Sault Ste. Marie Trail Report – 01/24
SAULT STE. MARIE UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association – 01/24
Update 1/24
Good evening!
A few things going on around here today.
1st, we had a brand new volunteer start today, welcome Jeff! He went on a ride along in the Kinross area with groomer Dave. Unfortunately, we had a track failure (NOT due to either of the operators) so the run was short lived. Heck of a first day, eh? This particular machine already had one track replaced with a spare earlier this season and this is another failure. We had given a track to Seney last year so we’re out of spares now. We have had tracks on order for some time with no ETA. Fortunately, our buddy Rex with Chippewa Snowchasers got word of our troubles and enlisted the help of DNR trail specialist PJ to track one down. Big thanks to Rex, PJ, and Grand Marais Sno-Trails Assoc. for helping us out! Tom and Mike will be on their way to Grand Marais in the AM to get the track.
Meanwhile, several other of our volunteers are working this evening to unhook the drag on #8 that is down, get it back to the Soo barn, and get the old #7 groomer down to Kinross until we can get #8 fixed up. Both will have to go via flatbed since trail 49 is still impassible via groomer south of the Soo all the way to Kinross. We appologize if 472, 480, 49 south of Gaines Hwy and 494 are a little rough until we can make the swap and get them groomed.
Additionally, we’ve made arrangements with a local farmer to pick up some straw to fill in our trouble spot water holes along 472 near 480 in the coming days. We’ll have volunteers out placing the straw and using the groomer to cover them with snow. I’ll share pics and update how it goes. Never had to do this before but we have seen Les Cheneaux have success with it.
Otherwise, trails are really in great shape. 8 from the Soo all the way through Raco, 480, 889, and the city trail system are all holding up really well. We got a little snow last night, a little more today, and temps are about to drop for an extended period of time…finally! With some luck, maybe we can get 49 all the way open in a couple of weeks.
Race week begins next week so it’ll be a fun and exciting time to be in the Soo and surrounding area!
Thanks again to our fellow clubs for helping us out!
We really are all in it together, all for the love of the sport and what it brings to our local economy.
Thanks all! See ya on the trails!❄️❄️❄️
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Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association Facebook Page
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Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association Trail Report on MSA
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Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Lake effect continues tonight, with the heaviest snow likely to focus into the Munising area overnight. Dangerous cold conditions are also expected across the eastern U.P. tonight into Thursday morning. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/27/26
Good evening everyone! Holding steady at 30” of snow in the Soo currently with lake effect snow showers ongoing.
We do still have one machine down, and our schedule has been adjusted to make sure we can still cover all areas.
Here’s what I know-
❄️ Trail 8- Soo to Raco- excellent
❄️ City Trails - part of 49, 449, 497, and the I500 trail- excellent (being groomed as I type this)
❄️ Trail 49- Soo to Kinross- good. All water holes are packed and panned. May have some drifts in open areas.
❄️ Trail 49 south of M80 and the 494 loop- excellent
❄️ Trail 472 to 480 to the Raco gate- good - Go slow by the new bridge on 480 as there is stone there, that will be snow covered in time.
❄️ Trail 480 from the Spile Dam turnaround to the Raco Powerline ( trail 8 ) - excellent
❄️ Raco Powerline- excellent
❄️ Trail 889 The Mission Hill Loop- excellent
Remember, we are on Groomer Tracker!
Ride safe everyone!
***to join or donate, please visit www.sootrails.org*** #soo
www.sootrails.org
It has been a great season so far. For the most part, trails are in excellent condition but we do still have a few problem areas. To see what's been happening since the trails opened and for complete up to date information, please follow us on facebook. SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/27/26
Things are so good around here that I actually have no significant updates to share LOL. A little snow here and there on top of an absolutely incredible base is making for the best riding in our area in years, honestly. Even with one machine still down, our operators have things in excellent shape!
We hope you’ll be able to be here next week for race week, and for the big race on Saturday, Feb 7th! We will have a booth in the brand new vendor pavilion, and we hope to see you there at the International 500 Snowmobile Race!! 🏁 ❄️🥶 #soo #soo0127 #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via Meteorologist Brad Sugden >> Additional snowfall Tuesday, Jan 27th!
Winds will gust 30-40mph at times blowing around new slow and fluffy snow already on the ground. Expect ground blizzards at times (wind driven, brief, white outs). #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsare #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyAdditional snowfall Tuesday, Jan 27th!
Winds will gust 30-40mph at times blowing around new slow and fluffy snow already on the ground. Expect ground blizzards at times (wind driven, brief, white outs).
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/27/26
Update!! 10:30 AM - The car is near the pavilion in the campground, close to the parking lot, and will be out shortly. Thank you to Merle’s Towing for your communication and helping her out!
🚨 Caution!! There is a car stuck on the trail behind Kewadin Casino. We are unsure of the exact location on the trail as of right now.
Merle’s Towing, who has always been so awesome to work with, is on the way, but please use caution.
