Frederic / Gaylord Area Trail Report – Sledheads of Frederic – 01/20
No new snow overnight or since yesterday in downtown Frederic, Its currently 21 degrees and just calm outside.
I have seen sleds already this morning. I ran my sled around the building here yesterday for four or five laps but did not go out for a ride. In watching the camera on the trail north of gaylord I saw sleds going by and I could here the skis on the dirt and see them kick up some stones as they went by so I am still holding off. I do however upgrade my opinion of the trails from poor to about fair.
Hopefully we will get some more snow soon. Pics below are trail seven north of the high school looking east and west.
Thanks for checking in. Pete
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WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> Here is your final look at snowfall totals over a 36-hour period from tonight, through midday Thursday, January 14th through 15th, 2026. NOTE, snow will start overnight for the UP, but later tomorrow morning into the afternoon for the LP.
Discussion
Lake effect snow is the rave with this one. Winds almost directly out of the north coupled with low-level DGZ and strong forcing will allow for many of the areas in dark blue, and especially pink pick up well over half a foot of fresh snow with this event. Hyper-localized banding is expected, which is when the span of 20 miles sees a difference in snow accumulation of 1", to perhaps 12-18". A 1° change in wind direction will help, or hurt your chances at significant snowfall if you're right along the lakeshore areas, especially SW Michigan.
Inland areas will only see under an inch within an initial snow squall and light lake effect afterward. We are not confident that the stretch from Lansing to Port Huron will get more than 1.5", but we put 1-3" just in case. Lake Huron will also show off lake effect snow, with parts of Huron county seeing 4-8". To the north, northwest lower Michigan will see 2-5" and 4-8", with a localized swath of 6"+ near Manistee and points surrounding. Lastly, the UP will see its highest totals along the higher elevation areas of the central portion of the peninsula.
Wind gusts up to 30 mph, even 40-45 mph are likely with this snow, and as a result, near-zero visibilities and drifted roads may occur near each lakeshore. Allow extra travel time when driving on Wednesday in the 4-8", or 6-12"/6-18" zones. We will have radar, weather camera, and traffic updates coming tomorrow as the snow comes down, so drop a follow here at Michigan Storm Chasers for coverage. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyHere is your final look at snowfall totals over a 36-hour period from tonight, through midday Thursday, January 14th through 15th, 2026. NOTE, snow will start overnight for the UP, but later tomorrow morning into the afternoon for the LP.
Discussion
Lake effect snow is the rave with this one. Winds almost directly out of the north coupled with low-level DGZ and strong forcing will allow for many of the areas in dark blue, and especially pink pick up well over half a foot of fresh snow with this event. Hyper-localized banding is expected, which is when the span of 20 miles sees a difference in snow accumulation of 1", to perhaps 12-18". A 1° change in wind direction will help, or hurt your chances at significant snowfall if you're right along the lakeshore areas, especially SW Michigan.
Inland areas will only see under an inch within an initial snow squall and light lake effect afterward. We are not confident that the stretch from Lansing to Port Huron will get more than 1.5", but we put 1-3" just in case. Lake Huron will also show off lake effect snow, with parts of Huron county seeing 4-8". To the north, northwest lower Michigan will see 2-5" and 4-8", with a localized swath of 6"+ near Manistee and points surrounding. Lastly, the UP will see its highest totals along the higher elevation areas of the central portion of the peninsula.
Wind gusts up to 30 mph, even 40-45 mph are likely with this snow, and as a result, near-zero visibilities and drifted roads may occur near each lakeshore. Allow extra travel time when driving on Wednesday in the 4-8", or 6-12"/6-18" zones. We will have radar, weather camera, and traffic updates coming tomorrow as the snow comes down, so drop a follow here at Michigan Storm Chasers for coverage.
-- Trusted Partner on Wednesday --
Top Gun Roofing & Exteriors | 616-900-8033, call today for all exterior home needs across the Grand Rapids area!
WEATHER UPDATE via Meteorologist Brad Sugden >> SNOW TIME!! Lake effect areas, you're about to be buried in some locations! This is purely lake effect that kicks in Wednesday morning and lasts through Thursday afternoon. Thursday afternoon the lake effect subsides as another clipper system moves in.
Temperatures are warmest Wednesday morning then drop significantly into the late afternoon and evening. Many will have wind chills below zero.
