Ironwood Trail Report – 03/05
IRONWOOD / WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Gogebic Range Trail Authority – ORV & Snowmobile Club – 03/05
TONIGHT: 160 will be groomed completely. Trails 2 & 8 will be groomed completely from Wakefield and east. Trail 11S will also be groomed completely. Single digit lows will allow quick tightening up of trails. But they will fade fast as the heat sets in during late afternoons. We suggest trailering to Wakefield and parking at the “Park and ride” spots noted in the post shared below. Areas with no southern side tree cover are baking considerably today as the temperature is climbing several degrees higher than forecast. The crew spent 8 HOURS last night bring snow onto the trail near Walmart and through trail 2’s “Ski hill” section. It’s tedious, grueling and stressful work but we know how coveted these last few days are and we are doing everything we can to make them the best possible.
You can support our all volunteer efforts by purchasing a $25 or $45 membership or sponsoring us. http://gogebicrangeta.org/membership/
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Our all-volunteer crew doesn’t quit! We had a mud spot on trail 2 at Highway 2 crossing east of Bessemer. VP/Trail Boss Jerry and Eric “Shorty” decided to take some ribbon down and bring snow onto the trail. At 7pm last night they did the same thing near Walmart/Trail 160 intersection using a groomer with a front blade and a groomer with a drag. Grooming plans tonight will be to continue bringing snow back onto the trails on main corridors. If temps allow we hope to groom as much as possible for your likely finaly Saturday ride. Hats off to all Western U.P. clubs who have been going wide open the last week working to make conditions as favorable as possible. Trails remain rated fair with good trails out away from towns.
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Report via Gogebic Range Trail Authority Website
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Report via Gogebic Range Trail Authority on Facebook
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Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook
LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Bergland Outfitters Bait Shop & Motel >> My personal trail report.. Trails are very ridable you're going to find thin spots you're going to hit a few rocks it's early season riding. Trail 8 the grade is thin after the rain today.. We are forecasted tonight 3-5 inches of snow .
Lake Gogebic ice report
Lots of water on the ice after this warm up and rain .are a few people fishing yes did a few sleds hit the lake yes BUT I don't recommend a machine on the lake right now . If you want to fish walk and SPUD your way out... #lakegogebic #westernup #snowphotosMy personal trail report.. Trails are very ridable you're going to find thin spots you're going to hit a few rocks it's early season riding. Trail 8 the grade is thin after the rain today.. We are forecasted tonight 3-5 inches of snow .
Lake Gogebic ice report
Lots of water on the ice after this warm up and rain .are a few people fishing yes did a few sleds hit the lake yes BUT I don't recommend a machine on the lake right now . If you want to fish walk and SPUD your way out
WATERSMEET - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via U.P. Thunder Riders Snowmobile Club >> UPDATED 12/18/25-Well Mother Nature is not cooperating with us at the moment. We will not be doing any more grooming until the weather changes and we can get more snow. We will be limiting grooming through Christmas and hopefully weather permitting be able to get on a more regular schedule starting the day after. Hopefully things change soon and everyone can get here to enjoy our trails. Remember Ride Right and stay Safe. #watersmeet #westernup
WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> Lake effect totals through Friday afternoon, December 19th, 2025 have been updated slightly to account for latest shifts in atmospheric conditions.
Discussion
As temperatures fall early Friday, moisture pools back in, mixed with colder air over the warmer lakes, turning on the lake effect machine for both of the Great Lakes that influence our normal lake effect zones. A respectable 1-3" to 2-5" is possible in the fairly typical areas shown on the map. The narrow lane of higher elevation across the Keweenaw Peninsula and Porcupine Mountains are most-likely to experience totals exceeding 6". You may have noticed our one main change was the expansion of T-1" over to the east side of the state just as a general precaution to any snow squalls that make it across the state. Not everyone will get a rogue snow squall, but it is in the odds for nearly everyone. A snow squall is a thin, but intense band of quick snow that can produce at least half an inch of snow in minutes time, while knocking visibility down from 10 miles, to a quarter mile in moments time. Additionally, a quick coating of snow may hide any ice that was able to form from the freeze later tonight. Lake effect snow and snow squalls are poised to start later this evening around 8 pm EST (earlier for the western UP), and run primarily through 1 pm EST Friday. A couple lake effect bands may last through 6 pm across northern Michigan near Gaylord, and the central UP near Munising.
