Watersmeet – Western U.P. Trail Report – 12/02
WATERSMEET – WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via U.P. Thunder Riders Snowmobile Club >> UPDATED 12/2/25 Crews are out working the trails. As you can see from the pictures there is a lot of work to be done. We will continue to give updates as they come in. If you are out helping thank you, if you are out on the trails please watch out for hazards and our crews. <> <> Reports via: U.P. Thunder Riders Snowmobile Club on Facebook >>>> <> LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Gogebic Area Grooming >> Bergland Area Groomer's update for December 2nd 2025. Thank you. LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Gogebic Area Grooming >> Good afternoon sledheads! Just an update from the Marenisco section of GAG. Crews have been out working since the recent storm dumped almost 3 feet of snow on our area. The wet heavy snow has really created havoc on our section of the trail system. At this point, East/West travel on Trail 2 is open and panned but use caution as early season conditions apply despite the snow volume. We have been working on Trail 1 both north and south from Marenisco. Northward is still impassable beyond the west end of FR 8800. Southward towards PI is been about half completed but impassable beyond Job Corps Rd. Trail 100 is impassable at this point but crews will be starting to work on that also. Our goal is to focus on the large obstructions so we can get a drag through and pack things down. Once we get to that point, we will need as much help from brother/sister sledheads to pack a small saw and remove some of the small hazards. We appreciate all the offers for help but if a section is not panned, it’s best to stay off as the snow is very deep in spots. Just getting out of the groomer finds you in hip deep snow in some locations. Wish we had better news but we love to ride too so attacking it head on! #lakegogebic #westernup #snowphotos WEATHER UPDATE via 9&10 News >> We track another clipper system delivering more light snow Wednesday AM followed by breezy NW winds and lake effect snow Wednesday PM into Thursday. WATERSMEET - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via U.P. Thunder Riders Snowmobile Club >> UPDATED 12/2/25-Crews are out working the trails. As you can see from the pictures there is a lot of work to be done. We will continue to give updates as they come in. If you are out helping thank you, if you are out on the trails please watch out for hazards and our crews. #watersmeet #westernup #snowphotos WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> Don't look at us, we're just the messenger, but more lake effect snow is on the table for Wednesday into Thursday, December 3rd & 4th, 2025. Some lighter flurries from these bands may make it over to eastern Michigan as well, but the odds are stacked against. WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Lake effect snow showers come to an end in the Keweenaw this morning, followed by dry and partly cloudy weather across the UP for today. Another batch of light snow is on the way midweek as a Clipper moves through Wednesday with lingering lake effect Thursday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaLake effect snow showers come to an end in the Keweenaw this morning, followed by dry and partly cloudy weather across the UP for today. Another batch of light snow is on the way midweek as a Clipper moves through Wednesday with lingering lake effect Thursday. LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Gogebic Area Grooming >> our December 1st 2025 Update from Gogebic Area Grooming... We are making progress, slowly but surely. PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park - the Porkies >> ❄ Welcome December!!! Porkies Road Updates - ❄ ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via Scott's Superior Inn and Cabins >> Happy opening day of snowmobile season from beautiful Trail 11 in Ontonagon! ❄️🚤🌲 #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotosHappy opening day of snowmobile season from beautiful Trail 11 in Ontonagon! ❄️🚤🌲 SIDNAW - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Sno Valley Riders Snowmobile Club >> Some more volunteers went out today. THANK YOU!! They cleared Trail #8 east from Bruce crossing until chain saws gave out! Stopped around agate falls. Still a lot of work to get to Kenton from the west. WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Erika’s Trail Reports - Western UP/Porkies/Ottawa Forest/Ontonagon County >> ❄️ HAPPY DECEMBER ❄️ Many thanks to the volunteers and your hard work and passion! SIDNAW - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Sno Valley Riders Snowmobile Club >> Trails OPEN, but proceed with caution. WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> The work week starts off quiet, cloudy, and chilly with most of the UP only topping out in the 20s. Temperatures drop back into the single digits for most of the area tonight while snow showers graze the eastern UP. On and off chances for low-impact snow showers continue throughout the work week as temperatures remain chilly. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaThe work week starts off quiet, cloudy, and chilly with most of the UP only topping out in the 20s. Temperatures drop back into the single digits for most of the area tonight while snow showers graze the eastern UP. On and off chances for low-impact snow showers continue throughout the work week as temperatures remain chilly. ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> While it technically is opening day for snowmobile trails, our trails remain impassable. If you are venturing up to ride, please see trail status below, things are not what you'd expect. Bring a chain saw, pruning or other brushing equipment, and come lend a hand. LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Gogebic Area Grooming >> Good evening sled heads.. IRONWOOD AREA - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Ironwood Powersports >> These are some of the issues our clubs are dealing with! Please be patient while they work on getting the trails up and running safely for the season! We will report good riding trial conditions asap! Book your reservations online When will trails be groomed south of sidnaw(lower dam road)? BESSEMER AREA - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Trails-North Powersports LLC >> 🥰 Sunday 11/30/2025, well the Lake Effect Machine has definitely turned on and I do believe the off switch is no where to be found 💯 4 inches last night and today close to another 5 inches and still snowing. Tomorrow is December 1st, the trail opener and the Snowmobile Clubs are nowhere near ready to give the green light to sledders. Gonna be a rough go to get open, help your clubs, grab a saw and give them a call to see where you can help 🥰 Guessing the total now on the ground is bumping 40 to 45 inches 👀 Some pics of Bessemer City Hall and looking towards downtown ❤️ Love the Christmas lights 💯 Absolutely Love this town 🥰💯 What a great first winter doing business and living in Bessemer, Mi. ❤️🌬️❄️❄️❄️ #bessemer #westernup #snowphotos ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via Hamilton's North Coast Adventures >> Unfortunately, trails will take a considerable amount of time to develop this season. The HNCA staff ventured onto trails 101 and 13 in an attempt to meet the PB19 Brusher crew on the Ontonagon RR grade trail 137. We were able to travel roughly one mile east on 13 by snowmobile before turning back. The extensive damage caused by fallen tree tops will necessitate a massive cleanup effort. The Groomer has successfully opened trail 12 South from Ontonagon to US HWY 45. Today's objective is to progress down 137 and east on 13 to 45, returning to the Ontonagon shop for maintenance. Tomorrow, we will collaborate to attempt breaking trail west towards the Porkies and White Pine. We are in dire need of assistance. Please bring your sled, chain saw, and pruning equipment to aid in the trail cleanup effort. #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotos <> Latest Trail Reports – Quick Links <>Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook
The guy's worked on 8e again and it's just too much!! We're going to send 2 machines and hopefully a handful of helpers on sleds Friday. The Corridor was opened up from Bergland to the 28 crossing or Hoop n Holler Rd. Use CAUTION!! Water holes are starting to show up from us packing in snow. We'll attempt to open 13n tomorrow. Gogebic Area Grooming ❄️❄️❄️ #lakegogebic #westernup #snowphotos
Temperatures get much colder Wednesday night into late week. Wind chills for many Thursday AM will be hovering near or below zero.
Another clipper system will be possible getting into our Friday.
Forecast 12-2-25: www.9and10news.com/weather/
-Meteorologist John Gross #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey 
Discussion
As a cold front swings through, our favorable wind direction, water-to-air temperature difference, and other favorable lake effect ingredients ramp back up. At the current time, we are seeing enough signs for decent lake effect accumulation, primarily across the east-central UP, and slopes of Elmira/Gaylord. We begin with a couple 2-5" zones, but these areas may quickly see a jump to the next category up at our final call update tomorrow. Totals of 1-3" in west Michigan and the Porcupine Mountains will also suffice for now, but a few locations may see an upgrade to 2-5" where confidence improves. It's Michigan, it's meteorological winter, so while it may not be breaking news, it's still weather news that we must report. As meteorologists, it IS our job after all.
Timing
Primarily from noon Wednesday through 6 pm EST Thursday. Extensions for this time period are being monitored into very early Friday.
More weather updates coming to you throughout the winter, so make sure to follow us here at Michigan Storm Chasers to never be out of the loop again when it comes to statewide weather updates, both snow and severe. While you're here, check out our trusted partner of the day, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Detroit to donate to families in need this holiday season! Visit online at rmhc-detroit.org/ for all information. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyDon't look at us, we're just the messenger, but more lake effect snow is on the table for Wednesday into Thursday, December 3rd & 4th, 2025. Some lighter flurries from these bands may make it over to eastern Michigan as well, but the odds are stacked against.
Discussion
As a cold front swings through, our favorable wind direction, water-to-air temperature difference, and other favorable lake effect ingredients ramp back up. At the current time, we are seeing enough signs for decent lake effect accumulation, primarily across the east-central UP, and slopes of Elmira/Gaylord. We begin with a couple 2-5" zones, but these areas may quickly see a jump to the next category up at our final call update tomorrow. Totals of 1-3" in west Michigan and the Porcupine Mountains will also suffice for now, but a few locations may see an upgrade to 2-5" where confidence improves. It's Michigan, it's meteorological winter, so while it may not be breaking news, it's still weather news that we must report. As meteorologists, it IS our job after all.
Timing
Primarily from noon Wednesday through 6 pm EST Thursday. Extensions for this time period are being monitored into very early Friday.
More weather updates coming to you throughout the winter, so make sure to follow us here at Michigan Storm Chasers to never be out of the loop again when it comes to statewide weather updates, both snow and severe. While you're here, check out our trusted partner of the day, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Detroit to donate to families in need this holiday season! Visit online at rmhc-detroit.org/ for all information.
8e to East shore Rd. and 13n to M28 has been opened up. All gates for 13n have been opened as well.
We are still telling everyone conditions remain hazardous and we don't recommend riding until we have a chance to run our Machines through each of our trail segments. We'll continue to update as that is accomplished. Also today, the in town trails were all opened up and the corridor trail to 1n and 1n up to the swampy area just before m64 crossing was opened up and we are calling 1n Bergland to White Pine passable. No packing or panning has started yet. Tomorrow we will continue through the corridor towards 102 and another crew is headed to our worst section 8e to Ewen. Anyone willing to help out. Fire up the sled, bring a chainsaw and give the guy's a hand. I believe they'll be starting around 10 am Eastern time.
