Sault Ste. Marie Area Trail Report – 01/05
SAULT STE. MARIE UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association – 01/05
1/5/25 8:30 PM update
Run down of where we are at. Like all of you, I’m a rider too and I try my best to give you accurate info. I realize everyone has a different perspective of what is good and bad. I feel like I’m pretty fair, and often times more critical of our trails because I want to be as honest as possible. So here we go-
The Soo definitely got the most out of the lake effect snow event from Thursday to this morning. Not as much west or south of us on our trail system.
Trail 8 from the Soo to Raco gets thinner as you head west to about a mile or two west of Irish Line, then sees a bit more coverage as you approach the 480 intersection. Open areas saw snow get blown off the trail, and our operators use the blade as best they can to pull snow in from the sides. There are some thin areas, most notably just west of 6 Mile where those doggone slag rocks are popping up for about 100 feet. I stop and toss them off when I see them. We’ll try to pick the drag up in that section to keep them from pulling up. More snow will bury them back up.
8 on the powerline to Ranger Rd had more snow on it than I expected and is great.
889 is also great.
Met some of our other volunteers for a ride today coming from Kinross. They took 472 to 480 to 8 and they said it was good. A few ruts left from some wheeled vehicles during the warm up. Nothing major.
Rider reports from 49 south of M80 and the 494 loop reported both as excellent.
The city trails, with the exception of 449 and the now closed Kewadin trail are also in good shape. Pete is out there now, and will have a report for us that I’ll share.
I’m going to pin the post about 449 and the Kewadin Trail for easy reference.
49 from Alberta Ln south of the DonDee Lanes (great food!) remains ungroomed. Lots of wet spots still. The cold weather should do the trick and allow it to freeze up nicely. We’ll run it as soon as it makes sense to do so. It is ungroomed from there to Gaines Hwy in Kinross. Sleds have been riding it, but you need to know it’s at your own risk, and is likely very rough.
Overall, we could use more snow to freshen up most areas, but things overall are good with some fair areas, and some excellent areas!
I hope that helps! Ride safe! ❄️❄️❄️
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1/5/25
Good morning all!
Brimley Bill headed out very early this morning in the Bay Mills and Raco area on part of 480, the powerline, and 889. Here’s his report-
“I groomed the Powerline and the Mission Hill Loop early this morning. There’s still some wind, but not as strong as yesterday. Open areas still have some drifting.
I was able smooth out all the chatter from traffic and drifts.
I got out early enough so that the trail had some time to set up before any sled traffic.
The trails are in really good shape.”
Thanks Bill! Have a great ride everyone! ❄️❄️❄️
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Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association Facebook Page
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Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Widespread snow will begin to spread west to east this morning while a heavier snowband looks to set up in the central UP this afternoon. Uncertainty still remains where this snowband will park, however, heavy snowfall rates will likely create difficult travel along US-41 from Delta to Marquette/Alger counties. Tonight, widespread snow transitions to lake effect snow for the north wind snowbelts.
For additional information, find the full briefing here: www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Accumulating snow will continue to spread across northern Michigan today into Sunday. Accumulations remain consistent to this mornings forecast with 3-6” for most of the area and localized 7”+ possible where heaviest snow falls this evening and tonight. The combination of snow covered roads and reduced visibility will lead to hazardous travel across parts of the area. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberryAccumulating snow will continue to spread across northern Michigan today into Sunday. Accumulations remain consistent to this mornings forecast with 3-6” for most of the area and localized 7”+ possible where heaviest snow falls this evening and tonight. The combination of snow covered roads and reduced visibility will lead to hazardous travel across parts of the area.
WEATHER UPDATE via Pictured Rocks Marine Weather Conditions >> Here's the updated 24-hour snowfall forecast through 7am Sunday (top figure) compared to the same forecast from two days ago (bottom figure). No big changes for the UP, although a bit more snow is now forecast for the Keweenaw and central UP. Not a bad way to make up for the recent warmup! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted. WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Dry weather persists for most of tonight. Then, light to moderate snow spreads across the UP early Saturday morning through the afternoon, with lingering lake effect snow in the north wind snow belts Saturday night. Lake effect winds down Sunday. Expect light snowfall amounts for most of the UP, but lake effect/enhanced snow may lead to locally higher amounts in excess of 4” across the snow belts of the western, north-central, and eastern UP by Sunday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaDry weather persists for most of tonight. Then, light to moderate snow spreads across the UP early Saturday morning through the afternoon, with lingering lake effect snow in the north wind snow belts Saturday night. Lake effect winds down Sunday. Expect light snowfall amounts for most of the UP, but lake effect/enhanced snow may lead to locally higher amounts in excess of 4” across the snow belts of the western, north-central, and eastern UP by Sunday.
