Ontonagon Area Trail Report – 12/28
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via Scott’s Superior Inn – 12/28
🌨 Trail Update – Ontonagon 🌨
The recent days have been tough on the trails, with the warmer weather taking a toll. Trails close to the lakeshore are in rough shape, but you’ll find slightly better conditions in the higher elevations.
⛔️ We strongly recommend staying off the trails this weekend to let them recover and prevent further damage.
❄️ Good news ahead! Lane at Midwest Weather is anticipating a significant amount of snow in the forecast towards the end of this week. Fresh snow is on its way, and brighter days for riding are just around the corner!
We’ll keep you updated as conditions improve. Stay tuned and get ready to hit the trails when the snow comes through!
📸 (pictures are from 12/28/2024)
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ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP – 12/28
Ope, we’re suggesting you’se guys better not be adventuring out on the sled trails rights now. We’ve had light rain, 34*F temps, 39* high today, more light rain/drizzle through midday. Trails along road ditches will be very hazardous with ponding from the rain/melting. We did seem to get spared somewhat with the heaviest rain!! At the end of this post are google map locations of GIANT waterfalls to come visit in lieu of riding!
ARE TRAILS RUINED? NO! Trails along roadway ditches and in the swamps will need major attention once the flowing water subsides. Trails in the woods on good surfaces will rebound quickly with some fresh snow, much of our Porcupine Mountain trails remain WHITE! Early January riding is totally in the realm of reality as long as we get a good blast of snow.
Looking for other things to do today or tomorrow? How about a car ride Waterfall Tour!
Bond Falls – Paulding
PARK: https://maps.app.goo.gl/J29owxWtyGRcYxNz7
NOTES: The drive down to the parking area may be barricaded. I would still walk the road down if so, the trails in the woods will be treacherous.
Agate Falls – Trout Creek
PARK: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mXW34ShFnxGFCkMX6
Notes: The bridge above the falls is snowmobile trail 8.
Victoria Dam Falls – Rockland
PARK: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CFLvWVdN7MtcTfMz9
NOTES: You will walk past the yellow gate and to the RIGHT down the hill towards the falls/dam.
Thank you Hamilton’s North Coast Adventures for the image and Waterfall adventure planning! Visit The Porcupine Mountains to start planning your next adventure here!
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Visit North Country Snowmobile Club – UP Website >>>>
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Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Heavy snow and very strong winds expected to spread across Upper Michigan tonight and Monday. Near zero visibilities and blizzard conditions expected in some locations. Power outages likely. If you have travel plans Sunday night and Monday, change your plans to avoid being on the roads! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Gogebic Area Grooming >> Gogebic Area Groomer's report for 12-27-25...
Between the traffic and temperature today the trail's have taken a severe beating.
We won't be below freezing again until tomorrow afternoon when the system snow is supposed to move in.
We plan on unhooking drag's tomorrow evening and start knocking down moguls before the temp's drop and new snow moves in..
It's Mother nature and all we can do is try to stay ahead of her and that's what we'll do. Gogebic Area Grooming ❄️❄️❄️ #lakegogebic #westernupGogebic Area Groomer's report for 12-27-25...
Between the traffic and temperature today the trail's have taken a severe beating.
We won't be below freezing again until tomorrow afternoon when the system snow is supposed to move in.
We plan on unhooking drag's tomorrow evening and start knocking down moguls before the temp's drop and new snow moves in..
It's Mother nature and all we can do is try to stay ahead of her and that's what we'll do. Gogebic Area Grooming ❄️❄️❄️
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Heavy snow and strong winds expected to spread across Upper Michigan Sunday night and Monday. Hazardous to dangerous driving conditions and power outages will be possible. Those with travel plans Sunday night and Monday should be prepared to cancel or adjust those plans! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaHeavy snow and strong winds expected to spread across Upper Michigan Sunday night and Monday. Hazardous to dangerous driving conditions and power outages will be possible. Those with travel plans Sunday night and Monday should be prepared to cancel or adjust those plans!
WEATHER UPDATE via Midwest Weather >> ~(Updated) Snowfall Forecast Sunrise Sunday-Sunrise Tuesday~
A major winter storm is expected to bring significant snowfall to portions of the region. Most of the accumulating snow will be along and north of I-80. No matter how much snow will fall, there will be strong northwest winds that will create blowing and drifting snow. Travel north of I-80 will be near impossible at times. Some road closures are possible along and north of I-90 given greater accumulation and more persistent blizzard-like conditions. Heaviest snowfall totals through sunrise Tuesday (there will be more after) will be along Lake Superior. Snowfall rates could exceed 2" an hour at times due to lake enhancement. Expect over a foot in most areas along the lakeshore before dropping as you get closer to the WI border. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey~OUTDATED~
~(Updated) Snowfall Forecast Sunrise Sunday-Sunrise Tuesday~
A major winter storm is expected to bring significant snowfall to portions of the region. Most of the accumulating snow will be along and north of I-80. No matter how much snow will fall, there will be strong northwest winds that will create blowing and drifting snow. Travel north of I-80 will be near impossible at times. Some road closures are possible along and north of I-90 given greater accumulation and more persistent blizzard-like conditions. Heaviest snowfall totals through sunrise Tuesday (there will be more after) will be along Lake Superior. Snowfall rates could exceed 2" an hour at times due to lake enhancement. Expect over a foot in most areas along the lakeshore before dropping as you get closer to the WI border.
