Ontonagon Area Trail Report – 12/05
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> 12/05
❌No grooming has commenced yet. We remain in emergency mode opening and packing trails with just the Snow Cats or with a roller.
📌 SATURDAY 12/6 3pm EST @ GROOMER BARN: Groomer Operator Orientation. Interested in grooming? Please show up!
⚠️All trails are considered in early season condition with 5-30"+ down across the system. The Silver City area has the least amount and it needs more snow before any snowcat work can commence. Trails are very dangerous right now with buried logs down under the snow across trails, along with brush and tree tops down in the lanes of travel due to the recent blizzard.
✅ YES – COME RIDE! See the snowmobile-powered actions we need done on our trail list below. ❗️‼️ YOUR SAFETY IS #1 to us. Trails cannot currently be ridden "like normal", we are a long ways from that. If you are a technical rider and have experience with sprung or loaded timber falling, we really need you. Don’t have tree cutting experience? WE REALLY NEED YOU. Buy yourself a nice set of brush cutters or loppers and boogie on up to see us! So much hand brushing can be done to rapidly improve trail safety and groomability.
❄️ Trail 12 from 101 to Greenland: Seeking advanced riders to track pack this trail! We need to get riders in to brush it open and pack it down for groomers to come in. Trail 12 from 137 RR Grade east to Greenland is very wet and challenging. Please be careful!
❄️Trail 11 South Boundary Road: Was plowed by RC after the big snow which cleared most of the major obstructions. Was rolled last night 12/4. Low snow due to plowing.
❄️Trail 1 Silver City to Lake of the Clouds: Low snow. LOTC road was plowed after the big snow event.
❄️Trail 1 Silver City South to White Pine Trail 12 INT: Snow rapidly increases from the AmericInn to White Pine. Numerous wet areas, no brushing needs thanks to the pipeline company brushing it this summer!
❄️Trail 12 LP Walsh Road to Trail 101: Numerous (!!) wet areas as normal. Lots of snow on it. Was rolled 12/4. Thank you to riders for brushing this trail open yourselves!! Amazing!
❄️Trail 101: Most brush has been removed and is very rideable. Has been track packed only.
❄️ Trail 13 from 101 to 137 by Rockland: Track packed. Needs the most brushing help of all our open trails. We really need to brush this back, please help!
❄️Trail 137 to Ontonagon: Brushed open and track packed. Needs more brushing help!
-Steve da Secretary
<>
<>
Visit North Country Snowmobile Club – UP Website >>>>
<>
Visit North Country Snowmobile Club – UP on Facebook >>>>
<>
Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> NCSC would like to extend a special shoutout to the Michigan DNR!
Thank you to Ron Yesney, Carly Graff and John Codere for sharing DNR Rangers, Kristen, Dante and Corey with us for the past two days clearing our trails.
Thanks also to Hamilton's North Coast Adventures for donating use of their rental sleds to our clean-up efforts.
Lastly, thanks to our own VP, Rick for his tireless efforts to ensure consistent forward progress on this trail clearing project.
TRAIL REPORT:
- We were able to clear our section of trail 13 from Norwich Rd to the junction with GAG's trail 13 south.
- Tuesday night we were able to groom trail 137 and 13 from the groomer barn in Ontonagon and trail 101 to LP Walsh Rd. Shoutout to Steve and TJ for trail setting those trails.-
- Trail 12 still has many trees down through the power lines and along Norwich Rd. Trail 12 to Driess Creek remains closed due to downed trees.
- All our trails are still in need of TLC, however, Trail 12 between Potato Farm Road and Greenland is in dire need of attention, if anyone is so inclined to volunteer with chainsaws and strong backs.
PS - We would also like to thank the four snowmobilers, two from Minnesota and two from Wisconsin, for finding all our electric chainsaw batteries on trail 1 just south of White Pine. #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Impactful winter weather returns this weekend in the form of moderate to heavy lake effect snow and dangerous wind chills. A cold front brings light snow to the U.P. before lake effect snow ramps up across the northwest wind snowbelts this afternoon, persisting into Sunday. Frigid temperatures and gusty winds will result in wind chills falling far below zero for much of the interior west and central.
For additional information, including expected snowfall totals and an hourly breakdown of temperatures, winds, and windchills, please view the full briefing packet found here: www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf
Stay safe! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> The switch is being flipped into the "on" position for lake effect snow this weekend. Much of what you see won't fall today, but as our extremely cold air mass pushes in late tonight, flurries will begin to fly. Much of the higher totals begin beyond 8 pm EST tonight. Lakeshore areas should prepare for travel delays primarily after this time beginning tonight. Heavy lake effect snow will continue on Saturday thanks to a west-northwest wind, which hints at a shift to out of the northwest by Sunday.
