well....not a "winter wallup" and they haven't called it a "winter storm"...yet but.....2-4 inches of snow potentially coming to se wisc tomorrow night and Monday, at this rate 15 more snow events like we've been getting and we will hopefully at least get our average snow fall for the year, doesn't do any of the snowmobilers in this corner of the state any favors, especially with another warm up looming at the end of next week again, so we start the roller coaster we have come accustomed to in se wisc. something has definitely changed and has rapidly changed, some will call it global warming or climate change but would think that either of these would change climate gradually and over a very long time, other than the occasional cold snaps it just seems like winter for us has mostly disappeared and in the last couple years has affected the whole state, When I started venturing north in the early 90's we used to go second week of dec and as time went on kept getting pushed out further and further until we started going to the keewenaw where it seems as long as the wind blows in the right direction it snows. until last year when it was so warm it was like driving on mashed potatoes in mid feb haven't had a bad year. I'm not an expert but by simple observation and obvious observation something has changed.... what happened to winter? the pan handle of texas has had as much snow as we have this year so far and that was unheard of years ago. Also on this mornings weather forecast the weather person coined an explanation for their lack of accurate forecasts with snowfalls this year and I quote " weather forecasting is based on assumptions and unknowns" Its hard not to get excited when snow is in the forecast but for me I will just look out the window on Monday and whatever we get is what we got, not planning on anything. What happened to winter?
not a winter wallup
- Thread starter euphoric1
- Start date
We're 100 miles north of you in Neenah and it's the same here. We had 4 inches on the ground for Christmas but last week's thaw wiped that out. Here's my take on things. Climatology is way above my pay grade so we'll call me a "winter enthusiast" with a keen eye on the weather forecast for both work and play. I've spent enough time on this planet to witness some really hot summers, some really cold winters, and everything in between. I do believe in Climate Change but not in the way of the money-grab by the Al Gore crowd. I think the climate has been changing always, warmer, colder, dryer, and wetter. That's just nature being herself.
According to my notes, January 2014 was the last time we enjoyed a snowy and cold winter state-wide. It snowed every couple of days and we had wind chills of -51 at the airport in Appleton. The "winter haters" were miserable and the snowmobilers were grinning from ear to ear. As the pendulum swings the other way, last year on February 18th people were golfing in Neenah when temps hit 60 degrees.
In my opinion this is the new normal for the foreseeable future. Unless you're in one of the Lake Effect Snow belts we should expect an occasional cold and snowy winter, maybe a couple in a row but probably not every year. Which leaves us with only a couple of options; #1 is to find another hobby or sport to pass the time during the winter or #2 prepare to travel to find the snow for riding.
According to my notes, January 2014 was the last time we enjoyed a snowy and cold winter state-wide. It snowed every couple of days and we had wind chills of -51 at the airport in Appleton. The "winter haters" were miserable and the snowmobilers were grinning from ear to ear. As the pendulum swings the other way, last year on February 18th people were golfing in Neenah when temps hit 60 degrees.
In my opinion this is the new normal for the foreseeable future. Unless you're in one of the Lake Effect Snow belts we should expect an occasional cold and snowy winter, maybe a couple in a row but probably not every year. Which leaves us with only a couple of options; #1 is to find another hobby or sport to pass the time during the winter or #2 prepare to travel to find the snow for riding.
snobuilder
Well-known member
Not sure if they were golfing in SE WI back in 1871 when it also hit 60 degrees for the all time record high on Jan 11.
As far as snow in the next few days is concerned....we will stockpile all we can get our hands on to make sure Racine Co. Winterfest on Jan. 27 at Great Lakes Dragaway is a success this year.
As far as snow in the next few days is concerned....we will stockpile all we can get our hands on to make sure Racine Co. Winterfest on Jan. 27 at Great Lakes Dragaway is a success this year.
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Winter moved 300 miles north and marginal in Vilas as well. WUPMI is the only regular snowfall and only in the snowbelts...very sad but true. Snowmobile OEMS and dealers have to be taking a beating with such small rideable areas just stay with the sled you have and hope for the best. When it snows get on it no waiting or gone. For me the worst winter in 15 years in Vilas and central UP.
