Ironwood – Western U.P. Trail Report – 02/16
IRONWOOD / WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Gogebic Range Trail Authority – ORV & Snowmobile Club – 02/16
Getting to Wakefield is possible while temps are cold. As soon as it gets warm conditions will rapidly deteriorate, especially if the sun comes out.
Trails are very icy in spots and of course out of town in the woods trails have a lot of base. These conditions are not favorable to New riders or those without significant experience.
Parking lots and getting gas will be very tough, as bare areas grow it may be tough to find snow in spots. The icy corners elevate risk.
If you’re dying to ride or can’t get out of a rental, you can ride.
We saw Greg at Gogebic Area Grooming has groomed two nights in a row on 8w and 1n, they look awesome. Hazards will appear abruptly, especially as traffic increases. As temps warm trails will again change rapidly, ride safe, ride right, ride sober and support our sponsors. Pictures of new trail 2 reroute last night by Shawn S.
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Report via Gogebic Range Trail Authority Website
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Report via Gogebic Range Trail Authority on Facebook
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Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Mixed precipitation, mainly of rain and snow, will spread west to east across the UP tonight into tomorrow morning. Pockets of freezing rain could also mix in at onset and lead to a light glaze of ice on roadways for the Tuesday morning commute. Heavy lake effect snow will then be reinvigorated with a secondary cold front Tuesday night into Wednesday morning across the N and NW wind snow belts. This will combine with northerly winds of 40 to 50 mph, resulting in blowing snow and near zero visibilities for the Wednesday morning commute. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaMixed precipitation, mainly of rain and snow, will spread west to east across the UP tonight into tomorrow morning. Pockets of freezing rain could also mix in at onset and lead to a light glaze of ice on roadways for the Tuesday morning commute. Heavy lake effect snow will then be reinvigorated with a secondary cold front Tuesday night into Wednesday morning across the N and NW wind snow belts. This will combine with northerly winds of 40 to 50 mph, resulting in blowing snow and near zero visibilities for the Wednesday morning commute.
SIDNAW - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Sno Valley Riders Snowmobile Club >> Groomer report:
Trail Condition: Good
Last Groomed: January 11th, 2026
It is a bit warm today, 1/12/26, but we are going to try and groom this evening.
Please ride on the RIGHT side of the trail and STOP at the stop signs!
Stay on the trail, if you don’t we could lose trail permissions on private property.
Groomers have the right of way on the trails, pull over and stop to let them safely pass!
We now have Groomer Tracker installed in our groomers.
We groom every day that the weather conditions and equipment allow. Unforeseen circumstances may prevent us from going out, like a major blizzard and being snowed in at our homes or equipment breakdowns. #westernup
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.
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!
-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
McKay Tree Specialists | Turn to your top option in SE Michigan today for all your tree care needs by calling McKay today at 248-308-7308!
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via Scott's Superior Inn and Cabins >> Ontonagon / Porcupine Mountains Snowmobile Trail Report
We’ve picked up a couple inches of fresh snow over the last couple days, and the timing couldn’t be better. Looking ahead, 8 to 20 inches of new snow is in the forecast starting toward the end of this week, setting the stage for some incredible riding. Adding to the excitement, a rare polar vortex is on the horizon, bringing colder temperatures that typically fire up lake-effect snow off Lake Superior. That combination is exactly what riders love to see this time of year.
The great news is that trails are already in good to excellent condition across the western U.P. Bases are solid, grooming is ongoing, and the colder weather will only help lock everything in. With more snow and sustained cold coming, conditions are expected to improve even further over the next couple of weeks, shaping up for a strong stretch of mid-winter riding.
If you’re thinking about planning a trip, now is the time to get it on the calendar. For lodging right on Lake Superior with easy access to Ontonagon and Porcupine Mountains trails, stay at Scott’s Superior Inn and Cabins. Rider-friendly accommodations, hot breakfast, plenty of parking, and a warm, comfortable place to relax after a full day on the trails. Check availability and make Scott’s your home base for an epic western U.P. ride. #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotos
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.
WATERSMEET - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via U.P. Thunder Riders Snowmobile Club >> UPDATED 1/11/26- We are grooming our trail system daily. We are down to 1 groomer so we will be grooming in the morning one way and in the late afternoon the other way. Please Ride Right and Be safe! #westernup
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> Trail Report 1/11:
This is an easy one!! All of our trail system was groomed yesterday!