There are concerns with dry air, however the favorable zone for dendrites (snowflakes) to form is essentially on the ground with how cold it'll be. Air temperatures on Saturday alone in the UP may just barely be in the positive single-digits. Wind gusts this weekend may jump to 30-35 mph too, so some of this lake effect snow will push further inland. Totals of 1-3" & 2-6" is a safe bet for much of west and southwest Michigan. Some places may jump above 6" where the heaviest of banding sets up. Further north, our typically higher terrain in the Gaylord region will likely see snowfall totals over 6". Into the UP, much cooler temperatures exist here, and snowfall rates may exceed 1" per hour at times. Totals closer to the one foot mark are likely. The western UP does exhibit a decent chance at totals crossing into the 12-24" category. At the current time, totals are leaning on the lower end of the 12-24" category, but those hotspots where microclimate factors come into play could easily push the upper-bounds of this category. SE Michigan... life carries on once more. Being so far away from the lake effect zones, it's expected that you all will get an inch at most. Isolated hotspots of 1-2" are possible, but don't get your hopes up unless you're close to the Ohio border.
Why 1-3" at the border? Well, we do have a clipper passing to our south Saturday, hence the added 1-3" zone that runs along the MI/IN/OH border. Stay tuned here at MSC for updates this weekend on the lake effect snow AND cold that's set to impact us through Monday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyThe switch is being flipped into the "on" position for lake effect snow this weekend. Much of what you see won't fall today, but as our extremely cold air mass pushes in late tonight, flurries will begin to fly. Much of the higher totals begin beyond 8 pm EST tonight. Lakeshore areas should prepare for travel delays primarily after this time beginning tonight. Heavy lake effect snow will continue on Saturday thanks to a west-northwest wind, which hints at a shift to out of the northwest by Sunday.
There are concerns with dry air, however the favorable zone for dendrites (snowflakes) to form is essentially on the ground with how cold it'll be. Air temperatures on Saturday alone in the UP may just barely be in the positive single-digits. Wind gusts this weekend may jump to 30-35 mph too, so some of this lake effect snow will push further inland. Totals of 1-3" & 2-6" is a safe bet for much of west and southwest Michigan. Some places may jump above 6" where the heaviest of banding sets up. Further north, our typically higher terrain in the Gaylord region will likely see snowfall totals over 6". Into the UP, much cooler temperatures exist here, and snowfall rates may exceed 1" per hour at times. Totals closer to the one foot mark are likely. The western UP does exhibit a decent chance at totals crossing into the 12-24" category. At the current time, totals are leaning on the lower end of the 12-24" category, but those hotspots where microclimate factors come into play could easily push the upper-bounds of this category. SE Michigan... life carries on once more. Being so far away from the lake effect zones, it's expected that you all will get an inch at most. Isolated hotspots of 1-2" are possible, but don't get your hopes up unless you're close to the Ohio border.
Why 1-3" at the border? Well, we do have a clipper passing to our south Saturday, hence the added 1-3" zone that runs along the MI/IN/OH border. Stay tuned here at MSC for updates this weekend on the lake effect snow AND cold that's set to impact us through Monday.
-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
McKay Tree Specialists | 248-308-7308, call today for all your tree care needs in SE Michigan!
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A cold front will push through the area on Friday bringing a period of light snow across the U.P Friday afternoon and early evening. Lake effect snow will develop Friday night and continue into Saturday for the northwest wind snowbelts. Windy conditions and cold temperatures will result in wind chills in the -10s and -20s Friday night into Saturday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaA cold front will push through the area on Friday bringing a period of light snow across the U.P Friday afternoon and early evening. Lake effect snow will develop Friday night and continue into Saturday for the northwest wind snowbelts. Windy conditions and cold temperatures will result in wind chills in the -10s and -20s Friday night into Saturday.
WEATHER UPDATE via Meteorologist Brad Sugden >> SNOW TIME!!
Posted December 11th at 7pm.
This is for Friday night, AND Saturday, AND Sunday. Don't come at me Saturday morning and tell me I'm wrong. Read, please!
Lake effect kicks in after a weak clipper system Friday night into Saturday morning for those in the U.P. and Northern Lower. Lake effect goes most of Saturday in a west northwest wind.
Sunday, that wind is more north. That'll keep the lake effect coming off Lake Superior for the U.P., but confine it to the shoreline areas of the Lower Peninsula.
IT. WILL. BE. COLD. Therefore, we'll have some intense lake effect bands. Some of the smaller lake effect bands in between the bigger ones that develop won't make it very far inland in the cold, dry air. Highs on Saturday will be in the single digits in the West U.P. and 10s every where else. Wind chill will be sub-zero all day long.
