Lighter snows of about 5cm in total this week. Snow cover on the ground is about 25cm, or nearly 10”deep. Skiing conditions on the Nordic trails and downhill are reported as good and the ski club was busy over the holidays. There have been occasional snowmobiles out on Lower Black Sturgeon Lake, but fewer than expected for a holiday season, because of slush conditions. On nearby Lake of the Woods, the ice road has been opened. Forest walking trails are navigable, and snowshoes are suggested for  fresh trails. Great snow cover insulation over rural septic and water infrastructure. Deer mobility is unencumbered by the snow. The feeder is busy with hairy and downy woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, pine and evening grosbeaks, and blue jays. It’s like a typical, somewhat mild,  winter.