TRAVERSE CITY AREA UPDATE via Ranch Rudolf – 1/12/18 trail update: It’s very disheartening to report that the work of some wheeled vehicles have made things much more challenging. Please note the sign stating this is a groomer maintained trail and someone still felt it was ok to drive down it.
We had a very light rain/mist from approx 4pm to 8pm last night. Lost some snow. Luckily, we had a lot of snow to start with, so there is still a good amount on the ground, especially in the woods with more tree cover. It’s currently 16 degrees and expected to remain cold. It’s lightly snowing now, nothing significant expected, but at least it will now be cold enough to maintain anything new. Snow that we have it very crunchy/hard packed. Trails are probably categorized poor to fair at best. The biggest problem is there really isn’t enough snow for groomers to run, but with the ruts from wheeled vehicles they may have to try to smooth them back out, which will dig up dirt in some spots. Hoping this is the only trail that took a hit from a vehicle.
Currently groomers are not running, but groomer drivers and GTASC officers are talking right now about the best resolution for the trails. Will update you as to when groomers head out, whether it be today, this weekend, or when… stay safe out there and have fun, but please have a little respect for the sport, the trails, and the hard work all these club members put in to maintaining them
FROM Grand Traverse Area Snowmobile Club >> So you want to be a Groomer Driver.......GTASC is looking for volunteer groomer drivers. We groom 6 days a week, Monday through Saturday. If you prefer, you can groom during the day on the M-THs routes. These routes usually take 8 hours to complete. The Friday and Saturday routes usually run 8 hours also however, we run them after 5 pm due to trail traffic. We are very flexible on scheduling. Heck, even one of our volunteers lives down state and grooms 2-3 days a month! If you ever wanted to groom snowmobile trails here's your chance. You must possess a vaild drivers licence. We drive large John Deere tractors with dualies on the rear and chains on the tires. If you can handle your truck and snowmobile trailer you should have no problem with the grooming rig. We will train you in cab using a fellow groomer driver. Once you and your trainer feel comfortable enough, you can go out alone. If you feel this is something you would like to try, send our groomer coordinator, Pat Hurne an email at pathurne@gmail.com and he will schedule your training. #traversecity... See MoreSee Less
FROM Grand Traverse Area Snowmobile Club >> Don't take your foot off the gas just yet, there's work to be done! We contracted Earthworks Services to repair a corner on trail 5. The corner has been prone to erosion which caused severe banking and washout issues. Mike, the owner of Earthworks Services did an outstanding job softening the turn, making a drainage runoff and leveling out the effected area. I just wish I had some before pictures. If you’re looking for excavating services, please do not hesitate to give Mike a call! #traversecity... See MoreSee Less
FROM Grand Traverse Area Snowmobile Club >> We had 12 people turnout for the brushing event. Outstanding!! Thanks to Steve, Paul, Don, Mark, John, Pat, Shaun, Don, Chris, Craig and his son, and Kevin. Special thanks to the Northwest ORV Association for helping out! You guys rock! Thanks Steve for feeding the group a great trail side lunch. Again, thanks everyone for volunteering your time to our great sport. #traversecity... See MoreSee Less
FROM Grand Traverse Area Snowmobile Club >> The trail prep begins. Paul and Jeff started the trail grading today. Please make sure your watching out for the crews as they will be out on the trails daily. Also, thanks to McAllister Rentals / McAllister Cat for supporting GTASC. #traversecity... See MoreSee Less
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Freezing rain gradually transitions to rain today from south to north as temperatures slowly warm above freezing. Slick roads likely in some areas into this afternoon with ice accumulations on elevated surfaces. Colder temperatures north of the bridge will result in a wintry mix continuing through the afternoon, before transitioning to rain tonight. ***Please pass along any ice accumulation pictures, ideally with a measurement and location.** #miweather #gaylord#cadillac#benzie#traversecity#petoskeyFreezing rain gradually transitions to rain today from south to north as temperatures slowly warm above freezing. Slick roads likely in some areas into this afternoon with ice accumulations on elevated surfaces. Colder temperatures north of the bridge will result in a wintry mix continuing through the afternoon, before transitioning to rain tonight. ***Please pass along any ice accumulation pictures, ideally with a measurement and location.** ... See MoreSee Less
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> A wintry mix will develop south to north this morning into the evening. 0.10” to 0.25” of ice is forecast for most of northern Michigan, with locally higher amounts possible, and up to 1” of snow/sleet. Temperatures will warm through the day from south to north, with above freezing temps expected by afternoon and early evening, changing remaining precipitation to rain. #miweather #gaylord#cadillac#benzie#traversecity#petoskeyA wintry mix will develop south to north this morning into the evening. 0.10” to 0.25” of ice is forecast for most of northern Michigan, with locally higher amounts possible, and up to 1” of snow/sleet. Temperatures will warm through the day from south to north, with above freezing temps expected by afternoon and early evening, changing remaining precipitation to rain. ... See MoreSee Less
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> A wintry mix returns to northern Michigan on Thursday before switching over to rain for most areas Thursday night as temperatures look to warm considerably through the evening – potentially into the 50s and low 60s by midnight. This may help limit any impacts from potential icing earlier in the day. #miweather #gaylord#cadillac#benzie#traversecity#petoskey... See MoreSee Less
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Shower and isolated thunderstorm chances increase later this evening and continue at times through Tuesday. An isolated strong to severe thunderstorm is possible, with large hail and gusty winds as the primary threats. By later Wednesday night into Thursday, potential increases for a messy wintry mix across northern Michigan, with both impactful snow and ice possible. #miweather #gaylord#cadillac#benzie#traversecity#petoskey... See MoreSee Less
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Mild temperatures are in store for another day as highs climb into the 60s across many interior areas south of the bridge underneath partly to mostly sunny skies. Chances for showers and thunderstorms move in later tonight with additional chances at times through Tuesday. A few strong storms capable of producing hail will be possible. #miweather #gaylord#cadillac#benzie#traversecity#petoskeyMild temperatures are in store for another day as highs climb into the 60s across many interior areas south of the bridge underneath partly to mostly sunny skies. Chances for showers and thunderstorms move in later tonight with additional chances at times through Tuesday. A few strong storms capable of producing hail will be possible. ... See MoreSee Less
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Brief snow showers move across Northern Michigan this evening mainly north of M-32. Conditions then remain mostly cloudy tonight followed by a warming trend Sunday into early next week. Showers and thunderstorms arrive late Monday with potential for some stronger storms this Tuesday. #miweather #gaylord#cadillac#benzie#traversecity#petoskeyBrief snow showers move across Northern Michigan this evening mainly north of M-32. Conditions then remain mostly cloudy tonight followed by a warming trend Sunday into early next week. Showers and thunderstorms arrive late Monday with potential for some stronger storms this Tuesday. ... See MoreSee Less