Sault Ste. Marie Trail Report – 02/08
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 02/08
2/8/25
Good morning all!
Brimley Bill was out last night and sent us this report.
“I groomed trail 480 to the Spile Dam Rd turnaround, trail 8 on the Powerline to Ranger Rd, and trail 8 from Raco to Brimley. Trail 8 from Raco to Brimley needed some work, but I was able to smooth it out real nice. Photos are of the Powerline and trail 8 just west of Brimley, near the Soo Line Lodge.
Reminder to sledders, Ride Right! After I made my first pass tonight on trail 480 heading south, two sleds jumped over onto the fresh groomed side of the trail all the way from Spile Dam Rd to M28. This means they rode on the (LH) wrong side of the trail, at night, even going through curves. The un-groomed (RH) side, where they should have been riding, really wasn’t that bad. But they had to tear up the fresh groomed side, even if it meant riding on the wrong side and putting themselves and others at risk. Sadly, I see this a lot if there is sled traffic when I’m out grooming.”
I get that riders may not think this is a big deal, but it really does make it hard for trails to set up. Please keep this is mind when you’re out riding.
Ride right, ride safe, ride sober! ❄️❄️❄️
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SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/26/25
Good morning, all! We hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
Our wish has been granted and snow has returned! How much we will get remains to be seen, but sounds like 6” for our general area by tomorrow, then more later in the weekend. Our Raco crew is out on the 889 loop as I type this, and we’ll update once groomers are able to roll out in other areas.
As a reminder- trail 472 from Tilson Rd all the way to the Raco gate on 480 has lots of heavy equipment and a partially plowed road in there with exposed rocks due to bridge construction. We are advising that you stay out of there for now please. We cannot groom it either. See the pinned post for more info and for the exact location.
Also see the post from yesterday for the trouble spots on trail 49.
All other trails have good coveage and a solid base. This new snow will only help.
As always, we will keep you posted! ❄️❄️❄️ #soo
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Here's the latest on the wintry mix tonight into Friday. Expect 3-6" of snow across the E UP, up to 2" of snow/sleet in northern lower N of M-72 in addition to a light glaze of ice, and up to 0.10" of ice accumulation south of M-72. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberryHere's the latest on the wintry mix tonight into Friday. Expect 3-6" of snow across the E UP, up to 2" of snow/sleet in northern lower N of M-72 in addition to a light glaze of ice, and up to 0.10" of ice accumulation south of M-72.
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain may result in slippery roadways and isolated power outages tonight into Friday morning. Those with travel plans should leave extra time for travel! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
FROM Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/25/25
We hope you’re having a great Christmas! Trails are pretty hard packed and icy in spots, and we definitely need snow.
Big thanks to rider Chuck for sending us these pics. These are the worst of the worst spots on our trail system right now. This is trail 49 south of the Soo, north of Kinross. He said that overall the trail is pretty fair with the exception of these spots.
These are the usual trouble spots in the early season. However, we normally can’t even groom this trail until mid January so we are pleased to be ahead of the game.
If we get the new snow that’s forecasted, these areas will easily be filled in.
Always important to share the bad spots too, so we appreciate the pics Chuck!
We’ll keep you updated as snow returns tomorrow into the weekend. ❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo2 #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Expect a wintery mix to develop across the U.P. tonight and continue into Friday morning, ending west to east through the day. Mainly snow is expected for the far north and east with mainly freezing rain near the MI/WI stateline. Those with travel plans should leave extra time for travel as roads could be slippery. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect tonight into Friday for the entire U.P.
For more information, visit the full briefing packet here :https://www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
Can we expect any significant lake effect between now and New Year's?
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> Merry Christmas everyone! Santa looks to be bringing us some snow! Have a wonderful day with family and friends🎄❄️❤️ #sooMerry Christmas everyone! Santa looks to be bringing us some snow! Have a wonderful day with family and friends🎄❄️❤️
WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> On top of our second call ice map, here is our second call snowfall map for December 26th, 2025. It's a messy system with multiple precipitation types, so be sure to click on our page to go see our ice forecast.... #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyOn top of our second call ice map, here is our second call snowfall map for December 26th, 2025. It's a messy system with multiple precipitation types, so be sure to click on our page to go see our ice forecast.