Sunday will warm a tad, but still be cold and windy.
I'll post daily maps individually over the next 24hrs. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey
WATERSMEET - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via U.P. Thunder Riders Snowmobile Club >> UPDATED 12/11/25- Crews finally pushed through and cleared all the trails on Wednesday and we sent our two groomers out today (Thursday) and were able to pan everything. Still had a few more trees come down and small stuff to clear but they are all groomed. This is early season and with the storm damage don’t expect things to be great. We have a good start to building a base but it is thin now that everything is packed down. So time for some normal snow. Early season conditions, Ride Right , stay safe and again a HUGE THANK YOU to all the crews with there equipment and the snowmobilers who helped with the cleanup. #watersmeet #westernup #snowphotos
LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Gogebic Area Grooming >> 🚨Lake Gogebic Area Trails Update 🚨
We currently have multiple trail closures throughout the system. Please watch for and respect all posted signs — they are in place for everyone’s safety.
‼️ Trail 1 is TEMPORARILY CLOSED.
PLEASE STAY OFF this trail — active logging operations are taking place. To clarify, Trail 1 is closed from the south end of Lake Gogebic where it meets Trail 100, all the way up to M-28 where it connects with Trail 8.
‼️ Trail 102 is TEMPORARILY CLOSED.
Storm Clean up
‼️ Trail 13S from Root Cellar South is TEMPORARILY CLOSED.
Storm Clean up and working on a reroute on south end of Lake Gogebic
We appreciate your cooperation as we work to get everything opened safely. #lakegogebic #westernup
DNR-designated snowmobile trails (PUBLIC)
midnr.maps.arcgis.com
DNR-designated snowmobile trails public viewer. SIDNAW - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Sno Valley Riders Snowmobile Club >> Groomer Report:
Trail Condition: Fair
Last Groomed: December 10th, 2025
Our trails took a hit with the storm on the 26th of November.
We have been clearing fallen trees and limbs on the trails since the storm.
Our part of trail 8 from Ewen to Sidnaw is open and groomed as well as trail 174 and 3 south of the railroad grade.
Trail 3 north from Bruce Crossing to near Rockland is still not groom able, there are crews working on it every day.
If anyone would like to lend a hand clearing the trails it would be greatly appreciated.
Please ride on the RIGHT side of the trail and STOP at the stop signs!
Stay on the trail, if you don’t we could lose trail permissions on private property.
Groomers have the right of way on the trails, pull over and stop to let them safely pass!
We now have Groomer Tracker installed in our groomers.
We groom every day that the weather conditions and equipment allow. Unforeseen circumstances may prevent us from going out, like a major blizzard and being snowed in at our homes or equipment breakdowns. #sidnaw #westernup #snowphotosGroomer Report:
Trail Condition: Fair
Last Groomed: December 10th, 2025
Our trails took a hit with the storm on the 26th of November.
We have been clearing fallen trees and limbs on the trails since the storm.
Our part of trail 8 from Ewen to Sidnaw is open and groomed as well as trail 174 and 3 south of the railroad grade.
Trail 3 north from Bruce Crossing to near Rockland is still not groom able, there are crews working on it every day.
If anyone would like to lend a hand clearing the trails it would be greatly appreciated.
Please ride on the RIGHT side of the trail and STOP at the stop signs!
Stay on the trail, if you don’t we could lose trail permissions on private property.
Groomers have the right of way on the trails, pull over and stop to let them safely pass!
We now have Groomer Tracker installed in our groomers.
We groom every day that the weather conditions and equipment allow. Unforeseen circumstances may prevent us from going out, like a major blizzard and being snowed in at our homes or equipment breakdowns.
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Lake effect snow weakens today, though a couple of inches of fluffy snow is still possible over the east today. The next system to bring widespread snow arrives Friday, with snow totals near 3 inches of the east and for the Copper Country with totals around an inch elsewhere before NW wind lake effect snow resumes. Look for low temps to fall to near 0 in the interior west Friday night! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaLake effect snow weakens today, though a couple of inches of fluffy snow is still possible over the east today. The next system to bring widespread snow arrives Friday, with snow totals near 3 inches of the east and for the Copper Country with totals around an inch elsewhere before NW wind lake effect snow resumes. Look for low temps to fall to near 0 in the interior west Friday night!