Each area is never guaranteed the totals shown on the screen. This is why we call it a prediction. The totals that are shown however do have the greatest odds of occurring. Yes, we are still trying to find that crystal ball, but no luck to this point. Follow us here at Michigan Storm Chasers for forecast updates, and a little humor on the side, throughout the next few days, and as always, 365 days a year! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyLake effect totals through Friday afternoon, December 19th, 2025 have been updated slightly to account for latest shifts in atmospheric conditions.
Discussion
As temperatures fall early Friday, moisture pools back in, mixed with colder air over the warmer lakes, turning on the lake effect machine for both of the Great Lakes that influence our normal lake effect zones. A respectable 1-3" to 2-5" is possible in the fairly typical areas shown on the map. The narrow lane of higher elevation across the Keweenaw Peninsula and Porcupine Mountains are most-likely to experience totals exceeding 6". You may have noticed our one main change was the expansion of T-1" over to the east side of the state just as a general precaution to any snow squalls that make it across the state. Not everyone will get a rogue snow squall, but it is in the odds for nearly everyone. A snow squall is a thin, but intense band of quick snow that can produce at least half an inch of snow in minutes time, while knocking visibility down from 10 miles, to a quarter mile in moments time. Additionally, a quick coating of snow may hide any ice that was able to form from the freeze later tonight. Lake effect snow and snow squalls are poised to start later this evening around 8 pm EST (earlier for the western UP), and run primarily through 1 pm EST Friday. A couple lake effect bands may last through 6 pm across northern Michigan near Gaylord, and the central UP near Munising.
Each area is never guaranteed the totals shown on the screen. This is why we call it a prediction. The totals that are shown however do have the greatest odds of occurring. Yes, we are still trying to find that crystal ball, but no luck to this point. Follow us here at Michigan Storm Chasers for forecast updates, and a little humor on the side, throughout the next few days, and as always, 365 days a year!
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ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via Scott's Superior Inn and Cabins >> Out on the snowmobile trails today with Jamis doing a little trimming and cleanup—and it really hits you just how much work has already been done by the amazing volunteers from our local zone clubs.
Miles and miles of trails don’t maintain themselves. They exist because of dedicated people who give their time, energy, and equipment so the rest of us can enjoy safe, smooth rides all winter long.
If you love riding these trails, consider becoming a club member or lending a hand whenever you can. Every hour volunteered and every membership makes a real difference.
Let’s take pride in these trails and help keep them in tip-top shape for our kids and for generations of riders to come. ❄️🏁 #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotos
LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Gogebic Area Grooming >> Bergland Groomer's heading out. 8w, 13n, 8e and 1n will all be covered today. Gogebic Area Grooming ❄️❄️❄️ #lakegogebic #westernup #snowphotos
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> Busy days here at NCSC! The storm was a real tough blow but we are continuing to open up our system.
Due to our current weather conditions we will not be grooming for a minimum of 24 hours.
We had a lot help from Team Scott's Superior Inn and Cabins clearing brush on Trail 12, thank you!!!!
We also need to give a big shout out to our Michigan Department of Natural Resources Rangers, Kristin, Cory and Dante for all of the assistance the last week.
We have been from Greenland on Trail 12 to the junction with Trail 137. This section has many wet areas and one large hole adjacent to a beaver dam between Woodspur Rd. and Trail 137.
We have also opened up our original trail configuration along Trail 12 from our clubhouse in Ontonagon to Stimac Rd. to get us off of the Norwich Rd. shoulder. This section has water holes along the section adjacent to The Ontonagon County Airport.
We will continue to brush on Trail 12 along Norwich Road to where it runs onto the powerline and brush that as well.
Trail 12 from Greenland to Potato Farm road is in early season condition and extreme caution should be exercised when riding.
THANK YOU for riding The 906!!! #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotosBusy days here at NCSC! The storm was a real tough blow but we are continuing to open up our system.
Due to our current weather conditions we will not be grooming for a minimum of 24 hours.
We had a lot help from Team Scott's Superior Inn and Cabins clearing brush on Trail 12, thank you!!!!
We also need to give a big shout out to our Michigan Department of Natural Resources Rangers, Kristin, Cory and Dante for all of the assistance the last week.
We have been from Greenland on Trail 12 to the junction with Trail 137. This section has many wet areas and one large hole adjacent to a beaver dam between Woodspur Rd. and Trail 137.
We have also opened up our original trail configuration along Trail 12 from our clubhouse in Ontonagon to Stimac Rd. to get us off of the Norwich Rd. shoulder. This section has water holes along the section adjacent to The Ontonagon County Airport.
We will continue to brush on Trail 12 along Norwich Road to where it runs onto the powerline and brush that as well.
Trail 12 from Greenland to Potato Farm road is in early season condition and extreme caution should be exercised when riding.
