It’s a Happy New Year at Voyageurs! But sadly, the ice conditions are still the same as last year. All the park’s snowmobile trails and ice roads remain closed. Due to continued “warm” temperatures last week, the ice is still not ready to drive across in a vehicle or snowmobile.
If you do go out on a frozen lake, be extremely careful near pressure ridges. Avoid these treacherous spots when possible! They can be difficult to see in conditions with low visibility. Check the weather forecast, use the buddy system, and let others know your plans, if you venture across the frozen lakes.
This past Monday an angler discovered a dangerous pressure ridge the hard way, while out on Lake Kabetogama. His side-by-side ended up on its side and in the water. Park staff, locals, and the Kabetogama Volunteer Fire Department were able to offer assistance, and luckily no one was hurt. Be sure to exercise caution in these and other hazardous areas where the ice is still thin: sand bars, shorelines, and shallow areas. Ice is never 100% safe!
Stay tuned to our website and social media for weekly updates and to find out which trails across the lakes are closed or open. Alerts & Conditions – Voyageurs National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
SNOWMOBILE TRAILS
Purple Trail (International Falls to Kettle Falls): CLOSED
Green Trail (Rainy Lake/Black Bay to Kabetogama Lake to Ash River): CLOSED
Green Trail (Ash River to Crane Lake): CLOSED
Dashed Black Trail Chain of Lakes: CLOSED
Yellow Trail (Ash River to Kettle Falls): CLOSED
Blue Trail (East Namakan Lake to Sand Point Lake): CLOSED
ICE ROADS
Rainy Lake Ice Road: CLOSED
Rainy Lake Dryweed Loop: CLOSED
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road: CLOSED
Kabetogama Lake Ice Road West and East Spur Roads: CLOSED
SKI TRAILS
Echo Bay Ski Trail: Open; 1st loop packed and tracked; 2nd and 3rd cleared
Rainy Lake Rec Trail: Open; packed and tracked
Black Bay Ski Trail: CLOSED
Tilson Connector Trail: Open; packed but not tracked
SNOWSHOE TRAILS
Rainy Lake Recreation Trail: Open
Oberholtzer Trail: Open
Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail: CLOSED
KabAsh Trail: Open
Blind Ash Bay Trail: Open
Sullivan Bay Trail: Open
KABETOGAMA LAKE RECREATION AREA
Sledding Hill: CLOSED
Ice Rink: CLOSED