We could definitely use the help!!
That's all for now. ❄️❄️❄️ #lakegogebic #westernup #snowphotos
We have officially transitioned into Winter Mode at the Porkies! What does this mean?:
📌South Boundary Road - East Entrance- Closed at Headquarters Intersection
📌South Boundary Road - West Entrance - Closed at Presque Isle Bridge.
📌M-107 (Going to Lake of the Clouds) - Closed at Whitetail Parking Lot, just past Winter Sports Complex.
📌Union Bay Campground: Gate Closed. Winter parking for yurts at Folk School area.
📌Presque Isle Campground: Gate Closed. Waterfalls are accessible by foot.
🛑Road Closed Barricades are now in place and in fact do mean, ROAD IS CLOSED. Rangers took one last ride (on snowmobiles) to make sure all visitors were able to make it out of the park after nearly 3 feet of snow fell in higher elevations.
Photos below were taken today on South Boundary Road.
Please be courteous and do not park in front of the barricades.
🖇️Headquarters is open 8 am - 4 pm daily (including weekends and holidays) #porkies #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotos
Trails may be open but impassable! If you are riding look for downed trees and water holes - and bring a chain saw ❄️🪵 #sidnaw #westernup #snowpotos
❄️ MICHIGAN U.P. TRAILS OPEN TODAY ❄️
⚠️ RIDE AT YOUR OWN RISK ⚠️
HAZARDS EXIST (TREES DOWN, OPEN WATER)
HELP IS NEEDED IN THE WESTERN UP TO CLEAN UP TRAILS‼️
Contact the clubs directly if you can physically help‼️
Safe Rides,
❄️ #ErikasTrailReports ❄️ #westernup #snowphotos❄️ HAPPY DECEMBER ❄️
❄️ MICHIGAN U.P. TRAILS OPEN TODAY ❄️
⚠️ RIDE AT YOUR OWN RISK ⚠️
HAZARDS EXIST (TREES DOWN, OPEN WATER)
HELP IS NEEDED IN THE WESTERN UP TO CLEAN UP TRAILS‼️
Contact the clubs directly if you can physically help‼️
Safe Rides,
❄️ #ErikasTrailReports ❄️
🪚 Downed trees everywhere
💦 Water holes not frozen
❄️ Early-season conditions
If you’re coming up, you may need a chainsaw and some patience. #westernup #snowphotosTrails OPEN, but proceed with caution.
🪚 Downed trees everywhere
💦 Water holes not frozen
❄️ Early-season conditions
If you’re coming up, you may need a chainsaw and some patience.
#906wx #miwx
❄️Trail 12 from Ontonagon to 137 : Passable but with brush hazards, has been track packed.
❄️Trail 137 from 12 South to 13 by Rockland: Passable but with brush hazards, has been track packed
⚠️THE STATUS OF ALL OUR OTHER TRAILS IS UNKNOWN UNTIL WE GET EYES ON THEM. Pictured is trail 13 east of 101 and west of Norwich Road.⚠️
🔊🚨 EXPECT GROOMERS ON TRAILS DURING DAYTIME HOURS FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.🚨🔊
🚜 Our goal is to track open all of the trails to give the brushing crews a solid surface to work off of. The 2 feet (plus) of powder is tough to work in. 🇺🇸
-Secretary Steve Hamilton #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotosWhile it technically is opening day for snowmobile trails, our trails remain impassable. If you are venturing up to ride, please see trail status below, things are not what you'd expect. Bring a chain saw, pruning or other brushing equipment, and come lend a hand.
❄️Trail 12 from Ontonagon to 137 : Passable but with brush hazards, has been track packed.
❄️Trail 137 from 12 South to 13 by Rockland: Passable but with brush hazards, has been track packed
⚠️THE STATUS OF ALL OUR OTHER TRAILS IS UNKNOWN UNTIL WE GET EYES ON THEM. Pictured is trail 13 east of 101 and west of Norwich Road.⚠️
🔊🚨 EXPECT GROOMERS ON TRAILS DURING DAYTIME HOURS FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.🚨🔊
🚜 Our goal is to track open all of the trails to give the brushing crews a solid surface to work off of. The 2 feet (plus) of powder is tough to work in. 🇺🇸
-Secretary Steve Hamilton
This is your report for Sunday 11-30-25 from Gogebic Area Grooming. The Thanksgiving day storm definitely left an impression..
On the positive, we have a lot of ❄️!!
We've had machines out the past 2 day's with little to no success on the railroad grade 8e to Ewen.
Today they were successful on 1n to White Pine. However they did not go through the corridor which we will be attempting on Tuesday.
Lake Gogebic was still open water before all the snow we received. Stay Off!
If you choose to ride you will come across obstacles... Pack your gear accordingly and never ride alone! It will take us a few weeks to get thing's back to somewhat normal. #lakegogebic #westernup #snowphotos
www.ironwoodpowersports.com #westernup #snowphotos