Sault Ste. Marie Area Trail Report – 02/04
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 02/04
2/4/25
Good morning everyone! Steve sent me a detailed report of his run last night, so let’s get to it!
“Last night was another group effort on the run from the Soo to Kinross on Trail 49.
Groomer Nathan started early and groomed from the club barn to the substation just south of 3 Mile Rd. I took over from there and headed south.
I struggled a bit early trying to carry the right amount of snow with me. I just couldn’t get a good feel for it. Made it to Kinross and turned around for the return trip.
Immediately, I realized the drag was digging in deeper than I like. I made lots of adjustments but I could not correct it. I stopped and called Groomer Dennis to see if he had any suggestions. He had me look over the drag but didn’t see anything obvious.
I proceeded on and went another couple hundred yards and stopped again. The left rear corner of the drag was digging in and leaving a depression in the center of the trail. I wasn’t able to cover my tracks and was really disappointed with the finished product.
I then called Groomer Mike and he had me check a whole list of things he could think of that might be causing it. After laying in the snow looking underneath the drag, I was getting very wet and cold. I could not find anything out of place.
I proceeded on and did the best I could. Dennis met me earlier than normal and took over the route to eliminate me from the equation. He had the same issue but maybe not to level I was seeing.
Overall, the trail is in great shape. I knocked down a lot of bumps and drifts and leveled the best I could. Unfortunately, there is a clear step between both passes in the trail. Trail is soft so it will settle quickly with sled traffic.
We think the conditions may have played a big part in the finished product last night. Our crew will take a look at the drag today once it is thawed out and see if we have any mechanical issues. I felt like the drag had a twist in it that I could not adjust out.
Finally, I may have had an off night. I felt comfortable behind the controls but never was happy with what I was seeing in the rear-view mirrors. We didn’t leave a white ribbon last night but the trail is still almost perfect. Please get out and enjoy it while the conditions are this good.
Steve Lawson”
I too, feel that this drag is off. We are very hopeful that we will be eligible for a new drag next season, as this one has run its course. We’ve repaired it and replaced parts but it’s just not doing as good a job as it once did.
Thank you Steve and all volunteers!
A bit of snow is on the way again ahead of the weekend! ❄️❄️❄️
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WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> Here is our last call for ongoing system snow and lake effect snow from now through Sunday evening at 6 pm EST, December 20th & 21st, 2025.
Uncertainty exists primarily in our trace-1" category which extends from Frankfort and Alpena south to I-96/I-69. The clipper moving through today may produce a quick squall of rain & snow with minimal accumulation some time beyond 1 pm EST, but models haven't determined if this band will solidify or not. If it does, the chance for a rain/snow mix exists in areas highlighted in the pink dashed box. This rain/snow mix would only be today. Any snow on Sunday will be lake effect off of Lake Superior, hence why our highest totals of 4-8" are located east of Munising over to Paradise. Not too impactful of a system in terms of Michigander standards, but do take it slow if you encounter any snow squalls and/or visibly slick roads. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyHere is our last call for ongoing system snow and lake effect snow from now through Sunday evening at 6 pm EST, December 20th & 21st, 2025.
Uncertainty exists primarily in our trace-1" category which extends from Frankfort and Alpena south to I-96/I-69. The clipper moving through today may produce a quick squall of rain & snow with minimal accumulation some time beyond 1 pm EST, but models haven't determined if this band will solidify or not. If it does, the chance for a rain/snow mix exists in areas highlighted in the pink dashed box. This rain/snow mix would only be today. Any snow on Sunday will be lake effect off of Lake Superior, hence why our highest totals of 4-8" are located east of Munising over to Paradise. Not too impactful of a system in terms of Michigander standards, but do take it slow if you encounter any snow squalls and/or visibly slick roads.
-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
A-Class Construction & Restoration | 833-298-ROOF is the number to call for all home construction needs across northwestern lower Michigan!
A snow squall. Maybe that’s what we had going on in Wakefield today. It was nuts!