Snow will be fluffy and BLOWING. Gusts near 40mph can be expected. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #munising #newberry #soo #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan>> Lake effect snow spread across northern Michigan tonight through Thursday night. While most areas can expect only an inch or less of accumulations… areas southwest of Grand Traverse Bay will observe 3-5” with locally higher amounts of 8”+. Widespread falling temperatures will impact the entire region with wind chills near/below zero by Wednesday morning. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyLake effect snow spread across northern Michigan tonight through Thursday night. While most areas can expect only an inch or less of accumulations… areas southwest of Grand Traverse Bay will observe 3-5” with locally higher amounts of 8”+. Widespread falling temperatures will impact the entire region with wind chills near/below zero by Wednesday morning.
WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> Two forecasts for today, January 13th, 2026, and Wednesday, January 14th, 2026, regarding system snow, then lake effect snow.
Graphic #1
A clipper moves through today, bringing rain/freezing drizzle to portions of northern Michigan and the UP, especially north of M-55, with some light rain as far south as I-94. This will change over to a rain/snow mix later this afternoon and evening. Brief accumulation amounts will generally be in the T-1" range, although a couple spots could exceed 1", which are areas highlighted by the 1-3" zone. Air temperatures today will generally be at or above freezing in the UP, but evaporative cooling will still keep the ground cooler than the air.
Graphic #2
Lake effect snow ramps up beyond midnight tonight, heading into tomorrow, the 14th. Early indications are that the central UP will see the most with flow directly out of the north. Areas of 2-5" and 4-8" have been displayed as a result for much of the Lake Superior shoreline region to account for this flow. The LP is still a little on the uncertain side for overachievers tomorrow. We are watching the usual Gaylord region, but also immediate shoreline areas of Lake Michigan from Traverse City down to New Buffalo, and the thumb, as continued flow out of the north seems like on Thursday. For now, totals will remain as shown, and our last call for tomorrow will be out early in the morning. Inland areas in the T-1" zone may also see slight improvements if balloon launch data today continues to trend in the right direction.
Timing for both days is for the entirety of both days, as precipitation will be on-and-off throughout the next 48 hours. Travel concerns will generally be on the mild side of things, but don't let that fool you. Drive with care no matter what's falling out there. Follow us here at Michigan Storm Chasers for updates throughout the next couple days as the snow falls. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #munising #newberry #soo #gaylord
FREDERIC - GAYLORD AREA UPDATE via Sledheads of Frederic , Michigan Snowmobiling >> Its a misty rainy tuesday morning in downtown Frederic at 35 degrees. It made it up to 40 yesterday. The temp is supposed to drop starting tommorow with light snow predicted in the next few days. I am going to go out with my plow and push slush around at the storage lot. I did see some sleds out and about yesterday but none on my side of the road.I wish I had better news. Thanks for checking in. Pete #gaylord #snowphotos
frederic-mi.com
Its a misty rainy tuesday morning in downtown Frederic at 35 degrees. It made it up to 40 yesterday. The temp is supposed to drop starting tommorow with light snow predicted in the next few days. I… WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Times of rain, snow and a rain/snow mix will be seen today for most of northern MI today. Up to 2 inches of wet, slushy snow is possible for parts of eastern upper by this evening. Some spots could see brief freezing rain, however temperatures will rise to above freezing today for most areas. Strong winds, cold temperatures and accumulating snow will be seen late tonight. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyTimes of rain, snow and a rain/snow mix will be seen today for most of northern MI today. Up to 2 inches of wet, slushy snow is possible for parts of eastern upper by this evening. Some spots could see brief freezing rain, however temperatures will rise to above freezing today for most areas. Strong winds, cold temperatures and accumulating snow will be seen late tonight.
FREDERIC - GAYLORD AREA UPDATE via Swamp II Bar & Restaurant in Frederic MI >> Today we had a gentleman call and was wondering how the trails are... we asked 2 snowmobilers and they said actually pretty good, they were coming from Higgins and heading to Gaylord next.... I told the guy I would take some pictures of the trails on my way out and post them. Here is trail7 in front of the Swamp II Bar & Restaurant in Frederic MI and also the trailhead and Trail off 612 in Fredeic...
Weather is always moody, but calling for rain tomorrow and snow every day after! 4 day weekend coming up! #gaylord #snowphotos
I always start in Fredric from sledheads, but trails are always terrible until I get to the kalkaska county line. I'm thinking it's time to ride elsewhere.
