Watersmeet – Western U.P. Trail Report – 01/11
WATERSMEET / WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via U.P. Thunder Riders Snowmobile Club – 01/11
Went out to check the trails today and as the pictures show lots of rocks and most corners washed out with ice underneath. Road trail 13 to trail 2 east to Watersmeet then 2 east of town to 3 north to Bruce Crossing. Trails do get a little better going north but we need more snow. Also road trail 2 west to Marenisco and overall was not that bad but still a lot of rocks in center of trail in spots especially around bridges. We will be sending out groomers tomorrow morning to see if we can drag some snow in from the sides , fix some corners and do some brushing but don’t expect things to get to much better until we get more snow. If you decide to ride our trails please be careful as trails are a real mixed bag from poor to pretty good. Ride right and ride safe.
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LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Gogebic Area Grooming >> Bergland Area Groomer's update for this early Tuesday morning for 1-5-26..
102, 13 north of M28, 1n and 8w we're all groomed tonight.
We anticipate getting a full crew in tonight (Tuesday evening) to have our entire system covered.
The weather forecast is calling for a brief warmup but it won't impact the trail's, however it will loosen up snow and create bumps and again we'll have to play catch up to stay ahead.
We will also be attempting to get the entirety of 8w opened up this week as well.. Gogebic Area Grooming ❄️❄️❄️ #lakegogebic #westernup #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Warmer than normal temperatures are expected for the middle of the work week. A weak cold front will push some precipitation across the up this evening and tonight, with a wintry mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow possible. A quiet Wednesday and early Thursday then leads into some disturbed weather late Thursday into the weekend, beginning as some wintry mix over the south and east Thursday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaWarmer than normal temperatures are expected for the middle of the work week. A weak cold front will push some precipitation across the up this evening and tonight, with a wintry mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow possible. A quiet Wednesday and early Thursday then leads into some disturbed weather late Thursday into the weekend, beginning as some wintry mix over the south and east Thursday.
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Fog is expected to develop tonight with patchy dense fog in the west. Freezing rain/drizzle is possible in the south around sunrise on Tuesday. A second round of light wintry mix is possible from west to east Tuesday afternoon and evening (20-40% chance). Dry weather with clearing skies on Wednesday as the UP warms up into the 30s. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaFog is expected to develop tonight with patchy dense fog in the west. Freezing rain/drizzle is possible in the south around sunrise on Tuesday. A second round of light wintry mix is possible from west to east Tuesday afternoon and evening (20-40% chance). Dry weather with clearing skies on Wednesday as the UP warms up into the 30s.
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via Scott's Superior Inn and Cabins >> ❄️ What is Lake Effect Snow? 🌊
What you’re seeing in this video isn’t a passing storm system — it’s lake effect snow, and it’s something we experience along Lake Superior almost daily.
Lake effect snow forms when cold air moves across the relatively warmer waters of Lake Superior. As that air travels over the lake, it absorbs heat and moisture. Once it reaches land, the air rises, cools, and releases that moisture as snow — often in narrow bands that can linger for hours or even days.
How is it different from “system snow”?
System snow comes from large, organized storms that show up clearly on radar and affect wide areas. Lake effect snow is local and shallow, meaning one town can be getting hammered while another just a few miles away stays dry.
Why doesn’t it always show up on radar?
Because lake effect snow clouds are low and thin, radar often has trouble detecting them — even when snow is steadily piling up on the ground.
This is the kind of snow that makes winter along Lake Superior special — quiet, constant, and uniquely ours. 🌨️ #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A fast-moving system this evening through tonight brings 4 to 8 inches of snowfall to the area. Most snow will fall within a 6 hour period with moderate to heavy snow rates (0.5 to 1+ inch per hour) and quickly reduced visibilities down to 1/4 mile or less for a 2 to 4 hour period. Snow will end overnight into early Monday morning. The Monday morning commute could be impacted, especially in the east, mainly for roads that have not been treated/cleared yet.