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Northwest lake effect snow showers continue, mainly over the eastern U.P. through Thursday night. Cold temperatures persist with lows in the single digits to low 20s, coldest interior west, and highs on Thursday in the 20s. Expect single digit wind chills during the overnight periods. The next round of widespread light snowfall arrives on Friday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaNorthwest lake effect snow showers continue, mainly over the eastern U.P. through Thursday night. Cold temperatures persist with lows in the single digits to low 20s, coldest interior west, and highs on Thursday in the 20s. Expect single digit wind chills during the overnight periods. The next round of widespread light snowfall arrives on Friday.
IRONWOOD - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Gogebic Range Trail Authority - ORV & Snowmobile Club >> Carter was out last night grooming trail 8 out of Wakefield for the 1st time. Still lots of trees hanging over the trail. The Winter Weather Advisory we were in last night to this morning did not produce the snow like they said. But, it is snowing!
It will be a busy weekend with the Snocross races happening at Mt. Zion in Ironwood on the 12th & 13th. It’s been a great turn out every year!
Tomorrow night, December 11, Hurley will have their Red Light Rally Parade. Line up at 5:00, parade at 6:00.
Kami
GRTA Secretary #ironwood #westernup #snowphotos
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> ❄️Trail Report December 10th 2025
🥵Good Day from the trenches....
👀Trails remain hazardous and in early season conditions with wet areas, downed trees, and with some trails yet to be opened by grooming equipment. We seek snowmobiler's help riding trail 12 from Ontonagon to Greenland. The swamps between the highway and the railroad grade need traffic to help freeze them in so we can go fill in the rest of the water holes. Most of our trail system is enjoying 18-36" of snow, but areas near the lakeshore have limited snow (5"). 4-6" of fresh snow fell yesterday with more lake effect on-going today. IT IS SNOWY!!!!
🤘GROOMED LAST NIGHT: Trail 12 railroad grade from Ontonagon to Rockland. Groomer then went down 13 to 101 and back to staging at Hamilton's North Coast Adventures on trail 12. The ditch trails along Victoria Road and Potato Farm road have been cut in again after plowing. We had a hydraulic leak cut the night short, but we plan to work on trail 12 to white pine to put a few more wet areas to bed now that we have the Trail Setter drag on. Thank you TJ Toner of White Pine for giving his night up to train on the PistenBully with Steve.
🤞Once trail 13 from Bergland to our section of 13 is opened, you'll once again be able to ride directly from Hurley, WI to Houghton, MI. A by-pass using the 400 road, accessed via 13, can get you up to where 13 is groomed. You can also bypass the unopened trail via trail 1 to White Pine then east on trail 12 to 101 to 13. Riding without road or trail is permissible in the Ottawa National Forest if there is more than 6" of snow and the area is not Wilderness or protected (be smart, please...).
😍Great Snow exists up here with tremendous trailside stops waiting for you this weekend! Bring some brushing equipment and come on up! Give the trails 1, 2 hours of your time. You'll never believe how big of an impact 4 people with a purpose can make! #ontonagon #westernup
WATERSMEET AREA - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via U.P. Thunder Riders Snowmobile Club >> UPDATED 12/10/25-Crews will be out working the last few miles of blockages on our trail system. We should have a more clear trail report Friday.
If you are out on the trails please watch for work crews and small debris left on our trails. #watersmeet #westernup
WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> Northwest winds kick in later today, allowing for lake effect snow to return primarily for the areas drenched in shades of blue. A couple locations will pick up 1-3" or greater within the most intense bands. We are monitoring the Kalkaska county region the closest for potential upgrades, but this should be a good base forecast to get you through the end of the day on Thursday, December 11th. This forecast starts at 5 pm EST this evening when the advisories end for the system, while the lake effect bands begin coming on shore. A couple of squalls may produce blowing snow, reduced visibilities under half a mile, and a very miniscule chance for thundersnow. Areas without a color designation are not anticipated to benefit from the lake effect snow this time around.
We are watching for more snow chances Friday into Saturday. More details either later today, or first thing tomorrow. Keep it tuned in here at MSC! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyNorthwest winds kick in later today, allowing for lake effect snow to return primarily for the areas drenched in shades of blue. A couple locations will pick up 1-3" or greater within the most intense bands. We are monitoring the Kalkaska county region the closest for potential upgrades, but this should be a good base forecast to get you through the end of the day on Thursday, December 11th. This forecast starts at 5 pm EST this evening when the advisories end for the system, while the lake effect bands begin coming on shore. A couple of squalls may produce blowing snow, reduced visibilities under half a mile, and a very miniscule chance for thundersnow. Areas without a color designation are not anticipated to benefit from the lake effect snow this time around.
We are watching for more snow chances Friday into Saturday. More details either later today, or first thing tomorrow. Keep it tuned in here at MSC!
-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
Mike Hayes Roofing & Siding | 810-984-4564, call today for all your roofing and siding needs in Sanilac and St. Clair counties!
