March 16, 2000

There finally was a break in the unseasonably warm weather this week and in addition, we received a generous snowfall yesterday of close to 20 centimeters. This was a very welcome and timely change in the weather since the Ontario Winter Games opening ceremonies were held today. Cross country ski races and biathlon are scheduled games events at Hiawatha Highlands during the next three days.

February 28, 2000

The prediction of 5 or more centimeters of snow failed to materialize. The bit of snow we did receive has almost all gone already and more warm weather is on the way. The warm weather has caused the cancelation of the Mabel Lake Tour scheduled for March 5. The Crystal Creek is open where the trail crosses.

February 27, 2000

The weather has been unseasonably warm for the past week. There has been lots of rain, fog and warm southerly winds with some overnight lows staying above freezing. The daily highs set some new records. The trails are still open with enough snow cover for some pleasant spring like skiing. The forecast is calling for snow tonight with a return to more seasonable below freezing temperatures.

Jamuary 12, 2000

A lot of snow has fallen since the last update. The trail and ski conditions are perfect. The only trial that is not open is the Wishart Park extension on the Red Pine section of trails. The gate north of Fourth Line leading to the trail is still closed. It appears the entension will not be tracked this season. This season the Crystal Creek trails have a double classic track along with a skating track. Last year there was only a single classic track. This is a welcomed improvement for those that like to ski side by side.

December 26, 1999

Received a lot of fresh snow on Thursday, Dec 23; at least 30 cm fell in the Hiawatha Highlands area. Some additional snow has fallen since and it is snowing again today. Despite the new snow, the trails are still in rough shape. The Lookout 4K, Maple Sugar loop and the Crystal 2K have been groomed for skating and classic. There are many dirty spots on the trails though. The other trails have not been groomed yet. They had trouble getting through the Crystal 5K today with the roller. They are planning to groom the Red Pine system tomorrow.

December 18, 1999

The first real snowfall of the season arrived on Dec 16. Hardly any snow fell at the airport where weather stats are recorded but the Hiawatha Highlands area received 15 to 20 cms (6 - 8 inches). Most of the trails were packed to help retain the snow. The Lookout 4 K and Crystal 2 K were rolled several times and are open for skating. More snow is required before tracks can be set. The warming trend seems to have stopped for now. Yesterday was the first day this month where the high temperature was less than the normal. Last night's low was a chilly -22 C.

December 5, 1999

We received our first snowfall on November 28. There was just enough to cover the ground and it lasted only a day or two. Since then the temperatures have been well above normal with a couple of days of rain and overnight lows staying above freezing. The warming trend of the last few years appears to be continuing.