Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Turkey Hunting => Topic started by: xwizard50 on March 14, 2019, 02:07:05 PM

Title: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: xwizard50 on March 14, 2019, 02:07:05 PM: From southwest Washington, I always go up there opening week for Turkey, anybody up there care to share how deep the snow is and how much there still might be for the opener?
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: eastsidemallard74 on March 14, 2019, 02:40:52 PM: I know here in Moses, it's still around. And they are a higher elevation, and not supposed to get over 40s in the next week here.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Fl0und3rz on March 14, 2019, 02:48:26 PM: Up in the south facing hills, in direct sunlight, it is melting fast. In the shade, we still have about 18-24" accumulation, outside of the CNF in the hills. I saw about 17 turkeys gathered up under a pine in the morning sun this morning.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: TheStovePipeKid on March 14, 2019, 02:52:21 PM: I'll be headed up for the opener as well. Picked up a set of snowshoes. This may be my first chance to track turkey in the snow.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: xwizard50 on March 14, 2019, 03:47:03 PM: I’ve hunted up there for about 10 years, Tracking them in snow could be very interesting, I didn’t even think about that.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: CaNINE on March 14, 2019, 04:24:05 PM: Hunting Turks in the snow can be a whole lotta fun. Getting your rig into the hills with all the snow may be a problem for the opener. Having some snowshoes handy is a good idea. :tup:
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Tracker0721 on March 14, 2019, 04:42:28 PM: We still have a lot in most of my turkey spots! But with 50-60 degrees in the forecast and no freezing nights I’m thinking it’ll be a muddy mess come opener. Too high up is still 2-3 feet when I was checking my trap yesterday. Though hunting em in the snow is pretty fun, up by empire lakes 2 years ago I found a good size flock and spent a few days chasing them around in the snow. I haven’t been out of the Republic-curlew stretch in 3 weeks so I dunno how the colville side is looking.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Ghost Hunter on March 14, 2019, 07:16:16 PM: Tagging
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: xwizard50 on March 14, 2019, 08:16:21 PM: Thanks for the info, Since I have to put in for my vacation a year in advance, I was getting worried about the snow. Now I’m just flat excited, little over 4 weeks, can’t wait. This will be my 10 year.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: ghosthunter on March 14, 2019, 08:18:59 PM: Yeah we pushed our trip back till after Easter to give the snow a little more melt time.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: birdmanwa on March 14, 2019, 09:38:20 PM: A lot can happen in a month and if the weather keeps up a lot of snow can melt pretty fast.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: TheStovePipeKid on March 15, 2019, 05:06:20 AM: Quote from: xwizard50 on March 14, 2019, 08:16:21 PM
Thanks for the info, Since I have to put in for my vacation a year in advance, I was getting worried about the snow. Now I’m just flat excited, little over 4 weeks, can’t wait. This will be my 10 year.

This is year 10 for me too. I'm also in the same boat for leave. Can't change it now. I've spent most of the 10 years fall hunting turkey so I'll feel right at home if they are still flocked up. Last time I went later in the spring they had all bred out early and headed into the mountains. I'm starting to get that itch. Gotta be some turkey out there that needs some killin'.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 15, 2019, 05:11:04 AM: Its an itch that needs scratching
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: MooseZ25 on March 15, 2019, 06:59:15 AM: I would wait if you can. The snow is just starting to melt in town. The big problem is if it does melt it will be a muddy mess and all you end up doing is rutting up roads and getting stuck. But I get the fact its season and we all want to hunt that opening day. From what I have seen lately they are still flocked up down low in everyone barn yard.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: bhawley76 on March 15, 2019, 07:57:39 AM: Still lots of snow up Lundimo, guys are still riding sleds but suppose to warm up next week. Time will tell.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: TheStovePipeKid on March 15, 2019, 11:02:06 AM: I hunt farmland in the fall. I'm planning on checking in with the landowners when I roll in and see if they have any birds still. I whacked two hens last fall on day one both times I was out. I'm looking forward to calling in some toms this year, but I may give in and drop them by the hay barn if I get a chance. That itch needs scratchin', and I am still young enough to justify jumping the shark.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: bearpaw on March 15, 2019, 12:22:14 PM: I have about two feet of snow in shaded areas and I'm only a couple miles out of town along Hwy 20. Birds are gobbling every morning and evening now, they want spring as bad as we do! :chuckle:

It's supposed to warm up, if we get bare ground before season opens the birds will start to scatter away from cattle feeding operations where many of them winter, only time will tell.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: PA BEN on March 15, 2019, 12:27:50 PM: 10" to 12" still on the ground in Chewelah, deeper the higher you get out of town.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: benhuntin on March 15, 2019, 01:33:02 PM: Gonna all be gone by turkey season.