Please be kind, it’s an elderly person who made a mistake. Just sharing for awareness. Thank you! #soo
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted. WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Another quickly-moving Clipper will bring a round of widespread, light snow beginning this evening, followed by lingering lake effect snow across the NW wind snow belts for Tuesday. Totals of an inch or less are expected for most of the UP, but where lake effect snow occurs, up to 2-5in of snow is possible tonight through Tuesday evening. As winds pick up early Tuesday, patchy blowing snow may contribute to reduced visibility in the NW wind snow belts. Take care during your morning commute! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaAnother quickly-moving Clipper will bring a round of widespread, light snow beginning this evening, followed by lingering lake effect snow across the NW wind snow belts for Tuesday. Totals of an inch or less are expected for most of the UP, but where lake effect snow occurs, up to 2-5in of snow is possible tonight through Tuesday evening. As winds pick up early Tuesday, patchy blowing snow may contribute to reduced visibility in the NW wind snow belts. Take care during your morning commute!
WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> Lake effect snow continues today, stops, then resumes in intensity overnight into Tuesday, January 26th and 27th, 2026.
Discussion
Our west winds kick up to the 30-40 mph range later tonight. Prior to that happening, a northwest wind will batter some lake effect areas with an additional 1-3" this afternoon, with pockets of 4"+ possible. As we move into Tuesday, a widespread blanket of 2-5", with pockets of 4-8" will overtake the Lake Michigan shoreline, eastern UP, and Keweenaw Peninsula. Temperature difference between water and air, plus adequate lift will fuel lake effect all the way through Wednesday morning. Additionally, we have a clipper moving through on Tuesday that will bring isolated pockets of 1-3" to the east side. Most locations should still be beneath an inch, however, too many variables are in play to not mention it.
Travel will be impacted along and west of US-131, with minor travel impacts all the way over to the US-127 corridor (I-75 north of Grayling). The clipper will be swinging through with the initial push of gusty winds after midnight tonight through 10 am Tuesday morning. Again, this will be for totals starting at noon today, and lasting through 8 am EST Wednesday, with most of the snow falling throughout the entire day Tuesday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyLake effect snow continues today, stops, then resumes in intensity overnight into Tuesday, January 26th and 27th, 2026.
Discussion
Our west winds kick up to the 30-40 mph range later tonight. Prior to that happening, a northwest wind will batter some lake effect areas with an additional 1-3" this afternoon, with pockets of 4"+ possible. As we move into Tuesday, a widespread blanket of 2-5", with pockets of 4-8" will overtake the Lake Michigan shoreline, eastern UP, and Keweenaw Peninsula. Temperature difference between water and air, plus adequate lift will fuel lake effect all the way through Wednesday morning. Additionally, we have a clipper moving through on Tuesday that will bring isolated pockets of 1-3" to the east side. Most locations should still be beneath an inch, however, too many variables are in play to not mention it.
Travel will be impacted along and west of US-131, with minor travel impacts all the way over to the US-127 corridor (I-75 north of Grayling). The clipper will be swinging through with the initial push of gusty winds after midnight tonight through 10 am Tuesday morning. Again, this will be for totals starting at noon today, and lasting through 8 am EST Wednesday, with most of the snow falling throughout the entire day Tuesday.
-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
Mike Hayes Roofing & Siding | Call 810-984-4564 for all your exterior home needs across Sanilac and St. Clair counties!
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> While it will remain cold through midweek we will get a reprieve from the bitter cold experienced over the last several days. Lake effect snow showers will be possible in the northwest wind snowbelts along with a period of widespread light snow tonight across the U.P. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaWhile it will remain cold through midweek we will get a reprieve from the bitter cold experienced over the last several days. Lake effect snow showers will be possible in the northwest wind snowbelts along with a period of widespread light snow tonight across the U.P.
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WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Lake effect continues tonight, with the heaviest snow likely to focus into the Munising area overnight. Dangerous cold conditions are also expected across the eastern U.P. tonight into Thursday morning. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/27/26
Good evening everyone! Holding steady at 30” of snow in the Soo currently with lake effect snow showers ongoing.
We do still have one machine down, and our schedule has been adjusted to make sure we can still cover all areas.
Here’s what I know-
❄️ Trail 8- Soo to Raco- excellent
❄️ City Trails - part of 49, 449, 497, and the I500 trail- excellent (being groomed as I type this)
❄️ Trail 49- Soo to Kinross- good. All water holes are packed and panned. May have some drifts in open areas.
❄️ Trail 49 south of M80 and the 494 loop- excellent
❄️ Trail 472 to 480 to the Raco gate- good - Go slow by the new bridge on 480 as there is stone there, that will be snow covered in time.
❄️ Trail 480 from the Spile Dam turnaround to the Raco Powerline ( trail 8 ) - excellent
❄️ Raco Powerline- excellent
❄️ Trail 889 The Mission Hill Loop- excellent
Remember, we are on Groomer Tracker!
Ride safe everyone!
***to join or donate, please visit www.sootrails.org*** #soo
www.sootrails.org
It has been a great season so far. For the most part, trails are in excellent condition but we do still have a few problem areas. To see what's been happening since the trails opened and for complete up to date information, please follow us on facebook.SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/27/26
Things are so good around here that I actually have no significant updates to share LOL. A little snow here and there on top of an absolutely incredible base is making for the best riding in our area in years, honestly. Even with one machine still down, our operators have things in excellent shape!
