Ironwood Trail Report – 02/04
IRONWOOD / WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Gogebic Range Trail Authority – ORV & Snowmobile Club – 02/04
Jerry is plowing his way to Ironwood! You can see the bumps being cut as he goes. After grooming conditions of the past 2 weeks he said it’s so much fun grooming out there tonight. Thank you Eric Schutten for dropping the blades on our mogul master behind the Tucker and welding up a new sponsor board. We are so blessed with so many people behind the scene doing map boxes, filling maps, filing reports, paying vendors, sending memberships out….this truly is a big operation with many many team members! Thank you GRTA volunteers!
IRONWOOD / WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Gogebic Range Trail Authority – ORV & Snowmobile Club – 02/03
HAPPY MIDWESTERN SNOWMOBILER “Panic radar and snow forecast checking” DAY! Da snows look to clobber da northland and we are seeing a lot of sledders up for an extra long weekend already. Groomers won’t be out until this evening, so enjoy the powder day! Snow is already coming down nicely! Please remember to support your trailside stop establishments and their staff. They have been greatly effected by the shutdown “rules” and have a lot of ground to make up. Da barn bosses got all the oils changed in the three groomers, a bit ahead of necessity but we believe groomers will start running daily for long hauls finally. Which makes fitting PM in a tall order at times. Travel safe everyone!
<>
Starting at 6pm tonight all 3 groomers are headed out to groom in the fresh snow ahead of the winds and they will not stop until several hours past sunrise tomorrow. Please stay on the trails. Please keep your speeds down in town. Please stop at all stop signs, plowed or not. You never know who may be sitting at one… Please support your trailside rest stop staff and most of all, HAVE FUN THIS WEEKEND! We will get a good grooming report back out tomorrow.
Report via Gogebic Range Trail Authority Website
<>
Report via Gogebic Range Trail Authority on Facebook
<>
Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Lake effect snow ends over the north-northwest wind snow belts today. A couple more fluffy inches and some blowing snow is still expected over the north central and eastern U.P. this morning. A quick hitting system looks to bring 1 to 4 fluffy inches of snowfall tonight through Saturday morning. West to northwest winds as high as 45 mph are expected to make a return over the Keweenaw on Saturday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaLake effect snow ends over the north-northwest wind snow belts today. A couple more fluffy inches and some blowing snow is still expected over the north central and eastern U.P. this morning. A quick hitting system looks to bring 1 to 4 fluffy inches of snowfall tonight through Saturday morning. West to northwest winds as high as 45 mph are expected to make a return over the Keweenaw on Saturday.
LAKE GOGEBIC AREA DINING UPDATE via Root Cellar Resort >> Good morning, good morning! ☀️
We’re OPEN for breakfast today starting at 7:00 AM CST — cook-to-order and worth waking up for!
🕖 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM CST
🍳 Prime Rib & Eggs
🥣 Biscuits & Gravy
🍽️ Root Cellar American Breakfast
…and more!
Come start your morning with us! #lakegogebic #westernup
BESSEMER - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Trails-North Powersports LLC >> 🥰 What a way to kick off a Friday with a fresh 6 inches of ❄️❄️❄️ couldn't resist a morning ride💯❤️ The lake effect machine is blessing us 🌬️❄️❄️❄️ and more on the way 🤟💯 #westernup #snowphotos
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!
-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
Apex Restoration & Mitigation | Call 810-202-3586 today for all restoration needs across Genesee county and the thumb!
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
<>
Latest Trail Reports – Quick Links
- Paradise Area Trail Report – 12/19
- Sault Ste. Marie Area Trail Report – 12/19
- Munising Area Trail Report – 12/19
- Ironwood – Bessemer – Western U.P. Trail Report – 12/19
- Newberry Area Trail Report – 12/19
- Keweenaw Peninsula Trail Report – 12/19
- Lake Gogebic Area Trail Report – 12/18
- Newberry Area Trail Report – 12/18
- Sault Ste. Marie Area Trail Report – 12/18
- Gaylord Area Trail Report – 12/18
- Frederic / Gaylord Area Trail Report – Sledheads of Frederic – 12/18
- Watersmeet – Western U.P. Trail Report – 12/18
- Ontonagon Trail Report – 12/18
- Jordan Valley Area Trail Report – 12/17
- Munising Area Trail Report – 12/17
- Lake Gogebic Area Trail Report – 12/17
- Keweenaw Peninsula Trail Report – 12/17
- Keweenaw Peninsula Trail Report – 12/16
- Baldwin Area Trail Report – 12/16
- Sault Ste. Marie Area Trail Report – 12/16
- Grand Marais Area Trail Report – 12/16
- Benzie Area Trail Report – 12/16
- Newberry Area Trail Report – 12/16
- Watersmeet – Western U.P. Trail Report – 12/16
- Traverse City Area Trail Report – 12/16
- Ontonagon Area Trail Report – 12/15
- Petoskey Area Trail Report – 12/15
- Harbor Springs Area Trail Report – 12/15
<>