Discussion
The north side of the low will have much colder air, and the deformation zone for this event will be set up across the eastern UP and Lake Superior region. Totals greater than 1" of snow (some melting) will be confined north of M-55 to the Mackinac Bridge, while totals closer to the 3"+ mark are confined from St. Ignace up to Paradise and Sault Ste. Marie. Additionally, the Keweenaw Peninsula also may see the highest snowfall totals too.
You may have noticed that we added a new color for this event only. Because there is a gradual change from rain to snow... freezing rain, and even sleet is expected with this event. Sleet is like the shared sibling between snow and freezing rain. Sleet is snow that melted to rain really high up immediately after falling from the clouds, but spent enough time in the cold sector after melting to reform into tiny pellets. Freezing rain, however, forms when there isn't enough time for the rain to reform back into those tiny ice pellets due to that warm sector close to the ground, but because the ground itself IS a cold sector, it freezes on contact. Yes, sleet is slippery, but due to its properties, it's not quite as impactful. Still, because of the sleet's size, it accumulates in tenths of an inch similar to snow instead of hundredths like freezing rain. As a result, much of the white trace-1" corridor will likely fall as <1" of both snow and sleet. Again, not a huge amount, but worth mentioning. Timing for this snowfall will be similar to that of the ice. Anytime from 6 am EST Friday through the end of the day Friday is the expected duration.
Winter weather advisories are now in effect for the eastern UP regarding this snowfall. We will have traffic impact maps and timing maps coming later this afternoon after our Christmas morning activities. See you all back here soon!
-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
Kuiper Tree Care | Call 616-828-8225 for your top option regarding all your west Michigan tree care needs!
The key does not match the colors on the map
what is orange?
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Overall travel conditions should be smooth through Christmas Day. A system tracking through the region brings a round of snow and possibly freezing rain Christmas night into Friday. Highest snowfall amounts are expected in the northern half of the U.P. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaOverall travel conditions should be smooth through Christmas Day. A system tracking through the region brings a round of snow and possibly freezing rain Christmas night into Friday. Highest snowfall amounts are expected in the northern half of the U.P.
WEATHER UPDATE via Meteorologist Brad Sugden >> There will be some snow with Friday's system to the north! Nothing too crazy, but a few inches none-the-less. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaThere will be some snow with Friday's system to the north! Nothing too crazy, but a few inches none-the-less.
Generator Magic Inc
Michigan Based, Nationwide Shipping
It's beautiful here today and warm with a slight chill
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/24/25
Merry Christmas Eve! A curious deer checked out our snow gauge overnight. A bit of a warm up kept groomers parked yesterday, but cold has returned this morning, and there’s a decent amount of snow in the forecast in the coming days. Things were super flat before the warm up yesterday, so once again we have an excellent base.
We will keep you posted! Enjoy time with your families and friends 🎄❄️ #soo #snowphotos
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!
Your wasting your time ... gonna be a small.snow event
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).
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SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/26/25
Good morning, all! We hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
Our wish has been granted and snow has returned! How much we will get remains to be seen, but sounds like 6” for our general area by tomorrow, then more later in the weekend. Our Raco crew is out on the 889 loop as I type this, and we’ll update once groomers are able to roll out in other areas.
As a reminder- trail 472 from Tilson Rd all the way to the Raco gate on 480 has lots of heavy equipment and a partially plowed road in there with exposed rocks due to bridge construction. We are advising that you stay out of there for now please. We cannot groom it either. See the pinned post for more info and for the exact location.
Also see the post from yesterday for the trouble spots on trail 49.
All other trails have good coveage and a solid base. This new snow will only help.
As always, we will keep you posted! ❄️❄️❄️ #soo
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Here's the latest on the wintry mix tonight into Friday. Expect 3-6" of snow across the E UP, up to 2" of snow/sleet in northern lower N of M-72 in addition to a light glaze of ice, and up to 0.10" of ice accumulation south of M-72. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberryHere's the latest on the wintry mix tonight into Friday. Expect 3-6" of snow across the E UP, up to 2" of snow/sleet in northern lower N of M-72 in addition to a light glaze of ice, and up to 0.10" of ice accumulation south of M-72.
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain may result in slippery roadways and isolated power outages tonight into Friday morning. Those with travel plans should leave extra time for travel! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
FROM Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/25/25
We hope you’re having a great Christmas! Trails are pretty hard packed and icy in spots, and we definitely need snow.
