Michigan Trail Report


Jordan Valley Area Trail Report – 02/04

JORDAN VALLEY AREA UPDATE via Jordan Valley Trails Council >> 02/04

Another great day in the grooming world today! Thank you to Cecil for freezing his backside off all day changing a coolant line he unfortunately discovered at midnight last night that was purging fluid as he was grooming. Mike showed up for moral support and they were able to get it off and find a suitable replacement to get it back on the trail quickly. After getting a report of a tree down, Archie was able to get right out there and take care of the hazard up by the EJ clubhouse, thanks Archie! Thank you to our DNR contact Tom, he was able to deliver our downed tractor back to the snowmobile club today, it will make it much better for putting the new track on when it shows up.

Trails are shaping up very nice as of late! We’ve received some dense snow lately that has mixed well with the fluffy lake effect that’s fell on us all year. Hats off to our volunteers who have adjusted schedules and groomed as needed to ensure all our trails are getting groomed, while we are down 1 unit and at one point down 2 units, we couldn’t do it without you guys and gals! We’ll continue to groom all week building up for what will be another busy weekend. With our area being the best conditions in the NLP, traffic has been exceptionally high the last month. Thank you riders for bearing with us on trail conditions, everyone is all hands on deck trying to keep up everyday of the week.

Get out and enjoy the great trails of the state, have a safe and enjoyable ride!

<>

<>

Visit Jordan Valley Trails Council on Facebook >>>>

<>

Visit East Jordan Sno-Mobilers, Inc. on Facebook >>>>

<>

Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

Saturday December 13th, 2025 - 1:03 am

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Accumulating snow returns to the Northwoods later this afternoon into Saturday as a cold front swings across the area, ushering in a much colder air mass for the weekend. Several inches of snow is expected across parts of northwest lower and the eastern U.P. by Saturday morning with additional lake effect snow continuing through Saturday. Below zero wind chills are expected for most areas late tonight through Saturday. Wind gusts of 25-35+ mph will lead to patchy blowing/drifting snow, especially across open areas. Quickly dropping temps tonight may freeze wet roads by Saturday morning. Combination of snow, winds, and temperatures will lead to hazardous travel conditions across parts of the area through Saturday morning. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyAccumulating snow returns to the Northwoods later this afternoon into Saturday as a cold front swings across the area, ushering in a much colder air mass for the weekend. Several inches of snow is expected across parts of northwest lower and the eastern U.P. by Saturday morning with additional lake effect snow continuing through Saturday. Below zero wind chills are expected for most areas late tonight through Saturday. Wind gusts of 25-35+ mph will lead to patchy blowing/drifting snow, especially across open areas. Quickly dropping temps tonight may freeze wet roads by Saturday morning. Combination of snow, winds, and temperatures will lead to hazardous travel conditions across parts of the area through Saturday morning. ... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Accumulating snow returns to the Northwoods later this afternoon into Saturday as a cold front swings across the area, ushering in a much colder air mass for the weekend. Several inches of snow is expected across parts of northwest lower and the eastern U.P. by Saturday morning with additional lake effect snow continuing through Saturday. Below zero wind chills are expected for most areas late tonight through Saturday. Wind gusts of 25-35+ mph will lead to patchy blowing/drifting snow, especially across open areas. Quickly dropping temps tonight may freeze wet roads by Saturday morning. Combination of snow, winds, and temperatures will lead to hazardous travel conditions across parts of the area through Saturday morning. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey

Friday December 12th, 2025 - 3:46 pm

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

ST. HELEN AREA UPDATE via St. Helen Snowpackers Snowmobile & ORV Club >> **SNOWMOBILE TRAIL UPDATE**
We are in pretty good shape considering it’s mid-December.
Plenty of snow on the trails.
The base is building but, going easy on the throttle will help keep it in place
A little snirty and thin in some areas, mostly corners.
Get out and ride!
Have Fun! Be Safe! Stay Right! -SEN #sthelen #gaylord
... See MoreSee Less

