Ironwood Trail Report – 12/13
IRONWOOD / WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Gogebic Range Trail Authority – ORV & Snowmobile Club – 12/13
FROM THE TRAIL BOSS
We continue to bust our ass to get the new reroute put in, it is not open yet though. Thank you Paul from Angelo Luppino Paving & Contracting for the quick help. That Brian guy operating isn’t too bad either! We expect to have the trail open this Thursday with a Ribbon Cutting event this Saturday 10am. Do not drive around any barriers on this trail, they will be removed when it is open! Continued thanks to Charlie B. Brian H. Brian Blaze Shawn S. Greg H. Matt R. McKabe M. and many more for their continued help. Thank you Para family for your support of the trail. Thank you Gogebic County Road Commission, City of Wakefield, Bessemer Township for your continued support of motorized tourism. Riders, you need to respect the residents along this route by following the speed limit signage when the trail opens (25 MPH and 35 MPH accordingly) . We are looking at a fantastic storm this week that should flip the switch to great trail conditions overnight. Stay Tuned. Trail Boss out….
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Report via Gogebic Range Trail Authority Website
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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 #petoskeySNOW 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.
Please use my sponsor Generator Magic for parts if you need them! They are Michigan based and do nationwide shipping.
Lastly, please use a reaction to this post to help the Facebook algorithm distribute it into more feeds. This is a way we can combat the AI and other snow JUNK on the platform. A simple like from you will spread the real forecast far and wide! Thank you!!!
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!
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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.
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A quick batch of snowfall is expected tonight into Wednesday as a clipper system tracks to the south. Mainly 1 to 3 inches are expected area-wide. Light lake effect snow lingers in the north, then northwest wind belts Wednesday and Thursday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaA quick batch of snowfall is expected tonight into Wednesday as a clipper system tracks to the south. Mainly 1 to 3 inches are expected area-wide. Light lake effect snow lingers in the north, then northwest wind belts Wednesday and Thursday.
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> Please enjoy the video our operator Jay Ripp from Cross Plains, WI and his buddy Quincy from Saturday night while they groomed from Ontonagon to LP Walsh Road Saturday into Sunday Morning. Hit and miss grooming is on-going as we continue to work on trails.
‼️BE ALERT‼️
We have had some calvary arrive today to help us brush!😍 We will update you on their progress and plans when they get out of the bush. We are very grateful for our Presidents today, VP Ricky Bailey is taking the crew out after President Mac got them all scheduled. It takes a village!
We will post a more complete trail report tomorrow once we get more time on the trails.
Follow along our page, Gogebic Area Grooming, Erika’s Trail Reports - Western UP/Porkies/Ottawa Forest/Ontonagon County, and Keweenaw Trail Reports for the best, most up to date information! COME ON UP and give back to the trails that have given you so much. We really need people out riding with saws in the woods helping to reopen trails!
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS! #ontonagon #westernup #keweenaw #snowphotos
LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Gogebic Area Grooming >> Bergland Area Groomer's 12-9-25.
8w to Wakefield was opened up today and is safe to run. You will come across a lot of twiggy brush and wet spots but it is opened up. Follow signs and expect early season conditions. We'll send a drag down it tomorrow evening. The guy's will attempt to get 13n opened up tomorrow. Thanks everyone Gogebic Area Grooming ❄️❄️❄️ #lakegogebic #westernup #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Ongoing snowfall will taper off through this morning before a second clipper takes aim at the Great Lakes tonight through Wednesday morning. Uncertainty in the track of the clipper system could impact snowfall amounts. At this time, the highest snowfall amounts are expected across WI up to the UP border counties. Light lake effect snow will linger for the N to NW wind snowbelts Wednesday.
Find the full weather briefing here: www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
WEATHER UPDATE via Meteorologist Brad Sugden >> Timing post!!
Most of us got that quick burst of 1-2" (locally 3") earlier, and we're already onto the next system - later today!! Fast!
Notice we'll have a distinct rain/ snow line to the south.
Models have all come together nicely. That's a great thing because it lines up with my forecast quite nice. My snow map was posted earlier! Scroll my page!
Some areas are looking at up to 6"of snow.
Rain falling into cold snow pack roads will cause some very slick conditions. Dirt roads, I'm talking to you! You know this already, though haha.
Most treated roads to the south will be ok, though. Anywhere all snow all the time (north of I-96) will be very slow going!
Want a home with a fireplace and big windows to watch the snow!? (I dream of this) #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey
SIDNAW - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Sno Valley Riders Snowmobile Club >> 🚨 Trail Safety Reminder 🚨
As we keep working to get the system cleaned up, please slow down around curves and ride with extra caution.
Our crews and volunteers are out on the trails clearing downed trees and brushing after the storm. Many are on foot or operating equipment, and visibility can be limited—especially in tight corners and wooded areas.
A few reminders to keep everyone safe:
• Ease up before every curve — you never know who or what is around the bend.
• Watch for parked equipment and crews working on the trail.
• And always remember: the groomer has the right of way.
We appreciate everyone’s patience and safe riding habits while we get the trails cleaned and ready. Let’s all work together to make sure everyone gets home safely. ❄️🛠️🏁 #westernup #snowphotos🚨 Trail Safety Reminder 🚨
As we keep working to get the system cleaned up, please slow down around curves and ride with extra caution.
Our crews and volunteers are out on the trails clearing downed trees and brushing after the storm. Many are on foot or operating equipment, and visibility can be limited—especially in tight corners and wooded areas.
