snow kiting in Dakota's or NE this weekend?

[MK]

If you're not a hunter, like me, and your wife invites all of her 'females of hunters' friends (aka GF's) to stay over for the opener this weekend, like me, and you don't want to be stuck around the house for the weekend with all of them, like me, and you have free time to do what you want for the weekend, like me, would you go west?

Snow (40 inches of fresh pow) and wind (15mph) in Omaha Saturday, wherever that is can't be too far, right? Anybody smiling enough at the idea to want to seriously consider seeking some bragging rights? I could use some eyes on whereever the bulls eye ends up being and would need to secure some ride-able territory. Anyone have a lead on these to help this approaching middle aged man out who has a family free weekend to do this?

My Tahoe seats 6 along with the same amount of ski's (or 4 snowboards) on my roof rack, gas prices are low, opportunity is knocking.

Crazy idea...

Mike

[Dave Z]

"Cool" idea....but the water is still open and conditions willing I plan on me and Wildwood spending some quality time together Saturday afternoon

[MK]

yeah...there is that option. I think I need to put the trip $$ towards a dry suit to fit my 6'6" 210 lb's.

It's a fun thought though, in search of snow. Mobile study hall for someone, guitar lessons on the road...

Omaha looks to be about 5-6 hrs away.

[steveb]

A bunch of the Utah/montana crowd snowkited last weekend in wyoming.
I think it was near Jackson Hole.

[Tighe]

I'm definitely interested. How's the temps holding out? Will the snow last? 40 inches!!!! Any open field would work.

15mph is a bit light for that deep of snow though.

I'm definitely considering it.

tighe

[Hofmeister]

I am in if you guys are going to go down, and the forecast holds out. Were you thinking about leaving on Sat. morning? Looks like the wind is forcasted high 22 and low 14...I say lets take advantage of it!

[MK]

Ahh...interest. I'm locked down until about 2pm tomorrow (Friday) but will check in to see what the skinny is for weather shortly thereafter. There is the variable of finding land with snow on it too. Any leads from anyone who knows anyone? LinkedIn? Facebook? Can you kite in a National Park like the Bad Lands? Peter or Dorian feel like going for a plane ride?

[Hofmeister]

You are thinking of going on the land somewhere and not water...sort of a stupid question but the last post made me confused...if all else fails and anybody wants to try a land session on a buggy or a mountainboard I would enjoy going out with a couple more people somewhere near the cities.

[MK]

interesting weather to awake to. May not have to go far to find some rideable snow.

[wyatt]

A trip out to the Badlands seems like it might be overkill...it sounds as though you might be able to get in a session as close as Wilmar (4+ inches). Anyone know any good spots to ride in that area?

I think I would be willing to drive an hour (OK, maybe two) for the first snow-season session. SW MN certainly looks do-able if you know of a good place to go.

[Dave Z]

North Dakota storm totals:

Orrin... ... ... ... ... ... .22.0 inches
Voltaire... ... ... ... ... .20.0 inches
Velva 11ese... ... ... ... .18.0 inches
Towner 2 NE... ... ... ... .15.0 inches
Velva 3 NE... ... ... ... ..13.0 inches estimated
Drake 9 NE... ... ... ... ..14.0 inches
Balfour 3 SW... ... ... ... 12.0 inches estimated
Logan ... ... ... ... ... ... 12.0 inches
Wilton... ... ... ... ... ... 11.0 inches
Rugby... ... ... ... ... ... .10.5 inches
Underwood... ... ... ... ... 9.7 inches
Minot 1 south... ... ... ..9.5 inches
Beulah 2 NW... ... ... ... .9.4 inches
Bismarck WFO... ... ... ... 9.4 inches
Bismarck 2.4nnw... ... ... 9.0 inches
Bismarck 5nw... ... ... ... 9.0 inches
Bismarck 5se... ... ... ... 9.0 inches
Washburn... ... ... ... ... .9.0 inches estimated
Bismarck 0.5s... ... ... ..8.0 inches
Tuttle 12 NE... ... ... ... 8.0 inches estimated
Hazelton 4nw... ... ... ... 7.7 inches
Dunn Center 1e... ... ... .7.0 inches
Bismarck 4.8s... ... ... ..7.0 inches

[MK]

Nice work Dave.

These might be our best options. Closer is always better. Any big fields available? maybe and outdoor sports complex?

A 6 inch base is probably the least amount we'd want.

It's looking like this is something we can make happen. Tentative plans will be to leave in the early morn (Sat)? Keep posting to develop a plan.

[MK]

I've just packed up my rig and what a good excercise it was. Finding snow gear and packing for it took a little consideration. Not too much but enough to make laugh.

The GF's are showing up and I'm pacing like a caged lion to get out. It's still looking iffy on where to go but at least I'm packed and ready.

Tonight I'm going to play volleyball and after that I'll see what the condition reports are and try to set a destination. Those who are interested should give me call to help figure out the options that work for us. My gear took up 1/2 of a seat and think 2-3 others would fit with a little engineering. I packed Talledegah Nights, Usual Suspects, a kiter video and Rushmore for the low rent portable DVD player.

six one two - two nine six - three two zero one

Mike

[MK]

Here's some camera views in SD:

http://safetravelusa.com/sd/camera_images.html

ND:

http://www.weatherlook.net/nd.shtml

[MK]

Ok, here's the skinny - 4am Saturday morning Hlanzi and I (so far) are heading west in search of grand snow adventures. Meeting in New Brighton. We're flying a little blind but know the snow is out there. We're thinking of heading west out on 90 until the conditions present themselves. I'll print of the waiver from the knowledge section of this really helpful website called Lakawa

There's only room for 1 or 2 more so we may need to run a lottery on those seats Any takers give me a call 612-296-3201.

We'll be sure to post and capture some pictures. Plain and simple, the goal is to capture the award at the upcoming banquet. You'll find out what happens to determine whatever the award will be. May be the longest attempt to ride, hopefully the first snow sesh of the season for our crowd, may end up being the missed the alarm clock.

Cheers,

Mike

[Tighe]

love the spirit. wish I could join you.

I want to hear about your adventure.

[MK]

Dave Z,

Where did you pull those snow depths from you posted above?

Saul called, he's now in with the big adventure and is now part of the morning calling program to make sure we're up.

Now considering just heading out through Waconia. Hard to say where the closest band of snow is. We're open for all leads and get lakawa on the go so don't hesitate to shoot us some coordinates.

[Tighe]

sweet play by play documenting. Show us the white : ))))

enjoy

[peterrib]

Got Snow?

[Mark_in_SD]

Hi Guys,

Where did you end up going?
To bad you were already a hundred miles west of Sioux Falls when I called you. I live one hour north of Sioux Falls and it would have been hard catching up with ya .
I stayed local and opened the snow kiting season on a field just 10 minutes from home ( Brookings, SD) . Snow cover was 3-4 inches and the wind was blowing 15-20 mph.

I am sure you had a great session further west where the storm dumped most of its load.
Catch you later, Mark