Sault Ste. Marie Area Trail Report – 12/29
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/29
12/29 5:30 PM update
We are strategizing our grooming plan. Winds are still extremely high, and snow is still falling on and off, causing white out conditions and downed trees, as well as power outages. MANY area businesses remain closed.
The Pisten Bully that normally runs the Brimley, Raco, (part of 480, 8, and the Raco Powerline) and Bay Mills (889) areas is still down at the Soo barn, awaiting a part and a quick repair, so those areas will not be groomed until it’s back out there, hopefully tomorrow.
The Kinross crew is waiting for winds to die down some and then they’ll work on 49 south of M80 and the 494 loop.
Don’t even think about taking 472 west of Mac Trail or 480 to the Spile Dam gate (see the pinned post). Trust us. With next to zero visibility and all of that construction equipment in there, it’s just not a good idea.
I am waiting to hear about trail 49 from the Soo to Kinross. Winds may still be too high to groom that, as there are a ton of open areas and it will not make any difference at all.
We’ll attempt the city trails and trail 8 from the Soo to Brimley later tonight.
We are hearing reports of huge drifts along with downed trees, so it may take a few runs to get things back to normal.
We cannot stress this enough- if for some reason you decide to ride (which we are not advising), do not ride alone. Bring a saw and emergency supplies, and be aware that first responders and tow companies will be very busy and it will be very difficult to help you if you have an issue. Download and use the What3Words app. You never know when you might need it.
All open areas will have monster drifts.
I’m hearing 6’+ in spots.
All road crossings will have huge berms from the plows until we can punch them out.
We have our work cut out for us. Please be patient and more than anything, please be safe!
It’s going to be amazing once we get things back in shape! ❄️❄️❄️
More to come soon!
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SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/29
12/29/25
Hey everyone!
Please know that we will get groomers out as soon as it makes sense to do so, meaning once our volunteers can get themselves and their homes dug out.
As we have been sharing, many area businesses are closed as the entire area tries to dig out. The winds have caused heavy drifting, and we had heavy freezing rain right up until the snow hit overnight. Again, there will be trees down, and you will encounter heavy drifting. Anywhere that trails cross roads will have large berms from plows that you’ll have to navigate. The snow is heavy and wet, and getting stuck is highly likely, especially for less experienced riders.
Please be patient and be cautious. We will get things back into shape as soon as we can, but we need to prioritize our own homes and businesses first.
Things should be awesome once we can get the trails cleared and groomed.
Thanks all!
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SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/29/25
Good morning everyone! Freezing rain switched over to snow around 11 pm here. We picked up around 6” so far. Trees were coated with ice before the snow hit, and winds have picked up so I have no doubt that there will be trees down.
There will also be large drifts in the open areas. We know that people are here to ride, and we are advising extreme caution if you head out, especially until we can get out and assess the trails.
Surrounding areas, please check in with what you’re seeing for new snow as this storm continues.
Thanks all! Be safe! ❄❄❄
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Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association Facebook Page
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WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Strong westerly winds develop this afternoon and evening, with winds gusting up to 60 mph in the Keweenaw and 45 mph for the remainder of the northern UP near the Superior shoreline. Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
Temperatures will plummet tonight, setting up a seasonably cold weekend with some light lake effect snow for the northwest wind belts. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Light snowfall brings generally an inch or less to the area today before leaving this evening. Warm & windy conditions show up Friday ahead of a strong cold front coming in Friday night; areas in the Keweenaw & near Lake Superior could see winds gusting to at least 45 mph or more. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaLight snowfall brings generally an inch or less to the area today before leaving this evening. Warm & windy conditions show up Friday ahead of a strong cold front coming in Friday night; areas in the Keweenaw & near Lake Superior could see winds gusting to at least 45 mph or more. #906wx #miwx
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Dry with some peeks of sun to start today. Another quick-hitter system passes through this afternoon, bringing some snow showers, some of which could be heavy at times. Be prepared for wintry driving conditions later today! We then briefly trend warm Friday. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberryDry with some peeks of sun to start today. Another quick-hitter system passes through this afternoon, bringing some snow showers, some of which could be heavy at times. Be prepared for wintry driving conditions later today! We then briefly trend warm Friday. #MIwx
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 2/25/26
Good morning all!
