Western U.P. Trail Report – Western U.P. Bureau – 01/29
We have a chance of snow today with a high of 25. For Saturday they are calling for a chance of snow or freezing rain with a high of 38. Let’s keep our fingers crossed so we don’t get any of that freezing rain. Our trails are finally starting to shape up so we don’t need anything to turn south. Western U.P. Snow Shakers (GRTA) reports: Trail 2 from Ironwood to Bessemer is groomed and is in very good condition. From Bessemer to Wakefield it is packed daily and it is in fair condition. From Wakefield to Marenisco it is groomed and is in very good condition. Trail 8 from Wakefield to Tula it is groomed and is in good to very good condition. Trail 160 is groomed and is in fair to good condition. Be prepared for a few wet areas along the trail. Trial 11N and 11S are closed this winter. Lake Gogebic Area Groomers All trails are in good condition. The snow accumulations since Tuesday night are almost up to 2-feet now, however, predictions for this weekend are calling for highs to top 36 on “Saturday and 34 on Sunday. IF we get these temperatures the trails will be wet and will not hold a good groom and grooming will only be done over the nighttime hours. Forecasts are calling for additional snow thru Friday night with decent temps so maybe it will all hold together to get us thru this warm weekend. Next week looks much more promising with high temps dropping into the teens by mid week. 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. The U.P. Thunder Riders of Watersmeet report: All trails are in very good condition. There is a lot of traffic and the groomers are doing the best they can. Trail 2 going west of Watersmeet is very good. Trail 2 going east of Watersmeet to Trail 107 is very good. Trail 3 going north of Trail 2 to Bond Falls and Trail 8 is very good. Trail 3 going south of Watersmeet to Land O’ Lakes WI – good, by the Wisconsin border we do have some rocks mixing with the snow as there is a lower amount of snow. Trail 13 going south of Trail 2 towards the Cisco Chain of Lakes WI – very good Please help the drivers out and pull off the trail if you can so they can pass you, the groomer cannot pull off the trail but will in most cases will stop or slow down so you can pass safely Our new website is www.explorewesternup.com Are new temporary location is 1401 E. Cloverland Dr. in Ironwood, MI. 49938 <> Latest Trail Reports – Quick Links <>
Just a reminder Trail 11 between Trail 11N and 102 is not being groomed due to the closure of 11N.
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
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.