Late Monday night into Tuesday brings a wintry mix which could create more slick road conditions. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
WATERSMEET - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via U.P. Thunder Riders Snowmobile Club >> UPDATED 1/4/26-Groomers Jammer and Jeff went out last night . The trails are setting up nicely. Took a ride today from Watersmeet, Boulder Junction, Land O Lakes and Conover. All the trails were wonderful. Traffic was very light. Remember to Ride Right and Ride Safe. #watersmeet #westernup #snowphotos
LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Gogebic Area Grooming >> Good Evening everyone. Bergland Area Groomer's report for 1-4-26.
Machine's are running day and night. We've been doing everything possible to keep up with traffic.
Your etiquette coming across a freshly groomed trail count's!
8e was covered this morning and currently the Groomer's are on 102, 13s 1n and 8e again. We'll begin to Access 8w to Wakefield towards the end of the week to see if we're are able to open those sections up.
Traffic has seemed to calm a bit which will allow us to perfect what we've established.
We had a burst of snow this evening. Then sleet and now back to light snow.
Snowfall is the best it's been in a few year's! Enjoy and be safe! Gogebic Area Grooming ❄️❄️❄️ #lakegogebic #westernup #snowphotos
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> Trail Report 1/4:
Rough machine day yesterday but we got out last night!
Trail #12 was groomed from White Pine to Ontonagon and is in good condition.
Trail #1 was groomed from White Pine to LOTC and has rough spots between South Boundary Road and The Porkies Ski Hill but otherwise is in good condition.
Trail #11 (South Boundary Road) was groomed and is in very good condition.
Trail #137 was groomed and is in very good condition.
Trail # 13 was groomed from the intersection of Trail #137 to Norwich Road where we encountered some trouble and took PB 22 back to the shop.
We will be back at it tonight.
Thank you for riding the 906! #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A storm system will quickly move through the area late this afternoon and tonight bringing accumulating snow to all of the U.P. Heavy snowfall rates and low visibilities could create difficult travel for a few hours. Snow ends by the Monday morning commute but roads may still be slippery. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> NCSC had one of those days yesterday.
Not sure how our system would be open right now without our very small group of dedicated operators.
Dave from 906 Services Inc. has said "yes" everytime we had an issue and needed assistance. He and his wife Chloe have gone far over and above helping this club.
The team operating out of Hamilton's North Coast Adventures has kept the center of our trail system open and groomed.
Mike at Superior Outdoor Maintenance & Services LLC has assisted whenever asked.
Can't forget our operators out of Ontonagon, Wyatt and Jay who have not only operated at night but rescued and worked on machines during the day.
We are but a few people doing a big job.
THANK YOU! #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotosNCSC had one of those days yesterday.
Not sure how our system would be open right now without our very small group of dedicated operators.
Dave from 906 Services Inc. has said "yes" everytime we had an issue and needed assistance. He and his wife Chloe have gone above and beyond helping this club.
The team operating out of Hamilton's North Coast Adventures has kept the center of our trail system open and groomed.
Mike at Superior Outdoor Maintenance & Services LLC has assisted whenever asked.
Can't forget our operators out of Ontonagon, Wyatt and Jay who have not only operated at night but rescued and worked on machines during the day.
We are but a few people doing a big job.
THANK YOU!
IRONWOOD - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Gogebic Range Trail Authority - ORV & Snowmobile Club >> Ahhhh!!!! Trail 160!!! I feel that’s all that needs to be said!! My all time, 100% favorite trail for snow and summer!! Anyone wanna give me the push to get my sled out from hibernation!? 🤭
Huge shoutout and thank you to Mike & Connie, Charlie, Devin and Carter for taking care of down brush and trimming back trees!! Volunteers and members at their best!! 🙌🏼
Pic Creds: Connie Secord
Carter Kravik
Kami
GRTA Secretary #ironwood #westernup #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Light snowfall across the area eventually dwindles away to pure lake effect over the northwest wind snow belts of the eastern U.P. tonight. Attention then turns to a quick hitting system Sunday evening/night. Heavy snowfall rates and low visibilities could create very difficult travel for a hour or two underneath the heavy snow. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaLight snowfall across the area eventually dwindles away to pure lake effect over the northwest wind snow belts of the eastern U.P. tonight. Attention then turns to a quick hitting system Sunday evening/night. Heavy snowfall rates and low visibilities could create very difficult travel for a hour or two underneath the heavy snow.
