Sault Ste. Marie Trail Report – 01/19
SAULT STE. MARIE UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association – 01/19 One of our rookies, Zeke, looking like a pro already on what I think is only his 4th run. He was out on trail 8 tonight in the Pisten Bully between Raco and Brimley. Looking great Zeke! <> Good evening! It sure is way more fun when I can share good news! We got a solid snowfall of anywhere from 7-12” depending on the area. And…. It’s cold🙌🏼 <> <> Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association Facebook Page <> Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association Trail Report on MSA <> WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Lake effect snow ends over the north-northwest wind snow belts today. A couple more fluffy inches and some blowing snow is still expected over the north central and eastern U.P. this morning. A quick hitting system looks to bring 1 to 4 fluffy inches of snowfall tonight through Saturday morning. West to northwest winds as high as 45 mph are expected to make a return over the Keweenaw on Saturday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaLake effect snow ends over the north-northwest wind snow belts today. A couple more fluffy inches and some blowing snow is still expected over the north central and eastern U.P. this morning. A quick hitting system looks to bring 1 to 4 fluffy inches of snowfall tonight through Saturday morning. West to northwest winds as high as 45 mph are expected to make a return over the Keweenaw on Saturday. SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/19/25 SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> Video is from 12/16/25 WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> Lake effect totals through Friday afternoon, December 19th, 2025 have been updated slightly to account for latest shifts in atmospheric conditions. WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Active weather is expected for the remainder of the work week. Winds pick up tonight, gusting to 25-45mph (highest in the western and north-central UP), falling back into Thursday morning. Light rain and patchy mixed precipitation return Thursday morning, transitioning over to widespread snow late Thursday into Thursday night before tapering off to light lake effect snow Friday. The heaviest snow accumulations will be across the far western UP. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/16/25 SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/16/25 <> Latest Trail Reports – Quick Links <>
We had a really great base before the new snow. Trails are finally where they should have been weeks ago. We are still battling water holes in spots but we are starting to be able to fill them in. These are the main areas of concern-
Trail 472, just east of the 480 intersection. 2 water holes, one big enough that it nearly swallowed the groomer. Groomer Matt worked to fill them in with new snow tonight and hopefully the slush will freeze up.
🚨🚨Trail 49 from Alberta Lane (just south of the Soo at the power station) all the way to Gaines Hwy remains closed due to major water issues. The worst hole is the beaver pond south of 12 mile and north of Gaines Hwy. It is estimated to be several feet deep and we cannot get a groomer in there yet. We are hopeful that if the cold sticks around, we can partially open trail 49 north of the beaver pond. We have heard that sleds are still using 49 but we do not recommend it as it still closed🚨🚨
2 small water holes behind Kewadin Casino that should be easily passable by sled. We are purposely keeping the groomer out of there to let them freeze in a bit more after some warmth and rain earlier in the week.
Trails 8, 889, the Raco Powerlines, 480, 472, and the city trail system were all groomed today. Trails 494 and 49 south of Kinross will be done tomorrow.
Should be an awesome weekend!
Ride safe all! Please check out our website for a list of our commercial sponsors and remember to support those who support us! www.sootrails.org
Thanks all!❄️❄️❄️
Steve and Nathan were out on the city trails tonight and they shaped up beautifully! Here’s what Steve had to say-
“Groomer Nathan and I went out tonight and groomed the city trail system.
We had 8 or 9 inches of fresh snow to work with. It was certainly a winter wonderland.
Trail conditions were great. We were able to pull snow into a lot of the low spots. The water hole near the tunnel is froze and snow covered. We seen almost no water at all on the trails tonight.
We groomed everything within the city limits with the exception of the stretch from Seymour Rd to the casino due to 2 water holes behind Kewadin.
Hope you enjoy the pictures we took along the way.
Steve Lawson”
Thanks guys! Looking awesome out there!❄️❄️❄️Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook
The switch has flipped! We went from 42 and rain last night to 18 and snow flurries currently. Wild!
Word is that the roads are absolutely horrible, and area schools have been cancelled.
No doubt, trails will be solid ice until the new snow starts to pile up. As soon as I have any idea what the trails look like, I’ll be sure to share, but wanted to at least share a bit of good news. #soo #snowphotos
Sorry I’m late on this put thought it was still worth sharing to show how things looked before this little warm up.
Here’s Pete’s report to go along with it-
“I took took New Dave out for his final training run down trail 8 to Brimley. We have been struggling with some engine computer wiring issues causing stalls. Some repair attempts were made, and this was an unscheduled test run as well. Bryan and his assistant Logan followed along to assist in case of another breakdown. Additionally, we wanted to take down the large leaning tree that’s been impeding the trail. Everything went well and the groomer made the trip with no issues. Dave finished up his training and will be headed out on his own soon. The tree came down without any hiccups. Even though it was warm out, the trail laid out smooth and flat. It was a great success and we are glad to have accomplished so much in one evening.”