Friday December 12th, 2025 - 11:50 am

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Accumulating snow returns to the Northwoods later this afternoon into Saturday as a cold front swings across the area, ushering in a much colder air mass for the weekend. Several inches of snow is expected across parts of northwest lower and the eastern U.P. by Saturday morning with additional lake effect snow continuing through Saturday. Below zero wind chills are expected for most areas late tonight through Saturday. Wind gusts of 25-35+ mph will lead to patchy blowing/drifting snow, especially across open areas. Quickly dropping temps tonight may freeze wet roads by Saturday morning. Combination of snow, winds, and temperatures will lead to hazardous travel conditions across parts of the area through Saturday morning. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberryAccumulating snow returns to the Northwoods later this afternoon into Saturday as a cold front swings across the area, ushering in a much colder air mass for the weekend. Several inches of snow is expected across parts of northwest lower and the eastern U.P. by Saturday morning with additional lake effect snow continuing through Saturday. Below zero wind chills are expected for most areas late tonight through Saturday. Wind gusts of 25-35+ mph will lead to patchy blowing/drifting snow, especially across open areas. Quickly dropping temps tonight may freeze wet roads by Saturday morning. Combination of snow, winds, and temperatures will lead to hazardous travel conditions across parts of the area through Saturday morning. ... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Accumulating snow returns to the Northwoods later this afternoon into Saturday as a cold front swings across the area, ushering in a much colder air mass for the weekend. Several inches of snow is expected across parts of northwest lower and the eastern U.P. by Saturday morning with additional lake effect snow continuing through Saturday. Below zero wind chills are expected for most areas late tonight through Saturday. Wind gusts of 25-35+ mph will lead to patchy blowing/drifting snow, especially across open areas. Quickly dropping temps tonight may freeze wet roads by Saturday morning. Combination of snow, winds, and temperatures will lead to hazardous travel conditions across parts of the area through Saturday morning. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberry

Friday December 12th, 2025 - 11:48 am

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> The switch is being flipped into the "on" position for lake effect snow this weekend. Much of what you see won't fall today, but as our extremely cold air mass pushes in late tonight, flurries will begin to fly. Much of the higher totals begin beyond 8 pm EST tonight. Lakeshore areas should prepare for travel delays primarily after this time beginning tonight. Heavy lake effect snow will continue on Saturday thanks to a west-northwest wind, which hints at a shift to out of the northwest by Sunday.
There are concerns with dry air, however the favorable zone for dendrites (snowflakes) to form is essentially on the ground with how cold it'll be. Air temperatures on Saturday alone in the UP may just barely be in the positive single-digits. Wind gusts this weekend may jump to 30-35 mph too, so some of this lake effect snow will push further inland. Totals of 1-3" & 2-6" is a safe bet for much of west and southwest Michigan. Some places may jump above 6" where the heaviest of banding sets up. Further north, our typically higher terrain in the Gaylord region will likely see snowfall totals over 6". Into the UP, much cooler temperatures exist here, and snowfall rates may exceed 1" per hour at times. Totals closer to the one foot mark are likely. The western UP does exhibit a decent chance at totals crossing into the 12-24" category. At the current time, totals are leaning on the lower end of the 12-24" category, but those hotspots where microclimate factors come into play could easily push the upper-bounds of this category. SE Michigan... life carries on once more. Being so far away from the lake effect zones, it's expected that you all will get an inch at most. Isolated hotspots of 1-2" are possible, but don't get your hopes up unless you're close to the Ohio border.
Why 1-3" at the border? Well, we do have a clipper passing to our south Saturday, hence the added 1-3" zone that runs along the MI/IN/OH border. Stay tuned here at MSC for updates this weekend on the lake effect snow AND cold that's set to impact us through Monday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyThe switch is being flipped into the "on" position for lake effect snow this weekend. Much of what you see won't fall today, but as our extremely cold air mass pushes in late tonight, flurries will begin to fly. Much of the higher totals begin beyond 8 pm EST tonight. Lakeshore areas should prepare for travel delays primarily after this time beginning tonight. Heavy lake effect snow will continue on Saturday thanks to a west-northwest wind, which hints at a shift to out of the northwest by Sunday.

There are concerns with dry air, however the favorable zone for dendrites (snowflakes) to form is essentially on the ground with how cold it'll be. Air temperatures on Saturday alone in the UP may just barely be in the positive single-digits. Wind gusts this weekend may jump to 30-35 mph too, so some of this lake effect snow will push further inland. Totals of 1-3" & 2-6" is a safe bet for much of west and southwest Michigan. Some places may jump above 6" where the heaviest of banding sets up. Further north, our typically higher terrain in the Gaylord region will likely see snowfall totals over 6". Into the UP, much cooler temperatures exist here, and snowfall rates may exceed 1" per hour at times. Totals closer to the one foot mark are likely. The western UP does exhibit a decent chance at totals crossing into the 12-24" category. At the current time, totals are leaning on the lower end of the 12-24" category, but those hotspots where microclimate factors come into play could easily push the upper-bounds of this category. SE Michigan... life carries on once more. Being so far away from the lake effect zones, it's expected that you all will get an inch at most. Isolated hotspots of 1-2" are possible, but don't get your hopes up unless you're close to the Ohio border.