A few reminders to keep everyone safe:
• Ease up before every curve — you never know who or what is around the bend.
• Watch for parked equipment and crews working on the trail.
• And always remember: the groomer has the right of way.
We appreciate everyone’s patience and safe riding habits while we get the trails cleaned and ready. Let’s all work together to make sure everyone gets home safely. ❄️🛠️🏁
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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 #petoskeySNOW 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.
Please use my sponsor Generator Magic for parts if you need them! They are Michigan based and do nationwide shipping.
Lastly, please use a reaction to this post to help the Facebook algorithm distribute it into more feeds. This is a way we can combat the AI and other snow JUNK on the platform. A simple like from you will spread the real forecast far and wide! Thank you!!!
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!
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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.
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A quick batch of snowfall is expected tonight into Wednesday as a clipper system tracks to the south. Mainly 1 to 3 inches are expected area-wide. Light lake effect snow lingers in the north, then northwest wind belts Wednesday and Thursday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaA quick batch of snowfall is expected tonight into Wednesday as a clipper system tracks to the south. Mainly 1 to 3 inches are expected area-wide. Light lake effect snow lingers in the north, then northwest wind belts Wednesday and Thursday.
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> Please enjoy the video our operator Jay Ripp from Cross Plains, WI and his buddy Quincy from Saturday night while they groomed from Ontonagon to LP Walsh Road Saturday into Sunday Morning. Hit and miss grooming is on-going as we continue to work on trails.
‼️BE ALERT‼️
We have had some calvary arrive today to help us brush!😍 We will update you on their progress and plans when they get out of the bush. We are very grateful for our Presidents today, VP Ricky Bailey is taking the crew out after President Mac got them all scheduled. It takes a village!
We will post a more complete trail report tomorrow once we get more time on the trails.
Follow along our page, Gogebic Area Grooming, Erika’s Trail Reports - Western UP/Porkies/Ottawa Forest/Ontonagon County, and Keweenaw Trail Reports for the best, most up to date information! COME ON UP and give back to the trails that have given you so much. We really need people out riding with saws in the woods helping to reopen trails!
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS! #ontonagon #westernup #keweenaw #snowphotos
LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Gogebic Area Grooming >> Bergland Area Groomer's 12-9-25.
8w to Wakefield was opened up today and is safe to run. You will come across a lot of twiggy brush and wet spots but it is opened up. Follow signs and expect early season conditions. We'll send a drag down it tomorrow evening. The guy's will attempt to get 13n opened up tomorrow. Thanks everyone Gogebic Area Grooming ❄️❄️❄️ #lakegogebic #westernup #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Ongoing snowfall will taper off through this morning before a second clipper takes aim at the Great Lakes tonight through Wednesday morning. Uncertainty in the track of the clipper system could impact snowfall amounts. At this time, the highest snowfall amounts are expected across WI up to the UP border counties. Light lake effect snow will linger for the N to NW wind snowbelts Wednesday.
Find the full weather briefing here: www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
WEATHER UPDATE via Meteorologist Brad Sugden >> Timing post!!
Most of us got that quick burst of 1-2" (locally 3") earlier, and we're already onto the next system - later today!! Fast!
Notice we'll have a distinct rain/ snow line to the south.
Models have all come together nicely. That's a great thing because it lines up with my forecast quite nice. My snow map was posted earlier! Scroll my page!
Some areas are looking at up to 6"of snow.
Rain falling into cold snow pack roads will cause some very slick conditions. Dirt roads, I'm talking to you! You know this already, though haha.
Most treated roads to the south will be ok, though. Anywhere all snow all the time (north of I-96) will be very slow going!
Want a home with a fireplace and big windows to watch the snow!? (I dream of this) #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey
SIDNAW - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Sno Valley Riders Snowmobile Club >> 🚨 Trail Safety Reminder 🚨
As we keep working to get the system cleaned up, please slow down around curves and ride with extra caution.
Our crews and volunteers are out on the trails clearing downed trees and brushing after the storm. Many are on foot or operating equipment, and visibility can be limited—especially in tight corners and wooded areas.
A few reminders to keep everyone safe:
• Ease up before every curve — you never know who or what is around the bend.
• Watch for parked equipment and crews working on the trail.
• And always remember: the groomer has the right of way.
We appreciate everyone’s patience and safe riding habits while we get the trails cleaned and ready. Let’s all work together to make sure everyone gets home safely. ❄️🛠️🏁 #westernup #snowphotos🚨 Trail Safety Reminder 🚨
As we keep working to get the system cleaned up, please slow down around curves and ride with extra caution.
Our crews and volunteers are out on the trails clearing downed trees and brushing after the storm. Many are on foot or operating equipment, and visibility can be limited—especially in tight corners and wooded areas.
A few reminders to keep everyone safe:
• Ease up before every curve — you never know who or what is around the bend.
• Watch for parked equipment and crews working on the trail.
• And always remember: the groomer has the right of way.
We appreciate everyone’s patience and safe riding habits while we get the trails cleaned and ready. Let’s all work together to make sure everyone gets home safely. ❄️🛠️🏁
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Latest Trail Reports – Quick Links
- 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
- Keweenaw Peninsula Trail Report – 12/09
- Sidnaw – Western U.P. Trail Report – 12/09
- Ironwood Area – Western U.P. Trail Report – 12/09
- Lake Gogebic Area Trail Report – 12/09
- Ontonagon Area Trail Report – 12/09
- Munising Area Trail Report – 12/08
- Sault Ste. Marie Area Trail Report – 12/08
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