Trail Outlook: Wet and Icy

• The snow and rain from the last storms soaked everything in the region. This means that the humidity will stay high for the rest of the week and limit what drying may be going on. With overnight temperatures dropping well below freezing, there is an opportunity to get out early on the frozen trails. Just be aware that as soon as the sun hits, the mud will be quick to follow. Daytime temperatures will be just above freezing so I don’t expect significant drying even in the sunniest of areas. Another round of snow is in the forecast for Thursday night into Friday so the best days to get out while the ground is frozen are looking like Wednesday and Thursday.

• Trail Damage Warning: Whites Creek had some serious flooding in the early August round of downpours. Major trail damage along much of the lower section of trail as well as some of the upper section. The local trail managers are all aware of the damage and would appreciate users seeking alternate routes until they are able to get repairs done. Due to the extensive nature of the current damage, that may not be this year. If you are planning on doing the Dry Pond loop, be careful or consider an out and back on the Thomas Creek side.

This Week’s Events

• Tuesday, December 06:

• 5:45 pm

  • Silver State Striders are running from Huffaker school through Bartley Ranch park. This is a very welcoming group for all skill levels. This run features options for both 5 and 7ish mile loops and headlamps and reflective clothing are a must. Check their Facebook Group Page for more details. You can also find their training schedule on their website at this link.

• Wednesday, December 07:

  • 5:30 pm

    • Trail Karma Opportunity: Reno Bike Project are hosting FreeWheels 4 Kids volunteer nights after the Grove Street shop closes. This program fixes up kids bikes that are then donated for free to kids over the holidays. Any level of ability to turn a wrench is welcome to join. Their goal is to get 250 free bikes out to kids this season. For more information, follow @renobikeproject on Instagram.

  • 6:45 pm

    • Bike Night Reno will be rolling out a hardy group of riders of all kinds from the Space Whale in Downtown. As their name suggests, this is a night ride so lights are required. Whether it’s a simple headlamp and taillight or full on burner bike light-splosion is entirely up to you. Expect it to be cold so dress appropriately. This is a mostly flat road ride friendly to all wheeled contraptions at an extremely social pace. This week’s ride will be a special tour of the downtown holiday lights after the lighting of the city plaza tree. For more information, follow @bikenightreno on instagram.

• Thursday, December 08:

  • 5:45 pm

    • Silver State Striders will be running road hills from Eclipse Running Store(Moana & Lakeside). The full distance is 7 ish miles but you can trim or extend to your needs. Headlamps and reflective clothing are a must. Traction aids are also suggested due to the chance of ice on the route. Check their Facebook Group Page for more details. You can also find their training schedule on their website at this link.

• Saturday, December 10:

  • 8:00 am

    • Silver State Striders are running 16-17 miles out and back from Walden’s Coffee (Mayberry & McCarran). The route will follow the Tahoe Pyramid Trail route out to the Verdi school and back. Check their Facebook Group Page for more information. You can also find their training schedule on their website at this link.

If you are swapping the running and riding for a little back country sliding, check out the latest avalanche conditions over at Sierra Avalanche Center. The new snow is sitting on a very weak layer that has not consolidated well and large avalanches have been occurring in all terrain in the region. Knowing where to look and when to stay home can make the difference of coming home.

That’s what’s on my radar at the moment. If you know of something I missed or is coming soon, send me an email  and it might get listed. See you outside!