Sault Ste. Marie Trail Report – 03/29
SAULT STE. MARIE UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association – 03/29 By now, most of you have seen this communication from the DNR. As of right now, we do not have enough snow to groom and most trails are in very poor shape (icy, water holes, or down to dirt and gravel). The gates will be closed on Sunday from what I am told, but please know that some landowners may close them after the 31st. The only area of our trail system that is somewhat decent is the Bay Mills/Raco area which was groomed Sunday. This is all federal forest service land so you can ride it as long as there is snow and as long as you know that where you are is not private property. We had really warm days and sunshine after Sunday so I’m sure they are not great now. Maybe 3-6” in the forecast for Saturday but it’s too little, too late as far as grooming goes. If you do ride, ride safe and watch for the normal spring conditions like water holes, dirt, pavement, and animal activity. If you encounter a closed gate on private property after the 31st, it is at the landowners request. Please respect their rights and their wishes so that we can continue to have good relations and access to the trails that we work so hard to maintain. Thanks all! <> <> 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 >> The week starts out dry today with temperatures climbing above freezing across the UP. The next system brings a mix of rain and snow on Tuesday before temperatures turn sharply colder Tuesday night, followed by a round of potentially heavy lake effect snow in the north wind snow belts on Wednesday. Quieter weather on Thursday then gives way to another chance of snow with the next system on Friday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaThe week starts out dry today with temperatures climbing above freezing across the UP. The next system brings a mix of rain and snow on Tuesday before temperatures turn sharply colder Tuesday night, followed by a round of potentially heavy lake effect snow in the north wind snow belts on Wednesday. Quieter weather on Thursday then gives way to another chance of snow with the next system on Friday. WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> It's noon here on Monday, January 12th, and this week does present a couple instances of lake effect snow throughout the week. As a preliminary first call for the entire week, we've displayed current odds at areas receiving more than 4" of snow based on data from medium range models, and the WPC. BRIMLEY AREA UPDATE via Old Soo Line Grade Lodge >> 01/12/2026 - Still holding! WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Light snow will continue moving into the western half of the UP over the next 2 hours. Snow will continue west to east quickly, diminishing in the Keweenaw and central as the night progresses. Snow will diminish in the eastern UP by early morning. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaLight snow will continue moving into the western half of the UP over the next 2 hours. Snow will continue west to east quickly, diminishing in the Keweenaw and central as the night progresses. Snow will diminish in the eastern UP by early morning. SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/11/26 SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/11/26 SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/10/26 SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/10/26 SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/10/26 WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Quieter weather settles in across the U.P. today as lingering snow showers tapering off this morning. A weak clipper system will bring another round of light snow tonight, but only expect another inch or so of accumulation in most locations. After another quiet day on Monday, another system brings a mix of rain and snow to the area on Tuesday. #miweather #keweenaw #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaQuieter weather settles in across the U.P. today as lingering snow showers tapering off this morning. A weak clipper system will bring another round of light snow tonight, but only expect another inch or so of accumulation in most locations. After another quiet day on Monday, another system brings a mix of rain and snow to the area on Tuesday. <> Latest Trail Reports – Quick Links <>Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook
Most of the lake effect snow for the UP will fall between Tuesday and Thursday, where much of the higher elevation areas along Lake Superior currently have a greater than 50% chance at 4" of snow by the end of the work week. For much of the LP, lake effect snow will be confined primarily to Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, especially AFTER Wednesday heading into Thursday. We are keeping an area of 1-20% across much of southern and central Michigan in the event wind shifts or passing clippers allow for extra accumulation, but the greatest chances for 4" will be in the far southwest corner, the thumb, or your typical lake effect zones across northern lower Michigan.
We have lake effect snow forecasts coming all week, along with other forecasts for other weather phenomena such as wind, rain, and perhaps mixed precipitation. Click the follow button on our profile today here at Michigan Storm Chasers! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #newberry #sooIt's noon here on Monday, January 12th, and this week does present a couple instances of lake effect snow throughout the week. As a preliminary first call for the entire week, we've displayed current odds at areas receiving more than 4" of snow based on data from medium range models, and the WPC.
Most of the lake effect snow for the UP will fall between Tuesday and Thursday, where much of the higher elevation areas along Lake Superior currently have a greater than 50% chance at 4" of snow by the end of the work week. For much of the LP, lake effect snow will be confined primarily to Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, especially AFTER Wednesday heading into Thursday. We are keeping an area of 1-20% across much of southern and central Michigan in the event wind shifts or passing clippers allow for extra accumulation, but the greatest chances for 4" will be in the far southwest corner, the thumb, or your typical lake effect zones across northern lower Michigan.
We have lake effect snow forecasts coming all week, along with other forecasts for other weather phenomena such as wind, rain, and perhaps mixed precipitation. Click the follow button on our profile today here at Michigan Storm Chasers!
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Stay safe … #soo #snowphotos
Last one for the day, I think.