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Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: HoofsandWings on March 16, 2019, 08:15:53 AM: http://www.wsdot.com/traffic/necam.aspx?cam=8098
Go to the above link. It should answer some questions.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: xwizard50 on March 16, 2019, 08:39:06 AM: http://www.wsdot.com/traffic/necam.aspx?cam=8098
Thank you for the link. It does help.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: HoofsandWings on March 16, 2019, 10:18:11 AM: Right now there is 4 feet of snow at Sherman Pass. When the depth drops to 3 or so, the lower elevations should be nearly snow free.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Ghost Hunter on March 16, 2019, 11:16:13 AM: Quote from: Ridgeratt on March 16, 2019, 10:50:40 AM
Here is a photo of the snow in my yard in Orient last week. The next snowfall dropped 6 inches but most of the has condensed.

Not exactly what I wanted to see for snow. >:( Nice tractor. :tup: Got my gear loaded but don't have tracks for the SxS.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: xwizard50 on March 16, 2019, 11:24:52 AM: I hunt at about 1800 ft, I will just have to cross my fingers and pray, can’t change my vacation, so snow or not I will be there in 4 weeks.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: PA BEN on March 16, 2019, 07:43:31 PM: 60's next week
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Grizman on March 16, 2019, 08:17:28 PM: About 40" near Beaver Lodge. 3200'. Melting during the days but cold and clear at night.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: TheStovePipeKid on March 16, 2019, 08:24:03 PM: Sounds like I'm going to look pretty silly tromping around with my snowshoes in the mud :o
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Gobble Doc on March 16, 2019, 10:41:02 PM: Quote from: Ridgeratt on March 16, 2019, 10:50:40 AM
Here is a photo of the snow in my yard in last week. The next snowfall dropped 6 inches but most of the has condensed.
A guy with some know how with electrical should get a light bar on that thing.

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Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: PA BEN on March 17, 2019, 08:27:21 AM: Quote from: Ridgeratt on March 17, 2019, 08:20:10 AM
Quote from: Gobble Doc on March 16, 2019, 10:41:02 PM
A guy with some know how with electrical should get a light bar on that thing.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I hear he's shoppin, Its like a kid with 25 cents standing in front of the penny candy. :tung: :tung:

Maybe that is a bad example since most may not have heard of penny candy.
NAPA has a sale on a LED light bar, you buy the bar and get 2 LED lights for free.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: KFhunter on March 17, 2019, 09:31:30 AM: https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_8191062

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_7350109
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: PA BEN on March 17, 2019, 10:14:41 AM: https://www.napaonline.com/en/flyers
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: birdmanwa on March 17, 2019, 12:05:46 PM: I’m curious what the winter kill was like this year? With this deep snow it seems predators clean up on turkeys. They’ve done really well the past 2 winters but this one seems to be dragging on.

Anyone seen any signs or have they faires well?
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: baldopepper on March 17, 2019, 12:47:42 PM: Both deer and turkeys seemed to have done fine around my place in 121. Didn't really get rough until February and already it's going out on the south slopes and under the trees When it's rough is when we've had those late November/December snows that basically turn to ice and last clear into March. I don't think there has been much winter kill on either species around my place
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: TheStovePipeKid on March 17, 2019, 07:39:50 PM: Should I attach a Napa lightbar to my new snowshoes too?
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Fl0und3rz on March 17, 2019, 08:01:05 PM: Watching out for his ladies.

https://mobile.twitter.com/ABC/status/1107463707280449536
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Ghost Hunter on March 17, 2019, 08:08:31 PM: Kelly Hill has 24 - 30" at 3200' going by the pics I got today. Doubt roads will be clear for bear opener. Maybe turkey if it warms up.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Fl0und3rz on March 18, 2019, 10:20:47 AM: Supposed to be 60 F today. I did not see any turkeys in all their usual lowland haunts this morning.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: KFhunter on March 18, 2019, 10:01:06 PM: rain the forecast, that'll speed things along...hopefully not tooo fast.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: baldopepper on March 19, 2019, 08:37:24 AM: Rain is gonna make a real mess. Right now any road that is not gravel or asphalt is a muddy mess. Turkeys are spreading out a little on to the south slopes, but around here are still in their big winter groups. Don't know that any scouting would be of much use yet. I don't think there was much winter kill and deer look to be in fine shape
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: KFhunter on March 19, 2019, 09:19:05 AM: weather report backed off the rain forecast saying it isn't much and only 2 days, bring on the sunshine :tup:
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Fl0und3rz on March 19, 2019, 10:05:57 AM: :yeah:

