February 15, 2012

Along with the Chief Ranger, Naturalist and Resource Manager, I spent Valentine's Day on a patrol into Russell Pond.
  I found the trail well-packed and hard with enough snow to make it good, but not enough to provide what we would think of as typical February conditions in the center of the Park.  The crossings on South Branch Ponds and Pogy Pond were good with no slush.  This trail would be fair for skiing with hard packed snow and some brush and a few rocks protuding into the trail.  Conditions for excursions to local points are very good at both Russell and South Branch with a light covering of powder on a firm base.  The Park is absolutely stunning at this time of year.   We encountered a number of snowmobilers on the Park Tote Road and skiers should keep and eye and an ear out for snowmobile traffic until they reach the South Branch Pond Road.  The forecast suggests we may get a few inches of snow on Friday, this would provide excellent skiing conditions throughout the Park.

Katahdin from Pogy Pond