We didn’t end up with as much new snow as we wanted out of the system, but lake effect is lingering a bit. I show about 4” of new snow here in the Soo. It looks like just west us (Brimley/Raco) got a little more.
Once operators are out rolling and send me updates, I’ll be sure to share!
Thank you! #soo #soo0225 #snowphotos2/25/26
Good morning all!
We didn’t end up with as much new snow as we wanted out of the system, but lake effect is lingering a bit. I show about 4” of new snow here in the Soo. It looks like just west us (Brimley/Raco) got a little more.
Once operators are out rolling and send me updates, I’ll be sure to share!
Thank you!
Wow! That's a ton of snow! Just one more good snowfall and the measuring stick disappears 🙂
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 2/24/26
Updated warning and forecast. Be safe but also…. bring it on!!🤘🏼❄️🙌🏼 #soo #soo0224
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Snow and gusty winds return through the day today, with hazardous travel conditions likely this afternoon into the evening. Heaviest snowfall is expected across eastern upper Michigan, with travel impacts likely along US 2 west of St. Ignace due to gusty southerly winds. For northern lower, the heaviest snowfall generally favors spots along and north of M-32. Activity will transition to lake effect snow tonight. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberrySnow and gusty winds return through the day today, with hazardous travel conditions likely this afternoon into the evening. Heaviest snowfall is expected across eastern upper Michigan, with travel impacts likely along US 2 west of St. Ignace due to gusty southerly winds. For northern lower, the heaviest snowfall generally favors spots along and north of M-32. Activity will transition to lake effect snow tonight. #MIwx
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A strengthening Clipper low brings a 2-to-6-hour period of moderate to heavy snowfall to the UP today, with the greatest snow totals in the east. In addition, gusty winds will bring areas of blowing snow along the lakeshores. Expect at least hazardous travel today. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaA strengthening Clipper low brings a 2-to-6-hour period of moderate to heavy snowfall to the UP today, with the greatest snow totals in the east. In addition, gusty winds will bring areas of blowing snow along the lakeshores. Expect at least hazardous travel today. #906wx #miwx
WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> Here's our last call snowfall outlook regarding the system starting today, February 24th, and finishing up Wednesday, February 25th, 2026... #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyHere's our last call snowfall outlook regarding the system starting today, February 24th, and finishing up Wednesday, February 25th, 2026.
Discussion
The only significant changes to the map shown since yesterday are the addition of a 6-12" zone to focus on the back-side lake effect snow through the end of the day on Wednesday that will bump up totals across the eastern Upper Peninsula, and a slight shift south of the 1-3" zone towards Kalamazoo and Ann Arbor. Besides a few wobbles, the 2-5" and 4-8" zones remain largely the same. The entire Upper Peninsula now has winter alerts issued for this incoming snow. Notice, we've added a dashed green line to denote that areas south of it will deal with greater uncertainty in higher snowfall totals due to daytime temperatures above 32°F, plus the presence of low-level dry air filtering into the state. There should still be enough time to give everyone a solid half inch across the state, but for those primarily south of I-94, that may be all.
For timing, truthfully, not everyone will see the peak of precipitation by the end of the day. The front will be taking its time as it crosses the state this morning and afternoon. Upper Peninsula west of Newberry, you'll see your snow beginning by noon. After the noon timeframe, it'll be everyone else across the state. Last to see the precipitation start today will be southeastern Michigan, where flurries/light rain may not start until after 10 pm EST. Remember, gusty winds are possible within this passing winter storm, and as such, travel will become difficult at times as visibility drops to under a half a mile within the highest snowfall rates. Travel with care, and make sure to turn on headlights AND taillights when driving in any snow squall. Snow will finish by noon Wednesday, but continue as lake effect for the Upper Peninsula through the end of Wednesday, as denoted by the circled yellow area.
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