Ontonagon Area Trail Report – 01/05
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via Scott’s Superior Inn and Cabins >> 01/05
❄ What is Lake Effect Snow? 🌊
What you’re seeing in this video isn’t a passing storm system — it’s lake effect snow, and it’s something we experience along Lake Superior almost daily.
Lake effect snow forms when cold air moves across the relatively warmer waters of Lake Superior. As that air travels over the lake, it absorbs heat and moisture. Once it reaches land, the air rises, cools, and releases that moisture as snow — often in narrow bands that can linger for hours or even days.
How is it different from “system snow”?
System snow comes from large, organized storms that show up clearly on radar and affect wide areas. Lake effect snow is local and shallow, meaning one town can be getting hammered while another just a few miles away stays dry.
Why doesn’t it always show up on radar?
Because lake effect snow clouds are low and thin, radar often has trouble detecting them — even when snow is steadily piling up on the ground.
This is the kind of snow that makes winter along Lake Superior special — quiet, constant, and uniquely ours. 🌨
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Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook
WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> Snow and ice return tonight, and continue through midday April 4th, 2026. Snow totals will be the highest yet again into the Keweenaw Peninsula. It's almost a carbon copy of today. Ice totals, however, are primarily a concern for the Upper Peninsula. Ice storm warnings are now in effect... #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Areas of mixed precipitation continue lifting north this morning, largely becoming sleet and freezing rain through much of the afternoon. Hazardous travel conditions are likely to develop on untreated roads and surfaces! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #sooAreas of mixed precipitation continue lifting north this morning, largely becoming sleet and freezing rain through much of the afternoon. Hazardous travel conditions are likely to develop on untreated roads and surfaces!
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Key Messages:
-A system arriving this morning will bring snow, sleet and freezing rain through early Friday morning.
-Moderate to potentially major impacts are anticipated from the combination of snow, freezing rain, and sleet. High travel impacts are expected along with possible power outages and tree damage.
-A second system moves through the area Friday night and Saturday bringing another round of mixed precipitation. Similar impacts are possible.
-Winter Storm Watches have been issued for all of the UP for the second system, too! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #sooKey Messages:
-A system arriving this morning will bring snow, sleet and freezing rain through early Friday morning.
-Moderate to potentially major impacts are anticipated from the combination of snow, freezing rain, and sleet. High travel impacts are expected along with possible power outages and tree damage.
-A second system moves through the area Friday night and Saturday bringing another round of mixed precipitation. Similar impacts are possible.
-Winter Storm Watches have been issued for all of the UP for the second system, too!
WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> Ice and snow forecasts for tomorrow, April 2nd, 2026... #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Winter Storm Watches remain in effect across the entire U.P. for tonight into Thursday. There is the potential for significant snow, sleet and freezing rain (ice) accumulations. The combination of ice on trees/powerlines and wind could result in power outages. At this time, there has been a significant decrease in snow amounts and a trend toward higher ice accumulations. For more details please see our latest weather briefing, www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #sooWinter Storm Watches remain in effect across the entire U.P. for tonight into Thursday. There is the potential for significant snow, sleet and freezing rain (ice) accumulations. The combination of ice on trees/powerlines and wind could result in power outages. At this time, there has been a significant decrease in snow amounts and a trend toward higher ice accumulations. For more details please see our latest weather briefing, www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf.
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Winter Storm Watches have been issued across the entire U.P. for Wednesday night into Thursday. There is the potential for significant snow, sleet and freezing rain (ice) accumulations. The combination of ice on trees/powerlines and wind could result in power outages. At this time the best chance for accumulating snow is over the northern and western U.P. For more details please see our latest weather briefing, www.weather.gov/media/mqt/DssPacket.pdf. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo
SIDNAW - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Sno Valley Riders Snowmobile Club >> ❄️ Last Day of the Trail Season ❄️
Today marks the final day of the snowmobile trail season in our area.
It’s been another great winter of riding here in the Western U.P., and we want to thank everyone who helps make these trails possible.
A huge thank you to:
❄️ Our volunteer groomer operators
❄️ The landowners who allow trails across their property
❄️ Our club members and supporters
❄️ The businesses that support the snowmobile community
❄️ And the riders who respect the trails
Remember that after March 31 the trails are officially closed for the season, so please stay off the trails once they close to protect them for next winter.
From all of us at Sno Valley Riders, thank you for being part of another great season.
Ride Right. Lead Right.
And remember — the groomer always has the right of way.
We’ll see you next winter. ❄️
📸 Share your favorite ride or trail photo from this season in the comments! #westernup❄️ Last Day of the Trail Season ❄️
Today marks the final day of the snowmobile trail season in our area.
It’s been another great winter of riding here in the Western U.P., and we want to thank everyone who helps make these trails possible.
