Trail Outlook: Dry before the Storm

• We got enough sunshine and warmer days this past weekend to push the snow line well up the mountain and leave most mid-mountain and lower trails mud and snow free. Some of the most protected drainages may still be soft in the mid-mountain but largely everything up to the junction of Scrub Brush, Mahogany Forest, and Bacon Strip are clear. Tuesday and Wednesday should be excellent, maybe a bit cold, to be outside. Wednesday night a large storm is expected to begin wetting the area before turning to snow and snow rain mix and persisting into the early morning hours of Friday. As of writing this, enough rain and snow are in the forecast to suggest planning on the trails being saturated by Friday if not entirely covered in snow. This and the next in line storm for the weekend have been highly variable when they first showed up in the long term forecast so if it stalls out and leaves the trails dry, I’ll keep the front page updated.

• 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, November 29:

• 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, November 30:

  • 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 and possibly rain/snowing so dress appropriately. This is a mostly flat road ride friendly to all wheeled contraptions at an extremely social pace. For more information, follow @bikenightreno on instagram.

• Thursday, December 01:

  • 5:45 pm

    • Silver State Striders will be running road and paved trail from the Glen Hare Center (350 Hunter Lake Dr) out to Dorostkar Park and back. The full distance is 6 ish miles but you can trim or extend to your needs. Headlamps and reflective clothing are a must. With snow in the forecast, traction aids may also help. Check their Facebook Group Page for more details. You can also find their training schedule on their website at this link.

• Saturday, December 03:

  • 8:00 am

    • Silver State Striders are not organizing an official long run this weekend but are encouraging members to self organize. Check their Facebook Group Page for member organized runs. 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 extended freeze thaw cycle has grown some elaborate frost on top that may become a week layer once buried. Knowing where to look 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!