Even though temps have been unseasonably mild, we still have 16" of snow on the ground-streets & crossings are bare. Best riding early in the day – trails soften up in the afternoon.
Gogebic Range Trail Authority report: Groomers are out… I know on trail 2 for sure, waiting for word on the balance of the system…they are grooming wherever conditions permit, and we won’t know exactly where that is until tomrrow’s report. Overall conditions fair with some good yet…some are poor. Bare spots tend to pop up during the day.
more info on GRTA at: gogebicrangetrailauthority.com)
From Gogebic Area Grooming,covering the Lake Gogebic Area-Groomers are out-northern trails are still in pretty good shape as there’s snow in the woods-trails poor in town…it’s difficult getting in and out of Bergland…other trails are fair. Trails south of Lake Gogebic are all in poor condition.
Unable to get a hold of anyone from the U.P. Thunder Riders of Watersmeet: Town and parking lots were bare before the weekend, but the groomers were out when temps/conditions permit-Will try to have an update tomorrow.

TOO MANY SERIOUS ACCIDENTS are in the news this year. Many are alcohol and speed related. We want you to have a great time on our trails here in Big Snow Country, so please use your good common sense and save your drinking for after the ride.
ICE: Let us reiterate, there is no such thing as "safe" ice.
If you choose to ride on a body of water, be sure you check with locals in the specific area you intend to ride and get current information on conditions in that area. When you ride on ice, you are doing so at your own risk.

PHOTO REQUEST from us. Thanks to those who’ve responded…keep ’em coming. If you have any neat snomo pictures you’re willing to share, we’re looking for a cover shot for next years map and other marketing uses. Can’t pay but will give a photo credit on inside of map. Send in jpg -300 dpi-to bigsnow@westernup.info. Be aware anything you send will become the property of the WUPCVB so this request is more for amateur photographers…in other words, don’t send anything you may want to sell in the future. Appreciate any help on this.
WATCH FOR GROOMERS Keep in mind the groomers are out both day and night, so watch for them, and PLEASE pull over or at least slow down and wait for the operator to signal you by whenever you see them.
SIGN VANDALISM RESULTING IN SERIOUS SITUATION
Expect to see more patrols on the trails due to a recent rash of sign vandalism incidents…we’re hearing cameras also may be enlisted in order to apprehend those responsible. If you see any suspicious activity, please call the DNR at 800-292-7800.

Trails are thinning out fast. They were ok in the morning yesterday and then kinda went down hill. Trail 5 is down to dirt towards Ranch Rudolph, Going from the Ranch to Fife is not very good either. Trail 55 to Kalkaska is a bit more snow covered and still has potential for this week. The biggest problem we are running into will be warm temps. The forecast for most of the week is Sunny and 40’s to 50 on Tuesday. For those of you calling for condition updates, I appreciate the calls, however this report is accurate and what I tell you over the phone will be no different. We may be able to send sleds out towards the weekend if the temps don’t destroy the base and the groomers get back out again. I wish I had better news for you.

Jamie

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