Big thanks to rider Chuck for sending us these pics. These are the worst of the worst spots on our trail system right now. This is trail 49 south of the Soo, north of Kinross. He said that overall the trail is pretty fair with the exception of these spots.
These are the usual trouble spots in the early season. However, we normally can’t even groom this trail until mid January so we are pleased to be ahead of the game.
If we get the new snow that’s forecasted, these areas will easily be filled in.
Always important to share the bad spots too, so we appreciate the pics Chuck!
We’ll keep you updated as snow returns tomorrow into the weekend. ❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo2 #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Expect a wintery mix to develop across the U.P. tonight and continue into Friday morning, ending west to east through the day. Mainly snow is expected for the far north and east with mainly freezing rain near the MI/WI stateline. Those with travel plans should leave extra time for travel as roads could be slippery. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect tonight into Friday for the entire U.P.
For more information, visit the full briefing packet here :https://www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
Can we expect any significant lake effect between now and New Year's?
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> Merry Christmas everyone! Santa looks to be bringing us some snow! Have a wonderful day with family and friends🎄❄️❤️ #sooMerry Christmas everyone! Santa looks to be bringing us some snow! Have a wonderful day with family and friends🎄❄️❤️
WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> On top of our second call ice map, here is our second call snowfall map for December 26th, 2025. It's a messy system with multiple precipitation types, so be sure to click on our page to go see our ice forecast.... #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyOn top of our second call ice map, here is our second call snowfall map for December 26th, 2025. It's a messy system with multiple precipitation types, so be sure to click on our page to go see our ice forecast.
Discussion
The north side of the low will have much colder air, and the deformation zone for this event will be set up across the eastern UP and Lake Superior region. Totals greater than 1" of snow (some melting) will be confined north of M-55 to the Mackinac Bridge, while totals closer to the 3"+ mark are confined from St. Ignace up to Paradise and Sault Ste. Marie. Additionally, the Keweenaw Peninsula also may see the highest snowfall totals too.
You may have noticed that we added a new color for this event only. Because there is a gradual change from rain to snow... freezing rain, and even sleet is expected with this event. Sleet is like the shared sibling between snow and freezing rain. Sleet is snow that melted to rain really high up immediately after falling from the clouds, but spent enough time in the cold sector after melting to reform into tiny pellets. Freezing rain, however, forms when there isn't enough time for the rain to reform back into those tiny ice pellets due to that warm sector close to the ground, but because the ground itself IS a cold sector, it freezes on contact. Yes, sleet is slippery, but due to its properties, it's not quite as impactful. Still, because of the sleet's size, it accumulates in tenths of an inch similar to snow instead of hundredths like freezing rain. As a result, much of the white trace-1" corridor will likely fall as <1" of both snow and sleet. Again, not a huge amount, but worth mentioning. Timing for this snowfall will be similar to that of the ice. Anytime from 6 am EST Friday through the end of the day Friday is the expected duration.
Winter weather advisories are now in effect for the eastern UP regarding this snowfall. We will have traffic impact maps and timing maps coming later this afternoon after our Christmas morning activities. See you all back here soon!
-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
Kuiper Tree Care | Call 616-828-8225 for your top option regarding all your west Michigan tree care needs!
The key does not match the colors on the map
what is orange?
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Overall travel conditions should be smooth through Christmas Day. A system tracking through the region brings a round of snow and possibly freezing rain Christmas night into Friday. Highest snowfall amounts are expected in the northern half of the U.P. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaOverall travel conditions should be smooth through Christmas Day. A system tracking through the region brings a round of snow and possibly freezing rain Christmas night into Friday. Highest snowfall amounts are expected in the northern half of the U.P.
WEATHER UPDATE via Meteorologist Brad Sugden >> There will be some snow with Friday's system to the north! Nothing too crazy, but a few inches none-the-less. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaThere will be some snow with Friday's system to the north! Nothing too crazy, but a few inches none-the-less.
Generator Magic Inc
Michigan Based, Nationwide Shipping
It's beautiful here today and warm with a slight chill
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/24/25
Merry Christmas Eve! A curious deer checked out our snow gauge overnight. A bit of a warm up kept groomers parked yesterday, but cold has returned this morning, and there’s a decent amount of snow in the forecast in the coming days. Things were super flat before the warm up yesterday, so once again we have an excellent base.
We will keep you posted! Enjoy time with your families and friends 🎄❄️ #soo #snowphotos
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!
Your wasting your time ... gonna be a small.snow event
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).
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