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/20/25
Good morning all!
Not any major changes here as of right now. We got maybe an inch of snow overnight in the Soo, with a bit in the forecast today and tomorrow.
Our Raco crew has been out on 8 from Brimley west, and the 889 loop is being done now, as they have a bit more snow in that area. I haven’t spoken with the groomer bosses in the Soo or Kinross yet, but I would imagine we’ll still be on hold in those areas until we get a bit more snow.
No doubt, we now have a very solid base over the majority of our trail system.
We’ll keep you posted! ❄️❄️❄️ #soo
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> The first round of snow continues through mid-morning before most get a brief dry period into this afternoon; snow showers persist in the Keweenaw. Then a transition over to lake effect snow over the west to northwest wind snowbelts. 3 to 7 inches of snowfall over the east tonight into Sunday morning.
Windy conditions are expected this afternoon into tonight behind a cold front. Widespread westerly wind gusts are expected between 25 to 35 mph; up to 45 mph near Lake Superior and in the Keweenaw. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Another system brings a quick round of light to moderate snowfall late tonight into early Saturday. A widespread 1-3 inches of snow is expected, possibly locally higher up to 3-4in in the eastern UP. A change over to lake effect snow is expected in the NW wind snow belts Saturday afternoon, lingering into Sunday. Winds turn gusty for Saturday, with gusts as high as 40-45mph possible over the Keweenaw, where a Wind Advisory is in effect Saturday afternoon and evening. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaAnother system brings a quick round of light to moderate snowfall late tonight into early Saturday. A widespread 1-3 inches of snow is expected, possibly locally higher up to 3-4in in the eastern UP. A change over to lake effect snow is expected in the NW wind snow belts Saturday afternoon, lingering into Sunday. Winds turn gusty for Saturday, with gusts as high as 40-45mph possible over the Keweenaw, where a Wind Advisory is in effect Saturday afternoon and evening.
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.
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/19/25
The switch has flipped! We went from 42 and rain last night to 18 and snow flurries currently. Wild!
Word is that the roads are absolutely horrible, and area schools have been cancelled.
No doubt, trails will be solid ice until the new snow starts to pile up. As soon as I have any idea what the trails look like, I’ll be sure to share, but wanted to at least share a bit of good news. #soo #snowphotos
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> Video is from 12/16/25
Sorry I’m late on this put thought it was still worth sharing to show how things looked before this little warm up.
Here’s Pete’s report to go along with it-
“I took took New Dave out for his final training run down trail 8 to Brimley. We have been struggling with some engine computer wiring issues causing stalls. Some repair attempts were made, and this was an unscheduled test run as well. Bryan and his assistant Logan followed along to assist in case of another breakdown. Additionally, we wanted to take down the large leaning tree that’s been impeding the trail. Everything went well and the groomer made the trip with no issues. Dave finished up his training and will be headed out on his own soon. The tree came down without any hiccups. Even though it was warm out, the trail laid out smooth and flat. It was a great success and we are glad to have accomplished so much in one evening.”
Thanks all! #soo #snowphotos
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WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> Here is our last call for ongoing system snow and lake effect snow from now through Sunday evening at 6 pm EST, December 20th & 21st, 2025.
Uncertainty exists primarily in our trace-1" category which extends from Frankfort and Alpena south to I-96/I-69. The clipper moving through today may produce a quick squall of rain & snow with minimal accumulation some time beyond 1 pm EST, but models haven't determined if this band will solidify or not. If it does, the chance for a rain/snow mix exists in areas highlighted in the pink dashed box. This rain/snow mix would only be today. Any snow on Sunday will be lake effect off of Lake Superior, hence why our highest totals of 4-8" are located east of Munising over to Paradise. Not too impactful of a system in terms of Michigander standards, but do take it slow if you encounter any snow squalls and/or visibly slick roads. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyHere is our last call for ongoing system snow and lake effect snow from now through Sunday evening at 6 pm EST, December 20th & 21st, 2025.