WEATHER UPDATE via TV6 & FOX UP >> FIRST ALERT: Our next system comes tomorrow with widespread snow. For the timeline watch the forecast below. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaFIRST ALERT: Our next system comes tomorrow with widespread snow. For the timeline watch the forecast below.
Forecast> www.uppermichiganssource.com/2026/01/09/first-alert-slush-more-weekend-snow/
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Moderate to heavy snow continues this morning for the high terrain of Marquette and Baraga counties. Elsewhere, light snow, rain, and wintry mix of both are expected. A brief pause in travel impacts occurs tonight before widespread snow returns Saturday through Sunday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/9/26
Good morning! It would be better if the rain had missed us, but it looks like we’re almost done with it. We lost another 4” of snow overnight, down to 18” here in the Soo, but still completely snow covered.
No doubt that trails will be “crunchy”, and may even have some water pooling in spots, but I think we’ll fare just fine. That base is incredible!
Cold returns tonight, and some snow tomorrow into Sunday. Temps look pretty good beginning late tonight.
If you’re out riding, please let us know what you’re seeing. I’m not sure if we’ll have groomers out later tonight or not, as everything was pretty darn flat before the meltdown.
I’ll keep you posted! ❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo0109 #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Rain spreads into the UP this evening, transitioning to snow from west to east tonight. Snowfall rates of 0.5-1”/hr are possible late tonight into early Friday morning across the central UP, which will lead to hazardous travel as visibility drops as low as a quarter mile or less. Snow totals of 2-4” are possible across much of the central UP, with higher amounts of 4-6” in the higher terrain of Marquette and Baraga counties. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaRain spreads into the UP this evening, transitioning to snow from west to east tonight. Snowfall rates of 0.5-1”/hr are possible late tonight into early Friday morning across the central UP, which will lead to hazardous travel as visibility drops as low as a quarter mile or less. Snow totals of 2-4” are possible across much of the central UP, with higher amounts of 4-6” in the higher terrain of Marquette and Baraga counties.
WEATHER UPDATE via Pictured Rocks Marine Weather Conditions >> OK, here's the latest! Shown below is the expected 24-hour snowfall accumulation from 7pm today through 7pm Friday, along with the 24-hour snowfall from 7am Saturday through 7am Sunday. The 12-hour "gap" in between those two periods is the lull between the two waves of snow, when not much is expected to happen. And the snowmelt from the warm spell today should largely have ceased by then. More snow is also expected after 7am on Sunday and even into Monday, but it's a bit too early to call the snow amounts for that time period. Winter will not succumb to our brief warm spell! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted. WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> After some fog today, rain moves in tonight, with a transition to snow that could have a period of light freezing rain and/or sleet mixed in. The best chances for 3+ inches of snow are in the high terrain of Marquette and Baraga Counties. Snow then ends from west to east through the day Friday, though travel might be difficult in some spots on the morning commute. This weekend may also bring snowfall, so keep an eye on the forecast if you have travel plans. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaAfter some fog today, rain moves in tonight, with a transition to snow that could have a period of light freezing rain and/or sleet mixed in. The best chances for 3+ inches of snow are in the high terrain of Marquette and Baraga Counties. Snow then ends from west to east through the day Friday, though travel might be difficult in some spots on the morning commute. This weekend may also bring snowfall, so keep an eye on the forecast if you have travel plans.
WEATHER UPDATE via Meteorologist Brad Sugden >> A narrow band of snow falls over parts of the western U.P. late Thursday through Friday. Some higher elevations could top 6" of snow!
Meanwhile, parts of the Lower Peninsula get up to one inch of rain. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaA narrow band of snow falls over parts of the western U.P. late Thursday through Friday. Some higher elevations could top 6" of snow!
Meanwhile, parts of the Lower Peninsula get up to one inch of rain.
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WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Widespread snow will begin to spread west to east this morning while a heavier snowband looks to set up in the central UP this afternoon. Uncertainty still remains where this snowband will park, however, heavy snowfall rates will likely create difficult travel along US-41 from Delta to Marquette/Alger counties. Tonight, widespread snow transitions to lake effect snow for the north wind snowbelts.
For additional information, find the full briefing here: www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Accumulating snow will continue to spread across northern Michigan today into Sunday. Accumulations remain consistent to this mornings forecast with 3-6” for most of the area and localized 7”+ possible where heaviest snow falls this evening and tonight. The combination of snow covered roads and reduced visibility will lead to hazardous travel across parts of the area. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberryAccumulating snow will continue to spread across northern Michigan today into Sunday. Accumulations remain consistent to this mornings forecast with 3-6” for most of the area and localized 7”+ possible where heaviest snow falls this evening and tonight. The combination of snow covered roads and reduced visibility will lead to hazardous travel across parts of the area.