62 degrees forecasted for today.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on March 19, 2019, 01:58:28 PM: Quote from: HoofsandWings on March 16, 2019, 10:18:11 AM
Right now there is 4 feet of snow at Sherman Pass. When the depth drops to 3 or so, the lower elevations should be nearly snow free.
It's coming off fast. Dropped from 48" to 38" in a week.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: hunter399 on March 22, 2019, 11:53:32 AM: While the snow is melting fast.Went out to try some target practice in .And got stuck in the snow :yike:
This was very low elevation.Snow is very crusty on top and very soft under.
Hopefully a few weeks change conditions. :tup:
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: johnr060 on March 27, 2019, 12:45:35 AM: How is the snow level looking after the last week of mild weather? Im hoping it will be a little nicer than last years opener.

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Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 27, 2019, 05:12:07 AM: Lots to keep your food cold in
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: bearpaw on March 27, 2019, 02:35:48 PM: My yard is 50% bare ground, shaded areas still have 12" of snow, I'm just a couple miles out of Colville. If the warm weather continues access will be much better than I would have guessed two weeks ago.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Ghost Hunter on March 27, 2019, 02:41:12 PM: Quote from: bearpaw on March 27, 2019, 02:35:48 PM
My yard is 50% bare ground, shaded areas still have 12" of snow, I'm just a couple miles out of Colville. If the warm weather continues access will be much better than I would have guessed two weeks ago.

That's what I want to hear! :tup: :)
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: tkupferer on March 27, 2019, 02:54:20 PM: I'm in GMU 121 on the SW side of the mountains and the snow is going pretty fast, we have forecast for some rain and snow in the higher elevations and the coming rain and higher temps should do a pretty good number on the snow. Lots of turkeys and big bearded Tom's roaming around right now foraging in the lower elevations. I found some bear tracks the other day up in a canyon.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: johnr060 on March 27, 2019, 04:34:45 PM: Great to hear. Last year i shot my bird in a foot of snow and pouring rain in gmu 113. Sounds like things will be better this year!
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: xwizard50 on March 27, 2019, 06:14:58 PM: This is great news, I’m all set to head over on the 12th, set up camp and get some scouting in.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Ghost Hunter on April 03, 2019, 10:19:36 AM: Updates for 105? Might attempt it with a load next week. Any road reports 3000' and higher in the wedge?
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: KFhunter on April 03, 2019, 11:30:47 AM: I have serious doubts you'd get a load up and in, even if the snow were gone which it isn't.

If the snow were gone the mud would get you.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: KFhunter on April 03, 2019, 11:39:58 AM: I been looking for excuses to ride my new toy, perhaps I'll get up there for a ride and check back in with ya.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Ghost Hunter on April 03, 2019, 11:56:14 AM: Quote from: KFhunter on April 03, 2019, 11:39:58 AM
I been looking for excuses to ride my new toy, perhaps I'll get up there for a ride and check back in with ya.

:tup: Might have to run across the scale with trailer. I think I'm close with the truck.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Ghost Hunter on April 03, 2019, 12:09:41 PM: I was looking at the tailend of a grader on some of the roads I was on last year. Watched it sink a couple times. :yike:
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: bearpaw on April 06, 2019, 08:01:30 AM: Funny how weather changes, a month ago hard winter, today the green grass is coming on fast, snow is disappearing at a very fast pace up on the higher ground, not as much mud this year as most years, turkeys are scattering, I'm going to be starting food plots a week earlier than last year. Crazy how the weather can change!
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: TheStovePipeKid on April 06, 2019, 08:29:49 AM: I'm still trying to figure out what to do with the snowshoes I bought last month.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Ghost Hunter on April 06, 2019, 08:35:40 AM: :tup: I'll be hitching the trailer and making a run if I hear much more of this. Only a four mile section to worry about. :dunno: :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: KFhunter on April 06, 2019, 03:40:33 PM: At the 4 mile, today around noon.

