Sault Ste. Marie Trail Report – 12/05
SAULT STE. MARIE UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association – 12/05 Update as of 6:30 pm, Dec 5th. A small group of us hit Trail 8 on sleds where it begins at Ashmun Bay. We opened the gates along the way west to Brimley and turned around before the bridge in Brimley. There are some wet spots, the worst one we saw is in one of these photos and is as you’re leaving the Soo. We moved lots of large tree branches and a few rocks that might have really ruined someones day. There are a couple of big trees on the shoulder through this 10 mile stretch that we will need the groomer or chainsaw to take care of but easily passable with two sleds side by side. There was more snow as we headed west out of the Soo but I can’t speak to what is west of Brimley. It’s coming down here currently. I’d say we’ve received 3” new snow today so far on top of 6” yesterday. Overall, this section of trail is shaping up nicely with the snow we have. Cold will help freeze up those wet areas since they are not deep water holes. Please keep in mind that this is just a 10 mile stretch of our 100 mile trail system. The gates are not open on other sections just yet. Be mindful of private property when you’re out and keep in mind it is very early season riding. We are not grooming yet since we need to give the wet areas a chance to freeze. All of this new snow is helping fill things in nicely. We’re sore and tired from moving trees but dang, it sure was a whole lot of fun to be out riding! In short, first gates of the season are open!!!❄️❄️❄️ <> SAULT STE. MARIE UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association – 12/05 We ended up with around 6” of new snow yesterday and we’re hoping we get what’s forecasted for this next round. The gates are not open just yet and we have not started grooming operations but we are getting close. A few of us plan to do a little ride today to scout things out. If you do ride, keep in mind it is still early season conditions. Our volunteers did an amazing job of brushing and clearing trails all year long but there’s always a chance for new branches and other hazards to end up on the trails. Be especially mindful of water holes since the ground is not completely frozen. We were fortunate in our area to have some decent snowfall the end of November which compressed and froze to help with a base. Remember that 10” of snow compresses to about an inch on the trail. I’ll update as soon as I have new info to share. ❄️❄️❄️ <> <> Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association Facebook Page <> Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association Trail Report on MSA <> WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> A quick-moving clipper system crosses northern MI tonight. Primarily rain is expected across much of northern lower, with mainly snow through the Straits and eastern U.P. Snow will likely end as a period of freezing drizzle early Friday morning with a coating of ice possible, mainly in eastern upper. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberryA quick-moving clipper system crosses northern MI tonight. Primarily rain is expected across much of northern lower, with mainly snow through the Straits and eastern U.P. Snow will likely end as a period of freezing drizzle early Friday morning with a coating of ice possible, mainly in eastern upper. WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Key Messages: SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 3/17/26 SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 3/17/26 WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> Final snowfall totals have been released from our blizzard of March 15th-17th, 2026 here in Michigan. Do note, some locations are approximated due to data gaps in the Upper Peninsula..... #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyFinal snowfall totals have been released from our blizzard of March 15th-17th, 2026 here in Michigan. Do note, some locations are approximated due to data gaps in the Upper Peninsula. <> Latest Trail Reports – Quick Links <>Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook
Today, highs near 40, partly to mostly cloudy.
Tonight, rain with some snow (mostly north and east, as shown in the map) and freezing rain mixing in. Lows near 30.
Friday, mostly cloudy, highs in the mid 30s (north, east) to near 50 (MI/WI state line).
Weekend, tracking the potential for accumulating snow or freezing rain. Chances of 3+ inches of wet snow around 30% mainly Saturday night. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaKey Messages:
Today, highs near 40, partly to mostly cloudy.
Tonight, rain with some snow (mostly north and east, as shown in the map) and freezing rain mixing in. Lows near 30.
Friday, mostly cloudy, highs in the mid 30s (north, east) to near 50 (MI/WI state line).
Weekend, tracking the potential for accumulating snow or freezing rain. Chances of 3+ inches of wet snow around 30% mainly Saturday night.
Last one for the day!
Bryan hit the city trails this evening and they turned out great! The wet areas he saw a week ago are nonexistent now.
He saw quite a bit of sled traffic for a Tuesday.
Great to see people out enjoying the fresh snow and beautiful day!
Thank you, Bryan!!❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo0317h #snowphotos
Sorry for all of the posts today! As you can see, we’ve been busy!
Pics from Kenny on his run with Raco Dave this morning on the 889 loop, 480 north of M28, and 8 along the powerline.
They report that it turned out great!
Thanks guys!❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo0317f #snowphotos
No doubt the forecast lived up to its insanity, with many locations getting over 40" of snow across the central Upper Peninsula, and 8-10 foot snow drifts to make things even more extreme. In terms of forecast verification, our forecast did hit the 80%+ accuracy threshold we strive for after each event. Our final verification was 83%, and most of the the misses were where the system shifted slightly south to give parts of the northern Lower Peninsula greater than 24", and parts of the western Upper Peninsula much less. Anything over 18" of snow is just "a lot" at this point anyways, so we aren't stressing too badly about the miss in the Lower Peninsula near the Mackinac Bridge. Lake effect zones in SW Michigan did verify, as text was featured under the forecast that a couple spots would see locally higher amounts.
Overall, this will be a storm we won't soon forget, which adds to the list of wild weather we've experienced in Michigan over the last two weeks. If you have any additional snowfall reports to add to the list that are not affected by drifting, drop them in the comments below here on X or Facebook. A new two-day record was also broken at the NWS office in Marquette of 36"+ with this blizzard, which is just one record smashed by this blizzard.