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LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Gogebic Area Grooming >> Bergland Area Groomer's update for this early Tuesday morning for 1-5-26..
102, 13 north of M28, 1n and 8w we're all groomed tonight.
We anticipate getting a full crew in tonight (Tuesday evening) to have our entire system covered.
The weather forecast is calling for a brief warmup but it won't impact the trail's, however it will loosen up snow and create bumps and again we'll have to play catch up to stay ahead.
We will also be attempting to get the entirety of 8w opened up this week as well.. Gogebic Area Grooming ❄️❄️❄️ #lakegogebic #westernup #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Warmer than normal temperatures are expected for the middle of the work week. A weak cold front will push some precipitation across the up this evening and tonight, with a wintry mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow possible. A quiet Wednesday and early Thursday then leads into some disturbed weather late Thursday into the weekend, beginning as some wintry mix over the south and east Thursday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaWarmer than normal temperatures are expected for the middle of the work week. A weak cold front will push some precipitation across the up this evening and tonight, with a wintry mix of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow possible. A quiet Wednesday and early Thursday then leads into some disturbed weather late Thursday into the weekend, beginning as some wintry mix over the south and east Thursday.
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Fog is expected to develop tonight with patchy dense fog in the west. Freezing rain/drizzle is possible in the south around sunrise on Tuesday. A second round of light wintry mix is possible from west to east Tuesday afternoon and evening (20-40% chance). Dry weather with clearing skies on Wednesday as the UP warms up into the 30s. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaFog is expected to develop tonight with patchy dense fog in the west. Freezing rain/drizzle is possible in the south around sunrise on Tuesday. A second round of light wintry mix is possible from west to east Tuesday afternoon and evening (20-40% chance). Dry weather with clearing skies on Wednesday as the UP warms up into the 30s.
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via Scott's Superior Inn and Cabins >> ❄️ What is Lake Effect Snow? 🌊
What you’re seeing in this video isn’t a passing storm system — it’s lake effect snow, and it’s something we experience along Lake Superior almost daily.
Lake effect snow forms when cold air moves across the relatively warmer waters of Lake Superior. As that air travels over the lake, it absorbs heat and moisture. Once it reaches land, the air rises, cools, and releases that moisture as snow — often in narrow bands that can linger for hours or even days.
How is it different from “system snow”?
System snow comes from large, organized storms that show up clearly on radar and affect wide areas. Lake effect snow is local and shallow, meaning one town can be getting hammered while another just a few miles away stays dry.
Why doesn’t it always show up on radar?
Because lake effect snow clouds are low and thin, radar often has trouble detecting them — even when snow is steadily piling up on the ground.
This is the kind of snow that makes winter along Lake Superior special — quiet, constant, and uniquely ours. 🌨️ #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A fast-moving system this evening through tonight brings 4 to 8 inches of snowfall to the area. Most snow will fall within a 6 hour period with moderate to heavy snow rates (0.5 to 1+ inch per hour) and quickly reduced visibilities down to 1/4 mile or less for a 2 to 4 hour period. Snow will end overnight into early Monday morning. The Monday morning commute could be impacted, especially in the east, mainly for roads that have not been treated/cleared yet.
Late Monday night into Tuesday brings a wintry mix which could create more slick road conditions. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
WATERSMEET - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via U.P. Thunder Riders Snowmobile Club >> UPDATED 1/4/26-Groomers Jammer and Jeff went out last night . The trails are setting up nicely. Took a ride today from Watersmeet, Boulder Junction, Land O Lakes and Conover. All the trails were wonderful. Traffic was very light. Remember to Ride Right and Ride Safe. #watersmeet #westernup #snowphotos
LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Gogebic Area Grooming >> Good Evening everyone. Bergland Area Groomer's report for 1-4-26.
