We have a winter weather advisory for today from 3 p.m. until noon tomorrow. We are expecting a possible foot of snow. Our temps will be in the 20’s with lows in the single digits.

Western U.P. Snow Shakers (GRTA) reports:

Trail 2 from Ironwood to Bessemer is groomed and is in 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 good condition.

Trail 8 from Wakefield to Tula is groomed and is fair to good condition.

Trail 160 is groomed and is in fair condition. Be prepared for a few wet areas along the trail.

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:

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. There is a 2 mile stretch on this trail where it is pretty bare.

Due to our warm weather last weekend you will encounter some bare spots on our southern most trails. Trail 1S coming from Presque Isle to the lake and Trail 13 coming up from Trail 2 and 100.

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:

All trails are in fair to good condition. There is a lot of traffic and the groomers are doing the best they can after our warm weekend.

Trail 2 going west of Watersmeet is good.

Trail 2 going east of Watersmeet to Trail 107 is good.

Trail 3 going north of Trail 2 to Bond Falls and Trail 8 is good.

Trail 3 going south of Watersmeet to Land O’ Lakes WI -fair to 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 – 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 Our new temporary location is 1401 E. Cloverland Dr. in Ironwood, MI. 49938

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