I’ve received a couple emails asking about snow, trail conditions and whether the race is still happening. There is snow on the course, but the Wallace Falls Trail Run is still on.
The current forecast for the week is for slightly warmer temps and maybe some rain a couple days. However, the upper part of the course by Wallace and Jay Lakes may not get above freezing. Race day is supposed to be mostly cloudy to mostly sunny, depending on which weather service you listen to.
I ran most of the course today. I didn’t make it out to Jay Lake, though. There was a little snow on the Woody trail with gradually more as it gains elevation. Around the Middle Falls, it was a little slick in places due to slush and soft snow rather than ice. A little before the Upper Falls, it still wasn’t icy, but was more slick. I considered getting out my microspikes, but made it through without. The short trail from the Upper Falls to the Upper Grade was less traveled, so the fresh snow gave a little better traction over the previously compacted snow.
The Upper Grade from above the Upper Falls out to Wallace Lake has between 8-16+ inches of snow. Fortunately, there has been enough foot traffic to form a decent path making it much easier. There was about 1-2 inches of fresh snow over the path when I went through.
Though I didn’t make it out to Jay Lake today, I will before race day. Usually, there is a little more snow out there than at Wallace Lake. Much of the trail out there is under tree cover, so that should keep it down a little. It can also be colder up at Jay Lake by 5F or more.
From Wallace Lake to the Greg Ball trail is similar conditions to the Upper Grade. There are some truck tire tracks on part of it that are helpful.
Coming down the Greg Ball trail was the only place I used my microspikes. I had them on for about 1 mile. The snow was soft, even the previously compacted stuff. So when I’d take a step with some lateral pressure, my foot would often slide out. Even with the microspikes, I still slid a little bit, but not nearly as much.
Considering the forecast, I’m hoping most of the Woody Trail and Greg Ball Trail will melt out. It’s possible it could be a little icy on the upper parts of those trails race morning. The Upper Grade, out by Wallace and Jay Lakes will probably not melt out.
I’ll get out there again probably on Wednesday to check on conditions and include an update in the pre-race email going out on Thursday. I’ll also be out there on Friday marking the course and include an update in the race briefings just before each race.
The race is still on. Expect some snow on the course. It will probably slow you down some. I’d recommend against wearing road shoes. I’d also suggest bringing poles and/or traction just in case. Be prepared to be out there longer than you’d otherwise expect for your chosen distance, including bringing clothes to stay warm. You can still drop down to a shorter distance on race day if you’d like. For 50km runners who think they might already be close to the 8 hour time limit, you can still change to the 7:00 am early start.
See you all on Saturday.
Happy Running,
Brian