Ontonagon Area Trail Report – 02/18
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> 02/18
SNOWMAGEDDON CONTINUES
Snow depth is reaching epic levels! Snow along Lake Superior shoreline is the deepest we’ve seen in many years. Depth in the Porkies, trail 101/13 areas are incredible. Cold temps is keeping the fresh snow ALL POWDER through to this weekend. THE TIME TO POWDER CHASE IS NOW!
Thank you North Country SC Volunteers!!!
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WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> If you have post-travel plans to or from lower MI Thursday night into Friday, be aware of the potential for light snow and freezing rain to impact travel, especially over parts of the Lower Peninsula. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaIf you have post-travel plans to or from lower MI Thursday night into Friday, be aware of the potential for light snow and freezing rain to impact travel, especially over parts of the Lower Peninsula. #906wx #miwx
WEATHER UPDATE via Midwest Weather >> I'm going up north to the U.P of Michigan on Friday to chase a potentially significant lake effect snow event from late Saturday night through Tuesday. Snowfall accumulations could be 1-2', if not higher, as high-res model guidance comes in when we get closer.
Another lake-effect snow event is increasingly likely behind an arctic front next Wednesday night through Friday, which we will need to keep an eye on. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyI'm going up north to the U.P of Michigan on Friday to chase a potentially significant lake effect snow event from late Saturday night through Tuesday. Snowfall accumulations could be 1-2', if not higher, as high-res model guidance comes in when we get closer.
Another lake-effect snow event is increasingly likely behind an arctic front next Wednesday night through Friday, which we will need to keep an eye on.
We will be in GM for the week! Bring it!
LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Gogebic Area Grooming >> Bergland Area Groomer's update for 12-23-25.
Trail 8w to Wakefield, 8e to Ewen 1n to White Pine and 102 all covered tonight and our entire section of 13 was covered last night.
The guy's started late afternoon when temp's were around 28° which helped out tremendously, by mid evening they started freezing in tight at around 19° to 21°.
We'll be on a lighter schedule for Christmas Eve and Christmas day for everyone to enjoy time with family and friends.
All thing's considered for what it took to get these trail's opened up we're in pretty good shape.
We thank you all for the support and Wish all of you a Merry Christmas 🎄. Gogebic Area Grooming ❄️❄️❄️ #lakegogebic #westernup #snowphotos
Jim Darst
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A cold front will push through this afternoon and evening bringing gusty northwest wind of 25-35 mph near Lake Superior and over the Keweenaw. Otherwise low chances for snow and or sleet are forecast for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (10-30% chance). #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaA cold front will push through this afternoon and evening bringing gusty northwest wind of 25-35 mph near Lake Superior and over the Keweenaw. Otherwise low chances for snow and or sleet are forecast for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (10-30% chance).
WATERSMEET - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via U.P. Thunder Riders Snowmobile Club >> UPDATED 12/22/25-Groomers got out yesterday and groomed the entire system. Still some thin areas on the grade and trail 3 north of town. Farther west and north snow level gets better. We have a good start to the season as all trails have been cleared and groomed a few times but we could really use more snow. We have plans to get back out grooming after Christmas and hopefully getting on a more consistent schedule weather permitting. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone and please remember to Ride Right and Ride Safe. #watersmeet #westernup #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> It will be warmer today with highs in the upper 20s to mid 30s. Light snow is possible south of an Iron Mountain to Escanaba line but any accumulation will be very light. There is a chance (20-30%) for light snow across the central and eastern U.P tonight but little in the way of accumulation is expected. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaIt will be warmer today with highs in the upper 20s to mid 30s. Light snow is possible south of an Iron Mountain to Escanaba line but any accumulation will be very light. There is a chance (20-30%) for light snow across the central and eastern U.P tonight but little in the way of accumulation is expected.
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via Scott's Superior Inn and Cabins >> ❄️ Snowmobile Trail Update ❄️
We picked up 8–10 inches of fresh snow this weekend here in Ontonagon and it was just what the trails needed! This snowfall helped freshen things up and improve overall riding conditions across the area.
