Last weekend's storm ended up delivering just over a foot of light powdery snow which set us up for some really nice skiing. I was able to ski from the Hamlin trailhead all the way around the Four Ponds loop and up the Yellow and Red trails to the White Mountain Ledge with plenty of snow cover.
On Monday we received another four or five inches of snow, but that storm ended on a wet note with a lot of rain, but there was enough base that the snow survived it well and good ski conditions continued.
But wherever the rain water had flowed it took all the snow with it, making some of the stream crossings a challenge.
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| Drainages and low area were saturated. |
I came across a few animal tracks on my ski trips including those of a bobcat that crossed the trail.
We've had a few more birds at the feeder since the snow, but still not as many as usual except for the juncos. They have been out in force again. Juncos usually hop around on the ground under the feeders gleaning what's spilled by the other birds. But right after the snow there wasn't enough spillage and some of them were doing their best to perch on the feeder. Their bodies certainly aren't adapted for perching!
But then a large flock of white-breasted nuthatches arrived, and nuthatches intentionally shovel loads of seeds out in search of the largest nut in the whole feeder.
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| The white-breasted nuthatch is the junco's best friend. |
Soon the juncos were plenty happy back down on the ground. Their tracks show that, unlike doves and turkeys which walk as a human does, juncos hop along on both feet.
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| Junco Junction |
The week was cold enough that the ice in the lake grew thicker. By Wednesday there were about four inches in Marion Cove with a couple more inches of water and slush on top. By Friday enough of the top layer had frozen with a nice smooth surface to allow a bit of skating.
But just a bit. Though the ice at six inches was safe (where I skated) that three-layered cake made things interesting. In places where the top layer was soft, my skate would break through into the wet intermediate layer and drop to the top of the hard black ice layer. It was an entertaining skate. We're about to head into our first deep freeze of the winter, so skating conditions may get really good next week.
On the subject of ice, Simon Pendleton, a professor in Environmental Science and Policy at Plymouth State University, is continuing his research on ice and snow in the Lakes Region and has once again selected Lake Wicwas as one of the water bodies on which to collect data. He has installed a small kiosk at the Wicwas boat ramp with instructions on how we citizen scientists can collect and submit data for the research project.
People may also submit data for other locations around the lake, though reporting at regular intervals is most valuable. His research will help us understand the changing planet and its impact on all aspects of life, especially its impact on winter sports such as skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Here's a link to information on his project which includes the link to report your observations.
Let's hope the coming cold snap will get the larger lakes frozen in time for the Meredith Fishing Derby, Pond Hockey Tournament, and all our other winter-related events.
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| Meredith Bay, February, 2019 |
P.S. I want to give you advance notice that the Meredith Conservation Commission is hosting a guided snowshoe trip to Arbutus Hill Pond in the Hamlin Town Forest on February 17th. Registration is required and limited to ten people. You can find details on the trip and how to register at the Commission's Website.
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