Western U.P. Trail Report – Western U.P. Bureau – 02/20
Snow showers are in the forecast every day this week from Tuesday on, but with only and inch or two daily. Temps will be in the 30’s with lows in the teens and 20s. Grooming is on- going, weather permitting. They are trying to keep the trails in the best shape they can with what they have to work with. Expect icy corners and bare spots around towns.
GOGEBIC RANGE TRAIL AUTHORITY-Overall conditions are fair,some good and some poor especially around towns due to bare spots. Trail 2 from Ironwood to Wakefield is poor,expect bare spots and very icy. Trails 2 & 8 out of Wakefield are in fair conditon with some bare spots. On Trail 160 from the lookout to the Wisconsin border, snow is marginal. 11N is fair, use caution around the water spot, signs are posted and again closer to the lake snow is marginal. 11S conditons are fair. Closer to the Wisconsin border where the logging is ongoing conditons are poor.
LOGGING IS PLANNED OFF SOUTH BOUNDARY ROAD SO WATCH FOR SIGNS AND PLOWED AREAS. This section is poor.
LAKE GOGEBIC AREA GROOMERS – Trails are icy, so please use caution. Trail 8 east is in fair condition but do expect bare spots where the trail is exposed to the sun. 102 and 13N are fair to good. Trail 100 to Marenisco is not good, and Trail 8 from Bergland to Ewen on the railroad grade is not good. Trails 1 and 13N on each side of Lake Gogebic are good. Around town expect bare spots and please use caution on corners they are very icy.
U.P.THUNDER RIDERS OF WATERSMEET-Reports grooming has stopped due to the weather. We need more snow for groomers to go out. Trails 2 & 3 conditions are fair with poor spots. Expect thins spots and icy. Trail 3 is in good shape with icy corners. Please use caution…
Keep in mind the groomers will be out day and night, so watch for them, and PLEASE pull over or at least slow down and wait for the operator to signal you by whenever you see them. Please use caution on corners in all areas they may be icy..
ABOUT THE ICE:
It’s time for our usual caution. There is no such thing as "safe ice" due to underwater currents. If you choose to go out, be sure you talk to locals where you intend to ride for specific information about the ice depth and other factors…be aware you will be riding at your own risk.
Here are a few gas station updates. The gas station in Paulding is closed so plan ahead for filling up. On the up side the gas station in Marenisco is now open.