Sault Ste. Marie Area Trail Report – 02/04
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 02/04 2/4/25 “Last night was another group effort on the run from the Soo to Kinross on Trail 49. Groomer Nathan started early and groomed from the club barn to the substation just south of 3 Mile Rd. I took over from there and headed south. I struggled a bit early trying to carry the right amount of snow with me. I just couldn’t get a good feel for it. Made it to Kinross and turned around for the return trip. Immediately, I realized the drag was digging in deeper than I like. I made lots of adjustments but I could not correct it. I stopped and called Groomer Dennis to see if he had any suggestions. He had me look over the drag but didn’t see anything obvious. I proceeded on and went another couple hundred yards and stopped again. The left rear corner of the drag was digging in and leaving a depression in the center of the trail. I wasn’t able to cover my tracks and was really disappointed with the finished product. I then called Groomer Mike and he had me check a whole list of things he could think of that might be causing it. After laying in the snow looking underneath the drag, I was getting very wet and cold. I could not find anything out of place. I proceeded on and did the best I could. Dennis met me earlier than normal and took over the route to eliminate me from the equation. He had the same issue but maybe not to level I was seeing. Overall, the trail is in great shape. I knocked down a lot of bumps and drifts and leveled the best I could. Unfortunately, there is a clear step between both passes in the trail. Trail is soft so it will settle quickly with sled traffic. We think the conditions may have played a big part in the finished product last night. Our crew will take a look at the drag today once it is thawed out and see if we have any mechanical issues. I felt like the drag had a twist in it that I could not adjust out. Finally, I may have had an off night. I felt comfortable behind the controls but never was happy with what I was seeing in the rear-view mirrors. We didn’t leave a white ribbon last night but the trail is still almost perfect. Please get out and enjoy it while the conditions are this good. I too, feel that this drag is off. We are very hopeful that we will be eligible for a new drag next season, as this one has run its course. We’ve repaired it and replaced parts but it’s just not doing as good a job as it once did. Thank you Steve and all volunteers! A bit of snow is on the way again ahead of the weekend! ❄️❄️❄️ <> <> Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association Facebook Page <> SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 3/12/26 WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Good morning, SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >. 3/11/26 WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Snowfall will generally end from west to east across the U.P. this evening. We are currently tracking a second system that will move across the U.P. Thursday night into Friday, and a third system that may move across the U.P. this weekend. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 3/11/26 WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Good morning, SAULT STE MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 3/10/26 WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Good morning, SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 3/9/26 WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> A mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain is expected across northern Michigan late Tuesday through Wednesday. Highest snowfall totals are anticipated across the eastern U.P. while best chances for icing will come south of the bridge, especially between M-32 and M-55. The mix the precip types will likely bring slippery roads, ice-covered surfaces, and hazardous travel. Stay tuned to the latest forecast for updates! #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberryA mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain is expected across northern Michigan late Tuesday through Wednesday. Highest snowfall totals are anticipated across the eastern U.P. while best chances for icing will come south of the bridge, especially between M-32 and M-55. The mix the precip types will likely bring slippery roads, ice-covered surfaces, and hazardous travel. Stay tuned to the latest forecast for updates! WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> One last warm and sunny day is expected to start off the work week, with afternoon highs ranging in the 40s and 50s. However, things quickly take a turn as a winter storm heads towards the region. This kicks off an initial batch of light snow late tonight, persisting into Tuesday morning. A brief break Tuesday afternoon will be followed by more light to moderate snow Tuesday evening through Wednesday. Exact amounts remain uncertain, but confidence is increasing in at least a few inches of snow for much of the area by Wednesday evening. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #sooOne last warm and sunny day is expected to start off the work week, with afternoon highs ranging in the 40s and 50s. However, things quickly take a turn as a winter storm heads towards the region. This kicks off an initial batch of light snow late tonight, persisting into Tuesday morning. A brief break Tuesday afternoon will be followed by more light to moderate snow Tuesday evening through Wednesday. Exact amounts remain uncertain, but confidence is increasing in at least a few inches of snow for much of the area by Wednesday evening. WEATHER UPDATE via TV6 & FOX UP >> FIRST ALERT: Winter weather returns this week. We're tracking three clipper systems. Our next one brings widespread snow tomorrow night into Wednesday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea <> Latest Trail Reports – Quick Links <>
Good morning everyone! Steve sent me a detailed report of his run last night, so let’s get to it!
