter:
Well, today’s snow is winding down, but it has already significantly upgraded the skiing conditions in and around Partridge Run, the site for EMPO’s next Winter event, on Jan 13. We now have around 6 inches of snow, pretty much everywhere. This means that the trails are skiable, and the off-trail woods are getting above the level where undergrowth is a problem. We may yet get more, according to the weather forecast.
At this moment, the forecast for Jan 13 looks just about ideal: cloudy, possible snow showers, with temperatures 26-29F. Obviously this can all change quickly, but I think that we should all plan on a great day in the woods. Through this morning, I was placing controls simply using boots (18 done). From here on, I plan on using skis (12 to go). If you aren’t a skier, the choice between boots/snowshoes will be close. If the snow depth stays roughly as is, I’d choose snowshoes, because the lightness of boots won’t gain you enough speed as the frost heaves will constantly take you down a layer. But it’s all up to you.
Latest update on rules (modified for the colder weather) is here: PDF
And, again, if you let me (philht@gmail.com) know you are coming, that will help, and you can get a heat-sealed map (if you want one.). I will likely send out one more update on conditions after I have placed the final 12 controls next week.
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