Those smart folks at the National Weather Service got it right this weekend. The following forecast came true:
Weather report for Ely:
… Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 12 PM CST Monday… Snow intensity will increase through the afternoon… persisting overnight. Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches an hour. Winds of 20 to 30 mph… combined with the heavy snow… will result in blowing snow and reduced visibilities of a quarter mile or less at times.
Delay travel if possible. Traveling will be very difficult or impossible today and tonight. Additional snow accumulation of 8 to 12 inches are expected today… with drifts of 2 feet or more. Storm total snowfall of 10 to 16 inches is expected through Monday morning.
Be aware that much colder air will blast across the region this afternoon and tonight. The combination of wind and cold air will generate wind chills of 20 to 30 below zero for this evening through Monday. If you must travel… use extreme caution and allow extra time to reach your destination.
If the above report peaks your curiosity, yes in fact, the good ole’ Wintergreen folks are out dogsledding today. The dogs thrive on the cold temps. They prefer 20 below over 20 above any day. They seem to kick in a special low gear and pull especially hard when the temps dip.
When not dogsledding through the North Woods (or when travel by car is “very difficult or impossible”) you may opt for snowshoeing. It’s definitely not as fast, but it is a lot of fun in a deep, fresh, powdery snow. Just ask David and Julie Rochford (above), who ventured out today. David is using a traditional ash wood and rawhide snowshoe with a leather binding. Julie has a cutting edge MSR brand plastic snowshoe with flotation extenders and oversize mitten-friendly rubber bindings.