Uncertainty exists primarily in our trace-1" category which extends from Frankfort and Alpena south to I-96/I-69. The clipper moving through today may produce a quick squall of rain & snow with minimal accumulation some time beyond 1 pm EST, but models haven't determined if this band will solidify or not. If it does, the chance for a rain/snow mix exists in areas highlighted in the pink dashed box. This rain/snow mix would only be today. Any snow on Sunday will be lake effect off of Lake Superior, hence why our highest totals of 4-8" are located east of Munising over to Paradise. Not too impactful of a system in terms of Michigander standards, but do take it slow if you encounter any snow squalls and/or visibly slick roads.
-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
A-Class Construction & Restoration | 833-298-ROOF is the number to call for all home construction needs across northwestern lower Michigan!
A snow squall. Maybe that’s what we had going on in Wakefield today. It was nuts!
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/20/25
Good morning all!
Not any major changes here as of right now. We got maybe an inch of snow overnight in the Soo, with a bit in the forecast today and tomorrow.
Our Raco crew has been out on 8 from Brimley west, and the 889 loop is being done now, as they have a bit more snow in that area. I haven’t spoken with the groomer bosses in the Soo or Kinross yet, but I would imagine we’ll still be on hold in those areas until we get a bit more snow.
No doubt, we now have a very solid base over the majority of our trail system.
We’ll keep you posted! ❄️❄️❄️ #soo
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> The first round of snow continues through mid-morning before most get a brief dry period into this afternoon; snow showers persist in the Keweenaw. Then a transition over to lake effect snow over the west to northwest wind snowbelts. 3 to 7 inches of snowfall over the east tonight into Sunday morning.
Windy conditions are expected this afternoon into tonight behind a cold front. Widespread westerly wind gusts are expected between 25 to 35 mph; up to 45 mph near Lake Superior and in the Keweenaw. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Another system brings a quick round of light to moderate snowfall late tonight into early Saturday. A widespread 1-3 inches of snow is expected, possibly locally higher up to 3-4in in the eastern UP. A change over to lake effect snow is expected in the NW wind snow belts Saturday afternoon, lingering into Sunday. Winds turn gusty for Saturday, with gusts as high as 40-45mph possible over the Keweenaw, where a Wind Advisory is in effect Saturday afternoon and evening. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaAnother system brings a quick round of light to moderate snowfall late tonight into early Saturday. A widespread 1-3 inches of snow is expected, possibly locally higher up to 3-4in in the eastern UP. A change over to lake effect snow is expected in the NW wind snow belts Saturday afternoon, lingering into Sunday. Winds turn gusty for Saturday, with gusts as high as 40-45mph possible over the Keweenaw, where a Wind Advisory is in effect Saturday afternoon and evening.
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.
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/19/25
The switch has flipped! We went from 42 and rain last night to 18 and snow flurries currently. Wild!
Word is that the roads are absolutely horrible, and area schools have been cancelled.
No doubt, trails will be solid ice until the new snow starts to pile up. As soon as I have any idea what the trails look like, I’ll be sure to share, but wanted to at least share a bit of good news. #soo #snowphotos
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> Video is from 12/16/25
Sorry I’m late on this put thought it was still worth sharing to show how things looked before this little warm up.
Here’s Pete’s report to go along with it-
“I took took New Dave out for his final training run down trail 8 to Brimley. We have been struggling with some engine computer wiring issues causing stalls. Some repair attempts were made, and this was an unscheduled test run as well. Bryan and his assistant Logan followed along to assist in case of another breakdown. Additionally, we wanted to take down the large leaning tree that’s been impeding the trail. Everything went well and the groomer made the trip with no issues. Dave finished up his training and will be headed out on his own soon. The tree came down without any hiccups. Even though it was warm out, the trail laid out smooth and flat. It was a great success and we are glad to have accomplished so much in one evening.”
Thanks all! #soo #snowphotos
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