Sault Ste. Marie Trail Report – 01/12
SAULT STE. MARIE UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association – 01/12
Hey all! Just got back from a very short ride on part of trail 8 and part of the city trails. It is NOT pretty. Let us get some snow on them before you head out. Lots of rocks and brush. Hoping it happens overnight as forecasted! ❄️❄️❄️
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-Update as of 1/12-
***editing to add that we have a guy out on part of the city trails panning now***
Good morning all! We are back in a holding pattern until we get more snow. Most of our trails have at least been panned, with the exception of trail 49 south of the Soo to Gaines Hwy which is closed due to excessive water, and also the city trails have not been panned yet due to not enough snow. The storm isn’t supposed to start until 8 or so tonight, and is expected to bring 4-6” inches by tomorrow AM, then another few inches by midday tomorrow. High winds are also expected, so we may see downed trees. This is our complete trail report for now, which also can be found on the misorva.org page. Don’t forget, we are also on the Groomer Tracker app!
*Sault Ste. Marie to Brimley, Trail #8 –
Fair- thin, panned on 1/10
*Brimley to Raco, Trail #8 and #480 to just west of Spile Dam-
Fair to Poor- thin, a few wet spots, panned on 1/10
*Mission Hill trail #889
Fair- thin, some wet spots on the eastern part of the loop to the overlook. Panned on 1/11
*Bay Mills Connector Trail-
Poor – very wet and muddy. Please ride the road shoulder for now. There is a very large washout here! DO NOT attempt to cross it! We have rerouted around it along the road shoulder
*Sault Ste. Marie City Trail, Trails #497, #449, parts of #8 & #49
Poor- thin, some wet spots, we cannot groom here just yet.
*Sault Ste. Marie to Kinross, Trail #49 –
CLOSED until further notice from Alberta Ln to Gaines Hwy due to excessive water.
*Kinross loop & south to Pickford, Parts of Trail #49, #472, and #494-
Fair- thin, panned on 1/11
*Kinross to Raco & Rudyard, Parts of trail #472 & #480-
Fair- thin, panned 1/10
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, ride right, lead right, ride sober!❄️❄️❄️
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This is from Groomer Lane yesterday on his run on the southeast side of Kinross, trail 49 and 494.
“I panned and packed in and trimmed with sickle bar on 49 and 494 today. All we need now is cold and snow. Trail looks good.”
Thank you Lane!
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Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association Facebook Page
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Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association Trail Report on MSA
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Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> The week starts out dry today with temperatures climbing above freezing across the UP. The next system brings a mix of rain and snow on Tuesday before temperatures turn sharply colder Tuesday night, followed by a round of potentially heavy lake effect snow in the north wind snow belts on Wednesday. Quieter weather on Thursday then gives way to another chance of snow with the next system on Friday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaThe week starts out dry today with temperatures climbing above freezing across the UP. The next system brings a mix of rain and snow on Tuesday before temperatures turn sharply colder Tuesday night, followed by a round of potentially heavy lake effect snow in the north wind snow belts on Wednesday. Quieter weather on Thursday then gives way to another chance of snow with the next system on Friday.
WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> It's noon here on Monday, January 12th, and this week does present a couple instances of lake effect snow throughout the week. As a preliminary first call for the entire week, we've displayed current odds at areas receiving more than 4" of snow based on data from medium range models, and the WPC.
Most of the lake effect snow for the UP will fall between Tuesday and Thursday, where much of the higher elevation areas along Lake Superior currently have a greater than 50% chance at 4" of snow by the end of the work week. For much of the LP, lake effect snow will be confined primarily to Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, especially AFTER Wednesday heading into Thursday. We are keeping an area of 1-20% across much of southern and central Michigan in the event wind shifts or passing clippers allow for extra accumulation, but the greatest chances for 4" will be in the far southwest corner, the thumb, or your typical lake effect zones across northern lower Michigan.
We have lake effect snow forecasts coming all week, along with other forecasts for other weather phenomena such as wind, rain, and perhaps mixed precipitation. Click the follow button on our profile today here at Michigan Storm Chasers! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #newberry #sooIt's noon here on Monday, January 12th, and this week does present a couple instances of lake effect snow throughout the week. As a preliminary first call for the entire week, we've displayed current odds at areas receiving more than 4" of snow based on data from medium range models, and the WPC.
