TRAVERSE CITY AREA UPDATE via Grand Traverse Snowmobile Club – 02/25
This is the trail update nobody wants to read. Temps in the 40’s with sunshine does not make for good snowmobile trails. When I groomed on Monday the conditions were pretty darn good and I saw quite a few riders out enjoying one of the last days before the warm up. We have had a few days of above freezing temps and this has melted all the snow on the roads and put a hurting on our base. Lots of dirt showing in areas and I’m sure the swamp area going South out of Kalkaska is a muddy mess. There doesn’t seem to be any real snow in the forecast and temps are not cooperating either. We have halted grooming until we see a change in the weather.
What a weird snowmobile season. I saw on the news the other night that Gaylord was at 2/3 of their normal snow totals for this time of year. Let’s hope for a snow storm later in the month. Might be a good time to give that snowmobile of yours a little love and get it ready to hit the trails when we do get snow. Last time I groomed I saw a few boogie wheels on the trail. Check those hyfax and boogie wheels as the low snow conditions of this year haven’t been friendly to your track and suspension. A little time spent in the garage will save you a lot of time on the trail.
I hope that this is not the last report of the year but until conditions improve I will be off the trails until dirt bike season.
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TRAVERSE CITY AREA UPDATE via Ranch Rudolf – 02/25
If you want a winter experience this weekend it will have to be with Beau and Knox. This kind of horse power navigates snow, slush and dirt. Horse drawn hayrides are a great way to get outside and enjoy the season. Rides available by reservation only on Saturday and Sunday this weekend. 231-947-9529
The bad news is this is not the weekend snowmobilers are hoping for. Yes, there is still snow on the ground, but there is also mud and puddles. Groomers are not running as temps have been too warm.
Lodge will be open 12pm to 4pm this Saturday and 12pm to 3pm this Sunday with counter service for food and beverage.
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 Michigan Storm Chasers >> Snow and ice return tonight, and continue through midday April 4th, 2026. Snow totals will be the highest yet again into the Keweenaw Peninsula. It's almost a carbon copy of today. Ice totals, however, are primarily a concern for the Upper Peninsula. Ice storm warnings are now in effect... #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette#munising #seney #newberry #soo #gaylord#cadillac#benzie #traversecity #petoskey... 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