It’s still early season riding, so expect some thinner spots, wet areas and changing conditions, but the good news is all trails are open and rideable — and there are even some really good stretches out there already.
A big thank-you to the groomers and volunteers who have been putting in the time to make this happen. Ride smart, ride within your limits, and enjoy the fresh snow! 🛷❄️ #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotos❄️ Snowmobile Trail Update ❄️
We picked up 8–10 inches of fresh snow this weekend here in Ontonagon and it was just what the trails needed! This snowfall helped freshen things up and improve overall riding conditions across the area.
It’s still early season riding, so expect some thinner spots, wet areas and changing conditions, but the good news is all trails are open and rideable — and there are even some really good stretches out there already.
A big thank-you to the groomers and volunteers who have been putting in the time to make this happen. Ride smart, ride within your limits, and enjoy the fresh snow! 🛷❄️
BESSEMER - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Trails-North Powersports LLC >> 🥰 Dina and I made a 200 mile loop yesterday from Bessemer to Sidnaw to Rockland back to Bessemer trying to get our ole butts in shape 😂😂 for our ride with Snowball Cancer in February 🤟❤️ We are so blessed to have great trails this early to allow us to condition 💯 Hats off to all of the Clubs in those regions for getting the trails in such great shape after the storm 💯💯 45 days and we will be riding to help families who are fighting cancer 💯 Please click this link donate.snowballcancer.org/... to find Matt and Dina Shinabery 's rider profiles to help them achieve their minimum needed goals to ride 🤟🌬️❄️❄️❄️ Thank you!! ❤️ #westernup #snowphotos
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> Mac's run to the Lake of the Clouds today. Along Lake Superior the snow runs from a trace to 5-6". Up top, it's closer to 2 feet and the road up is in great shape. #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotos
LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Gogebic Area Grooming >> Bergland Area Groomer's report for 12-21-25.. ❄️❄️❄️
Current Temp 10°. Overnight we received another 4". So approximately 8" over the past 2 day's.
Our Trails..
Everything has been opened up. You are going to encounter twiggy, narrow, thin and wet but also excellent condition's. Ride with caution but everything should be 💯 passable without taking a slush bath.
The Timberline access trail was opened today use caution in the low areas for water spots. AJ's was attempted but not passable with a groomer but sleds have been getting through. We currently have a machine running 8w to Wakefield and then 1n to White Pine. That's our update for this Sunday evening. Enjoy and be safe!! Gogebic Area Grooming ❄️❄️❄️ #lakegogebic #westernup #snowphotos
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> Good afternoon, Sledheads:
We got out to groom last night covering Trail 13 - Trail 101 - Trail 137 and Trail 12 from 101 to White Pine. We still have wet spots due to the recent warm-up last week, and have not yet been able to build ramps at the elevated driveways along Hwy 64 so ride with caution.
Yesterday, Mac & Rick took down the "widowmaker" over Trail 1 in the woods just North of the junction of Trail 1 and Trail 102. The high winds keep blowing the fresh fluffy snow off Trail 1 along Lake Superior, so we are still not grooming that section. Mac will be out this afternoon grooming the road section of Trail 1 north of the ski hill to Lake of the Clouds. #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotosGood afternoon, Sledheads:
We got out to groom last night covering Trail 13 - Trail 101 - Trail 137 and Trail 12 from 101 to White Pine. Thanks to Mike C for making the run out of Hamilton's North Coast Adventures! We still have wet spots due to the recent warm-up last week, and have not yet been able to build ramps at the elevated driveways along Hwy 64 so ride with caution.
Yesterday, Mac & Rick took down the "widowmaker" over Trail 1 in the woods just North of the junction of Trail 1 and Trail 11. The high winds keep blowing the fresh fluffy snow off Trail 1 along Lake Superior, so we are still not grooming that section. Mac will be out this afternoon grooming the road section of Trail 1 north of the ski hill to Lake of the Clouds.