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Lake effect snow returns to the UP today through tomorrow for the north to northwest wind snowbelts. The greatest accumulations are expected east of Marquette. Gusty north to northwest winds may create areas of low visibility and blowing snow at times. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaLake effect snow returns to the UP today through tomorrow for the north to northwest wind snowbelts. The greatest accumulations are expected east of Marquette. Gusty north to northwest winds may create areas of low visibility and blowing snow at times.
Load more
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> NCSC would like to extend a special shoutout to the Michigan DNR!
Thank you to Ron Yesney, Carly Graff and John Codere for sharing DNR Rangers, Kristen, Dante and Corey with us for the past two days clearing our trails.
Thanks also to Hamilton's North Coast Adventures for donating use of their rental sleds to our clean-up efforts.
Lastly, thanks to our own VP, Rick for his tireless efforts to ensure consistent forward progress on this trail clearing project.
TRAIL REPORT:
- We were able to clear our section of trail 13 from Norwich Rd to the junction with GAG's trail 13 south.
- Tuesday night we were able to groom trail 137 and 13 from the groomer barn in Ontonagon and trail 101 to LP Walsh Rd. Shoutout to Steve and TJ for trail setting those trails.-
- Trail 12 still has many trees down through the power lines and along Norwich Rd. Trail 12 to Driess Creek remains closed due to downed trees.
- All our trails are still in need of TLC, however, Trail 12 between Potato Farm Road and Greenland is in dire need of attention, if anyone is so inclined to volunteer with chainsaws and strong backs.
PS - We would also like to thank the four snowmobilers, two from Minnesota and two from Wisconsin, for finding all our electric chainsaw batteries on trail 1 just south of White Pine. #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Impactful winter weather returns this weekend in the form of moderate to heavy lake effect snow and dangerous wind chills. A cold front brings light snow to the U.P. before lake effect snow ramps up across the northwest wind snowbelts this afternoon, persisting into Sunday. Frigid temperatures and gusty winds will result in wind chills falling far below zero for much of the interior west and central.
For additional information, including expected snowfall totals and an hourly breakdown of temperatures, winds, and windchills, please view the full briefing packet found here: www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf
Stay safe! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> The switch is being flipped into the "on" position for lake effect snow this weekend. Much of what you see won't fall today, but as our extremely cold air mass pushes in late tonight, flurries will begin to fly. Much of the higher totals begin beyond 8 pm EST tonight. Lakeshore areas should prepare for travel delays primarily after this time beginning tonight. Heavy lake effect snow will continue on Saturday thanks to a west-northwest wind, which hints at a shift to out of the northwest by Sunday.
There are concerns with dry air, however the favorable zone for dendrites (snowflakes) to form is essentially on the ground with how cold it'll be. Air temperatures on Saturday alone in the UP may just barely be in the positive single-digits. Wind gusts this weekend may jump to 30-35 mph too, so some of this lake effect snow will push further inland. Totals of 1-3" & 2-6" is a safe bet for much of west and southwest Michigan. Some places may jump above 6" where the heaviest of banding sets up. Further north, our typically higher terrain in the Gaylord region will likely see snowfall totals over 6". Into the UP, much cooler temperatures exist here, and snowfall rates may exceed 1" per hour at times. Totals closer to the one foot mark are likely. The western UP does exhibit a decent chance at totals crossing into the 12-24" category. At the current time, totals are leaning on the lower end of the 12-24" category, but those hotspots where microclimate factors come into play could easily push the upper-bounds of this category. SE Michigan... life carries on once more. Being so far away from the lake effect zones, it's expected that you all will get an inch at most. Isolated hotspots of 1-2" are possible, but don't get your hopes up unless you're close to the Ohio border.
Why 1-3" at the border? Well, we do have a clipper passing to our south Saturday, hence the added 1-3" zone that runs along the MI/IN/OH border. Stay tuned here at MSC for updates this weekend on the lake effect snow AND cold that's set to impact us through Monday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyThe switch is being flipped into the "on" position for lake effect snow this weekend. Much of what you see won't fall today, but as our extremely cold air mass pushes in late tonight, flurries will begin to fly. Much of the higher totals begin beyond 8 pm EST tonight. Lakeshore areas should prepare for travel delays primarily after this time beginning tonight. Heavy lake effect snow will continue on Saturday thanks to a west-northwest wind, which hints at a shift to out of the northwest by Sunday.
