Frederic / Gaylord Area Trail Report – Sledheads of Frederic – 03/17
FREDERIC / GAYLORD AREA UPDATE via Sledheads of Frederic – 03/17
1 Old Guy Drives to Frederic and he wonders what ever happened when you could drive from Grayling to Frederic and it would be a whole different world up here with so much snow it would be amaziing in a ten mile difference. Frederic would be buzzing with sleds everywhere. You couldnt hardly find a place to park your sled in the park before it was fenced and it would take forever to get gas, or get into the Frederic Inn or the Swamp to eat. Sledheads would have the bon fire going outside, kids making smores on the fire, Spam Fest going on in the back room of the shop and lots of customers inside. One old guy still makes the drive to Frederic most everyday but its alot different then the mid 90s. Like I have said several times this place was a much bettter idea when I was 40 instead of now at 66…… It rained all night long and is still raining now about ten a.m. on friday morning. Weather says we may get a little snow but its a mud bog most places. So I guess I will continue to follow the 3 old guys ride to Alaska and at least I can dream about that. Maybe Craig from Darkside Adventures could put a big ride together for next year. Thanks for checking in. 1 old guy says thanks for checking in. Pete
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WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> This is our last call snowfall outlook for FRIDAY ONLY, January 16th, 2026. Snow has begun across parts of the UP, and will begin for the rest of the state over the course of the next 12 hours.... #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyThis is our last call snowfall outlook for FRIDAY ONLY, January 16th, 2026. Snow has begun across parts of the UP, and will begin for the rest of the state over the course of the next 12 hours.
A clipper will bring a mixture of synoptic snow and lake effect snow for the entirety of Michigan. This is the first of multiple clippers between now and Monday. Lake effect areas may see totals into the 4-8" zone, with localized heavier totals possible along the Porcupine Mountains in the western UP. We DO have ample moisture on our atmospheric profiles for tomorrow, but the forcing is still suspect, so a solid blanket of 1-4" of snow, with isolated higher totals close to half a foot should occur by the end of our day Friday. The greatest chance at an area underachieving is in... guess what... southeast Michigan. Monroe and Lenawee counties specifically were in the T-1" zone at first call, but with a more-moist profile expected tomorrow, all locations (in an ideal world) should at least hit 1". We are also watching for the development of freezing drizzle mixing in, primarily in the Lower Peninsula as low-level temperatures favor this phenomena. Now, drizzle would hinder totals, but significantly increase travel issues as roads get coated with both the drizzle and the wet snow. We will have a freezing drizzle accumulation map out tomorrow morning.
Winds gusting 25-35 mph at times, primarily out of the west. Some snow squalls will mix in, which for those who don't remember, snow squalls exist to only cause headaches. These narrow bands of snow drop visibility from open skies to mere feet in the matter of seconds, which is never good, especially on fast-moving roadways. A snow squall can put down as much as a quick inch in 15-30 minutes at their peak intensity. Both morning and evening commutes will be impacted by snow or drizzle. Let's hope we don't light up the MDOT drive map with 25 accidents this time around, so please take your time. Give yourself that extra hour to travel, especially in instances of forced slow downs.
-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
Rainbow Restoration | 616-583-1234, call today for all your restoration needs in the Grand Rapids regional area!
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Snow returns tonight west of I-75 before overspreading the rest of the area into Friday. Light accumulations expected for most, but areas near the Lake Michigan shore will see more snowfall… with some spots potentially seeing upwards of 8”+ by Friday evening. Following the system, rounds of lake effect snow are anticipated into next week with colder weather. Be sure to monitor the forecast for the latest updates! #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey
FREDERIC - GAYLORD AREA UPDATE via Sledheads of Frederic , Michigan Snowmobiling >> Its sunny and a chilly 12 degrees at 11:30 a.m. on thursday. It was nice and cold last night at 5 degrees and its supposed to stay cold with a small amount of snow the next few days. There were some sleds out and about yesterday and I havent seen any today. Still very icy out there and I expect that to stay so be careful... #gaylord #snowphotos
frederic-mi.com
Its sunny and a chilly 12 degrees at 11:30 a.m. on thursday. It was nice and cold last night at 5 degrees and its supposed to stay cold with a small amount of snow the next few days. There were som… WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Below zero wind chills continue this morning across most of Northern Michigan. Winds chills will be in the teens below zero or colder in parts of eastern upper and north central Lower Michigan. Be sure to bundle up!
A cold Thursday is ahead, though our weather will otherwise be relatively quiet with decreasing lake effect snow and decreasing winds. Another system will spread snow back into the area late tonight into Friday. Several inches of accumulation are possible near Lake Michigan in both peninsulas. This system will allow temperatures to briefly rebound early this weekend. However, Arctic air settles back in by Monday, with continued lake effect snow showers in the snowbelts. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Lake effect snow showers will continue into tonight across parts of northern Michigan. The highest amounts of additional snow are expected in areas near and southwest of Grand Traverse Bay, with 2-6” this afternoon through tonight.
Cold temperatures will impact the entire region with wind chills below zero this afternoon into Thursday morning. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey
FREDERIC - GAYLORD AREA UPDATE via Sledheads of Frederic , Michigan Snowmobiling >> For the third time this winter I had the big loader come and pile snow up. The good part about that is more room for sled trailer storage. I was surprised to see a little bit of white outside this morning when I got up. We had an awful lot of rain yesterday and it was looking pretty bad out there late yesterday afternoon. Its now about 2 on Wednesday. The good part for this coming weekend is that temps are going to go down to the teens or below the next few days. While it is slick and icy underneath we should keep snow we have and light amounts are predicted for each day this week. So it should make it rideable for this weekend. #gaylord #snowphotos
Bringing out the heavy equipment(again)
frederic-mi.com
For the third time this winter I had the big loader come and pile snow up. The good part about that is more room for sled trailer storage. I was surprised to see a little bit of white outside this … GAYLORD AREA UPDATE via Swamp II Bar & Restaurant in Frederic MI >> Wednesday Jan. 14th. Snow on and off today and reported everyday this week/weekend! #gaylord #snowphotos
Right now in Gaylord
How many people live in Greenland? 
