Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

Thursday December 18th, 2025 - 12:13 pm

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.
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! ... See MoreSee Less

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

Tuesday December 16th, 2025 - 10:43 pm

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Chances tonight for light drizzle/ freezing drizzle with temperatures warming into Thursday. Rain is likely Thursday before sharply colder air moves in Thursday night into Friday, leading to a quick refreeze and snow. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyChances tonight for light drizzle/ freezing drizzle with temperatures warming into Thursday. Rain is likely Thursday before sharply colder air moves in Thursday night into Friday, leading to a quick refreeze and snow. ... See MoreSee Less

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

Tuesday December 16th, 2025 - 9:22 am

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> We trend milder into midweek with drizzly / damp periods. Rain is likely Thursday before sharply colder air builds Thursday night into Friday, bringing potential for more lake effect snow and a quick refreeze. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyWe trend milder into midweek with drizzly / damp periods. Rain is likely Thursday before sharply colder air builds Thursday night into Friday, bringing potential for more lake effect snow and a quick refreeze. ... See MoreSee Less

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

Thursday December 18th, 2025 - 12:13 pm

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.
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! ... See MoreSee Less

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

Thursday December 18th, 2025 - 2:19 am

ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> Busy days here at NCSC! The storm was a real tough blow but we are continuing to open up our system.
Due to our current weather conditions we will not be grooming for a minimum of 24 hours.
We had a lot help from Team Scott's Superior Inn and Cabins clearing brush on Trail 12, thank you!!!!
We also need to give a big shout out to our Michigan Department of Natural Resources Rangers, Kristin, Cory and Dante for all of the assistance the last week.
We have been from Greenland on Trail 12 to the junction with Trail 137. This section has many wet areas and one large hole adjacent to a beaver dam between Woodspur Rd. and Trail 137.
We have also opened up our original trail configuration along Trail 12 from our clubhouse in Ontonagon to Stimac Rd. to get us off of the Norwich Rd. shoulder. This section has water holes along the section adjacent to The Ontonagon County Airport.
We will continue to brush on Trail 12 along Norwich Road to where it runs onto the powerline and brush that as well.
Trail 12 from Greenland to Potato Farm road is in early season condition and extreme caution should be exercised when riding.
THANK YOU for riding The 906!!! #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotosBusy days here at NCSC! The storm was a real tough blow but we are continuing to open up our system.

Due to our current weather conditions we will not be grooming for a minimum of 24 hours.

We had a lot help from Team Scott's Superior Inn and Cabins clearing brush on Trail 12, thank you!!!!

We also need to give a big shout out to our Michigan Department of Natural Resources Rangers, Kristin, Cory and Dante for all of the assistance the last week.

We have been from Greenland on Trail 12 to the junction with Trail 137. This section has many wet areas and one large hole adjacent to a beaver dam between Woodspur Rd. and Trail 137.

We have also opened up our original trail configuration along Trail 12 from our clubhouse in Ontonagon to Stimac Rd. to get us off of the Norwich Rd. shoulder. This section has water holes along the section adjacent to The Ontonagon County Airport.

We will continue to brush on Trail 12 along Norwich Road to where it runs onto the powerline and brush that as well.

Trail 12 from Greenland to Potato Farm road is in early season condition and extreme caution should be exercised when riding.

THANK YOU for riding The 906!!! ... See MoreSee Less

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

Tuesday December 16th, 2025 - 10:45 pm

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> The UP will experience some impactful weather to round out the work week. Tonight, a Wind Advisory is in effect for the Keweenaw Peninsula for 45+ mph W to NW winds. Then Wednesday night through Friday morning will bring gusty winds and a wintry mix of rain, freezing rain, and/or snow becoming widespread accumulating snow (with the highest chances of multiple inches of snowfall over the north half).
For additional information, view the full briefing packet here: www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaThe UP will experience some impactful weather to round out the work week. Tonight, a Wind Advisory is in effect for the Keweenaw Peninsula for 45+ mph W to NW winds. Then Wednesday night through Friday morning will bring gusty winds and a wintry mix of rain, freezing rain, and/or snow becoming widespread accumulating snow (with the highest chances of multiple inches of snowfall over the north half).

For additional information, view the full briefing packet here: www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf ... See MoreSee Less