Have to agree with snowbuilder when back in 1871 or when ever back then and these warm temperatures hit what did they think then, I just really feel bad for anyone in the industry that relies on snow weather it is for business or enjoyment, or the hard work and volunteer hours put in to make the sport possible, you just cant bank on it anymore and in my business it not only affects the here and now but has a big affect on the first few months of spring as well, but the weather...you cant change or predict it I just wish we had the old school winters for many reasons. As far as driving to find the snow, I don't mind as I never get tired of the scenery in the U.P. even after all these years.
"wallup"? Huh?
Like to "wall up" in a "snow fort"?
Or as in the (click →) Urban Dictionary: "wallup"?
Or maybe you mean (click →) wallop ?
[English is a dying language!]
chords
Active member
Ah but not so true. There is a world that exists out there beyond the WUPMI. Many areas in EUPMI and NW Lower have recorded 5 feet to 6 feet plus snow far.
Cold + 6 feet = Smooth n Rideable
It would be good to ID the area reference so people can enjoy those areas. My WUPMI reference is Hurley to Copper Harbor in the LES snowbelts all pretty good snow in those areas now.
We were chatting yesterday about the same things. They were snowmobilers at one time as well, but sold out a few yrs ago like we did. We've just come up with other things to occupy our time. They chuckled and said, "It's cheaper to book a trip down south for a week where it's warm, than it is to travel to snow country for a week". I agree, the cost becomes a bit ridiculous when it doesn't snow around home and you have to travel to snow. To us, it's not justified to own a sled in southern WI anymore. If the trail systems would ever expand to the point that side by sides were allowed year round, to me that would be the way to go. I sure as heck don't see that happening anytime soon in southern WI. Hold onto the sled you have and ride it out each year, but don't count on riding unless you're willing to travel north for LES, or west to the mountains.
Good point.
Just went over my credit card statement for last weeks 4 day trip from Green Bay, WI to the Kee;
-$300 for hotel
-$200 for truck gas
-$180 for sled gas and oil
-No fee for food as I eat anyway
-Sled insurance
-Sled depreciation of .75 per mile (700 miles = $525)
Do this trip three times a year and you are in for about $5,000.
Sledding is expensive but we love it.
Bear
snobuilder
Well-known member
$180 for sled gas and oil ??????
So the truth comes out....yur almighty Ski doos get less mpg than my Pol. 800 and Apex.....LOL
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Many of those garage queens will stay put unless we get a big snow dump to justify buying a $30.00 trail permit just to put a few miles on down here.
18.5 to 20 mpg Fuji ???
U can’t include sled depreciation in your math when computing a weekends expense.
Thats a bit of a reach.
Mm
Thats a bit of a reach.
Mm
You caught me fibbing, kind of.
I had to break it in for 280 miles at about 15 MPG at the beginning of the trip, then another tank at about 17 and the last two fill ups were at 19..right where they always shake out. I am 6'2 300 lbs and we rode 75 between grade stop signs and fast between corners so 19 is quite good.
I started with a full oil reservoir and used 3/4 tank for 0-700 miles including break-in, not bad.
Since I returned home I looked the sled over and only needed to adjust the belt and I am ready for the 28th for one more 4 dayer and then up for sale for 7.5.
Bear
harski
Member
When you look at the overall costs you tell yourself "you're nuts" for being involved in this sport! But, when you hit the trail each time all costs, angst for lack of snow at home, etc etc etc go out the window! Nothing will beat that feeling jamming down the trail seeing the sights, the comradery, meeting locals, and just leaving home at home. Can't wait to go again!
Hey, are you revealing what sled you're buying next or is the jurying out? New 600 Etec? The '09 600 Etec I sold this year was great on MPG and had was very snappy. Hated to get rid of it but needs changed thus buying a newer 900 ACE. I would definitely buy another one.
Harski
toddspolaris
Member
glad you gotten to ride, I haven't even rode my sled yet this year, although I ride the lower and with this next warm up coming have to wait some more.
Depends on what is the best value for me, likely a leftover 2018 600 or 850 Etec Renegade.
Bear
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Maybe.
Would you consider it part of the expense if a person did not own a sled rented instead?
Bear