Posted by Annie in Outdoors, Twain Harte News on November 28, 2010
Sitting here looking out my window into the world, I can imagine the slopes at Dodge Ridge full of smiling people, having fun and enjoying the brilliance the sun brings to the party.
Ski Dodge Ridge
The sun is out, the trees are heavy with snow and the roads — now that’s another story. The county has a team of plows out — one plowing directly behind the other. Probably due to what the locals call “Sierra Cement.” The roads are pitted with snow and ice. Even though the plow team came through about 30-minutes ago, it didn’t improve the road conditions much.
However, the sun will do it’s part and in an hour or so, the ice and snow will give away to puddles, only to freeze up again tonight and start the process all over again. Most motorists know enough to slow down and use caution on these mountain roads.
I would like to remind vacation cabin owners to consider using the most eastern Twain Harte entrance, on days like this, when the roads can be nasty in places — instead of driving the seven-curves, which gets little sun due to the heavy overhead tree coverage. That portion of Twain Harte Drive is the location of many accidents for the unsuspecting motorist. Even when Highway 108 is very clear, this time of year the seven-curves can be pretty wicked.
Another area to use caution is the triangle, in front of 7-11. That hill in front of Prudential was very nasty yesterday when we drove through there. So, use caution when traveling the roads. If you must get out to take care of business or personal needs, try to do so between the hours of 1:00 p.m and 3:00 p.m. Avoid traveling the roads after dark if at all possible as a matter of safety.
Leland Snow Park is open and with the bright blue skies we are seeing today, it would be a perfect day to get out and play in the snow.
“We will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays Until December 10th, after we will be open everday. We currently have a 3-4′ base of snow! Hours for the 2010/2011 season will be 10am-5pm. Please call us at 209-965-4719 or keep checking our website or join our facebook for updates.”
Kids ages 5-12 will enjoy the thrill of revving miniature snowmobiles while zipping around the oval course.
Be sure to get out and enjoy the beautiful mountain slopes. It’s a splendid day to explore the great outdoors. At 4,000 feet, we had around 4-6 inches of new snow fall last night. Residents living at 5,000 saw another foot of snowfall Saturday evening.