Lane went out scouting on 49 today, and there’s definitely some wet spots showing now south of 11 mile. He said it definitely needs cold, but it’s flat and nice with the new snow. Sleds will pack it in, and cold later this week will really seal it up.
I went out with a group to the west after checking on 480 (please see video from earlier), and we had a fantastic day. We went to Trout Lake and hit many forest service roads as we made our way back to the Soo. Chippewa Snowchasers has 472 from west of Rudyard to Trout Lake in amazing condition!
On our return to the Soo, 8 from Brimley east had the typical chatter bumps after a weekend day. We need a bit more snow, another groom, and it’ll be much better.
Couple of low 30s days ahead, then temps nosedive. Based on the images I’ve seen from clubs all over the UP, we all definitely welcome a deep freeze for the swamps.
Hope you all had a great weekend!❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo0111f #snowphotos
Good evening all!
Groomer Pete was out tonight on the city trails, and here’s what he had to say-
“I went out for my scheduled Sunday night of the city trails.
The Good:
The base we do have is pretty thick and flat. The Ashmun Bay access trail ( Trail 8 )is in fine shape all the way to the staging area. Trail 49 from the tracks into town is in good shape, and the hills between the tunnel and the airport are good! The rest of 49 is in good shape as well all the way to 3 Mile.
The Bad:
The warm temps and amount of rain last week definitely hampered our trail building efforts. 449 is pretty good most of the way. There are definitely some soft wet areas approaching Seymour and going to Kewadin. I stayed on the drier side of the trail and avoided opening up any water holes, but riders beware that the water and slush is there! The trails are very icy with a little fluffy powder on top. The sugary snow and powder don’t really setup well, so use caution on turns.
The Ugly:
497, the trail to the High School, is a mess. Tons of water. I made it a couple hundred yards in, and it was a mess. I did a 30 point turn and went back out. I could see significant water holes and nastiness inside the tree line and decided not to make it worse. Plus I was worried about getting stuck, with water hole depth unknown. That trail should be avoided for a couple days until the very cold returns and we get some heavy snow. I would not expect this trail to be groomed again for a few days. Picture is provided to show the conditions.
We survived last weeks warmup and rain, but we have some recovering to do for sure. Do your snow dances and fingers crossed that the cold returns later this week.
-Groomer Pete”
Thanks Pete!
I’ll follow up with a couple more reports from the day in a bit.
497 to the high school pictured #soo #soo0111e #snowphotos1/11/26
Good evening all!
Groomer Pete was out tonight on the city trails, and here’s what he had to say-
“I went out for my scheduled Sunday night of the city trails.
The Good:
The base we do have is pretty thick and flat. The Ashmun Bay access trail ( Trail 8 )is in fine shape all the way to the staging area. Trail 49 from the tracks into town is in good shape, and the hills between the tunnel and the airport are good! The rest of 49 is in good shape as well all the way to 3 Mile.
The Bad:
The warm temps and amount of rain last week definitely hampered our trail building efforts. 449 is pretty good most of the way. There are definitely some soft wet areas approaching Seymour and going to Kewadin. I stayed on the drier side of the trail and avoided opening up any water holes, but riders beware that the water and slush is there! The trails are very icy with a little fluffy powder on top. The sugary snow and powder don’t really setup well, so use caution on turns.
The Ugly:
497, the trail to the High School, is a mess. Tons of water. I made it a couple hundred yards in, and it was a mess. I did a 30 point turn and went back out. I could see significant water holes and nastiness inside the tree line and decided not to make it worse. Plus I was worried about getting stuck, with water hole depth unknown. That trail should be avoided for a couple days until the very cold returns and we get some heavy snow. I would not expect this trail to be groomed again for a few days. Picture is provided to show the conditions.
We survived last weeks warmup and rain, but we have some recovering to do for sure. Do your snow dances and fingers crossed that the cold returns later this week.
-Groomer Pete”
Thanks Pete!
I’ll follow up with a couple more reports from the day in a bit.
497 to the high school pictured
Spotted! Groomer Pete and Sandi snagged a cool video of Ben and Jay out tonight in the Tucker❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo0110c #snowphotos
From groomer Jay tonight-
“City trails are good. I wouldn’t call them great, fair to good. OG (Original Groomer) Ben, and I broke through on the I-500 trail. That crew plowed the parking lot to prep for the race, so that’s rough, and will be until after the race, but also very wet. All in all the only real trail problems for our city trails is Seymour hill. We tried dumping snow in the water and were unsuccessful. We didn’t ride down the high school trail, but the Kewadin trail was in fair to good shape. Roads and shoulders will be bare, but the trails are in good enough shape to ride. We picked up a few inches as we groomed, but it didn’t help much. I will say, it was good to have Ben at the helm today. He’s a brother, and the one who really set the tone and showed me the ropes on how to groom trails. Hanging out together was a great day! Welcome Back OG, we missed you!!”
Thank you Jay and Ben! Great to see Ben back in the seat!❄️❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo0110b #snowphotos
Back in the saddle! OG Ben and Jay!
More to come! #soo #soo0110a #snowphotos