Grand Marais Trail Report – 02/21
GRAND MARAIS AREA UPDATE via Grand Marais Sno-Trails Assoc. – 02/21
Trail update: I talked with 4 different groups of sledders today and it sounds like the majority of the crazy 8 trails are still decent riding. There are a few dirt spots in the hilly/curvy sections and other thin spots throughout. Two of them stated that they had been riding some ungroomed logging trails and unplowed trails with plenty of snow on those they rode.
We did not groom the last two shifts due to high temps. We are watching the temps, and if it gets cold enough, early enough, we may groom limited sections overnight, tonight. If not, Thursday night/Friday morning is forecast colder, longer with chance of lake effect snow Friday. We will continue to do our best with what mother nature gives us, to keep the trails rideable.
If you want to find snow to ride, it is out there. Definitely more snow on the non-groomed trails than the groomed ones, but still snow and rideable snow, at that. That is not to say there is perfect snow and no dirt. If you want to find dirt you can!!! The trail into GM is really thin, bare in some places, and rough. There is not enough base for us to groom it. A few commented that slow is the best policy for now!!!
We appreciate the positive feedback and all the thanks we are receiving. We also appreciate all those that come up to our communities and support local businesses. Ride safe everyone.
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Grand Marais Sno-Trails Assoc. on Facebook >>>>
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Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook
NEWBERRY AREA UPDATE via TASA Tahquamenon Area Snowmobile Association >> On trail 45 coming back from the falls toward Newberry ... #newberry #snowphotos
NEWBERRY AREA UPDATE via TASA Tahquamenon Area Snowmobile Association >> Trail Update 01/14/2026
All 3 groomers are out. Trail 45 to the Upper Falls is looking good. Trail 9 is getting into shape and the South trail is great. Ride Safe and always ride right. #newberry
GRAND MARAIS AREA UPDATE via Grand Marais Tavern >> Blustery weather but that doesn’t stop the fun!! #grandmarais #newberry #snowphotos
NEWBERRY AREA UPDATE via Pine Stump >> 1-14-26
11 degrees this morning with a high of 15. This should get everything froze back up
A few inches of snow in the night and it’s still snowing
It looks like the cold and snow will be hanging around now. Second half of the month looks cold now
It should be a good weekend coming up and next week as well!! #newberry #snowphotos
NEWBERRY AREA UPDATE via TASA Tahquamenon Area Snowmobile Association >> Alright, Back to work!
Small delay just past Silver Creek.
In and out of Windy Corners 7:01AM
Pretty lonely up there at that hour.
So here's the scoop after 17.6 miles.
We're still dealing with Sugar Snow, only this Sugar Snow has gotten moist, dried, and its like we had to beat the bejeebers out of it on the counter, and then poured it down the trail.
I can move it where we need it, I can make it flat, I can't make it real pretty, its crusty, looks like sponge surface.
Keeps snowing and blowing like its been since I left, we get her flat on the way up, blend that in on the way back, may get pretty yet! 😊
Two sister water spots mile out from M123 were frozen solid, broke through the end of one and bit, and tried to scrape it a little more to ease the edge some.
Forgot, if you love drifts, you'll love today! It's also packing down very hard, a great new base to work with.
Just turned north to Pine Stump, if you're headed down, I'll see you soon 😊
Made it to Seney T, no signs of life anywhere on this trip so far, 9:23am #newberry #snowphotos
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
NEWBERRY AREA UPDATE via Trails End Lodging >> The snow is once again falling in Windy Corners! #newberry #snowphotos
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
NEWBERRY AREA UPDATE via Trails End Lodging >> Good morning from Windy Corners! The wind 🌬️ is blowing and the snow ❄️ is falling!
Where is your day taking you?
It would be a great day for a ride to Windy Corners! Stop into WOLF INN Grill & Spirits for a hot meal and top off at North Store Follow Me Outfitters!
Where ever your day takes you… Ride Safe. Ride Right. #newberry #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via Pictured Rocks Marine Weather Conditions >> Here's the updated 3-day snowfall forecast through 7am Friday morning. This includes some system snow today, then lake-effect snow starting tonight and lasting into Thursday morning, followed by more system snow late Thursday into Friday. Temperatures will be relatively warm today, but will plummet overnight tonight. Back to winter! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
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 >> #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Mixed precipitation, mainly of rain and snow, will spread west to east across the UP tonight into tomorrow morning. Pockets of freezing rain could also mix in at onset and lead to a light glaze of ice on roadways for the Tuesday morning commute. Heavy lake effect snow will then be reinvigorated with a secondary cold front Tuesday night into Wednesday morning across the N and NW wind snow belts. This will combine with northerly winds of 40 to 50 mph, resulting in blowing snow and near zero visibilities for the Wednesday morning commute. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaMixed precipitation, mainly of rain and snow, will spread west to east across the UP tonight into tomorrow morning. Pockets of freezing rain could also mix in at onset and lead to a light glaze of ice on roadways for the Tuesday morning commute. Heavy lake effect snow will then be reinvigorated with a secondary cold front Tuesday night into Wednesday morning across the N and NW wind snow belts. This will combine with northerly winds of 40 to 50 mph, resulting in blowing snow and near zero visibilities for the Wednesday morning commute.