WEATHER UPDATE via Pictured Rocks Marine Weather Conditions >> Here's the updated 24-hour snowfall forecast through 7am Sunday (top figure) compared to the same forecast from two days ago (bottom figure). No big changes for the UP, although a bit more snow is now forecast for the Keweenaw and central UP. Not a bad way to make up for the recent warmup! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Dry weather persists for most of tonight. Then, light to moderate snow spreads across the UP early Saturday morning through the afternoon, with lingering lake effect snow in the north wind snow belts Saturday night. Lake effect winds down Sunday. Expect light snowfall amounts for most of the UP, but lake effect/enhanced snow may lead to locally higher amounts in excess of 4” across the snow belts of the western, north-central, and eastern UP by Sunday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaDry weather persists for most of tonight. Then, light to moderate snow spreads across the UP early Saturday morning through the afternoon, with lingering lake effect snow in the north wind snow belts Saturday night. Lake effect winds down Sunday. Expect light snowfall amounts for most of the UP, but lake effect/enhanced snow may lead to locally higher amounts in excess of 4” across the snow belts of the western, north-central, and eastern UP by Sunday.
WEATHER UPDATE via TV6 & FOX UP >> FIRST ALERT: Our next system comes tomorrow with widespread snow. For the timeline watch the forecast below. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaFIRST ALERT: Our next system comes tomorrow with widespread snow. For the timeline watch the forecast below.
Forecast> www.uppermichiganssource.com/2026/01/09/first-alert-slush-more-weekend-snow/
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Moderate to heavy snow continues this morning for the high terrain of Marquette and Baraga counties. Elsewhere, light snow, rain, and wintry mix of both are expected. A brief pause in travel impacts occurs tonight before widespread snow returns Saturday through Sunday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/9/26
Good morning! It would be better if the rain had missed us, but it looks like we’re almost done with it. We lost another 4” of snow overnight, down to 18” here in the Soo, but still completely snow covered.
No doubt that trails will be “crunchy”, and may even have some water pooling in spots, but I think we’ll fare just fine. That base is incredible!
Cold returns tonight, and some snow tomorrow into Sunday. Temps look pretty good beginning late tonight.
If you’re out riding, please let us know what you’re seeing. I’m not sure if we’ll have groomers out later tonight or not, as everything was pretty darn flat before the meltdown.
I’ll keep you posted! ❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo0109 #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Rain spreads into the UP this evening, transitioning to snow from west to east tonight. Snowfall rates of 0.5-1”/hr are possible late tonight into early Friday morning across the central UP, which will lead to hazardous travel as visibility drops as low as a quarter mile or less. Snow totals of 2-4” are possible across much of the central UP, with higher amounts of 4-6” in the higher terrain of Marquette and Baraga counties. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaRain spreads into the UP this evening, transitioning to snow from west to east tonight. Snowfall rates of 0.5-1”/hr are possible late tonight into early Friday morning across the central UP, which will lead to hazardous travel as visibility drops as low as a quarter mile or less. Snow totals of 2-4” are possible across much of the central UP, with higher amounts of 4-6” in the higher terrain of Marquette and Baraga counties.
WEATHER UPDATE via Pictured Rocks Marine Weather Conditions >> OK, here's the latest! Shown below is the expected 24-hour snowfall accumulation from 7pm today through 7pm Friday, along with the 24-hour snowfall from 7am Saturday through 7am Sunday. The 12-hour "gap" in between those two periods is the lull between the two waves of snow, when not much is expected to happen. And the snowmelt from the warm spell today should largely have ceased by then. More snow is also expected after 7am on Sunday and even into Monday, but it's a bit too early to call the snow amounts for that time period. Winter will not succumb to our brief warm spell! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> After some fog today, rain moves in tonight, with a transition to snow that could have a period of light freezing rain and/or sleet mixed in. The best chances for 3+ inches of snow are in the high terrain of Marquette and Baraga Counties. Snow then ends from west to east through the day Friday, though travel might be difficult in some spots on the morning commute. This weekend may also bring snowfall, so keep an eye on the forecast if you have travel plans. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaAfter some fog today, rain moves in tonight, with a transition to snow that could have a period of light freezing rain and/or sleet mixed in. The best chances for 3+ inches of snow are in the high terrain of Marquette and Baraga Counties. Snow then ends from west to east through the day Friday, though travel might be difficult in some spots on the morning commute. This weekend may also bring snowfall, so keep an eye on the forecast if you have travel plans.
WEATHER UPDATE via Meteorologist Brad Sugden >> A narrow band of snow falls over parts of the western U.P. late Thursday through Friday. Some higher elevations could top 6" of snow!
Meanwhile, parts of the Lower Peninsula get up to one inch of rain. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaA narrow band of snow falls over parts of the western U.P. late Thursday through Friday. Some higher elevations could top 6" of snow!
Meanwhile, parts of the Lower Peninsula get up to one inch of rain.
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