Sault Ste. Marie Trail Report – 01/13
SAULT STE. MARIE UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association – 1/13 Good evening! We have a lot of snow on the ground, the most which fell right in the Soo. Our trails have really benefitted as a result. We have some very cold air moving in with wind chills in the -40s expected tomorrow morning. While the cold will undoubtedly help freeze up our wet areas to the south on trail 49, conditions will be dangerous. Please be safe if you head out! The good news is that all 3 groomers are up and running now. We are still waiting for a 4th loaner groomer that should arrive later this month. We are hopeful that it will be here before the I-500. We want to thank the Chippewa Snow Chasers to our west for grooming a portion of our trails today while the Pisten Bully was down. Much appreciated! Please see details below for each trail. <> <> Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association Facebook Page <> Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association Trail Report on MSA <> WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Here's a map of observed snow totals from the recent storm. Snow totals ranged from little to nothing along the Superior shoreline due to the warm lake temperatures, to 2 feet plus in the higher terrain of Marquette and Baraga Counties. Thank you to everyone who submitted reports! WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> The spring storm system weakens as it departs from the region today. Additional accumulations are expected around 1 to 4 inches, mainly in the high terrain of north central Upper Michigan. Dry and pleasant weather is on the way this weekend with temperatures trending to above normal by early next week. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaThe spring storm system weakens as it departs from the region today. Additional accumulations are expected around 1 to 4 inches, mainly in the high terrain of north central Upper Michigan. Dry and pleasant weather is on the way this weekend with temperatures trending to above normal by early next week. WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> The ongoing spring storm will bring an additional 6-8" of wet snow to the Marquette and Baraga county highlands overnight tonight through Thursday morning. Travel could be tricky on unplowed roads or where blowing snow causes low visibility. Snow begins to taper off Thursday afternoon. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaThe ongoing spring storm will bring an additional 6-8" of wet snow to the Marquette and Baraga county highlands overnight tonight through Thursday morning. Travel could be tricky on unplowed roads or where blowing snow causes low visibility. Snow begins to taper off Thursday afternoon. WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> The strong storm continues through tonight, bringing a combination of high winds and heavy wet snow. Marquette and Baraga counties remain under Blizzard Warnings with Winter Storm Warnings elsewhere. Widespread 20 to 25 mph winds with gusts up to 35 to 45 mph are expected across Upper Michigan. Gusts as high as 50 to 55 mph are possible along Lake Superior and in the Keweenaw. Widespread 4 to 12 inches of snow is expected, lowest in the east. Snow amounts in excess of 1 to 2 feet are expected across the high terrain of Marquette and Baraga Counties into Thursday morning. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea***Blizzard Warnings have expired*** Are trail gates closed on Trail 5 from Champion up to Big Bay and other trails around there or can we still sneak out? With this much snow, we can probably can’t see the gates! Lol. WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Winter Storm and Blizzard Warnings have been issued! Blizzard warnings are in effect for Baraga and Marquette Counties. Heavy wet snow will arrive later tonight into Thursday morning as a low pressure system lifts into the Great Lakes. Strong northerly winds are expected and blowing snow is likely. Widespread 8-12 inches are forecast; higher amounts in excess of 2 feet are forecast across the higher terrain of Marquette and Baraga Counties into Thursday morning. Note: A sharp gradient in snow totals is expected just inland from the Great Lake-especially along the Lake Superior shoreline in Baraga and Marquette Counties. Wet snow combined with strong northerly winds may cause sporadic power outages. A prolonged mix of rain and snow will enable lower snow totals over the eastern sections of the U.P. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea WINTER STORM WEATHER UPDATE via TV6 & FOX UP >> WINTER STORM UPDATE: Rain/snow begins moving into the Southern counties this afternoon. It becomes widespread wet snow tonight through tomorrow. You can expect sloppy roads and strong winds. For more impacts and the timeline check out the video... #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaWINTER STORM UPDATE: Rain/snow begins moving into the Southern counties this afternoon. It becomes widespread wet snow tonight through tomorrow. You can expect sloppy roads and strong winds. For more impacts and the timeline check out the video. Too little too late isn't it? Eric Owen Michael Sirianni WINTER STORM WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Winter Storm Warnings have been issued! Heavy wet snow is expected tonight into Thursday morning as a low pressure system lifts into the Great Lakes. Widespread 8-12 inches are forecast; higher amounts in excess of 1-2 feet are forecast across the high terrain of Marquette and Baraga Counties into Thursday morning. Note: A sharp gradient in snow totals is expected between the lower amounts (up to a foot or more near Marquette County lakeshores) and the heavier accumulations in the higher terrain of the west. Widespread 20 to 25 mph winds with gusts up to 35 to 45 mph are expected across Upper Michigan. Gusts as high as 50 to 55 mph are possible along Lake Superior and in the Keweenaw causing blowing snow and reducing visibilities. Wet snow combined with strong winds may cause sporadic power outages. Continue to monitor the forecast for changes. