But first a little information… Wilderness Lodge sits atop the leading edge of the Chautauqua Ridge, and we have 1,000 feet of elevation over Lake Erie. This area is often recognized by the National Weather Service Buffalo. So if you want to see the facts of our weather pattern and projections, go to their site and look for regional forecasts…They will note the change in the snow pattern created by this upslope where the winds rise and the colder temperature which exists at higher altitude….we are notable in a micro climate. but I digress.
To further digress, let me give you an example… I use Findley Lake, New York to scope out the various weather gurus, primarily because the radar for that town comes from Buffalo.
Last night, the weather companies showed rain in Findley Lake. I went to our weather cam which was full of big white streaks of snow. My second example was just tonight. It was 33 degrees and misty rain as I drove toward the lodge from Wattsburg. I climbed the hill which is about 1/2 mile from the Lodge. At the top, it was 32 and the mist was beautiful tiny white flakes.
Regardless, we know that some of the trails for the Quad Race are bad and that is a limited area. We have groomed each day and now miles of the network are open and skiable …with the occasional wet spot to skip around.
My recommendation will not fit every life-style, but my best advice is to come ski Friday. Temps will be in the mid 20’s which make for great skiing. Then it starts to dip down that night into 8 degrees as a low,
SATURDAY…Will start 6 degrees and rise to a high of 13…which is good because those wet spots we mentioned earlier will be gone. The snow is slower when it is that cold and if you do not have adequate clothing for these temperatures, it can be hazardous.
Sunday runs up to a high of 30 which is a good way to cap our weekend.
Sunday night into the morning Monday, they are calling for a storm total of 8-12…that is for Findley Lake and there is a good probability we would get more.
That means the base is set. The new snow will be packed and leveled by our expert groomers and our season be in full bloom.