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
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WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> This is our last call snowfall outlook for FRIDAY ONLY, January 16th, 2026. Snow has begun across parts of the UP, and will begin for the rest of the state over the course of the next 12 hours.... #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyThis is our last call snowfall outlook for FRIDAY ONLY, January 16th, 2026. Snow has begun across parts of the UP, and will begin for the rest of the state over the course of the next 12 hours.
A clipper will bring a mixture of synoptic snow and lake effect snow for the entirety of Michigan. This is the first of multiple clippers between now and Monday. Lake effect areas may see totals into the 4-8" zone, with localized heavier totals possible along the Porcupine Mountains in the western UP. We DO have ample moisture on our atmospheric profiles for tomorrow, but the forcing is still suspect, so a solid blanket of 1-4" of snow, with isolated higher totals close to half a foot should occur by the end of our day Friday. The greatest chance at an area underachieving is in... guess what... southeast Michigan. Monroe and Lenawee counties specifically were in the T-1" zone at first call, but with a more-moist profile expected tomorrow, all locations (in an ideal world) should at least hit 1". We are also watching for the development of freezing drizzle mixing in, primarily in the Lower Peninsula as low-level temperatures favor this phenomena. Now, drizzle would hinder totals, but significantly increase travel issues as roads get coated with both the drizzle and the wet snow. We will have a freezing drizzle accumulation map out tomorrow morning.
Winds gusting 25-35 mph at times, primarily out of the west. Some snow squalls will mix in, which for those who don't remember, snow squalls exist to only cause headaches. These narrow bands of snow drop visibility from open skies to mere feet in the matter of seconds, which is never good, especially on fast-moving roadways. A snow squall can put down as much as a quick inch in 15-30 minutes at their peak intensity. Both morning and evening commutes will be impacted by snow or drizzle. Let's hope we don't light up the MDOT drive map with 25 accidents this time around, so please take your time. Give yourself that extra hour to travel, especially in instances of forced slow downs.
-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
Rainbow Restoration | 616-583-1234, call today for all your restoration needs in the Grand Rapids regional area!
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Snow returns tonight west of I-75 before overspreading the rest of the area into Friday. Light accumulations expected for most, but areas near the Lake Michigan shore will see more snowfall… with some spots potentially seeing upwards of 8”+ by Friday evening. Following the system, rounds of lake effect snow are anticipated into next week with colder weather. Be sure to monitor the forecast for the latest updates! #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey
FREDERIC - GAYLORD AREA UPDATE via Sledheads of Frederic , Michigan Snowmobiling >> Its sunny and a chilly 12 degrees at 11:30 a.m. on thursday. It was nice and cold last night at 5 degrees and its supposed to stay cold with a small amount of snow the next few days. There were some sleds out and about yesterday and I havent seen any today. Still very icy out there and I expect that to stay so be careful... #gaylord #snowphotos
frederic-mi.com
Its sunny and a chilly 12 degrees at 11:30 a.m. on thursday. It was nice and cold last night at 5 degrees and its supposed to stay cold with a small amount of snow the next few days. There were som…WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Below zero wind chills continue this morning across most of Northern Michigan. Winds chills will be in the teens below zero or colder in parts of eastern upper and north central Lower Michigan. Be sure to bundle up!
A cold Thursday is ahead, though our weather will otherwise be relatively quiet with decreasing lake effect snow and decreasing winds. Another system will spread snow back into the area late tonight into Friday. Several inches of accumulation are possible near Lake Michigan in both peninsulas. This system will allow temperatures to briefly rebound early this weekend. However, Arctic air settles back in by Monday, with continued lake effect snow showers in the snowbelts. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Lake effect snow showers will continue into tonight across parts of northern Michigan. The highest amounts of additional snow are expected in areas near and southwest of Grand Traverse Bay, with 2-6” this afternoon through tonight.
Cold temperatures will impact the entire region with wind chills below zero this afternoon into Thursday morning. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey
FREDERIC - GAYLORD AREA UPDATE via Sledheads of Frederic , Michigan Snowmobiling >> For the third time this winter I had the big loader come and pile snow up. The good part about that is more room for sled trailer storage. I was surprised to see a little bit of white outside this morning when I got up. We had an awful lot of rain yesterday and it was looking pretty bad out there late yesterday afternoon. Its now about 2 on Wednesday. The good part for this coming weekend is that temps are going to go down to the teens or below the next few days. While it is slick and icy underneath we should keep snow we have and light amounts are predicted for each day this week. So it should make it rideable for this weekend. #gaylord #snowphotos
Bringing out the heavy equipment(again)
frederic-mi.com
For the third time this winter I had the big loader come and pile snow up. The good part about that is more room for sled trailer storage. I was surprised to see a little bit of white outside this …GAYLORD AREA UPDATE via Swamp II Bar & Restaurant in Frederic MI >> Wednesday Jan. 14th. Snow on and off today and reported everyday this week/weekend! #gaylord #snowphotos
Right now in Gaylord
How many people live in Greenland? 
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
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