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ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via Scott's Superior Inn and Cabins >> Ontonagon / Porcupine Mountains Snowmobile Trail Report
Up to 20” snow is coming!!
Went for a ride with my daughter on Christmas. Trails in the Ontonagon and Porcupine Mountains area are currently in early-season condition. Riders will find a mix of good and hazardous sections, so caution is strongly advised.
Conditions:
Some trails are riding well, especially in shaded and higher-elevation areas. Other sections have thin snow cover with exposed rocks and loose gravel—particularly on road crossings, waterways, and open areas.
Weather Impact:
A brief warm-up this weekend may soften the base and create additional hazards. Ride smart and adjust speeds accordingly.
Looking Ahead!!!
The good news—up to 20 inches of snow is forecasted for next week. If that materializes, trail conditions should improve dramatically and begin shaping up very nicely for the season.
Bottom line:
Early-season riding is possible, but expect variable conditions. Use caution, watch for hazards, and stay on marked trails. Much better riding is on the horizon once the next round of snow arrives.
Ride safe and stay tuned for updates. ❄️🏁 #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotos
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> Good morning, Sled Heads. President Mac-Daddy and Mama Sledhead finally got out for our first joy ride yesterday. Our daughter came up north for the holidays and brought her better half. We took him for his first run ever and he LOVED it!
Thanks to Hamilton's North Coast Adventures for the great rental sleds for our family!
The trails are DEFINITELY in early season condition. Gale force winds last week scoured the lakeshore and all high ground trail is dirt or grass with thin snow in the dips. Ridable, but gritty.
Trail 11 was good, but deteriorating to slushy with the current temps.
Trail 102 was recently groomed and a great ride thanks to Gogebic Greg and Gogebic Area Grooming. Hanging brush and a couple downed trees are becoming exposed in the melt.
Trail 1 from Bergland to Silver City was in good condition.
Wet areas are reopening in this warm up. When you get to low-lying/wet areas, we recommend treating them as single file center only trail sections. If there is open water, and you are not comfortable crossing, please go around or turn around.
Colder weather and ❄️🌨️ is in the forecast. Get out there and do Heikki Lunta with us!! #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotosGood morning, Sled Heads. President Mac-Daddy and Mama Sledhead finally got out for our first joy ride yesterday. Our daughter came up north for the holidays and brought her better half. We took him for his first run ever and he LOVED it!
Thanks to Hamilton's North Coast Adventures for the great rental sleds for our family!
The trails are DEFINITELY in early season condition. Gale force winds last week scoured the lakeshore and all high ground trail is dirt or grass with thin snow in the dips. Ridable, but gritty.
Trail 11 was good, but deteriorating to slushy with the current temps.
Trail 102 was recently groomed and a great ride thanks to Gogebic Greg and Gogebic Area Grooming. Hanging brush and a couple downed trees are becoming exposed in the melt.
Trail 1 from Bergland to Silver City was in good condition.
Wet areas are reopening in this warm up. When you get to low-lying/wet areas, we recommend treating them as single file center only trail sections. If there is open water, and you are not comfortable crossing, please go around or turn around.
Colder weather and ❄️🌨️ is in the forecast. Get out there and do Heikki Lunta with us!!
LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Gogebic Area Grooming >> Bergland Area Groomer's report for 12-26-25..
Couple pics from our newest operator on his first solo run down 8e to Ewen. Great job!! and Thank you. Gogebic Area Grooming ❄️❄️❄️ #lakegogebic #westernup #snowphotos
LAKE GOGEBIC AREA DINING UPDATE via Root Cellar Resort >> 🎉 We’re now open 6 days a week! That’s with our staff running at max capacity 💪
🕒 Hours:
Wednesday, Thursday & Monday: 11am – 9pm CST ⏰
Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 7am – 9pm CST ❄️
🍹 Bar: Open until 2am, depending on patrons. If you’re here, so are we! 🍻
🌙 After-hours menu: Available starting at 9pm CST 🍕
These hours start today and will continue through the season ❄️ #lakegogebic #westernup
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Heavy snow and strong winds expected to spread across Upper Michigan Sunday night and Monday. Hazardous to dangerous driving conditions and power outages will be possible. Those with travel plans Sunday night and Monday should be prepared to cancel or adjust those plans! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> Alright Michigan.. Let's dive right back into it. We have yet another system coming our way for Sunday into Monday which will bring SEVERAL different impacts to portions of the state... #miweather #keweenaw #westernupAlright Michigan.. Let's dive right back into it. We have yet another system coming our way for Sunday into Monday which will bring SEVERAL different impacts to portions of the state.
