Sap-Snow in the Catskills

March came in like a lamb but issued a mighty lion's roar mid-month when the western Catskills saw an average of 30-inches of heavy wet snow fall and brought traffic and commerce to a stand-still.

It  also provided snowmobilers and snowshoers one last opportunity for a weekend of snow-filled fun.
Sap-snow, is so named for the time frame during which it falls - maple syrup making season. Though there is no official start date and it changes every year. It's the time when the tree's sap is running freely with above-freezing temperatures during the day and colder temperatures at night.
When snow falls during that time frame, it doesn't stick around long.
Several days of above 40-degree temperatures followed the storm and the snow became heavier and stickier - making for excellent snowman creating.

The snowmobilers packed the snow to make hiking an enjoyable experience and offered friendly waves as they slowly passed by.
The most professional New York State forest rangers were also on hand to make certain that state-owned property was being used in a lawful and safe manner.

The snow, as expected, melted quickly, leaving toppled snowmen askew and

snowmobilers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers looking forward to the next big snow event.

*Between hikes, Lillian Browne writes about the environment, politics and business in Delaware County. She is a NYS licensed outdoor adventure guide exploring the world around her, one step at a time, with her dog - Charlie. Follow her on Instagram @catskills.unleashed on Twitter @browneinwalton or on Facebook/Catskills Unleashed. www.CatskillsUnleashed.com - #unleashyourpotential