Sault Ste. Marie Trail Report – 03/31
SAULT STE. MARIE UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association – 03/31 3/31- Good morning everyone! Happy Easter! <> <> Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association Facebook Page <> Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association Trail Report on MSA <> WEATHER UPDATE via 9&10 News >> 3-15 Winter Storm Update (8PM) SAULT STE MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 3/15/26 SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 3/15/26 WEATHER UPDATE via 9&10 News >> Winter Storm Update: 3-15 Sunday 1PM WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> Final Update For Ice Accretion: WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Heavy snow will continue across the Tip of the Mitt into eastern upper over the next several hours (at least), while snow will begin to mix with sleet and freezing rain this afternoon and evening. Significant snow and icing expected into the overnight hours. #miweather #petosky #gaylord #soo #newberryHeavy snow will continue across the Tip of the Mitt into eastern upper over the next several hours (at least), while snow will begin to mix with sleet and freezing rain this afternoon and evening. Significant snow and icing expected into the overnight hours. WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Potentially historic, record-breaking snowfall between 1 and 3 feet expected across all of Upper Michigan. Highest storm total snow expected in the central and east. Greatest potential for 4 feet is the high terrain of north-central. Strong winds and heavy snowfall rates will result in a long duration of blizzard conditions. Widespread impacts: dangerous to impossible travel, power outages, prolonged recovery time. More information can be found at www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 3/14/26 WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> One of the most absurd snow forecasts we’ve ever made here at MSC, we’ve had to add an impromptu orange color for higher totals. SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 3/14/26 WEATHER UPDATE via Pictured Rocks Marine Weather Conditions >> Here are a couple probability maps for the snow and ice potential through the full duration of this upcoming spring storm (through 8am on Tuesday). It’s not often that we get to show 90% probabilities of getting 1.5 feet of snow, but that will be the case for much of our region. And the potential for significant icing has started to inch more into the far eastern UP, so we’ll need to keep an eye on that as well. I’ll provide some final updates tomorrow morning before the first impacts start to roll in. In the meantime, enjoy your “day off” from all this whacky spring weather! ⛄️💨🥶 #miweather #munising #seney #newberry #soo #petoskey #gaylord This content isn't available right now <> Latest Trail Reports – Quick Links <>
Yesterday, we had the opportunity to gather about half of our groomer operators together for our groomer appreciation dinner. We did it a little earlier than normal so that those who don’t live here year round could attend.
Thanks so much to all who donated so that we could do this for these volunteers! We had a wonderful dinner, lots of laughs, and got to check out the latest addition to our fleet- a brand new 2024 Tucker!
It also just so happened to be Turbo’s birthday, and Dennis P’s birthday 2 days before. Happy birthday guys!
While we all wish this season was a whole lot better, we are so grateful for all of our volunteers that were ready to go the few times that we received enough snow to groom. This season, it was impossible to stick to a grooming schedule. We had to be ready when and if it snowed, and many times that meant asking a volunteer to come in on an “off” day, or at an off time. These guys were always ready and willing to adjust, many times missing out on their own opportunity to ride so that they could make the trails great for others.
As always, we had volunteers doing many things behind the scenes. Buck is one of our unsung heroes, always in the barn working on something to help improve our operations. Our president, Tom, does so much in our community, donating his time to many organizations that help strengthen our relations in the community. Mike and Dave are our groomer bosses, and they have to make some hard decisions, and deal with many scheduling conflicts and maintenance issues. Alicia is our treasurer and manages all of the finances. An extra tough task in a season like this where there’s still a lot outgoing, but not a lot of incoming funds. Steve, Ryan, Pete and a few others are out most weekends in the off season working on signage, and other trail improvements. Dave, Pete, and Chris have worked on creative ways to help raise funds such as shirt sales, the I-500 booth, and our annual Dice Run fundraiser. Special shout out to Warren and Steve L for clearing a crazy amount of trees after the last big snow fall came earlier this March.
We so appreciate all of the support from our volunteers throughout the year! And we couldn’t do it without the support of our members, and all who contribute in any way that you can! We are especially thankful to all of the amazing landowners who allow access for our recreation!
We look forward to putting together some brushing events, and some fundraisers in the off season so that we are ready to rock again when old man winter shows up next season.