THANK YOU for riding The 906!!!
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Active weather is expected for the remainder of the work week. Winds pick up tonight, gusting to 25-45mph (highest in the western and north-central UP), falling back into Thursday morning. Light rain and patchy mixed precipitation return Thursday morning, transitioning over to widespread snow late Thursday into Thursday night before tapering off to light lake effect snow Friday. The heaviest snow accumulations will be across the far western UP. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Gogebic Area Grooming >> Bergland Area Groomer's update for 12-16-25.
Temp's got into the upper 30's today. It shouldn't impact trails, however we will be keeping machines parked this evening.
Pictures are of Trail 13 North of M28 to Rockland and 13 south of the Root Cellar to our turnaround. 13 North of the Root Cellar is still being worked on and we'll hopefully be able to open that up by the end of the week.
If mother nature cooperates we anticipate getting back out there tomorrow.. That's all for now! Gogebic Area Grooming ❄️❄️❄️ #lakegogebic #westernup #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> The UP will experience some impactful weather to round out the work week. Tonight, a Wind Advisory is in effect for the Keweenaw Peninsula for 45+ mph W to NW winds. Then Wednesday night through Friday morning will bring gusty winds and a wintry mix of rain, freezing rain, and/or snow becoming widespread accumulating snow (with the highest chances of multiple inches of snowfall over the north half).
For additional information, view the full briefing packet here: www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaThe UP will experience some impactful weather to round out the work week. Tonight, a Wind Advisory is in effect for the Keweenaw Peninsula for 45+ mph W to NW winds. Then Wednesday night through Friday morning will bring gusty winds and a wintry mix of rain, freezing rain, and/or snow becoming widespread accumulating snow (with the highest chances of multiple inches of snowfall over the north half).
For additional information, view the full briefing packet here: www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Back to back events are expected this week. Expect strong winds this afternoon and tonight, then strong winds, falling temperatures, and snowfall on Thursday and Thursday night. The strong winds for both events night may result in power outages and lakeshore flooding/erosion and/or weakening lake ice. Temperatures will also climb up above freezing today for the first time since late November, with highs remaining in the 30s for the next few days. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> Hats off to Steve from Hamilton's North Coast Adventures for his hard work and dedication. He ran WITH the drag to groom what we could yesterday.
TRAIL REPORT:
Trail 1 was groomed from LP Walsh Road to Silver City and back with some wet spots North of White Pine. A rider ran up to Lake of the Clouds and advised us that there is a large tree on the trail just past the split to Trail 11 (South Boundary Road). Snow is thin thru the woods in The Porkies, but the wet spots have frozen up nicely.
Thanks for the detailed info, Nick!
Trail 12 was groomed between White Pine and the split to Trail 101. There are some wet spots along the LP Walsh Road, ride with caution. The trail is not groomed or cleared of hazards beyond that split going East to the NCSC Clubhouse.
Trail 101 is in great shape!
Trail 13 from the 101 junction to Rockland is cleared thru and groomed, but narrow in spots, ride with caution.
Trail12/137 (The railroad grade) between Rockland and Ontonagon is in good shape, but Trail 12 going East to Greenland has not yet been cleared.
If you are running Groomer Tracker please keep in mind that some of the groomers are still running with no drags, clearing trail and or rolling and compacting. Please check with individual clubs to get the full scoop B4 you ride. #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotos
WATERSMEET - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via U.P. Thunder Riders Snowmobile Club >> UPDATED 12/16/25- We had a groomer go out on our north/ south run giving mixed reviews. The grade going east out of town is thin in spots and needs snow and the area of trail 3 going north from the grade is still a little ruff and needs more snow to fill in the holes so it can start to flatten out. He reported down to Lando to be nice and when you start getting farther north on trail 3 it gets better. Due to the warm up today (Tuesday) we are waiting to send groomer west until Wednesday. We are not on a full grooming schedule yet but trails are starting to shape up good but we could definitely use some new snow. Again because of the storm and early season watch out for small debris in the trails, help us out if you see something please stop and get it off the trail as it will be safer for everyone. As always please ride to the right and ride safe. #westernup
BESSEMER - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Trails-North Powersports LLC >> 🥰 The trails were pretty decent from Bessemer to Bergland 🤟😊 a few wet areas and several low branches but really overall worth making the trip 🤟 Trails are definitely early season yet but for December 14th it sure is nice to be sleddin to lunch at Antonio's Bergland, MI ❤️💯🤟🌬️❄️❄️❄️ #bessemer #westernup #snowphotos
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