Most of the lake effect snow for the UP will fall between Tuesday and Thursday, where much of the higher elevation areas along Lake Superior currently have a greater than 50% chance at 4" of snow by the end of the work week. For much of the LP, lake effect snow will be confined primarily to Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, especially AFTER Wednesday heading into Thursday. We are keeping an area of 1-20% across much of southern and central Michigan in the event wind shifts or passing clippers allow for extra accumulation, but the greatest chances for 4" will be in the far southwest corner, the thumb, or your typical lake effect zones across northern lower Michigan.
We have lake effect snow forecasts coming all week, along with other forecasts for other weather phenomena such as wind, rain, and perhaps mixed precipitation. Click the follow button on our profile today here at Michigan Storm Chasers!
-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
McKay Tree Specialists | Turn to your top option in SE Michigan today for all your tree care needs by calling McKay today at 248-308-7308!
BRIMLEY AREA UPDATE via Old Soo Line Grade Lodge >> 01/12/2026 - Still holding!
Stay safe … #soo #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Light snow will continue moving into the western half of the UP over the next 2 hours. Snow will continue west to east quickly, diminishing in the Keweenaw and central as the night progresses. Snow will diminish in the eastern UP by early morning. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaLight snow will continue moving into the western half of the UP over the next 2 hours. Snow will continue west to east quickly, diminishing in the Keweenaw and central as the night progresses. Snow will diminish in the eastern UP by early morning.
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/11/26
Last one for the day, I think.
Lane went out scouting on 49 today, and there’s definitely some wet spots showing now south of 11 mile. He said it definitely needs cold, but it’s flat and nice with the new snow. Sleds will pack it in, and cold later this week will really seal it up.
I went out with a group to the west after checking on 480 (please see video from earlier), and we had a fantastic day. We went to Trout Lake and hit many forest service roads as we made our way back to the Soo. Chippewa Snowchasers has 472 from west of Rudyard to Trout Lake in amazing condition!
On our return to the Soo, 8 from Brimley east had the typical chatter bumps after a weekend day. We need a bit more snow, another groom, and it’ll be much better.
Couple of low 30s days ahead, then temps nosedive. Based on the images I’ve seen from clubs all over the UP, we all definitely welcome a deep freeze for the swamps.
Hope you all had a great weekend!❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo0111f #snowphotos
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/11/26
Good evening all!
Groomer Pete was out tonight on the city trails, and here’s what he had to say-
“I went out for my scheduled Sunday night of the city trails.
The Good:
The base we do have is pretty thick and flat. The Ashmun Bay access trail ( Trail 8 )is in fine shape all the way to the staging area. Trail 49 from the tracks into town is in good shape, and the hills between the tunnel and the airport are good! The rest of 49 is in good shape as well all the way to 3 Mile.
The Bad:
The warm temps and amount of rain last week definitely hampered our trail building efforts. 449 is pretty good most of the way. There are definitely some soft wet areas approaching Seymour and going to Kewadin. I stayed on the drier side of the trail and avoided opening up any water holes, but riders beware that the water and slush is there! The trails are very icy with a little fluffy powder on top. The sugary snow and powder don’t really setup well, so use caution on turns.
The Ugly:
497, the trail to the High School, is a mess. Tons of water. I made it a couple hundred yards in, and it was a mess. I did a 30 point turn and went back out. I could see significant water holes and nastiness inside the tree line and decided not to make it worse. Plus I was worried about getting stuck, with water hole depth unknown. That trail should be avoided for a couple days until the very cold returns and we get some heavy snow. I would not expect this trail to be groomed again for a few days. Picture is provided to show the conditions.
We survived last weeks warmup and rain, but we have some recovering to do for sure. Do your snow dances and fingers crossed that the cold returns later this week.
-Groomer Pete”
Thanks Pete!
I’ll follow up with a couple more reports from the day in a bit.
497 to the high school pictured #soo #soo0111e #snowphotos1/11/26
Good evening all!