Why 1-3" at the border? Well, we do have a clipper passing to our south Saturday, hence the added 1-3" zone that runs along the MI/IN/OH border. Stay tuned here at MSC for updates this weekend on the lake effect snow AND cold that's set to impact us through Monday.

-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
McKay Tree Specialists | 248-308-7308, call today for all your tree care needs in SE Michigan!
... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> The switch is being flipped into the on position for lake effect snow this weekend. Much of what you see wont fall today, but as our extremely cold air mass pushes in late tonight, flurries will begin to fly. Much of the higher totals begin beyond 8 pm EST tonight. Lakeshore areas should prepare for travel delays primarily after this time beginning tonight. Heavy lake effect snow will continue on Saturday thanks to a west-northwest wind, which hints at a shift to out of the northwest by Sunday.
There are concerns with dry air, however the favorable zone for dendrites (snowflakes) to form is essentially on the ground with how cold itll be. Air temperatures on Saturday alone in the UP may just barely be in the positive single-digits. Wind gusts this weekend may jump to 30-35 mph too, so some of this lake effect snow will push further inland. Totals of 1-3 & 2-6 is a safe bet for much of west and southwest Michigan. Some places may jump above 6 where the heaviest of banding sets up. Further north, our typically higher terrain in the Gaylord region will likely see snowfall totals over 6. Into the UP, much cooler temperatures exist here, and snowfall rates may exceed 1 per hour at times. Totals closer to the one foot mark are likely. The western UP does exhibit a decent chance at totals crossing into the 12-24 category. At the current time, totals are leaning on the lower end of the 12-24 category, but those hotspots where microclimate factors come into play could easily push the upper-bounds of this category. SE Michigan... life carries on once more. Being so far away from the lake effect zones, its expected that you all will get an inch at most. Isolated hotspots of 1-2 are possible, but dont get your hopes up unless youre close to the Ohio border.
Why 1-3 at the border? Well, we do have a clipper passing to our south Saturday, hence the added 1-3 zone that runs along the MI/IN/OH border. Stay tuned here at MSC for updates this weekend on the lake effect snow AND cold thats set to impact us through Monday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey

Thursday December 11th, 2025 - 3:34 pm

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Lake effect snow showers slowly confine to the Lake Michigan shoreline and the Whitefish Bay area tonight, with some additional accumulation potential. Looking ahead, most areas start dry with just some light lake effect snow. A clipper passes through Friday evening / overnight, opening the door for a sharply colder and snowier weekend. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberryLake effect snow showers slowly confine to the Lake Michigan shoreline and the Whitefish Bay area tonight, with some additional accumulation potential. Looking ahead, most areas start dry with just some light lake effect snow. A clipper passes through Friday evening / overnight, opening the door for a sharply colder and snowier weekend. #MIwx ... See MoreSee Less

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Lake effect snow showers slowly confine to the Lake Michigan shoreline and the Whitefish Bay area tonight, with some additional accumulation potential. Looking ahead, most areas start dry with just some light lake effect snow. A clipper passes through Friday evening / overnight, opening the door for a sharply colder and snowier weekend. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey #soo #newberry

Thursday December 11th, 2025 - 1:43 pm

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

FREDERIC - GAYLORD AREA UPDATE via Sledheads of Frederic , Michigan Snowmobiling >> Its 26 and sunny this thursday morning in downtown Frederic. Quiet outside and not alot of riders on wednesday. You couldnt ask for better conditions. I drove up to Gaylord last nite and the sleds I saw on the trail coming at me were riding nice and smooth. Once again we had about another 4 inches of lake effect overnight. We have to be pushing about 4 feet of snow total this season. Havent seen that in a long time. I have not seen a groomer yet this season and I have seen many complaints about 679 but mostly all good reports. I didnt even take any pics yesterday so thats it for today. Thanks for checking in. Pete #gaylord ... See MoreSee Less

Load more

<>

Latest Trail Reports – Quick Links

<>

Northern Michigan Snowmobile - Snowmobiling in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula - produced by North Guide Internet.