GET A GRIP.  With this weekend’s temperatures and sometimes sunny conditions allowing for a bit of a melt and the cool down on the way today, things may be a bit slick out there.  Whether you’re walking your dog or getting on the ice, we’ve got some good grip suggestions in today’s Outdoors Roundup.

Featured Photo:  CREEP.  A pair of Yaktrax creepers are donned to deal with slick surfaces. Simonson Photo.

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today:  Tue 1/7 – Decreasing Temps – Hi 18, Lo 7, Wind NW@10, G18
Tomorrow:  Wed 1/8 – Snow Chance – Hi 18, Lo 7, Wind SE@18, G28

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
8:27AM        5:11PM

Moonrise         Moonset          Overhead                Underfoot
2:43PM           5:12AM           10:27PM            10:01AM
Moon Phase:  Waxing Gibbous (87% Full)

EDGE HOUR:   4:30-5:30PM.  Sunset with lessening winds will be your best bet for a hot bite in today’s Edge Hour.

DAY RATING:

OUTDOORS ROUNDUP:

WIRED.  Wire-coil creepers like Yaktrax make good contact with ice and provide multiple compact points to prevent slipping.  Generally good for a season or two of wear, with continual use the coils may shift out of place and need to be reset and the rubber is subject to wear, but all in all they’re the best on the market.

PINNED.  Pin-style creepers, like those offered by Frabill offer points of contact under the heaviest portions of the boot, the ball and heel. With a larger rubberized frame, the slip-over model is a bit more durable.

CLEATED.  Slip-over triangle-toothed cleats fit between the sole and the toe of a boot and provide mid-foot stability.  Often the cheapest option, they’re better than nothing when ice surfaces are snow-free and slick.