There are concerns with dry air, however the favorable zone for dendrites (snowflakes) to form is essentially on the ground with how cold it'll be. Air temperatures on Saturday alone in the UP may just barely be in the positive single-digits. Wind gusts this weekend may jump to 30-35 mph too, so some of this lake effect snow will push further inland. Totals of 1-3" & 2-6" is a safe bet for much of west and southwest Michigan. Some places may jump above 6" where the heaviest of banding sets up. Further north, our typically higher terrain in the Gaylord region will likely see snowfall totals over 6". Into the UP, much cooler temperatures exist here, and snowfall rates may exceed 1" per hour at times. Totals closer to the one foot mark are likely. The western UP does exhibit a decent chance at totals crossing into the 12-24" category. At the current time, totals are leaning on the lower end of the 12-24" category, but those hotspots where microclimate factors come into play could easily push the upper-bounds of this category. SE Michigan... life carries on once more. Being so far away from the lake effect zones, it's expected that you all will get an inch at most. Isolated hotspots of 1-2" are possible, but don't get your hopes up unless you're close to the Ohio border.
Why 1-3" at the border? Well, we do have a clipper passing to our south Saturday, hence the added 1-3" zone that runs along the MI/IN/OH border. Stay tuned here at MSC for updates this weekend on the lake effect snow AND cold that's set to impact us through Monday.
-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
McKay Tree Specialists | 248-308-7308, call today for all your tree care needs in SE Michigan!
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A cold front will push through the area on Friday bringing a period of light snow across the U.P Friday afternoon and early evening. Lake effect snow will develop Friday night and continue into Saturday for the northwest wind snowbelts. Windy conditions and cold temperatures will result in wind chills in the -10s and -20s Friday night into Saturday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaA cold front will push through the area on Friday bringing a period of light snow across the U.P Friday afternoon and early evening. Lake effect snow will develop Friday night and continue into Saturday for the northwest wind snowbelts. Windy conditions and cold temperatures will result in wind chills in the -10s and -20s Friday night into Saturday.
WEATHER UPDATE via Meteorologist Brad Sugden >> SNOW TIME!!
Posted December 11th at 7pm.
This is for Friday night, AND Saturday, AND Sunday. Don't come at me Saturday morning and tell me I'm wrong. Read, please!
Lake effect kicks in after a weak clipper system Friday night into Saturday morning for those in the U.P. and Northern Lower. Lake effect goes most of Saturday in a west northwest wind.
Sunday, that wind is more north. That'll keep the lake effect coming off Lake Superior for the U.P., but confine it to the shoreline areas of the Lower Peninsula.
IT. WILL. BE. COLD. Therefore, we'll have some intense lake effect bands. Some of the smaller lake effect bands in between the bigger ones that develop won't make it very far inland in the cold, dry air. Highs on Saturday will be in the single digits in the West U.P. and 10s every where else. Wind chill will be sub-zero all day long.
Sunday will warm a tad, but still be cold and windy.
I'll post daily maps individually over the next 24hrs. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey
WATERSMEET - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via U.P. Thunder Riders Snowmobile Club >> UPDATED 12/11/25- Crews finally pushed through and cleared all the trails on Wednesday and we sent our two groomers out today (Thursday) and were able to pan everything. Still had a few more trees come down and small stuff to clear but they are all groomed. This is early season and with the storm damage don’t expect things to be great. We have a good start to building a base but it is thin now that everything is packed down. So time for some normal snow. Early season conditions, Ride Right , stay safe and again a HUGE THANK YOU to all the crews with there equipment and the snowmobilers who helped with the cleanup. #watersmeet #westernup #snowphotos
LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Gogebic Area Grooming >> 🚨Lake Gogebic Area Trails Update 🚨
We currently have multiple trail closures throughout the system. Please watch for and respect all posted signs — they are in place for everyone’s safety.
‼️ Trail 1 is TEMPORARILY CLOSED.
PLEASE STAY OFF this trail — active logging operations are taking place. To clarify, Trail 1 is closed from the south end of Lake Gogebic where it meets Trail 100, all the way up to M-28 where it connects with Trail 8.
‼️ Trail 102 is TEMPORARILY CLOSED.
Storm Clean up
‼️ Trail 13S from Root Cellar South is TEMPORARILY CLOSED.
Storm Clean up and working on a reroute on south end of Lake Gogebic
We appreciate your cooperation as we work to get everything opened safely. #lakegogebic #westernup
DNR-designated snowmobile trails (PUBLIC)
midnr.maps.arcgis.com
DNR-designated snowmobile trails public viewer.SIDNAW - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Sno Valley Riders Snowmobile Club >> Groomer Report:
Trail Condition: Fair
Last Groomed: December 10th, 2025
Our trails took a hit with the storm on the 26th of November.
We have been clearing fallen trees and limbs on the trails since the storm.