Groomer Pete was out tonight on the city trails, and here’s what he had to say-
“I went out for my scheduled Sunday night of the city trails.
The Good:
The base we do have is pretty thick and flat. The Ashmun Bay access trail ( Trail 8 )is in fine shape all the way to the staging area. Trail 49 from the tracks into town is in good shape, and the hills between the tunnel and the airport are good! The rest of 49 is in good shape as well all the way to 3 Mile.
The Bad:
The warm temps and amount of rain last week definitely hampered our trail building efforts. 449 is pretty good most of the way. There are definitely some soft wet areas approaching Seymour and going to Kewadin. I stayed on the drier side of the trail and avoided opening up any water holes, but riders beware that the water and slush is there! The trails are very icy with a little fluffy powder on top. The sugary snow and powder don’t really setup well, so use caution on turns.
The Ugly:
497, the trail to the High School, is a mess. Tons of water. I made it a couple hundred yards in, and it was a mess. I did a 30 point turn and went back out. I could see significant water holes and nastiness inside the tree line and decided not to make it worse. Plus I was worried about getting stuck, with water hole depth unknown. That trail should be avoided for a couple days until the very cold returns and we get some heavy snow. I would not expect this trail to be groomed again for a few days. Picture is provided to show the conditions.
We survived last weeks warmup and rain, but we have some recovering to do for sure. Do your snow dances and fingers crossed that the cold returns later this week.
-Groomer Pete”
Thanks Pete!
I’ll follow up with a couple more reports from the day in a bit.
497 to the high school pictured
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/10/26
Spotted! Groomer Pete and Sandi snagged a cool video of Ben and Jay out tonight in the Tucker❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo0110c #snowphotos
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/10/26
From groomer Jay tonight-
“City trails are good. I wouldn’t call them great, fair to good. OG (Original Groomer) Ben, and I broke through on the I-500 trail. That crew plowed the parking lot to prep for the race, so that’s rough, and will be until after the race, but also very wet. All in all the only real trail problems for our city trails is Seymour hill. We tried dumping snow in the water and were unsuccessful. We didn’t ride down the high school trail, but the Kewadin trail was in fair to good shape. Roads and shoulders will be bare, but the trails are in good enough shape to ride. We picked up a few inches as we groomed, but it didn’t help much. I will say, it was good to have Ben at the helm today. He’s a brother, and the one who really set the tone and showed me the ropes on how to groom trails. Hanging out together was a great day! Welcome Back OG, we missed you!!”
Thank you Jay and Ben! Great to see Ben back in the seat!❄️❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo0110b #snowphotos
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/10/26
Back in the saddle! OG Ben and Jay!
More to come! #soo #soo0110a #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Quieter weather settles in across the U.P. today as lingering snow showers tapering off this morning. A weak clipper system will bring another round of light snow tonight, but only expect another inch or so of accumulation in most locations. After another quiet day on Monday, another system brings a mix of rain and snow to the area on Tuesday. #miweather #keweenaw #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaQuieter weather settles in across the U.P. today as lingering snow showers tapering off this morning. A weak clipper system will bring another round of light snow tonight, but only expect another inch or so of accumulation in most locations. After another quiet day on Monday, another system brings a mix of rain and snow to the area on Tuesday.
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WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> The week starts out dry today with temperatures climbing above freezing across the UP. The next system brings a mix of rain and snow on Tuesday before temperatures turn sharply colder Tuesday night, followed by a round of potentially heavy lake effect snow in the north wind snow belts on Wednesday. Quieter weather on Thursday then gives way to another chance of snow with the next system on Friday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaThe week starts out dry today with temperatures climbing above freezing across the UP. The next system brings a mix of rain and snow on Tuesday before temperatures turn sharply colder Tuesday night, followed by a round of potentially heavy lake effect snow in the north wind snow belts on Wednesday. Quieter weather on Thursday then gives way to another chance of snow with the next system on Friday.
WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> It's noon here on Monday, January 12th, and this week does present a couple instances of lake effect snow throughout the week. As a preliminary first call for the entire week, we've displayed current odds at areas receiving more than 4" of snow based on data from medium range models, and the WPC.
