At Woodruff, the snow measures 24 to 26 inches deep. In northern Vilas County near the Michigan border, the snow is 30 inches deep and over. Last year, the Winter Severity Index for deer at Woodruff did not exceed 30 by winter's end. With this winter approaching its midpoint, the deer winter stress index is already at 40. In the Vilas County-Northern Michigan border area, the Winter Severity Index is about 60.
Some areas continue to have sufficiently soft snow for roosting by ruffed grouse.
A candlelight ski event will be held on the Raven Trail near Woodruff from 6 to 9 p.m., Sat., Feb. 3. The ski event will begin at the Clear Lake Campground. The snowmobile trails are in very good condition. Finches, redpolls and pine siskins have suddenly turned up at some bird feeders in large numbers. The cold weather and recent winter storms have slowed ice fishing.