Thank you all! If you’d like to join or donate to our 100% volunteer, 501c3 association, you can do so at www.sootrails.org
Stay tuned for our off season updates!Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook
Blizzard Warnings have moved South to include Leelanau, Emmet, Cheboygan, Southeastn Chippewa, Mackinac Island/Bois Blanc, Beaver Island. Ice Storm Warnings have moved South to include Wexford, Missaukee, Oscoda, Alcona and Alpena Counties. Winter Weather Advisories now include Clare, Osceola Counties.
The warm line is farther South keeping higher totals North. Winds continue to pick up along with the snow tonight.
We will be live at 11pm for the latest! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey 
Good morning everyone! The snow has just started here in the Soo. Very early this morning, Brimley Bill was out on the route we call M40. This is 480 north of M28, the powerline along 8, and the 889 loop and connector to Bay Mills. Here’s what he had to say-
“I groomed M40 early this morning. I was able to finish before the snow from the forecasted storm started. All trails are in great shape. Be advised of a hazard that the drag uncovered. In the winding section of 889, the drag uncovered a log or bent over stump that is pushing up through the snow on the edge of the trail. I marked it with hazard tape.”
Thank you Bill!
Please be safe everyone and remember that MANY places are closed today and tomorrow due to the incoming storm. Do not get yourself into a bad situation. Download and use the what3words app if you must be out. First responders will be very busy, and you need to understand that help may be a long way away if you get into trouble. Be smart and stay safe all! #soo #soo0315b #snowphotos
I don’t think that this should be a surprise, but just in case…
Grooming runs are suspended until the storm passes and our volunteers can safely dig out and travel.
It’s going to be a very challenging time for those of us who live here to make sure our families, friends, neighbors, and our homes are safe.
First responders have asked people not to travel unless absolutely necessary, and we are taking that advice for the greater good of everyone. Please give us grace and understanding as we move through this.
We’ll update as much as possible.
4pm snow update here- around 5” since 10am. The big snow is yet to come here in the far northeastern Yoop.
Stay safe!! #soo #soo0315 #snowphotos3/15/26
I don’t think that this should be a surprise, but just in case…
Grooming runs are suspended until the storm passes and our volunteers can safely dig out and travel.
It’s going to be a very challenging time for those of us who live here to make sure our families, friends, neighbors, and our homes are safe.
First responders have asked people not to travel unless absolutely necessary, and we are taking that advice for the greater good of everyone. Please give us grace and understanding as we move through this.
We’ll update as much as possible.
4pm snow update here- around 5” since 10am. The big snow is yet to come here in the far northeastern Yoop.
Stay safe!!
Phase 2 of the Winter Storm is kicking off! This will bring heavy snow and gusty winds still for the U.P. and Tip of the Mitt. The icing area we have talked about for the last few days landed where we thought it would. Leelanau down to Wexford and Northeast. These areas could see up to .5" of ice through today and tonight with isolated higher amounts. Winds will continue to gust upwards of 40-50mph. The snow totals map you see is on top of what you have already seen.
Don't be fooled, the lull from the initial burst to the second part is the system nearing. The second phase will be the worst with this storm. This afternoon - Monday morning.
I will be live with an update this evening at 6, right here on the 9&10 Facebook page and the 9&10 News YouTube channel.
We will also be live on tv at 11! #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberry
A dangerous ice storm will begin tonight for portions of northern lower Michigan. The heaviest ice accretion takes aim in a localized area from Traverse City to Gaylord to Atlanta with over 0.50" of ice expected. Around this area, a zone of significant icing between 0.25' to 0.50" is expected - which is still enough to take down tree limbs and create power outages. The worst of the icing will be tonight into Monday morning, and then we deal with high winds moving in Monday morning as well which will only exaggerate the effects of this event.
Plan for multi day outages, near impossible travel, and scattered tree damage, some significant. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberryFinal Update For Ice Accretion:
A dangerous ice storm will begin tonight for portions of northern lower Michigan. The heaviest ice accretion takes aim in a localized area from Traverse City to Gaylord to Atlanta with over 0.50" of ice expected. Around this area, a zone of significant icing between 0.25' to 0.50" is expected - which is still enough to take down tree limbs and create power outages. The worst of the icing will be tonight into Monday morning, and then we deal with high winds moving in Monday morning as well which will only exaggerate the effects of this event.