Let's start with JUST SUNDAY. This system begins as rain Sunday morning for lower Michigan, with a bit of mixed precipitation possible further north.. think near Mackinac areas.
Sunday afternoon, we will see an uptick in rainfall intensity and even see some thunderstorms across central and southern lower Michigan, with a severe weather risk sitting just off to our south during the afternoon. During this Sunday afternoon period, snow will also begin to ramp up in the Upper Peninsula while northern lower Michigan and the eastern UP will continue to see a mixed precipitation.
Sunday night is when things start to get wild. Temperatures across lower Michigan will drop from 40s and 50s down to the 20s in a matter of 2-4 hours. Keep in mind, it will be raining prior to this temperature drop, so a situation may unfold where wet surfaces will freeze over and become icy. This could be another scenario of what we call a flash freeze.
This concludes SUNDAY'S "part 1" forecast.
This system WILL CONTINUE into MONDAY as a lake effect snow AND wind event.
After midnight and into Monday morning, lake effect snow will ramp up across much of the state, with wind gusts also increasing to 40-50+mph across ALL of Michigan. Major snow accumulations are possible for lake effect belts of western and northern lower Michigan, and much of the UP during Monday. Given strong winds, lake effect bands and snow squalls will likely drift into eastern Michigan which may lightly accumulate in localized areas. A winter storm watch is already in effect for nearly ALL of the UP in anticipation of this system.
In summary, this is a two part system spanning 48+ hours with A LOT going on. We will host a live briefing tonight at 7pm to talk it through.
Expect a full forecast package to be released throughout tomorrow which will likely include first call graphics for:
-Snowfall totals
-Rainfall amounts
-Thunderstorm/Severe weather outlook
-Wind map
-Icing amounts
And infographics on:
-Potential flash freeze
-Snow squalls
-Power outage possibilities
-Timing map
-Traffic map
Stay tuned!
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ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> Merry Christmas sledheads! Good news, bad news on our system. Wyatt and Jay put on their capes yesterday and opened Trail #12 from Potato Farm Rd. to Greenland!! The trail was filled and groomed. The warm temps have not allowed the freezing necessary so we still have early season conditions, ride with caution.
We have 35 degrees with drizzle in White Pine as I type this report. The forecast suggests no temps below 32 until Sunday evening, accompanied by some much needed snow.
Due to the forecast, as of now, we will be discontinuing grooming operations until Sunday evening.
Stay tuned.......
Ride da 906!! #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotosMerry Christmas sledheads! Good news, bad news on our system. Wyatt and Jay put on their capes yesterday and opened Trail #12 from Potato Farm Rd. to Greenland!! The trail was filled and groomed. The warm temps have not allowed the freezing necessary so we still have early season conditions, ride with caution.
We have 35 degrees with drizzle in White Pine as I type this report. The forecast suggests no temps below 32 until Sunday evening, accompanied by some much needed snow.
Due to the forecast, as of now, we will be discontinuing grooming operations until Sunday evening.
Stay tuned.......
Ride da 906!!
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain will cause slippery conditions across Upper Michigan this morning, ending from west to east through the afternoon. Isolated power outages will be possible in parts of western Upper Michigan. Attention then turns to additional rounds of winter precipitation both Saturday night/Sunday and Sunday night/Monday. Models continue to trend toward accumulating snow from Sunday night into Monday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaA mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain will cause slippery conditions across Upper Michigan this morning, ending from west to east through the afternoon. Isolated power outages will be possible in parts of western Upper Michigan. Attention then turns to additional rounds of winter precipitation both Saturday night/Sunday and Sunday night/Monday. Models continue to trend toward accumulating snow from Sunday night into Monday.
LAKE GOGEBIC AREA UPDATE via Bergland Outfitters Bait Shop & Motel >> Be careful out there folks . Looks like we had a rain and ice storm overnight hearing of a lot of black ice on the roads and as you can see my parking lot is on ice rink please be very careful... #lakegogebic #westernup #snowphotosBe careful out there folks . Looks like we had a rain and ice storm overnight hearing of a lot of black ice on the roads and as you can see my parking lot is on ice rink please be very careful
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Latest Trail Reports – Quick Links
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