Thanks all! #soo #snowphotos
Discussion
As temperatures fall early Friday, moisture pools back in, mixed with colder air over the warmer lakes, turning on the lake effect machine for both of the Great Lakes that influence our normal lake effect zones. A respectable 1-3" to 2-5" is possible in the fairly typical areas shown on the map. The narrow lane of higher elevation across the Keweenaw Peninsula and Porcupine Mountains are most-likely to experience totals exceeding 6". You may have noticed our one main change was the expansion of T-1" over to the east side of the state just as a general precaution to any snow squalls that make it across the state. Not everyone will get a rogue snow squall, but it is in the odds for nearly everyone. A snow squall is a thin, but intense band of quick snow that can produce at least half an inch of snow in minutes time, while knocking visibility down from 10 miles, to a quarter mile in moments time. Additionally, a quick coating of snow may hide any ice that was able to form from the freeze later tonight. Lake effect snow and snow squalls are poised to start later this evening around 8 pm EST (earlier for the western UP), and run primarily through 1 pm EST Friday. A couple lake effect bands may last through 6 pm across northern Michigan near Gaylord, and the central UP near Munising.
Each area is never guaranteed the totals shown on the screen. This is why we call it a prediction. The totals that are shown however do have the greatest odds of occurring. Yes, we are still trying to find that crystal ball, but no luck to this point. Follow us here at Michigan Storm Chasers for forecast updates, and a little humor on the side, throughout the next few days, and as always, 365 days a year! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyLake effect totals through Friday afternoon, December 19th, 2025 have been updated slightly to account for latest shifts in atmospheric conditions.
Discussion
As temperatures fall early Friday, moisture pools back in, mixed with colder air over the warmer lakes, turning on the lake effect machine for both of the Great Lakes that influence our normal lake effect zones. A respectable 1-3" to 2-5" is possible in the fairly typical areas shown on the map. The narrow lane of higher elevation across the Keweenaw Peninsula and Porcupine Mountains are most-likely to experience totals exceeding 6". You may have noticed our one main change was the expansion of T-1" over to the east side of the state just as a general precaution to any snow squalls that make it across the state. Not everyone will get a rogue snow squall, but it is in the odds for nearly everyone. A snow squall is a thin, but intense band of quick snow that can produce at least half an inch of snow in minutes time, while knocking visibility down from 10 miles, to a quarter mile in moments time. Additionally, a quick coating of snow may hide any ice that was able to form from the freeze later tonight. Lake effect snow and snow squalls are poised to start later this evening around 8 pm EST (earlier for the western UP), and run primarily through 1 pm EST Friday. A couple lake effect bands may last through 6 pm across northern Michigan near Gaylord, and the central UP near Munising.
Each area is never guaranteed the totals shown on the screen. This is why we call it a prediction. The totals that are shown however do have the greatest odds of occurring. Yes, we are still trying to find that crystal ball, but no luck to this point. Follow us here at Michigan Storm Chasers for forecast updates, and a little humor on the side, throughout the next few days, and as always, 365 days a year!
-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
Apex Restoration & Mitigation | Call 810-202-3586 today for all restoration needs across Genesee county and the thumb!
Good evening everyone!
Trail 49 update, between the Soo and Kinross. Lane groomed from Kinross to 12 mile yesterday morning. He reports that he brought up some water between devils hill and 12 mile, but he was able to knock down a lot of the rough stuff and said it is getting better every trip through. He rode it after he groomed and it is passable, nothing too deep. He advises that you need to pick your lines to go around wet spots, which is typical in the early season. There were several sled tracks after he groomed👍🏼
Last night, Dennis groomed 49 from the Soo south to around 11 1/2 mile. There’s a ditch around there that he couldn’t get through so he back out and headed back. He said that there are still some wet spots to watch for, but it’s passable via sled.
Temps are still below freezing at night, even with a few days above freezing, and the thaw/freeze cycle should actually help that trail. We need some more snow to push into the wet spots and we’ll really be able to get this trail in good shape.
Thank you Lane and Dennis! ❄️❄️❄️
Remember, we are on Groomer Tracker! Half of each subscription fee comes right back to the club. We appreciate your support! #soo
Thank you to Bryan, Logan, Pete, and Dave for clearing this gnarly widow maker from trail 8 between 5 and 6 mile. It was just sort of dangling there and would have made a real mess if left to fall on its own. Much safer for riders and our operators now. #soo #snowphotos