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea Go figure after sled season is over and my truck goes in the shop SAULT STE. MARIE UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 3/31- Good morning everyone! Happy Easter! I’m from Moose Country and didn’t get to groom one time WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Mostly cloudy skies will prevail into early next week with a few chances for rain and snow showers across the east today and central/southeast Tuesday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaMostly cloudy skies will prevail into early next week with a few chances for rain and snow showers across the east today and central/southeast Tuesday. WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Light snow continues to spread eastward this morning, but will end from west to east through the afternoon hours with most of the area having picked up around 1 to 2 inches of snow. Some freezing rain is possible along the MI/WI state line, potentially leading to slippery roadways. Expect highs in the 30s to lower 40s. Skies stay cloudy the rest of the weekend, though temperatures should come in slightly warmer on Sunday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaLight snow continues to spread eastward this morning, but will end from west to east through the afternoon hours with most of the area having picked up around 1 to 2 inches of snow. Some freezing rain is possible along the MI/WI state line, potentially leading to slippery roadways. Expect highs in the 30s to lower 40s. Skies stay cloudy the rest of the weekend, though temperatures should come in slightly warmer on Sunday. WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Temperatures turn warmer today compared to the last couple of days with highs generally ranging in the 40s under sunny skies. Temperatures should stay in the 30s closer to the Superior shoreline. These pleasant conditions will be short-lived though as another round of snow moves in tonight through Saturday along with cooler temperatures. There is a chance for some pockets of freezing rain along the WI/MI border. Snow comes to an end Saturday evening, but clouds hang on for Sunday. Expect total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches. Use caution if driving, slippery roads possible late tonight through Saturday morning. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaTemperatures turn warmer today compared to the last couple of days with highs generally ranging in the 40s under sunny skies. Temperatures should stay in the 30s closer to the Superior shoreline. These pleasant conditions will be short-lived though as another round of snow moves in tonight through Saturday along with cooler temperatures. There is a chance for some pockets of freezing rain along the WI/MI border. Snow comes to an end Saturday evening, but clouds hang on for Sunday. Expect total snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches. Use caution if driving, slippery roads possible late tonight through Saturday morning. WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Lake effect snow will gradually taper off late this afternoon across the Copper Country. Nonetheless, an additional 2 to 4 inches will be possible until then with low visibility in blowing snow. Next chance for widespread precipitation follows Friday night into Saturday. <> Latest Trail Reports – Quick Links <>
*Sault Ste. Marie to Brimley, Trail #8 –
Excellent- groomed 1/13 – lots of new snow here so this trail is excellent!
*Brimley to Raco, Trail #8 and #480 to just west of Spile Dam
Good- groomed 1/13
When going across the bridge in Brimley make sure you go with the flow of traffic! Blowing and drifting occurs when you first leave Brimley.
Watch for trail change going south just before getting to Raco.
*Mission Hill trail #889
Good – groomed 1/13
*Sault Ste. Marie City Trail, Trails #497, #449, parts of #8 & #49
Excellent- Groomed 1/12– overall in good shape with some drifting by the airport.
There is a WET AREA on the courtesy trail to The Antlers. DO NOT attempt to ride through there. Sleds are getting stuck in deep water and mud. All of the new snow will help and that shouldn’t be an issue much longer, we just need to get in there to check it out.
Be sure to stop at the stop sign on top of the hill by the tunnel. It is very difficult for groomers to stop when they are going up hill so please stop and stay off to the side.
City curfew is from 1 am – 6 am. Remember most City streets are open to traffic 20 mph, stop at all intersections, and ride on the right hand side of the street, not on side walks. Watch for closed streets that are posted, mainly around the hospital, university, and state trunk lines.