Trail 7 from Fredrick to Gaylord is always a mess unless you have a ton of snow to get off of the not groomed trail
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> A return to above normal temperatures will start out our work week. Today and tonight will be mainly quiet. A snow-rain mix is expected on Tuesday, with a light slushy accumulation possible in the morning in eastern upper Michigan. Temperatures will be falling late Tuesday night through the day Wednesday, with brisk northerly winds, along with snow showers and light accumulations. Thursday will be colder but with less snow. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyA return to above normal temperatures will start out our work week. Today and tonight will be mainly quiet. A snow-rain mix is expected on Tuesday, with a light slushy accumulation possible in the morning in eastern upper Michigan. Temperatures will be falling late Tuesday night through the day Wednesday, with brisk northerly winds, along with snow showers and light accumulations. Thursday will be colder but with less snow.
FREDERIC - GAYLORD AREA UPDATE via Sledheads of Frederic , Michigan Snowmobiling >> Its a nice calm monday morning with no new snow. I never put an update out on sunday but we had about 5 inches of new snow late saturday night. It was very quiet around Frederic yesterday as the snow came late but for those that got to ride it it made a pleasant surprise. That is including me. We headed out for a ride about 3 and found alot of great snow and rode over to Lovells and around the air to ground and back. I acutually saw the grayling groomer out but he was coming from behind the high school and turning on to 47 trail. Of course trail 7 still had not been touched and it beat me up again. I sure dont know what the deal is on that... #gaylord #snowphotos
frederic-mi.com
Its a nice calm monday morning with no new snow. I never put an update out on sunday but we had about 5 inches of new snow late saturday night. It was very quiet around Frederic yesterday as the sn… WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> After a few light snow showers pass across eastern upper overnight, weather turns pretty mild and quiet this Monday. Mixed rain/snow showers then move across the Great Lakes region this Tuesday and Wednesday followed by very chilly temperatures through the remainder of the work week. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyAfter a few light snow showers pass across eastern upper overnight, weather turns pretty mild and quiet this Monday. Mixed rain/snow showers then move across the Great Lakes region this Tuesday and Wednesday followed by very chilly temperatures through the remainder of the work week.
GAYLORD AREA UPDATE via Town Hall Snowmobile Club Paradise MI >> A little down state riding in Gaylord, Fredrick and Wolverine. Snow started Saturday around 2. We have at least 6-8”. Trails are decent. A little rougher from the melt but more the enough snow to cool a 2” Assault! #gaylord #snowphotos
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WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> Here is your final look at snowfall totals over a 36-hour period from tonight, through midday Thursday, January 14th through 15th, 2026. NOTE, snow will start overnight for the UP, but later tomorrow morning into the afternoon for the LP.
Discussion
Lake effect snow is the rave with this one. Winds almost directly out of the north coupled with low-level DGZ and strong forcing will allow for many of the areas in dark blue, and especially pink pick up well over half a foot of fresh snow with this event. Hyper-localized banding is expected, which is when the span of 20 miles sees a difference in snow accumulation of 1", to perhaps 12-18". A 1° change in wind direction will help, or hurt your chances at significant snowfall if you're right along the lakeshore areas, especially SW Michigan.
Inland areas will only see under an inch within an initial snow squall and light lake effect afterward. We are not confident that the stretch from Lansing to Port Huron will get more than 1.5", but we put 1-3" just in case. Lake Huron will also show off lake effect snow, with parts of Huron county seeing 4-8". To the north, northwest lower Michigan will see 2-5" and 4-8", with a localized swath of 6"+ near Manistee and points surrounding. Lastly, the UP will see its highest totals along the higher elevation areas of the central portion of the peninsula.
Wind gusts up to 30 mph, even 40-45 mph are likely with this snow, and as a result, near-zero visibilities and drifted roads may occur near each lakeshore. Allow extra travel time when driving on Wednesday in the 4-8", or 6-12"/6-18" zones. We will have radar, weather camera, and traffic updates coming tomorrow as the snow comes down, so drop a follow here at Michigan Storm Chasers for coverage. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyHere is your final look at snowfall totals over a 36-hour period from tonight, through midday Thursday, January 14th through 15th, 2026. NOTE, snow will start overnight for the UP, but later tomorrow morning into the afternoon for the LP.
