In the high Country
Currently, there are good winter conditions in the high country, with new powdery snow (as much as two feet) in the higher elevations.
However, there is a chance of rain and warmer weather later this week — perhaps in the 60s in Bend and 50s in the high elevations. Enjoy the winter trails while you can — they may be springlike this weekend, with soft to soggy conditions.
Newberry Crater (10 Mile Sno-park)
The snow base is minimal in the lower elevations of 10 Mile Sno-park. Snowmobiling is probably not advisable because there are bare areas. Motorized use on bare ground will damage the trail and can also damage the snowmobile.
Skiers and snowshoers may need to walk to find the snowline. The snow is fairly crusty until you get to the crater.
Wanoga Snoplay Area is currently in good shape, but did not receive much new snow last week.
If there are fast/icy conditions this weekend, be sure to sled safe: Watch your speed, avoid starting at the top of the hill and watch out for each other on the slopes, especially in the run-out zone. Helmets are strongly advised.
Wanoga’s snowmobile lot is currently in good condition, and probably will remain good to springlike into the weekend. Expect it to be a hopping place again this weekend. Last weekend events overflowed the overflow lots at Edison Butte Sno-park. Be sure to have a second choice sno-park in case you arrive after the lot is full.
Events
The Bachelor Butte Dog Derby will be taking place out of Wanoga this weekend. Organizers will be there Friday and the event runs Saturday and Sunday. Expect high use at the sno-park. The derby could involve 50 contestants and a few hundred spectators. Areas affected include trails 2, 3, 4, and Trail 25 — just south of Wanoga and east of Edison.
Lower elevation summer trails
Warmer weather may bring back springlike conditions. We continue to ask that you avoid trails with excessive mud because of the potential for damaging the trail. Expect various degrees of spring/thaw conditions (including some mud) on the Deschutes River Trail, Phil’s Trail, Metolius River and Peterson Ridge areas.
The Horse Butte Trail system is recommended for this weekend because it is generally a drier area.
Sno-park snow depths:
Virginia Meissner: 19-32 inches (including 5-7 inches of new snow); conditions are very good and the park is being groomed
Vista Butte: 60-70 inches
Dutchman Flat: Around 90-100 inches (including about 20 inches of new snow)
Edison Butte: 28-36 inches (including 4-6 inches of new snow); hard crust under the new snow, currently good conditions
Skyliner: Low snow conditions, fair at best, probably in poor condition by this weekend
Wanoga Snoplay Area: 40-45 inches; currently in good shape
Swampy Lakes: 48 inches; current conditions are very good, up to a foot of new snow since last week
10 Mile: Low snow hazards
Upper Three Creek: Total of 16-18 inches (including 6 inches of new snow); better conditions by Three Creek Lake.
Crescent: 18-24 inches; expect springlike conditions this weekend
