Cold but Dry

• While the conditions may be cause for sadness amongst our snow sports readers, the midwinter dirt conditions are quite amazing. Sierra Vista park is largely dry as well as much of the lower mountain at least on the downtown facing side. That will continue to be the case this week. We had a developing chance of precipitation this week on the radar late last week, but it looks as though that has downgraded to an early week dry cold snap. In a nerdy interesting twist, these cold dry sunny conditions may contribute to trail drying nearly as much as the recent warmer temps due to a process called sublimation. Even when the temps are below freezing, sunshine can provide enough energy to snow to cause it to transform directly to vapor. This is also how a trail can transition from frosty to dry without transitioning through muddy when it moved from morning shade to direct sunlight.

This Week’s Events

• Tuesday, February 01:

• 5:45pm

  • Silver State Striders will be running at Bartlett Ranch Regional park. Departing from the Huffaker school parking lot, there are hilly 5, 7, and 9 mile options. Lights and reflective attire required. More details on their website.

• Thursday, February 03:

  • 5:45pm

    • Silver State Striders will be running hills in southwest Reno. Departing from the Eclipse Running, this is ~8-10 miles of pavement and hills. Lights and reflective attire required. More details on their website.

• Saturday, February 05:

  • 8:00am

    • Silver State Striders are running a long primarily dirt route heading West out and back along the Steamboat Ditch Trail from Horseman’s Park on Skyline Drive. Up to a 23 mile long options available since it is out and back. More details on their Facebook Group Page.

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!