Mixed bag of weather last week with fresh snow, followed by spring-like temperatures and rain, followed by freezing temperatures, making walking trails pitted, frozen and icy. Nordic classic trails are reported to be icy, but with skate trails groomed and in excellent condition.  The downhill ski hill, which was open last week for March break, closed prematurely yesterday due to the rain and worsening conditions. They project to be open for the final weekend next weekend. The main ice road on Lake of the Woods remains open. Snow machine traffic continues on Lower Black Sturgeon, but somewhat quiet for March break. The snowpack is at 29cm, slightly higher than the climate average for March (24cm). Deer are more present in our driveway; traverse through snow looks more difficult with punching through the icy crust. Other than crows, no new migrating birds sighted.