Large snowstorms like these are not typical of La Niña, a weather pattern predicted to hit the U.S. this year by the National Weather Service. Usually associated with warmer, wetter winters, factors such as La Niña emerging later than usual led experts to argue this season may be different.
Credit: Jim Noelker
Credit: Jim Noelker
Emily Becker of the University of Miami in Florida’s Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies argued La Niña might not have enough time to strengthen, allowing other weather and climate patterns to influence the forecast.
This was the case when a large cyclone hit the coast of the Pacific Northwest Friday, causing heavy snowfall across the region. The storm then made its way east across the country, before arriving in the Miami Valley late Sunday.
Those looking to go outside and enjoy the snow have many options across the Dayton area. The Five Rivers MetroParks are home to many snow-based activities, and here is a guide to a number of them:
☃️RiverScape MetroPark Ice Rink
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Credit: Tom Gilliam
Hours: Hours vary, rink is open daily through February
Location: 237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton
More info: Beginners and experts alike are welcome to RiverScape MetroPark’s ice skating rink. Guests can bring their own skates or rent a pair from the park. There will also be several themed nights throughout the season.
Cross-country skiing at the Five Rivers MetroParks
The many trails and paths across the Five Rivers MetroParks can be traversed via cross-country skis during snowfall. However, some trails are better suited for this unique activity than others.
☃️Possum Creek MetroPark
Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
Location: 4790 Frytown Road, Dayton
More info: While many of the park’s hiking trails are not suitable for skiing, Possum Creek’s picnic areas and meadows are ideal for the activity.
☃️Carriage Hill MetroPark
Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Closed for New Year’s Day
Location: 7850 E. Shull Road, Dayton
More info: Unlike Possum Creek, cross country skiing is permitted on Carriage Hill’s hiking paths. These trails are open all winter long, regardless of snow. Guests can also ski in the park’s meadows and picnic areas.
Sledding at the Five Rivers MetroParks
When snow falls across the Five Rivers MetroParks, guests are allowed to bring their own sleds for some downhill winter fun. Not every park allows the activity, with some only offering it in select areas.
☃️Germantown MetroPark
Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
Location: 6206 Boomershire Road, Germantown
More info: According to its website, the big hill at the Germantown MetroPark is “arguably the best hill in the MetroParks for sledding.” Located 20 minutes from Dayton, guests are able to sled, tube or snowboard down the slope.
☃️Englewood MetroPark
Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
Location: 100 E. National Road, Vandalia
More info: Just beyond the wooded trail near the E. National Road entrance, guests will find Englewood MetroPark’s sledding hill. This slope is big enough for multiple sledders at once, allowing for races or competitions.
☃️Taylorsville MetroPark
Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
Location: 1200 S. Brown School Road, Vandalia
More info: Featuring a 30 degree slope, Taylorsville MetoPark’s sledding hill is located inside its West Park. This hill is obstacle-free, but quite bumpy. Guests are not allowed to sled on the park’s dam.
Ice fishing at the Five Rivers Metroparks
Several of the Five Rivers Metroparks also contain ponds and lakes, which are ideal for ice fishing. However, these parks do not monitor ice levels, so caution is advised.
☃️Englewood MetroPark
Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
Location: 500 Old Springfield Road, Vandalia
More info: Englewood MetroPark permits ice fishing within the North Park, located just off Old Springfield Road, as well as Martindale Lake. An Ohio fishing license is required.
☃️Possum Creek MetroPark
Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
Location: 4790 Frytown Road, Dayton
More info: Possum Creek offers ice fishing within its ponds as well as Argonne Lake. The park even introduces trout in the winter months for fishing. This activity is free and does not require a license, however there is a six-fish limit per day.
☃️Carriage Hill MetroPark
Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
Location: 7850 E. Shull Road, Dayton
More info: Carriage Hill offers ice fishing on Cedar lake and North Woods pond. An Ohio fishing license is not required, and the activity is free.
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