Seward Ranger District Winter Trail Updates
By Irene Lindquist
The Seward Ranger District’s Kenai Lake Work Center Trail technicians continually provide winter trail updates that will be in winter issues of the Turnagain Times so read for the latest updates on the Chugach trails.
This past week areas of Seward Ranger District received 6-14 inches of new snow. Winter used trails that were already packed are quite nice; however, all modes of travel off trail are currently more difficult. The winter trail to Lower Russian Lake and Barber cabin is packed and in great condition.
The Old Sterling Highway is in fabulous condition for classic skiing. With the overabundance of snow, classic skiing is currently a good mode of travel, many of our creeks and rivers are in good condition, and travel through the woods is possible in most areas by ski and snowshoe.
Kenai Lake in front of the USFS Work Center has 14 inches of ice under 10 inches of snow, this area has been frozen for three weeks now. A pressure ridge to the west originating from the Power plant opened a 15 feet wide lead extending north four days ago. Travel to Nellie Juan Lake via snowmobile is now possible, though there are the usual open water crossings, travel is good.
In an effort to not repeat others reports, particularly for skate skiing, please continue to check in with the Cooper Landing and Seward Nordic Ski Club websites for current information.