Discussion
Lake effect snow is the rave with this one. Winds almost directly out of the north coupled with low-level DGZ and strong forcing will allow for many of the areas in dark blue, and especially pink pick up well over half a foot of fresh snow with this event. Hyper-localized banding is expected, which is when the span of 20 miles sees a difference in snow accumulation of 1", to perhaps 12-18". A 1° change in wind direction will help, or hurt your chances at significant snowfall if you're right along the lakeshore areas, especially SW Michigan.
Inland areas will only see under an inch within an initial snow squall and light lake effect afterward. We are not confident that the stretch from Lansing to Port Huron will get more than 1.5", but we put 1-3" just in case. Lake Huron will also show off lake effect snow, with parts of Huron county seeing 4-8". To the north, northwest lower Michigan will see 2-5" and 4-8", with a localized swath of 6"+ near Manistee and points surrounding. Lastly, the UP will see its highest totals along the higher elevation areas of the central portion of the peninsula.
Wind gusts up to 30 mph, even 40-45 mph are likely with this snow, and as a result, near-zero visibilities and drifted roads may occur near each lakeshore. Allow extra travel time when driving on Wednesday in the 4-8", or 6-12"/6-18" zones. We will have radar, weather camera, and traffic updates coming tomorrow as the snow comes down, so drop a follow here at Michigan Storm Chasers for coverage.
-- Trusted Partner on Wednesday --
Top Gun Roofing & Exteriors | 616-900-8033, call today for all exterior home needs across the Grand Rapids area!
WEATHER UPDATE via Meteorologist Brad Sugden >> SNOW TIME!! Lake effect areas, you're about to be buried in some locations! This is purely lake effect that kicks in Wednesday morning and lasts through Thursday afternoon. Thursday afternoon the lake effect subsides as another clipper system moves in.
Temperatures are warmest Wednesday morning then drop significantly into the late afternoon and evening. Many will have wind chills below zero.
Snow will be fluffy and BLOWING. Gusts near 40mph can be expected. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #munising #newberry #soo #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan>> Lake effect snow spread across northern Michigan tonight through Thursday night. While most areas can expect only an inch or less of accumulations… areas southwest of Grand Traverse Bay will observe 3-5” with locally higher amounts of 8”+. Widespread falling temperatures will impact the entire region with wind chills near/below zero by Wednesday morning. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyLake effect snow spread across northern Michigan tonight through Thursday night. While most areas can expect only an inch or less of accumulations… areas southwest of Grand Traverse Bay will observe 3-5” with locally higher amounts of 8”+. Widespread falling temperatures will impact the entire region with wind chills near/below zero by Wednesday morning.
WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> Two forecasts for today, January 13th, 2026, and Wednesday, January 14th, 2026, regarding system snow, then lake effect snow.
Graphic #1
A clipper moves through today, bringing rain/freezing drizzle to portions of northern Michigan and the UP, especially north of M-55, with some light rain as far south as I-94. This will change over to a rain/snow mix later this afternoon and evening. Brief accumulation amounts will generally be in the T-1" range, although a couple spots could exceed 1", which are areas highlighted by the 1-3" zone. Air temperatures today will generally be at or above freezing in the UP, but evaporative cooling will still keep the ground cooler than the air.
Graphic #2
Lake effect snow ramps up beyond midnight tonight, heading into tomorrow, the 14th. Early indications are that the central UP will see the most with flow directly out of the north. Areas of 2-5" and 4-8" have been displayed as a result for much of the Lake Superior shoreline region to account for this flow. The LP is still a little on the uncertain side for overachievers tomorrow. We are watching the usual Gaylord region, but also immediate shoreline areas of Lake Michigan from Traverse City down to New Buffalo, and the thumb, as continued flow out of the north seems like on Thursday. For now, totals will remain as shown, and our last call for tomorrow will be out early in the morning. Inland areas in the T-1" zone may also see slight improvements if balloon launch data today continues to trend in the right direction.