Steve Lawson”Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook
Good morning everyone!!
Groomer Warren was out on the 889 loop, and 8 along the Powerline between 480 and Ranger Rd very early this morning.
Here’s what he had to say-
“Out on 889 Loop/Brimley grade and the electric lines as you can well imagine, the trails are pretty walled out but we got it straightened away and in pretty good shape. I wouldn’t call it a 10, but it’s not bad at all and I think it’ll be at 10 when Turbo gets done with his trip tomorrow, so I think we’re in good shape for right now and I think you’re gonna have a good weekend for riding.”
For those who don’t know, Warren and Laurie spend the winter here, spending many many hours volunteering in the Pisten Bully for us. They will be leaving back to southern MI soon, and we want to thank them for all of their hours of service to our club! We are fortunate to have you, Warren and Laurie! Have a safe trip and thank you again!
Looking absolutely awesome, especially for March 12th! Lots of snow (supposedly) on the way still! ❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo0312 #snowphotos
Round Two of a stretch of impactful winter weather is set to return tonight through Friday in the form of a quick hitting but strong clipper.
Please view this morning's informational briefing at the link below for additional details regarding snowfall totals, timing, and associated impacts. www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf
Additionally, confidence continues to grow regarding a major winter storm for the Upper Great Lakes region Saturday night through Monday, potentially rivaling the most recent December 28-29, 2025 blizzard event. Stay tuned for more details! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea 
Update #2
Our operators in the Kinross area assesed the situation and decided to wait it out as things were pretty flat before the warm up. The area they cover is 49 south of M80 to 20 Mile, the 494 loop (logging in the area), 472 west of kinross, and 480 through the Spile Dam. As mentioned earlier, 472 west of Johnson Rd has water in the field, and 480 through the Spile Dam is likely wet as well.
We know that 49 south of 12 mile, and 49 in the usual problem areas south of the Alberta Ln power station, south of 9 mile, and south of 11 mile very likely have water over the trail. We just don’t know how much, and whether it will freeze back up. We are keeping the groomer out of there to preserve it.
Trail 8 all the way from the Soo to Raco, and 480 to the Spile Dam turnaround were groomed today and there were no issues.
We did not run 889 today, but it should be high and dry and will be done tomorrow.
After Bryan ran trail 8 this morning, he attempted the city trails and they are soggy, even in areas that aren’t usually wet, so he turned back. We hope things will firm up more before the weekend.
Good advice and report from Bryan-
“This mornings run down from south street to brimley on 8 went very well. No concerns or issues with heading to brimley. South street has several sxs and 4 wheeler tracks by the parking area and should use caution as the ruts were deep.
We aborted doing town tonight. We went up to the holiday inn and groomed through to the I-500 hill and turned around. We opened up several small water spots which aren’t of concern but over by Culver’s is a water hole.
I’m certain that down by the carwash, behind everything electric and anywhere else we generally would see water there will be lots. Recommend riders that do choose to go out use extreme caution and stay on the high side of any banks they can”
Pics are from his run this evening. Thank you Bryan, and thanks to Pete for getting pics of the wet area off of Seymour and 449 near the Kewadin Trail earlier.
We’ll keep you posted as the next 2 rounds of snow hit Thursday into Friday, and Sunday into Monday.
Be safe and pay special attention to any wet spots. They could be deeper than they look.
Let’s hope temps stay low and we can freeze up some of these wet areas. #soo #soo0311c #snowphotos
Good afternoon everyone!