We hope you’ll be able to be here next week for race week, and for the big race on Saturday, Feb 7th! We will have a booth in the brand new vendor pavilion, and we hope to see you there at the International 500 Snowmobile Race!! 🏁 ❄️🥶 #soo #soo0127 #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via Meteorologist Brad Sugden >> Additional snowfall Tuesday, Jan 27th!
Winds will gust 30-40mph at times blowing around new slow and fluffy snow already on the ground. Expect ground blizzards at times (wind driven, brief, white outs). #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsare #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyAdditional snowfall Tuesday, Jan 27th!
Winds will gust 30-40mph at times blowing around new slow and fluffy snow already on the ground. Expect ground blizzards at times (wind driven, brief, white outs).
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/27/26
Update!! 10:30 AM - The car is near the pavilion in the campground, close to the parking lot, and will be out shortly. Thank you to Merle’s Towing for your communication and helping her out!
🚨 Caution!! There is a car stuck on the trail behind Kewadin Casino. We are unsure of the exact location on the trail as of right now.
Merle’s Towing, who has always been so awesome to work with, is on the way, but please use caution.
Please be kind, it’s an elderly person who made a mistake. Just sharing for awareness. Thank you! #soo
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Another quickly-moving Clipper will bring a round of widespread, light snow beginning this evening, followed by lingering lake effect snow across the NW wind snow belts for Tuesday. Totals of an inch or less are expected for most of the UP, but where lake effect snow occurs, up to 2-5in of snow is possible tonight through Tuesday evening. As winds pick up early Tuesday, patchy blowing snow may contribute to reduced visibility in the NW wind snow belts. Take care during your morning commute! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaAnother quickly-moving Clipper will bring a round of widespread, light snow beginning this evening, followed by lingering lake effect snow across the NW wind snow belts for Tuesday. Totals of an inch or less are expected for most of the UP, but where lake effect snow occurs, up to 2-5in of snow is possible tonight through Tuesday evening. As winds pick up early Tuesday, patchy blowing snow may contribute to reduced visibility in the NW wind snow belts. Take care during your morning commute!
WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> Lake effect snow continues today, stops, then resumes in intensity overnight into Tuesday, January 26th and 27th, 2026.
Discussion
Our west winds kick up to the 30-40 mph range later tonight. Prior to that happening, a northwest wind will batter some lake effect areas with an additional 1-3" this afternoon, with pockets of 4"+ possible. As we move into Tuesday, a widespread blanket of 2-5", with pockets of 4-8" will overtake the Lake Michigan shoreline, eastern UP, and Keweenaw Peninsula. Temperature difference between water and air, plus adequate lift will fuel lake effect all the way through Wednesday morning. Additionally, we have a clipper moving through on Tuesday that will bring isolated pockets of 1-3" to the east side. Most locations should still be beneath an inch, however, too many variables are in play to not mention it.
Travel will be impacted along and west of US-131, with minor travel impacts all the way over to the US-127 corridor (I-75 north of Grayling). The clipper will be swinging through with the initial push of gusty winds after midnight tonight through 10 am Tuesday morning. Again, this will be for totals starting at noon today, and lasting through 8 am EST Wednesday, with most of the snow falling throughout the entire day Tuesday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyLake effect snow continues today, stops, then resumes in intensity overnight into Tuesday, January 26th and 27th, 2026.
Discussion
Our west winds kick up to the 30-40 mph range later tonight. Prior to that happening, a northwest wind will batter some lake effect areas with an additional 1-3" this afternoon, with pockets of 4"+ possible. As we move into Tuesday, a widespread blanket of 2-5", with pockets of 4-8" will overtake the Lake Michigan shoreline, eastern UP, and Keweenaw Peninsula. Temperature difference between water and air, plus adequate lift will fuel lake effect all the way through Wednesday morning. Additionally, we have a clipper moving through on Tuesday that will bring isolated pockets of 1-3" to the east side. Most locations should still be beneath an inch, however, too many variables are in play to not mention it.
Travel will be impacted along and west of US-131, with minor travel impacts all the way over to the US-127 corridor (I-75 north of Grayling). The clipper will be swinging through with the initial push of gusty winds after midnight tonight through 10 am Tuesday morning. Again, this will be for totals starting at noon today, and lasting through 8 am EST Wednesday, with most of the snow falling throughout the entire day Tuesday.
-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
Mike Hayes Roofing & Siding | Call 810-984-4564 for all your exterior home needs across Sanilac and St. Clair counties!
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> While it will remain cold through midweek we will get a reprieve from the bitter cold experienced over the last several days. Lake effect snow showers will be possible in the northwest wind snowbelts along with a period of widespread light snow tonight across the U.P. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaWhile it will remain cold through midweek we will get a reprieve from the bitter cold experienced over the last several days. Lake effect snow showers will be possible in the northwest wind snowbelts along with a period of widespread light snow tonight across the U.P.
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