Western U.P. Trail Report – Western U.P. Bureau – 02/19
We have some warmer weather in the forecast for today and tomorrow. The highs will be 38 with rain and rain turning to snow later on this afternoon. We have a slight chance of snow for tomorrow. Hopefully we won’t get what they are calling for. We will just have to wait and see what transpires from this system.
Just a reminder groomers will not be out if the weather is to warm. They will run at night or weather permitting. Please be patient, they are doing the best they can…
For all areas:
PLEASE STAY ON MARKED TRAILS, RIDING ON UNMARKED TRAILS MAY RESULT IN THE CLUB LOOSING EASEMENT FOR THAT TRAIL.
Western U.P.Snow Shakers report from Feb.18th.
Conditions are fair.
Trail 2 from Ironwood to Bessemer is groomed and is in good to very good condition. From Bessemer to Wakefield it is groomed and it is in fair condition. From Wakefield to Marenisco it is groomed and is in fair to good condition.
Trail 8 from Wakefield to Tula is groomed and is in fair to good condition. There will be logging near the railroad crossing so please use caution.
Trail 160 is groomed and is in good condition.
Trial 11N and 11S are closed this winter.
Just a reminder Trail 11 between Trail 11N and 102 is not being groomed due to the closure of 11N.
Lake Gogebic Area Groomers:
All trails are in good condition. Groomers will be running weather permitting, so please watch out for them. We will keep you updated with the weather change.
Trails 8W & 8E along with 1 North will be double groomed each day weather permitting.
Trail 102 logging is ongoing. Please use caution logging trucks have the right of way.
Trail 13 south of the Root Cellar logging has started here so please use caution.
I know some of you will not want to hear this but the way you ride on the trails dramatically impacts the condition of the trails. “Goosing” your sled on corners results in throwing all the snow off the corners, causing bare conditions and making the groomer have to spend extra time trying to plow snow back onto the corners. “Goosing your sled wherever you stop and start again creates moguls, sometimes into driveways. These are just a few things you can change to help keep the trails in good rideable condition. We appreciate the help you can give.
Continue to watch for logging truck traffic over a portion of Trail 102, and always remember to respect the trucks and give them the right of way at all times – for your safety. No problems to report on any of our other trails at this time. Please remember to always ride to the right and single file to prevent accidents, especially on blind corners.
*I’ve been asked to post the following as a public service to all snowmobilers so you can make adjustments before heading out.
MICHIGAN DNR REMINDS SNOWMOBILES OF SOUND DECIBEL LIMITS
The MDNR are reminding snowmobilers that state law does have decibel limits for snowmobiles. The conservation officers will be enhancing statewide efforts to enforce the law. The muffler on a snowmobile must be in good working order and when in constant operation noise emission cannot exceed the 88 decibel limit. A factory installed muffler system will meet these standards. The penalty for violating the sound levels is a civil infraction with fines up to $250.00.
Half of our trails are on private lands and are at the discretion of the landowner. “Riders who modify their machines to make them extra loud jeopardize the enjoyment of our nationally recognized trails for all riders.” said Ron Yesney, Recreation Specialist with the MDNR.
Also, no colored lens covers may be used in Michigan on snowmobiles.
For more information on snowmobiling in Michigan, including current laws and regulations, go to www.michigan.gov/snowmobiling.
The U.P. Thunder Riders of Watersmeet report:
Groomers are running daily weather permitting.
Trail 2 west of Watersmeet is very good.
Trail 2 east of Watersmeet to Trail 107 is very good.
Trail 3 north to Trail 8 is very good.
Trail 3 south of Watersmeet to Land O’ Lakes WI – is very good.
Trail 13 south of Trail 2 towards the Cisco Chain of Lakes WI – very good.
Please remember groomers are out both day and night, so watch for them, Please pull over or at least slow down and wait for the operator to signal you by whenever you see them.
Our new website is www.explorewesternup.com Our new temporary location is 1401 E. Cloverland Dr. in Ironwood, MI. 49938