Machine's are running day and night. We've been doing everything possible to keep up with traffic.
Your etiquette coming across a freshly groomed trail count's!
8e was covered this morning and currently the Groomer's are on 102, 13s 1n and 8e again. We'll begin to Access 8w to Wakefield towards the end of the week to see if we're are able to open those sections up.
Traffic has seemed to calm a bit which will allow us to perfect what we've established.
We had a burst of snow this evening. Then sleet and now back to light snow.
Snowfall is the best it's been in a few year's! Enjoy and be safe! Gogebic Area Grooming ❄️❄️❄️ #lakegogebic #westernup #snowphotos
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> Trail Report 1/4:
Rough machine day yesterday but we got out last night!
Trail #12 was groomed from White Pine to Ontonagon and is in good condition.
Trail #1 was groomed from White Pine to LOTC and has rough spots between South Boundary Road and The Porkies Ski Hill but otherwise is in good condition.
Trail #11 (South Boundary Road) was groomed and is in very good condition.
Trail #137 was groomed and is in very good condition.
Trail # 13 was groomed from the intersection of Trail #137 to Norwich Road where we encountered some trouble and took PB 22 back to the shop.
We will be back at it tonight.
Thank you for riding the 906! #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A storm system will quickly move through the area late this afternoon and tonight bringing accumulating snow to all of the U.P. Heavy snowfall rates and low visibilities could create difficult travel for a few hours. Snow ends by the Monday morning commute but roads may still be slippery. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> NCSC had one of those days yesterday.
Not sure how our system would be open right now without our very small group of dedicated operators.
Dave from 906 Services Inc. has said "yes" everytime we had an issue and needed assistance. He and his wife Chloe have gone far over and above helping this club.
The team operating out of Hamilton's North Coast Adventures has kept the center of our trail system open and groomed.
Mike at Superior Outdoor Maintenance & Services LLC has assisted whenever asked.
Can't forget our operators out of Ontonagon, Wyatt and Jay who have not only operated at night but rescued and worked on machines during the day.
We are but a few people doing a big job.
THANK YOU! #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotosNCSC had one of those days yesterday.
Not sure how our system would be open right now without our very small group of dedicated operators.
Dave from 906 Services Inc. has said "yes" everytime we had an issue and needed assistance. He and his wife Chloe have gone above and beyond helping this club.
The team operating out of Hamilton's North Coast Adventures has kept the center of our trail system open and groomed.
Mike at Superior Outdoor Maintenance & Services LLC has assisted whenever asked.
Can't forget our operators out of Ontonagon, Wyatt and Jay who have not only operated at night but rescued and worked on machines during the day.
We are but a few people doing a big job.
THANK YOU!
IRONWOOD - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Gogebic Range Trail Authority - ORV & Snowmobile Club >> Ahhhh!!!! Trail 160!!! I feel that’s all that needs to be said!! My all time, 100% favorite trail for snow and summer!! Anyone wanna give me the push to get my sled out from hibernation!? 🤭
Huge shoutout and thank you to Mike & Connie, Charlie, Devin and Carter for taking care of down brush and trimming back trees!! Volunteers and members at their best!! 🙌🏼
Pic Creds: Connie Secord
Carter Kravik
Kami
GRTA Secretary #ironwood #westernup #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Light snowfall across the area eventually dwindles away to pure lake effect over the northwest wind snow belts of the eastern U.P. tonight. Attention then turns to a quick hitting system Sunday evening/night. Heavy snowfall rates and low visibilities could create very difficult travel for a hour or two underneath the heavy snow. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaLight snowfall across the area eventually dwindles away to pure lake effect over the northwest wind snow belts of the eastern U.P. tonight. Attention then turns to a quick hitting system Sunday evening/night. Heavy snowfall rates and low visibilities could create very difficult travel for a hour or two underneath the heavy snow.
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