@Ghost Hunter

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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190406/e466faa3847d70cd7048ce7dfbde87e0.jpg)
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: KFhunter on April 06, 2019, 03:51:49 PM: Might wanna unhitch the trailer :chuckle:
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Ghost Hunter on April 06, 2019, 04:08:23 PM: Thanks. Was talking to my boy about that. That's the cold switchback draw isn't it. At least won't be rutting the road. :dunno: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: KFhunter on April 06, 2019, 04:25:39 PM: Quote from: Ghost Hunter on April 06, 2019, 04:08:23 PM
Thanks. Was talking to my boy about that. That's the cold switchback draw isn't it. At least won't be rutting the road. :dunno: :chuckle:

No, I got past that. This is just barely past state land, I didn't see an end to this snow patch.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190406/b96a8eac71ffe78dee1ea48c7e28f4d7.jpg)

But, not much mud this year.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Ghost Hunter on April 06, 2019, 04:33:53 PM: Your all but there. You got the trail broke. I can do this. :tup: :IBCOOL: Maybe....
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: TheStovePipeKid on April 06, 2019, 05:17:29 PM: Don't shame me for my wetside ignorance, what area is the wedge? I head over to the Colville area for hunting each year but mainly have stayed in the Little Pend area. I'm always looking to enhance my knowledge of the area. I don't get alot of time when I get over there so I learn about the area a little more each year.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Ghost Hunter on April 06, 2019, 05:26:58 PM: GMU 105 Kelly Hill
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: bearpaw on April 06, 2019, 05:46:05 PM: Quote from: Ghost Hunter on April 06, 2019, 04:33:53 PM
Your all but there. You got the trail broke. I can do this. :tup: :IBCOOL: Maybe....

The snow will melt three times as fast where he broke trail, maybe you should beg him to go the extra distance... LOL
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Ghost Hunter on April 06, 2019, 06:29:26 PM: Quote from: bearpaw on April 06, 2019, 05:46:05 PM
Quote from: Ghost Hunter on April 06, 2019, 04:33:53 PM
Your all but there. You got the trail broke. I can do this. :tup: :IBCOOL: Maybe....

The snow will melt three times as fast where he broke trail, maybe you should beg him to go the extra distance... LOL

:yeah: By the time I get there, I think the driveway will be the worst of it. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: roderickweise on April 06, 2019, 07:28:14 PM: Oh man if there is that much snow I will be doing a lot of walking on opener since I only have fwd unless you all think this will melt and dry with in a week. I have never driven up in that area so I am not sure how bad the roads can get.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: KFhunter on April 06, 2019, 07:46:00 PM: Quote from: roderickweise on April 06, 2019, 07:28:14 PM
Oh man if there is that much snow I will be doing a lot of walking on opener since I only have fwd unless you all think this will melt and dry with in a week. I have never driven up in that area so I am not sure how bad the roads can get.

Naw, you're good to chase Turkey. I was quite a ways above them.

Should actually be really good this year.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: TheStovePipeKid on April 06, 2019, 07:56:37 PM: roderickweise, 105 is North above Kettle Falls. 117 and 121 seem to be much better snow wise according to the chatter on this thread, and they have an abundance of turkey. At least you didn't buy snow shoes for the hunt like me. Though I haven't gotten any sympathy about the expenditure. I'm actually a little tempted to head up there and see what all the fuss is about. I'll have 4 wheel drive and chains without a trailer :chuckle: Of course I'd just make myself look foolish.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: roderickweise on April 06, 2019, 08:19:26 PM: Ya I plan on hunting 111 and 117 for opener probably stay more in the 117 since I only have a couple days out there because of work and than mid May hunt the 101.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Bango skank on April 06, 2019, 08:24:00 PM: Hit a couple bad snowy patches today. Barely made it even in 4L with rear diff lock on. Was going straight up a road for a stretch, but my truck was at a 45° angle to the road. That was fun. All in all, melting fast though, a lot better than i expected.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Fl0und3rz on April 09, 2019, 08:30:13 AM: Heard a gobbler down the street from me at just before dusk. Foothills of CNF.
Title: Re: Snow in Colville National Forest
Post by: Ghost Hunter on April 10, 2019, 06:29:22 PM: Easy peasy....made in Monday night. Busy busy now. Stop by if your in the area.