So far, we’ve only seen an inch or so of new snow in the Soo. We did have our first grooming run since the warm up take place this morning on trail 8 from the Soo to Brimley. This trail is on high ground, so no water issues. Bryan got some sweet drone footage and we’ll share that later.
The Raco crew is doing 8 from Raco to Brimley now. Yes, we are day grooming today to get things as flat as we can before the incoming snow, and this also allows us to have better visibility of any hazards.
We’ll be attempting the city trails later as well, and the Kinross crew may be out on the 49 south of m80 and the 494 loop this evening.
I know for sure that there is a nasty wet area on the city trails at Seymour Rd and trail 449 where it meets the trail to the high school, and I would guess there may be water on the Kewadin Trail, and some low spots on the city trails.
Trail 49 between the Soo and Kinross will also have wet areas so please be very cautious untill we can assess that area. Same for 480 in the Spile Dam.
889 should be high and dry, but choppy until we groom it.
As soon as I know more, I’ll be sure to share.
Thank you! Bring on the snow! ❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo03113/11/26
Good afternoon everyone!
So far, we’ve only seen an inch or so of new snow in the Soo. We did have our first grooming run since the warm up take place this morning on trail 8 from the Soo to Brimley. This trail is on high ground, so no water issues. Bryan got some sweet drone footage and we’ll share that later.
The Raco crew is doing 8 from Raco to Brimley now. Yes, we are day grooming today to get things as flat as we can before the incoming snow, and this also allows us to have better visibility of any hazards.
We’ll be attempting the city trails later as well, and the Kinross crew may be out on the 49 south of m80 and the 494 loop this evening.
I know for sure that there is a nasty wet area on the city trails at Seymour Rd and trail 449 where it meets the trail to the high school, and I would guess there may be water on the Kewadin Trail, and some low spots on the city trails.
Trail 49 between the Soo and Kinross will also have wet areas so please be very cautious untill we can assess that area. Same for 480 in the Spile Dam.
On 472, there is a wet area in the field west of Johnson Rd (west of Kinross)
There is logging in the area of 494 behind the airport in Kinross, but I am not sure if the trail has been impacted, so we’ll update when we can there.
889 should be high and dry, but choppy until we groom it.
As soon as I know more, I’ll be sure to share.
Thank you! Bring on the snow! ❄️❄️❄️
Pic of the wet spot at Seymour and the high school/Kewadin trails.
After a brief lull this early morning, widespread snowfall fills in by mid morning, then tapers off from west to east this afternoon. Moderate to heavy snowfall rates are possible this morning into the early afternoon, heaviest over northern Marquette county.
For additional details, please view the entire informational briefing at this link: www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
Good evening!
While we wait for fresh snow overnight and into tomorrow, we planned to send operators out tonight but it was determined that it wouldn’t really help, so we’re holding off until we have some fresh stuff with moisture in it to work with. We plan to roll out tomorrow! If you ride before we get out, please be safe! It is very likely that some water holes have opened up. I know there is a big one at 449 and Seymour (near the Kewadin Casino trail) Be prepared for potential hazards, and report them if you can.
Thanks all! We’re hopeful that the forecast pans out and we’ll have a great weekend of riding ahead! 🤞❄️🤞❄️ #soo
The first round of a potentially active week of winter weather is set to impact the UP tonight through Wednesday. Widespread snowfall develops develops tonight, lasting through Wednesday with trailing lake effect snow into the afternoon. The greatest snowfall accumulations are expected across the northern central, mainly the high terrain of Marquette County.
For additional details, please view the entire informational briefing at this link: www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
We’re almost through the warm up! Definitely saw a lot of melting today at 48 degrees, but as you can see, trails are still thick with base. It’s not pretty, but it sure as heck isn’t over!
Snow and colder temps return tonight. Snow chances increase too. I know that there will be spots with water holes opening up. It’ll obviously take time to get through them all once conditions improve, so please be extra cautious and report what you see if you don’t mind.
Thanks all!
A look at trail 8 at Oak St and at 4th Ave in the Soo at 5:45 PM today. #soo #soo0309b #snowphotos