Birkebeiner forecast: Fast start, softer toward midday?
A sub freezing start with warming temperatures Saturday
It’s one of the big weather-related events of winter in the Upper Midwest.
The 46th annual American Birkebeiner ski race runs this Saturday between Cable and Hayward, Wis. Here’s a look at likely weather conditions for the big event.
Snow cover
This winter has been about 4 degrees milder than average across the Upper Midwest. But snowfall has been at or above average in most locations.
There’s plenty of snow base for this year’s Birkeibeiner event NOAA’s latest snow depth analysis shows about a foot of snow on the ground for most of the trail between Cable and Hayward.
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No additional snowfall is expected between now and Saturday.
By the way, if you ever wondered how NOAA measures snow depth and snow water equivalent (SWE) check out Matt Sepic’s piece on MPR News this week.
Race conditions
Saturday’s main race is scheduled to begin at 8:15 a.m. Temperatures may thaw briefly Friday afternoon but will refreeze again Friday night. Temperatures will be in the lower 20s around race time Saturday morning.
With sunshine expected and mild Pacific air blowing in, temperatures will rise rapidly Saturday morning. They may exceed the thawing point by noon Saturday.
Light winds
Winds will be on the lighter side Saturday morning. Southwest winds under 10 mph look likely for most of the race.
With plenty of snow on the ground and sub-freezing temperatures in the morning, overall conditions look good for the race. The only challenge may be when temperatures begin to hit the thawing point late in the morning to around midday. The course will get softer then.
Enjoy the race!