Most of the lake effect snow for the UP will fall between Tuesday and Thursday, where much of the higher elevation areas along Lake Superior currently have a greater than 50% chance at 4" of snow by the end of the work week. For much of the LP, lake effect snow will be confined primarily to Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, especially AFTER Wednesday heading into Thursday. We are keeping an area of 1-20% across much of southern and central Michigan in the event wind shifts or passing clippers allow for extra accumulation, but the greatest chances for 4" will be in the far southwest corner, the thumb, or your typical lake effect zones across northern lower Michigan.
We have lake effect snow forecasts coming all week, along with other forecasts for other weather phenomena such as wind, rain, and perhaps mixed precipitation. Click the follow button on our profile today here at Michigan Storm Chasers! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #newberry #sooIt's noon here on Monday, January 12th, and this week does present a couple instances of lake effect snow throughout the week. As a preliminary first call for the entire week, we've displayed current odds at areas receiving more than 4" of snow based on data from medium range models, and the WPC.
Most of the lake effect snow for the UP will fall between Tuesday and Thursday, where much of the higher elevation areas along Lake Superior currently have a greater than 50% chance at 4" of snow by the end of the work week. For much of the LP, lake effect snow will be confined primarily to Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, especially AFTER Wednesday heading into Thursday. We are keeping an area of 1-20% across much of southern and central Michigan in the event wind shifts or passing clippers allow for extra accumulation, but the greatest chances for 4" will be in the far southwest corner, the thumb, or your typical lake effect zones across northern lower Michigan.
We have lake effect snow forecasts coming all week, along with other forecasts for other weather phenomena such as wind, rain, and perhaps mixed precipitation. Click the follow button on our profile today here at Michigan Storm Chasers!
-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
McKay Tree Specialists | Turn to your top option in SE Michigan today for all your tree care needs by calling McKay today at 248-308-7308!
BRIMLEY AREA UPDATE via Old Soo Line Grade Lodge >> 01/12/2026 - Still holding!
Stay safe … #soo #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Light snow will continue moving into the western half of the UP over the next 2 hours. Snow will continue west to east quickly, diminishing in the Keweenaw and central as the night progresses. Snow will diminish in the eastern UP by early morning. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaLight snow will continue moving into the western half of the UP over the next 2 hours. Snow will continue west to east quickly, diminishing in the Keweenaw and central as the night progresses. Snow will diminish in the eastern UP by early morning.
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/11/26
Last one for the day, I think.
Lane went out scouting on 49 today, and there’s definitely some wet spots showing now south of 11 mile. He said it definitely needs cold, but it’s flat and nice with the new snow. Sleds will pack it in, and cold later this week will really seal it up.
I went out with a group to the west after checking on 480 (please see video from earlier), and we had a fantastic day. We went to Trout Lake and hit many forest service roads as we made our way back to the Soo. Chippewa Snowchasers has 472 from west of Rudyard to Trout Lake in amazing condition!
On our return to the Soo, 8 from Brimley east had the typical chatter bumps after a weekend day. We need a bit more snow, another groom, and it’ll be much better.
Couple of low 30s days ahead, then temps nosedive. Based on the images I’ve seen from clubs all over the UP, we all definitely welcome a deep freeze for the swamps.
Hope you all had a great weekend!❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo0111f #snowphotos
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/11/26
Good evening all!
Groomer Pete was out tonight on the city trails, and here’s what he had to say-
“I went out for my scheduled Sunday night of the city trails.
The Good:
The base we do have is pretty thick and flat. The Ashmun Bay access trail ( Trail 8 )is in fine shape all the way to the staging area. Trail 49 from the tracks into town is in good shape, and the hills between the tunnel and the airport are good! The rest of 49 is in good shape as well all the way to 3 Mile.
The Bad:
The warm temps and amount of rain last week definitely hampered our trail building efforts. 449 is pretty good most of the way. There are definitely some soft wet areas approaching Seymour and going to Kewadin. I stayed on the drier side of the trail and avoided opening up any water holes, but riders beware that the water and slush is there! The trails are very icy with a little fluffy powder on top. The sugary snow and powder don’t really setup well, so use caution on turns.