A huge thank you to:
❄️ Our volunteer groomer operators
❄️ The landowners who allow trails across their property
❄️ Our club members and supporters
❄️ The businesses that support the snowmobile community
❄️ And the riders who respect the trails
Remember that after March 31 the trails are officially closed for the season, so please stay off the trails once they close to protect them for next winter.
From all of us at Sno Valley Riders, thank you for being part of another great season.
Ride Right. Lead Right.
And remember — the groomer always has the right of way.
We’ll see you next winter. ❄️
📸 Share your favorite ride or trail photo from this season in the comments!
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Tonight, isolated to scattered rain showers are expected across the south and east, with maybe a few thunderstorms across the south. Across the north-central, drizzle and freezing drizzle may occur. Tuesday, conditions evolve mainly to a mix of rain and snow before we see a mostly dry Wednesday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #sooTonight, isolated to scattered rain showers are expected across the south and east, with maybe a few thunderstorms across the south. Across the north-central, drizzle and freezing drizzle may occur. Tuesday, conditions evolve mainly to a mix of rain and snow before we see a mostly dry Wednesday.
WEATHER UPDATE via MLive.com >> Here's a look at this winter's snowfall totals so far at some of the bigger cities across Michigan. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskey
Season snowfall totals in Michigan might really surprise you, high and low
www.mlive.com
Here's a look at this winter's snowfall totals so far at some of the bigger cities across Michigan.WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Cloud cover increases today ahead of the next batch of wintry precipitation that moves in this evening into the night. By tomorrow, the wintry precipitation will become more confined to the north, while showers and thunderstorms sneak into the southern counties. A few of these storms could even become strong at times with large hail. Further out, snow is expected to return from Wednesday night through Thursday morning, eventually transitioning to a wintry mix again by Thursday afternoon. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #sooCloud cover increases today ahead of the next batch of wintry precipitation that moves in this evening into the night. By tomorrow, the wintry precipitation will become more confined to the north, while showers and thunderstorms sneak into the southern counties. A few of these storms could even become strong at times with large hail. Further out, snow is expected to return from Wednesday night through Thursday morning, eventually transitioning to a wintry mix again by Thursday afternoon.
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> After light snow wraps up this evening, expect partially clearing skies overnight while temperatures fall back mainly into the 20s. Clouds increase Sunday, with a milder day ahead as temperatures climb into the 40s and 50s. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #sooAfter light snow wraps up this evening, expect partially clearing skies overnight while temperatures fall back mainly into the 20s. Clouds increase Sunday, with a milder day ahead as temperatures climb into the 40s and 50s.
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> AM lake effect snow showers will diminish across the east, but additional snow showers will be possible this afternoon across the northern U.P. After warm and dry days Sunday and Monday, incoming rainfall is expected by late Monday afternoon. High temperatures will top off in the 40s and 50s by Sunday and Monday. The exception will be the northernmost portions of the Keweenaw where upper 30s will linger. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #sooAM lake effect snow showers will diminish across the east, but additional snow showers will be possible this afternoon across the northern U.P. After warm and dry days Sunday and Monday, incoming rainfall is expected by late Monday afternoon. High temperatures will top off in the 40s and 50s by Sunday and Monday. The exception will be the northernmost portions of the Keweenaw where upper 30s will linger.
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Latest Trail Reports – Quick Links
- Keweenaw Peninsula Trail Report – 04/05
- Harbor Springs Trail Report – 04/01
- Keweenaw Peninsula Trail Report – 04/01
- Newberry Area Trail Report – 04/01
- Sidnaw – Western U.P. Trail Report – 03/31
- Keweenaw Peninsula Trail Report – 03/31
- Newberry Area Trail Report – 03/31
- Frederic / Gaylord Area Trail Report – Sledheads of Frederic – 03/31
- Gaylord Area Trail Report – 03/31
- Sault Ste. Marie Area Trail Report – 03/30
- Newberry Area Trail Report – 03/29
- Grand Marais Area Trail Report – 03/29
- Keweenaw Peninsula Trail Report – 03/28
- Harbor Springs Area Trail Report – 03/28
- Sault Ste. Marie Area Trail Report – 03/28
- Munising Area Trail Report – 03/28
- Lake Gogebic Area Trail Report – 03/27
- Gaylord Area Trail Report – 03/27
- Harbor Springs Area Trail Report – 03/27
- Newberry Area Trail Report – 03/27
- Keweenaw Peninsula Trail Report – 03/26
- Lake Gogebic Area Trail Report – 03/26
- Paradise Area Trail Report – 03/26
- Munising Area Trail Report – 03/25
- Drummond Island Trail Report – 03/25
- Sault Ste. Marie Area Trail Report – 03/25
- Paradise Area Trail Report – 03/24
- Grand Marais Area Trail Report – 03/24
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