SIDNAW - WESTERN U.P. via Sno Valley Riders Snowmobile Club >> ❄️🌒 Happy Winter Solstice! 🌒❄️
Today marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year — and the slow return of longer, brighter days.
For snowmobilers, that means one thing…
➡️ We’re officially sliding into the heart of winter!
More snow, more rides, and more time on the trails are just around the corner.
Wherever you are today, we hope you find a little light, warmth, and maybe even a fresh dusting of snow.
Stay safe, ride smart, and remember: Ride Right, Lead Right — and the groomer always has the right of way! ❄️🚜
— Sno Valley Riders – Western U.P. #sidnaw #westernup❄️🌒 Happy Winter Solstice! 🌒❄️
Today marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year — and the slow return of longer, brighter days.
For snowmobilers, that means one thing…
➡️ We’re officially sliding into the heart of winter!
More snow, more rides, and more time on the trails are just around the corner.
Wherever you are today, we hope you find a little light, warmth, and maybe even a fresh dusting of snow.
Stay safe, ride smart, and remember: Ride Right, Lead Right — and the groomer always has the right of way! ❄️🚜
— Sno Valley Riders – Western U.P.
LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Bergland Outfitters Bait Shop & Motel >> Dec 21 trail report..
8 e of bergland thin but that's typical then went 13n you're going to get slapped with limbs overall 13n to potato farm Rd excellent from there I went to lp Walsh Rd ..
Trails overall are great a few thin spots in a few corners 9 out of 10 for riding.. Thank again to our local groomer clubs A+ job for what you guys started with ..
Lake Gogebic report.
Yes people are fishing ice ranges from 5-9 inches. I will just say use your own judgement I won't tell you it's safe ..
Have a great evening.. #lakegogebic #westernup #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Lake effect snow showers will continue in the northwest wind snowbelts this morning and then begin to shift north and offshore this afternoon into the evening as winds become southwesterly. Additional snowfall of up to an inch in the west and 1 to 3 inches in the east can be expected. A round of light snow is possible on Monday into Monday night with temperatures moderating through mid-week. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaLake effect snow showers will continue in the northwest wind snowbelts this morning and then begin to shift north and offshore this afternoon into the evening as winds become southwesterly. Additional snowfall of up to an inch in the west and 1 to 3 inches in the east can be expected. A round of light snow is possible on Monday into Monday night with temperatures moderating through mid-week.
LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Gogebic Area Grooming >> Bergland Area Groomer's update for 12-20-25.
Groomer's out there killing it!
13 from the 8e and 13n junction at East shore Rd. to the Root Cellar was set and groomed today. In poor condition but 💯 passable.
Video is of 13 north of M28 to our turn around at 101.. Current Temp's around 9° with whiteout conditions. Happy Saturday! Gogebic Area Grooming ❄️❄️❄️ #lakegogebic #westernup #snowphotos
Gosh, I wish we got that kind of snow here in Southern lower Michigan.
How deep is the snow there right now ?
SIDNAW - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Sno Valley Riders Snowmobile Club >> Groomer Report:
Trail Condition: Fair
Last Groomed: December 19th, 2025
All of our trials are open and groomed.
We would like the give a big THANK YOU to the DNR for helping us on trail 3 from Bruce Crossing to Rockland, they were insturmental in getting this trail open!
It is still early season riding in many areas, watch out for wet spots and some thin snow areas.
Overall I am calling our trails FAIR, there are some areas that are excellent and some that are not great but all are rideable.
Please ride on the RIGHT side of the trail and STOP at the stop signs!
Stay on the trail, if you don’t we could lose trail permissions on private property.
Groomers have the right of way on the trails, pull over and stop to let them safely pass!
We now have Groomer Tracker installed in our groomers.
We groom every day that the weather conditions and equipment allow. Unforeseen circumstances may prevent us from going out, like a major blizzard and being snowed in at our homes or equipment breakdowns. #westernup
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.
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A snow squall. Maybe that’s what we had going on in Wakefield today. It was nuts!
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