The Ugly:
497, the trail to the High School, is a mess. Tons of water. I made it a couple hundred yards in, and it was a mess. I did a 30 point turn and went back out. I could see significant water holes and nastiness inside the tree line and decided not to make it worse. Plus I was worried about getting stuck, with water hole depth unknown. That trail should be avoided for a couple days until the very cold returns and we get some heavy snow. I would not expect this trail to be groomed again for a few days. Picture is provided to show the conditions.
We survived last weeks warmup and rain, but we have some recovering to do for sure. Do your snow dances and fingers crossed that the cold returns later this week.
-Groomer Pete”
Thanks Pete!
I’ll follow up with a couple more reports from the day in a bit.
497 to the high school pictured #soo #soo0111e #snowphotos1/11/26
Good evening all!
Groomer Pete was out tonight on the city trails, and here’s what he had to say-
“I went out for my scheduled Sunday night of the city trails.
The Good:
The base we do have is pretty thick and flat. The Ashmun Bay access trail ( Trail 8 )is in fine shape all the way to the staging area. Trail 49 from the tracks into town is in good shape, and the hills between the tunnel and the airport are good! The rest of 49 is in good shape as well all the way to 3 Mile.
The Bad:
The warm temps and amount of rain last week definitely hampered our trail building efforts. 449 is pretty good most of the way. There are definitely some soft wet areas approaching Seymour and going to Kewadin. I stayed on the drier side of the trail and avoided opening up any water holes, but riders beware that the water and slush is there! The trails are very icy with a little fluffy powder on top. The sugary snow and powder don’t really setup well, so use caution on turns.
The Ugly:
497, the trail to the High School, is a mess. Tons of water. I made it a couple hundred yards in, and it was a mess. I did a 30 point turn and went back out. I could see significant water holes and nastiness inside the tree line and decided not to make it worse. Plus I was worried about getting stuck, with water hole depth unknown. That trail should be avoided for a couple days until the very cold returns and we get some heavy snow. I would not expect this trail to be groomed again for a few days. Picture is provided to show the conditions.
We survived last weeks warmup and rain, but we have some recovering to do for sure. Do your snow dances and fingers crossed that the cold returns later this week.
-Groomer Pete”
Thanks Pete!
I’ll follow up with a couple more reports from the day in a bit.
497 to the high school pictured
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/10/26
Spotted! Groomer Pete and Sandi snagged a cool video of Ben and Jay out tonight in the Tucker❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo0110c #snowphotos
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/10/26
From groomer Jay tonight-
“City trails are good. I wouldn’t call them great, fair to good. OG (Original Groomer) Ben, and I broke through on the I-500 trail. That crew plowed the parking lot to prep for the race, so that’s rough, and will be until after the race, but also very wet. All in all the only real trail problems for our city trails is Seymour hill. We tried dumping snow in the water and were unsuccessful. We didn’t ride down the high school trail, but the Kewadin trail was in fair to good shape. Roads and shoulders will be bare, but the trails are in good enough shape to ride. We picked up a few inches as we groomed, but it didn’t help much. I will say, it was good to have Ben at the helm today. He’s a brother, and the one who really set the tone and showed me the ropes on how to groom trails. Hanging out together was a great day! Welcome Back OG, we missed you!!”
Thank you Jay and Ben! Great to see Ben back in the seat!❄️❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo0110b #snowphotos
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/10/26
Back in the saddle! OG Ben and Jay!
More to come! #soo #soo0110a #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Quieter weather settles in across the U.P. today as lingering snow showers tapering off this morning. A weak clipper system will bring another round of light snow tonight, but only expect another inch or so of accumulation in most locations. After another quiet day on Monday, another system brings a mix of rain and snow to the area on Tuesday. #miweather #keweenaw #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaQuieter weather settles in across the U.P. today as lingering snow showers tapering off this morning. A weak clipper system will bring another round of light snow tonight, but only expect another inch or so of accumulation in most locations. After another quiet day on Monday, another system brings a mix of rain and snow to the area on Tuesday.
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