Western U.P. Trail Report – Western U.P. Bureau – 02/18
Season snowfall total at 151.6″ with 21 on the ground. That’s official from the Wastewater treatment plant in Ironwood. Across the county you can expect less in some places-more in others. TOO MANY SERIOUS ACCIDENTS are in the news this year. Many are alcohol and speed related. We want you to have a great time on our trails here in Big Snow Country, so please use your good common sense and save your drinking for after the ride. PHOTO REQUEST from us. Thanks to those who’ve responded…keep ’em coming. If you have any neat snomo pictures you’re willing to share, we’re looking for a cover shot for next years map and other marketing uses. Can’t pay but will give a photo credit on inside of map. Send in jpg -300 dpi-to bigsnow@westernup.info. Be aware anything you send will become the property of the WUPCVB so this request is more for amateur photographers…in other words, don’t send anything you may want to sell in the future. Appreciate any help on this.
Gogebic Range Trail Authority: Groomers are out and all trails are being groomed including 2-8-160-11N and 11S. Conditions are good-some very good, some fair depending on traffic & weather.(more info on GRTA at: gogebicrangetrailauthority.com)
From Gogebic Area Grooming, covering the Lake Gogebic Area-Groomers are all out double grooming all trails..and with the new snow trails in really good shape and range from good to very good. Logging is still ongoing- so watch for signs and especially logging trucks-pull way over immediately when you see them.
And from the U.P. Thunder Riders of Watersmeet: They received new snow along with the rest of us – groomers out daily- They report trail conditions are good to very good.
ICE: Let us reiterate, there is no such thing as “safe” ice.
If you choose to ride on a body of water, be sure you check with locals in the specific area you intend to ride and get current information on conditions in that area. When you ride on ice, you are doing so at your own risk.
WATCH FOR GROOMERS Keep in mind the groomers are out both day and night, so watch for them, and PLEASE pull over or at least slow down and wait for the operator to signal you by whenever you see them.
SIGN VANDALISM RESULTING IN SERIOUS SITUATION
Expect to see more patrols on the trails due to a recent rash of sign vandalism incidents…we’re hearing cameras also may be enlisted in order to apprehend those responsible. If you see any suspicious activity, please call the DNR at 800-292-7800.