*Sault Ste. Marie to Kinross, Trail #49 –
Fair to Poor – groomed 1/13– We can only groom to just south to 12 mile at this time. There was an open ditch where the bridge is out south of 3 mile mile that has likely frozen over enough for sleds but the groomer keeps breaking through so we are not grooming that section for now. There are also wet areas south of 12 mile. Gates are currently open but it will be bumpy since it’s not groomed much south of 12 mile.
*Kinross loop & south to Pickford, Parts of Trail #49, #472, and #494-
Fair to good- some moguls
*Kinross to Raco & Rudyard, Parts of trail #472 & #480-
Good – Groomed 1/12 Groomer Dave was able to fill in a lot of the moguls with new snow.
There is a long stretch of road riding along Ploegstra Road before you get to the Spile Dam area where it is down to pavement when we do not have recent snow
Ride safe and stay warm!❄️🥶❄️🥶Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook
Text listing of reports: mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php... #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaHere's a map of observed snow totals from the recent storm. Snow totals ranged from little to nothing along the Superior shoreline due to the warm lake temperatures, to 2 feet plus in the higher terrain of Marquette and Baraga Counties. Thank you to everyone who submitted reports!
Text listing of reports: mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=PNSMQT&e=202404041634 
The strong storm continues through tonight, bringing a combination of high winds and heavy wet snow. Marquette and Baraga counties remain under Blizzard Warnings with Winter Storm Warnings elsewhere. Widespread 20 to 25 mph winds with gusts up to 35 to 45 mph are expected across Upper Michigan. Gusts as high as 50 to 55 mph are possible along Lake Superior and in the Keweenaw. Widespread 4 to 12 inches of snow is expected, lowest in the east. Snow amounts in excess of 1 to 2 feet are expected across the high terrain of Marquette and Baraga Counties into Thursday morning. #906wx #MIwx
Forecast>www.uppermichiganssource.com/2024/04/02/hazardous-travel-spring-storm-will-bring-heavy-snow-stron...
Yesterday, we had the opportunity to gather about half of our groomer operators together for our groomer appreciation dinner. We did it a little earlier than normal so that those who don’t live here year round could attend.
Thanks so much to all who donated so that we could do this for these volunteers! We had a wonderful dinner, lots of laughs, and got to check out the latest addition to our fleet- a brand new 2024 Tucker!
It also just so happened to be Turbo’s birthday, and Dennis P’s birthday 2 days before. Happy birthday guys!
While we all wish this season was a whole lot better, we are so grateful for all of our volunteers that were ready to go the few times that we received enough snow to groom. This season, it was impossible to stick to a grooming schedule. We had to be ready when and if it snowed, and many times that meant asking a volunteer to come in on an “off” day, or at an off time. These guys were always ready and willing to adjust, many times missing out on their own opportunity to ride so that they could make the trails great for others.
As always, we had volunteers doing many things behind the scenes. Buck is one of our unsung heroes, always in the barn working on something to help improve our operations. Our president, Tom, does so much in our community, donating his time to many organizations that help strengthen our relations in the community. Mike and Dave are our groomer bosses, and they have to make some hard decisions, and deal with many scheduling conflicts and maintenance issues. Alicia is our treasurer and manages all of the finances. An extra tough task in a season like this where there’s still a lot outgoing, but not a lot of incoming funds. Steve, Ryan, Pete and a few others are out most weekends in the off season working on signage, and other trail improvements. Dave, Pete, and Chris have worked on creative ways to help raise funds such as shirt sales, the I-500 booth, and our annual Dice Run fundraiser. Special shout out to Warren and Steve L for clearing a crazy amount of trees after the last big snow fall came earlier this March.
We so appreciate all of the support from our volunteers throughout the year! And we couldn’t do it without the support of our members, and all who contribute in any way that you can! We are especially thankful to all of the amazing landowners who allow access for our recreation!
We look forward to putting together some brushing events, and some fundraisers in the off season so that we are ready to rock again when old man winter shows up next season.
Thank you all! If you’d like to join or donate to our 100% volunteer, 501c3 association, you can do so at www.sootrails.org
Stay tuned for our off season updates! #soo
If you measured snow this morning, please let us know how much snow fell at your location. If you have the time period over which the accumulation occurred, include that as well. Thanks. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #sooLake effect snow will gradually taper off late this afternoon across the Copper Country. Nonetheless, an additional 2 to 4 inches will be possible until then with low visibility in blowing snow. Next chance for widespread precipitation follows Friday night into Saturday.
If you measured snow this morning, please let us know how much snow fell at your location. If you have the time period over which the accumulation occurred, include that as well. Thanks.