Plan for multi day outages, near impossible travel, and scattered tree damage, some significant.
Today, my buddy Dan and I hit nearly our entire trail system. We left the Soo via trail 8, took the bay from Brimley to Bay Mills, 889 up to the overlook, hit a couple of untouched 2 tracks, then 8 along the powerline to 480, 480 to 472 over to where our club turns around north of Rudyard, 472 back to 494, then 49 to see our friends at The Well Diggers Ass for some awesome food (you’ve gotta try the brisket Mac n Cheese), then 49 back to the Soo, to the high school trail, to Kewadin and back to 49 to 8.
Overall, things are in really good shape. Very, very few spots with water showing, only one big one on 472 that is shallow and easy to ride right over, and the one at Seymour and 449 has a crack showing flowing water. 480 was getting choppy, and 49 wasn’t all that bad for not having been groomed for over a week. There are big rollers by the airport in the city, and Jay and I are hopping in the groomer shortly to smooth them out, along with the other city trails minus Seymour hill and the Kewadin trail as we want to let that freeze up a little more and they are flat anyway.
I wanted to get eyes on any trouble spots before the big snow so we can identify any hazards that may lie beneath.
Please stay safe as this storm hits tomorrow morning. Many businesses are already announcing that they will not be open so you need to plan for gas and food. We may have widespread power outages. If you don’t have to travel, please don’t. We’ll update as much as we can, but please know that the safety of our volunteers and our families come first, and we will get to the trails when when can.
Thanks all!
Pics and descriptions for you from today,❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo0314d #snowphotos
Key Notes:
•Snow begins to work into Michigan late tonight, but becomes more widespread during the early morning hours of Sunday. This snow continues through Tuesday morning for the UP, and becomes a snow/freezing rain/sleet mix for northern lower Michigan beginning Sunday afternoon/evening.
•Winds will gust between 40-60mph statewide both on Sunday and Monday.
•This will be a full on blizzard for much of the Upper Peninsula
•Expect scattered power outages across the state
•Travel will be near impossible for the UP and northern lower
Snow totals will be between one and four FEET when all is said and done on Tuesday in the UP. Further south, a mix is expected which will keep accumulations lower, and also will provide a sharp cutoff of accumulations. The difference between a foot of snow and 2” may be the width of one county.
Further south, this system will end as snow for lower Michigan on Monday & Tuesday, which is why we have a wide area within a trace to an inch, and western lower in a 1-3” zone with wording of higher totals possible. We may need to adjust totals here as new data comes clearer for Tuesday.
Stay tuned for the icing portion of this forecast. Northern lower Michigan will see significant icing which is not shown or communicated in this forecast graphic or write up. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyOne of the most absurd snow forecasts we’ve ever made here at MSC, we’ve had to add an impromptu orange color for higher totals.
Key Notes:
•Snow begins to work into Michigan late tonight, but becomes more widespread during the early morning hours of Sunday. This snow continues through Tuesday morning for the UP, and becomes a snow/freezing rain/sleet mix for northern lower Michigan beginning Sunday afternoon/evening.
•Winds will gust between 40-60mph statewide both on Sunday and Monday.
•This will be a full on blizzard for much of the Upper Peninsula
•Expect scattered power outages across the state
•Travel will be near impossible for the UP and northern lower
Snow totals will be between one and four FEET when all is said and done on Tuesday in the UP. Further south, a mix is expected which will keep accumulations lower, and also will provide a sharp cutoff of accumulations. The difference between a foot of snow and 2” may be the width of one county.
Further south, this system will end as snow for lower Michigan on Monday & Tuesday, which is why we have a wide area within a trace to an inch, and western lower in a 1-3” zone with wording of higher totals possible. We may need to adjust totals here as new data comes clearer for Tuesday.
Stay tuned for the icing portion of this forecast. Northern lower Michigan will see significant icing which is not shown or communicated in this forecast graphic or write up.
Good morning all!!
Groomer Warren did one last run for this season for us last night before he heads back to southern MI.
Here’s what he had to say-
“480 Spile Dam to Brimley and electric lines along 8 were done last night. 4/5 inches of new snow and the trail is in great shape. Saw a lot of riders! Last one of the year for me. Adios😁😁”
Thank you Warren!! Safe travels!! #soo #soo0314c #snowphotos