Timing for both days is for the entirety of both days, as precipitation will be on-and-off throughout the next 48 hours. Travel concerns will generally be on the mild side of things, but don't let that fool you. Drive with care no matter what's falling out there. Follow us here at Michigan Storm Chasers for updates throughout the next couple days as the snow falls. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #munising #newberry #soo #gaylord
FREDERIC - GAYLORD AREA UPDATE via Sledheads of Frederic , Michigan Snowmobiling >> Its a misty rainy tuesday morning in downtown Frederic at 35 degrees. It made it up to 40 yesterday. The temp is supposed to drop starting tommorow with light snow predicted in the next few days. I am going to go out with my plow and push slush around at the storage lot. I did see some sleds out and about yesterday but none on my side of the road.I wish I had better news. Thanks for checking in. Pete #gaylord #snowphotos
frederic-mi.com
Its a misty rainy tuesday morning in downtown Frederic at 35 degrees. It made it up to 40 yesterday. The temp is supposed to drop starting tommorow with light snow predicted in the next few days. I…WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Times of rain, snow and a rain/snow mix will be seen today for most of northern MI today. Up to 2 inches of wet, slushy snow is possible for parts of eastern upper by this evening. Some spots could see brief freezing rain, however temperatures will rise to above freezing today for most areas. Strong winds, cold temperatures and accumulating snow will be seen late tonight. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyTimes of rain, snow and a rain/snow mix will be seen today for most of northern MI today. Up to 2 inches of wet, slushy snow is possible for parts of eastern upper by this evening. Some spots could see brief freezing rain, however temperatures will rise to above freezing today for most areas. Strong winds, cold temperatures and accumulating snow will be seen late tonight.
FREDERIC - GAYLORD AREA UPDATE via Swamp II Bar & Restaurant in Frederic MI >> Today we had a gentleman call and was wondering how the trails are... we asked 2 snowmobilers and they said actually pretty good, they were coming from Higgins and heading to Gaylord next.... I told the guy I would take some pictures of the trails on my way out and post them. Here is trail7 in front of the Swamp II Bar & Restaurant in Frederic MI and also the trailhead and Trail off 612 in Fredeic...
Weather is always moody, but calling for rain tomorrow and snow every day after! 4 day weekend coming up! #gaylord #snowphotos
I always start in Fredric from sledheads, but trails are always terrible until I get to the kalkaska county line. I'm thinking it's time to ride elsewhere.
Trail 7 from Fredrick to Gaylord is always a mess unless you have a ton of snow to get off of the not groomed trail
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> A return to above normal temperatures will start out our work week. Today and tonight will be mainly quiet. A snow-rain mix is expected on Tuesday, with a light slushy accumulation possible in the morning in eastern upper Michigan. Temperatures will be falling late Tuesday night through the day Wednesday, with brisk northerly winds, along with snow showers and light accumulations. Thursday will be colder but with less snow. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyA return to above normal temperatures will start out our work week. Today and tonight will be mainly quiet. A snow-rain mix is expected on Tuesday, with a light slushy accumulation possible in the morning in eastern upper Michigan. Temperatures will be falling late Tuesday night through the day Wednesday, with brisk northerly winds, along with snow showers and light accumulations. Thursday will be colder but with less snow.
FREDERIC - GAYLORD AREA UPDATE via Sledheads of Frederic , Michigan Snowmobiling >> Its a nice calm monday morning with no new snow. I never put an update out on sunday but we had about 5 inches of new snow late saturday night. It was very quiet around Frederic yesterday as the snow came late but for those that got to ride it it made a pleasant surprise. That is including me. We headed out for a ride about 3 and found alot of great snow and rode over to Lovells and around the air to ground and back. I acutually saw the grayling groomer out but he was coming from behind the high school and turning on to 47 trail. Of course trail 7 still had not been touched and it beat me up again. I sure dont know what the deal is on that... #gaylord #snowphotos
frederic-mi.com
Its a nice calm monday morning with no new snow. I never put an update out on sunday but we had about 5 inches of new snow late saturday night. It was very quiet around Frederic yesterday as the sn…WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> After a few light snow showers pass across eastern upper overnight, weather turns pretty mild and quiet this Monday. Mixed rain/snow showers then move across the Great Lakes region this Tuesday and Wednesday followed by very chilly temperatures through the remainder of the work week. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyAfter a few light snow showers pass across eastern upper overnight, weather turns pretty mild and quiet this Monday. Mixed rain/snow showers then move across the Great Lakes region this Tuesday and Wednesday followed by very chilly temperatures through the remainder of the work week.
GAYLORD AREA UPDATE via Town Hall Snowmobile Club Paradise MI >> A little down state riding in Gaylord, Fredrick and Wolverine. Snow started Saturday around 2. We have at least 6-8”. Trails are decent. A little rougher from the melt but more the enough snow to cool a 2” Assault! #gaylord #snowphotos
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