Our part of trail 8 from Ewen to Sidnaw is open and groomed as well as trail 174 and 3 south of the railroad grade.
Trail 3 north from Bruce Crossing to near Rockland is still not groom able, there are crews working on it every day.
If anyone would like to lend a hand clearing the trails it would be greatly appreciated.
Please ride on the RIGHT side of the trail and STOP at the stop signs!
Stay on the trail, if you don’t we could lose trail permissions on private property.
Groomers have the right of way on the trails, pull over and stop to let them safely pass!
We now have Groomer Tracker installed in our groomers.
We groom every day that the weather conditions and equipment allow. Unforeseen circumstances may prevent us from going out, like a major blizzard and being snowed in at our homes or equipment breakdowns. #sidnaw #westernup #snowphotosGroomer Report:
Trail Condition: Fair
Last Groomed: December 10th, 2025
Our trails took a hit with the storm on the 26th of November.
We have been clearing fallen trees and limbs on the trails since the storm.
Our part of trail 8 from Ewen to Sidnaw is open and groomed as well as trail 174 and 3 south of the railroad grade.
Trail 3 north from Bruce Crossing to near Rockland is still not groom able, there are crews working on it every day.
If anyone would like to lend a hand clearing the trails it would be greatly appreciated.
Please ride on the RIGHT side of the trail and STOP at the stop signs!
Stay on the trail, if you don’t we could lose trail permissions on private property.
Groomers have the right of way on the trails, pull over and stop to let them safely pass!
We now have Groomer Tracker installed in our groomers.
We groom every day that the weather conditions and equipment allow. Unforeseen circumstances may prevent us from going out, like a major blizzard and being snowed in at our homes or equipment breakdowns.
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Lake effect snow weakens today, though a couple of inches of fluffy snow is still possible over the east today. The next system to bring widespread snow arrives Friday, with snow totals near 3 inches of the east and for the Copper Country with totals around an inch elsewhere before NW wind lake effect snow resumes. Look for low temps to fall to near 0 in the interior west Friday night! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaLake effect snow weakens today, though a couple of inches of fluffy snow is still possible over the east today. The next system to bring widespread snow arrives Friday, with snow totals near 3 inches of the east and for the Copper Country with totals around an inch elsewhere before NW wind lake effect snow resumes. Look for low temps to fall to near 0 in the interior west Friday night!
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Northwest lake effect snow showers continue, mainly over the eastern U.P. through Thursday night. Cold temperatures persist with lows in the single digits to low 20s, coldest interior west, and highs on Thursday in the 20s. Expect single digit wind chills during the overnight periods. The next round of widespread light snowfall arrives on Friday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaNorthwest lake effect snow showers continue, mainly over the eastern U.P. through Thursday night. Cold temperatures persist with lows in the single digits to low 20s, coldest interior west, and highs on Thursday in the 20s. Expect single digit wind chills during the overnight periods. The next round of widespread light snowfall arrives on Friday.
IRONWOOD - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Gogebic Range Trail Authority - ORV & Snowmobile Club >> Carter was out last night grooming trail 8 out of Wakefield for the 1st time. Still lots of trees hanging over the trail. The Winter Weather Advisory we were in last night to this morning did not produce the snow like they said. But, it is snowing!
It will be a busy weekend with the Snocross races happening at Mt. Zion in Ironwood on the 12th & 13th. It’s been a great turn out every year!
Tomorrow night, December 11, Hurley will have their Red Light Rally Parade. Line up at 5:00, parade at 6:00.
Kami
GRTA Secretary #ironwood #westernup #snowphotos
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> ❄️Trail Report December 10th 2025
🥵Good Day from the trenches....
👀Trails remain hazardous and in early season conditions with wet areas, downed trees, and with some trails yet to be opened by grooming equipment. We seek snowmobiler's help riding trail 12 from Ontonagon to Greenland. The swamps between the highway and the railroad grade need traffic to help freeze them in so we can go fill in the rest of the water holes. Most of our trail system is enjoying 18-36" of snow, but areas near the lakeshore have limited snow (5"). 4-6" of fresh snow fell yesterday with more lake effect on-going today. IT IS SNOWY!!!!
🤘GROOMED LAST NIGHT: Trail 12 railroad grade from Ontonagon to Rockland. Groomer then went down 13 to 101 and back to staging at Hamilton's North Coast Adventures on trail 12. The ditch trails along Victoria Road and Potato Farm road have been cut in again after plowing. We had a hydraulic leak cut the night short, but we plan to work on trail 12 to white pine to put a few more wet areas to bed now that we have the Trail Setter drag on. Thank you TJ Toner of White Pine for giving his night up to train on the PistenBully with Steve.
