Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

Friday January 16th, 2026 - 3:24 am

WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> This is our last call snowfall outlook for FRIDAY ONLY, January 16th, 2026. Snow has begun across parts of the UP, and will begin for the rest of the state over the course of the next 12 hours.... #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyThis is our last call snowfall outlook for FRIDAY ONLY, January 16th, 2026. Snow has begun across parts of the UP, and will begin for the rest of the state over the course of the next 12 hours.

A clipper will bring a mixture of synoptic snow and lake effect snow for the entirety of Michigan. This is the first of multiple clippers between now and Monday. Lake effect areas may see totals into the 4-8" zone, with localized heavier totals possible along the Porcupine Mountains in the western UP. We DO have ample moisture on our atmospheric profiles for tomorrow, but the forcing is still suspect, so a solid blanket of 1-4" of snow, with isolated higher totals close to half a foot should occur by the end of our day Friday. The greatest chance at an area underachieving is in... guess what... southeast Michigan. Monroe and Lenawee counties specifically were in the T-1" zone at first call, but with a more-moist profile expected tomorrow, all locations (in an ideal world) should at least hit 1". We are also watching for the development of freezing drizzle mixing in, primarily in the Lower Peninsula as low-level temperatures favor this phenomena. Now, drizzle would hinder totals, but significantly increase travel issues as roads get coated with both the drizzle and the wet snow. We will have a freezing drizzle accumulation map out tomorrow morning.

Winds gusting 25-35 mph at times, primarily out of the west. Some snow squalls will mix in, which for those who don't remember, snow squalls exist to only cause headaches. These narrow bands of snow drop visibility from open skies to mere feet in the matter of seconds, which is never good, especially on fast-moving roadways. A snow squall can put down as much as a quick inch in 15-30 minutes at their peak intensity. Both morning and evening commutes will be impacted by snow or drizzle. Let's hope we don't light up the MDOT drive map with 25 accidents this time around, so please take your time. Give yourself that extra hour to travel, especially in instances of forced slow downs.

-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
Rainbow Restoration | 616-583-1234, call today for all your restoration needs in the Grand Rapids regional area! ... See MoreSee Less

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

Thursday January 15th, 2026 - 5:04 pm

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A couple rounds of heavy lake effect snow will develop first across Luce County tonight through tomorrow, then across the western U.P./Keweenaw tomorrow into Saturday afternoon. Winter Weather Advisories and Warnings are in effect from tonight through Saturday afternoon. Greatest snowfall accumulations are expected across the higher terrain west of a line from Ironwood to White Plains, and from Mass City to Painesdale. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaA couple rounds of heavy lake effect snow will develop first across Luce County tonight through tomorrow, then across the western U.P./Keweenaw tomorrow into Saturday afternoon. Winter Weather Advisories and Warnings are in effect from tonight through Saturday afternoon. Greatest snowfall accumulations are expected across the higher terrain west of a line from Ironwood to White Pine, and from Mass City to Painesdale. ... See MoreSee Less

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

Saturday January 17th, 2026 - 1:47 pm

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> While snow is expected at times through much of the next week, the most impactful time frame across northern Michigan will likely be Monday into Tuesday. A combination of accumulating snow, gusty winds, and bitter cold wind chills are anticipated. Small flakes will likely lead to significant visibility reductions at times and cold temperatures will make road treatment difficult, leading to hazardous travel. Be sure to follow the latest forecast for updates! #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyWhile snow is expected at times through much of the next week, the most impactful time frame across northern Michigan will likely be Monday into Tuesday. A combination of accumulating snow, gusty winds, and bitter cold wind chills are anticipated. Small flakes will likely lead to significant visibility reductions at times and cold temperatures will make road treatment difficult, leading to hazardous travel. Be sure to follow the latest forecast for updates! ... See MoreSee Less

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

Saturday January 17th, 2026 - 2:08 am

TRAVERSE CITY AREA UPDATE via Ranch Rudolf >> Weekend Update January 17 and 18:
✅ Getting some snow!
✅ Groomers running!
✅ Good weekend to get out there and have a great weekend!
Open Saturday 11:30am-6pm
Open Sunday 12pm-4pm #traversecity #snowphotosWeekend Update January 17 and 18:
✅ Getting some snow!
✅ Groomers running!
✅ Good weekend to get out there and have a great weekend!

Open Saturday 11:30am-6pm
Open Sunday 12pm-4pm ... See MoreSee Less

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

Friday January 16th, 2026 - 7:44 pm

TRAVERSE CITY AREA UPDATE via Grand Traverse Area Snowmobile Club >> The groomers are out doing what they do best with the new snow we received today. The groomer tracker app is up and working good. Have fun out there everyone, watch out for our guys grooming. Remember, Ride Right, Ride Safe, Ride Sober. #traversecityThe groomers are out doing what they do best with the new snow we received today. The groomer tracker app is up and working good. Have fun out there everyone, watch out for our guys grooming. Remember, Ride Right, Ride Safe, Ride Sober. ... See MoreSee Less

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

Friday January 16th, 2026 - 5:13 pm

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Accumulating snow continues across northern Michigan into tonight, bringing an additional 3-6” across far western parts of the area by Saturday morning. Slippery roads and reduced visibility will make for hazardous travel at times into this evening before snow begins to taper off tonight. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyAccumulating snow continues across northern Michigan into tonight, bringing an additional 3-6” across far western parts of the area by Saturday morning. Slippery roads and reduced visibility will make for hazardous travel at times into this evening before snow begins to taper off tonight. ... See MoreSee Less

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

Friday January 16th, 2026 - 3:24 am

WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> This is our last call snowfall outlook for FRIDAY ONLY, January 16th, 2026. Snow has begun across parts of the UP, and will begin for the rest of the state over the course of the next 12 hours.... #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyThis is our last call snowfall outlook for FRIDAY ONLY, January 16th, 2026. Snow has begun across parts of the UP, and will begin for the rest of the state over the course of the next 12 hours.

A clipper will bring a mixture of synoptic snow and lake effect snow for the entirety of Michigan. This is the first of multiple clippers between now and Monday. Lake effect areas may see totals into the 4-8" zone, with localized heavier totals possible along the Porcupine Mountains in the western UP. We DO have ample moisture on our atmospheric profiles for tomorrow, but the forcing is still suspect, so a solid blanket of 1-4" of snow, with isolated higher totals close to half a foot should occur by the end of our day Friday. The greatest chance at an area underachieving is in... guess what... southeast Michigan. Monroe and Lenawee counties specifically were in the T-1" zone at first call, but with a more-moist profile expected tomorrow, all locations (in an ideal world) should at least hit 1". We are also watching for the development of freezing drizzle mixing in, primarily in the Lower Peninsula as low-level temperatures favor this phenomena. Now, drizzle would hinder totals, but significantly increase travel issues as roads get coated with both the drizzle and the wet snow. We will have a freezing drizzle accumulation map out tomorrow morning.

Winds gusting 25-35 mph at times, primarily out of the west. Some snow squalls will mix in, which for those who don't remember, snow squalls exist to only cause headaches. These narrow bands of snow drop visibility from open skies to mere feet in the matter of seconds, which is never good, especially on fast-moving roadways. A snow squall can put down as much as a quick inch in 15-30 minutes at their peak intensity. Both morning and evening commutes will be impacted by snow or drizzle. Let's hope we don't light up the MDOT drive map with 25 accidents this time around, so please take your time. Give yourself that extra hour to travel, especially in instances of forced slow downs.

-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
Rainbow Restoration | 616-583-1234, call today for all your restoration needs in the Grand Rapids regional area! ... See MoreSee Less