NEWBERRY AREA UPDATE via TASA Tahquamenon Area Snowmobile Association >> ⚠️So my wife and I and a couple friends went out to check the trail and get some lunch so I found a couple water holes on trail 9 about 3/4 of a mile off of M123 just slow down they are only 4 inches deep you don’t need to fly though them in the picture you can see my ski in the water that’s the deepest spot so please slow down and take it easy also some of the guys staying at our place got stuck on 45 past the falls I was told the gate was closed over there but they said it was open just be aware that is dangerous over there please do not open gates the people that run their clubs know when to open the gates, so please do not touch them for your safety as well as others.. #newberry #snowphotos
Stan Loos III
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NEWBERRY AREA UPDATE via TASA Tahquamenon Area Snowmobile Association >> On trail 45 coming back from the falls toward Newberry ... #newberry #snowphotos
NEWBERRY AREA UPDATE via TASA Tahquamenon Area Snowmobile Association >> Trail Update 01/14/2026
All 3 groomers are out. Trail 45 to the Upper Falls is looking good. Trail 9 is getting into shape and the South trail is great. Ride Safe and always ride right. #newberry
GRAND MARAIS AREA UPDATE via Grand Marais Tavern >> Blustery weather but that doesn’t stop the fun!! #grandmarais #newberry #snowphotos
NEWBERRY AREA UPDATE via Pine Stump >> 1-14-26
11 degrees this morning with a high of 15. This should get everything froze back up
A few inches of snow in the night and it’s still snowing
It looks like the cold and snow will be hanging around now. Second half of the month looks cold now
It should be a good weekend coming up and next week as well!! #newberry #snowphotos
NEWBERRY AREA UPDATE via TASA Tahquamenon Area Snowmobile Association >> Alright, Back to work!
Small delay just past Silver Creek.
In and out of Windy Corners 7:01AM
Pretty lonely up there at that hour.
So here's the scoop after 17.6 miles.
We're still dealing with Sugar Snow, only this Sugar Snow has gotten moist, dried, and its like we had to beat the bejeebers out of it on the counter, and then poured it down the trail.
I can move it where we need it, I can make it flat, I can't make it real pretty, its crusty, looks like sponge surface.
Keeps snowing and blowing like its been since I left, we get her flat on the way up, blend that in on the way back, may get pretty yet! 😊
Two sister water spots mile out from M123 were frozen solid, broke through the end of one and bit, and tried to scrape it a little more to ease the edge some.
Forgot, if you love drifts, you'll love today! It's also packing down very hard, a great new base to work with.
Just turned north to Pine Stump, if you're headed down, I'll see you soon 😊
Made it to Seney T, no signs of life anywhere on this trip so far, 9:23am #newberry #snowphotos
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
NEWBERRY AREA UPDATE via Trails End Lodging >> The snow is once again falling in Windy Corners! #newberry #snowphotos
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
NEWBERRY AREA UPDATE via Trails End Lodging >> Good morning from Windy Corners! The wind 🌬️ is blowing and the snow ❄️ is falling!
Where is your day taking you?
It would be a great day for a ride to Windy Corners! Stop into WOLF INN Grill & Spirits for a hot meal and top off at North Store Follow Me Outfitters!
Where ever your day takes you… Ride Safe. Ride Right. #newberry #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via Pictured Rocks Marine Weather Conditions >> Here's the updated 3-day snowfall forecast through 7am Friday morning. This includes some system snow today, then lake-effect snow starting tonight and lasting into Thursday morning, followed by more system snow late Thursday into Friday. Temperatures will be relatively warm today, but will plummet overnight tonight. Back to winter! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
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 >> #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Mixed precipitation, mainly of rain and snow, will spread west to east across the UP tonight into tomorrow morning. Pockets of freezing rain could also mix in at onset and lead to a light glaze of ice on roadways for the Tuesday morning commute. Heavy lake effect snow will then be reinvigorated with a secondary cold front Tuesday night into Wednesday morning across the N and NW wind snow belts. This will combine with northerly winds of 40 to 50 mph, resulting in blowing snow and near zero visibilities for the Wednesday morning commute. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaMixed precipitation, mainly of rain and snow, will spread west to east across the UP tonight into tomorrow morning. Pockets of freezing rain could also mix in at onset and lead to a light glaze of ice on roadways for the Tuesday morning commute. Heavy lake effect snow will then be reinvigorated with a secondary cold front Tuesday night into Wednesday morning across the N and NW wind snow belts. This will combine with northerly winds of 40 to 50 mph, resulting in blowing snow and near zero visibilities for the Wednesday morning commute.
NEWBERRY AREA UPDATE via TASA Tahquamenon Area Snowmobile Association >> ⚠️So my wife and I and a couple friends went out to check the trail and get some lunch so I found a couple water holes on trail 9 about 3/4 of a mile off of M123 just slow down they are only 4 inches deep you don’t need to fly though them in the picture you can see my ski in the water that’s the deepest spot so please slow down and take it easy also some of the guys staying at our place got stuck on 45 past the falls I was told the gate was closed over there but they said it was open just be aware that is dangerous over there please do not open gates the people that run their clubs know when to open the gates, so please do not touch them for your safety as well as others.. #newberry #snowphotos
Stan Loos III
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