🤞Once trail 13 from Bergland to our section of 13 is opened, you'll once again be able to ride directly from Hurley, WI to Houghton, MI. A by-pass using the 400 road, accessed via 13, can get you up to where 13 is groomed. You can also bypass the unopened trail via trail 1 to White Pine then east on trail 12 to 101 to 13. Riding without road or trail is permissible in the Ottawa National Forest if there is more than 6" of snow and the area is not Wilderness or protected (be smart, please...).
😍Great Snow exists up here with tremendous trailside stops waiting for you this weekend! Bring some brushing equipment and come on up! Give the trails 1, 2 hours of your time. You'll never believe how big of an impact 4 people with a purpose can make! #ontonagon #westernup
WATERSMEET AREA - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via U.P. Thunder Riders Snowmobile Club >> UPDATED 12/10/25-Crews will be out working the last few miles of blockages on our trail system. We should have a more clear trail report Friday.
If you are out on the trails please watch for work crews and small debris left on our trails. #watersmeet #westernup
WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> Northwest winds kick in later today, allowing for lake effect snow to return primarily for the areas drenched in shades of blue. A couple locations will pick up 1-3" or greater within the most intense bands. We are monitoring the Kalkaska county region the closest for potential upgrades, but this should be a good base forecast to get you through the end of the day on Thursday, December 11th. This forecast starts at 5 pm EST this evening when the advisories end for the system, while the lake effect bands begin coming on shore. A couple of squalls may produce blowing snow, reduced visibilities under half a mile, and a very miniscule chance for thundersnow. Areas without a color designation are not anticipated to benefit from the lake effect snow this time around.
We are watching for more snow chances Friday into Saturday. More details either later today, or first thing tomorrow. Keep it tuned in here at MSC! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyNorthwest winds kick in later today, allowing for lake effect snow to return primarily for the areas drenched in shades of blue. A couple locations will pick up 1-3" or greater within the most intense bands. We are monitoring the Kalkaska county region the closest for potential upgrades, but this should be a good base forecast to get you through the end of the day on Thursday, December 11th. This forecast starts at 5 pm EST this evening when the advisories end for the system, while the lake effect bands begin coming on shore. A couple of squalls may produce blowing snow, reduced visibilities under half a mile, and a very miniscule chance for thundersnow. Areas without a color designation are not anticipated to benefit from the lake effect snow this time around.
We are watching for more snow chances Friday into Saturday. More details either later today, or first thing tomorrow. Keep it tuned in here at MSC!
-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
Mike Hayes Roofing & Siding | 810-984-4564, call today for all your roofing and siding needs in Sanilac and St. Clair counties!
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Lake effect snow returns to the UP today through tomorrow for the north to northwest wind snowbelts. The greatest accumulations are expected east of Marquette. Gusty north to northwest winds may create areas of low visibility and blowing snow at times. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaLake effect snow returns to the UP today through tomorrow for the north to northwest wind snowbelts. The greatest accumulations are expected east of Marquette. Gusty north to northwest winds may create areas of low visibility and blowing snow at times.
<>
Latest Trail Reports – Quick Links
- St. Helen – Roscommon Trail Report – 12/12
- Grand Marais Area Trail Report – 12/12
- Sault Ste. Marie Area Trail Report – 12/12
- Ontonagon Area Trail Report – 12/12
- Newberry Area Trail Report – 12/12
- Gaylord Area Trail Report – 12/12
- Frederic / Gaylord Area Trail Report – Sledheads of Frederic – 12/12
- Petoskey Area Trail Report – 12/11
- Keweenaw Peninsula Trail Report – 12/11
- Munising Area Trail Report – 12/11
- Watersmeet – Western U.P. Trail Report – 12/11
- Baldwin Area Trail Report – 12/11
- Lake Gogebic Area Trail Report – 12/11
- Benzie Area Trail Report – 12/11
- Sidnaw – Western U.P. Trail Report – 12/11
- Frederic / Gaylord Area Trail Report – Sledheads of Frederic – 12/11
- Gaylord Area Trail Report – 12/10
- Newberry Area Trail Report – 12/11
- Sault Ste. Marie Area Trail Report – 12/11
- Curtis Area Trail Report – 12/10
- Ironwood – Western U.P. Trail Report – 12/10
- Ontonagon Area Trail Report – 12/10
- Watersmeet – Western U.P. Trail Report – 12/10
- Cadillac Area Trail Report – 12/10
- Ontonagon Area Trail Report – 12/09
- Lake Gogebic Area Trail Report – 12/09
- Sault Ste. Marie Area Trail Report – 12/09
- Petoskey Area Trail Report – 12/09
<>