Every trail is in good to very good condition with the exception of Trail #1 along Lake Superior between Silver City and The Porkies Ski Hill. Very light snow, mostly snirt, slow down for any low area as they are bumpy.
Ride the 906. #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotosTrail Report 1/11:
This is an easy one!! All of our trail system was groomed yesterday!
Every trail is in good to very good condition with the exception of Trail #1 along Lake Superior between Silver City and The Porkies Ski Hill. Very light snow, mostly snirt, slow down for any low area as they are bumpy.
Ride the 906.
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WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Mixed precipitation, mainly of rain and snow, will spread west to east across the UP tonight into tomorrow morning. Pockets of freezing rain could also mix in at onset and lead to a light glaze of ice on roadways for the Tuesday morning commute. Heavy lake effect snow will then be reinvigorated with a secondary cold front Tuesday night into Wednesday morning across the N and NW wind snow belts. This will combine with northerly winds of 40 to 50 mph, resulting in blowing snow and near zero visibilities for the Wednesday morning commute. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaMixed precipitation, mainly of rain and snow, will spread west to east across the UP tonight into tomorrow morning. Pockets of freezing rain could also mix in at onset and lead to a light glaze of ice on roadways for the Tuesday morning commute. Heavy lake effect snow will then be reinvigorated with a secondary cold front Tuesday night into Wednesday morning across the N and NW wind snow belts. This will combine with northerly winds of 40 to 50 mph, resulting in blowing snow and near zero visibilities for the Wednesday morning commute.
SIDNAW - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via Sno Valley Riders Snowmobile Club >> Groomer report:
Trail Condition: Good
Last Groomed: January 11th, 2026
It is a bit warm today, 1/12/26, but we are going to try and groom this evening.
Please ride on the RIGHT side of the trail and STOP at the stop signs!
Stay on the trail, if you don’t we could lose trail permissions on private property.
Groomers have the right of way on the trails, pull over and stop to let them safely pass!
We now have Groomer Tracker installed in our groomers.
We groom every day that the weather conditions and equipment allow. Unforeseen circumstances may prevent us from going out, like a major blizzard and being snowed in at our homes or equipment breakdowns. #westernup
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.
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!
-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
McKay Tree Specialists | Turn to your top option in SE Michigan today for all your tree care needs by calling McKay today at 248-308-7308!
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via Scott's Superior Inn and Cabins >> Ontonagon / Porcupine Mountains Snowmobile Trail Report
We’ve picked up a couple inches of fresh snow over the last couple days, and the timing couldn’t be better. Looking ahead, 8 to 20 inches of new snow is in the forecast starting toward the end of this week, setting the stage for some incredible riding. Adding to the excitement, a rare polar vortex is on the horizon, bringing colder temperatures that typically fire up lake-effect snow off Lake Superior. That combination is exactly what riders love to see this time of year.
The great news is that trails are already in good to excellent condition across the western U.P. Bases are solid, grooming is ongoing, and the colder weather will only help lock everything in. With more snow and sustained cold coming, conditions are expected to improve even further over the next couple of weeks, shaping up for a strong stretch of mid-winter riding.
If you’re thinking about planning a trip, now is the time to get it on the calendar. For lodging right on Lake Superior with easy access to Ontonagon and Porcupine Mountains trails, stay at Scott’s Superior Inn and Cabins. Rider-friendly accommodations, hot breakfast, plenty of parking, and a warm, comfortable place to relax after a full day on the trails. Check availability and make Scott’s your home base for an epic western U.P. ride. #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotos
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.
WATERSMEET - WESTERN U.P. UPDATE via U.P. Thunder Riders Snowmobile Club >> UPDATED 1/11/26- We are grooming our trail system daily. We are down to 1 groomer so we will be grooming in the morning one way and in the late afternoon the other way. Please Ride Right and Be safe! #westernup
ONTONAGON AREA UPDATE via North Country Snowmobile Club UP >> Trail Report 1/11:
This is an easy one!! All of our trail system was groomed yesterday!
Every trail is in good to very good condition with the exception of Trail #1 along Lake Superior between Silver City and The Porkies Ski Hill. Very light snow, mostly snirt, slow down for any low area as they are bumpy.
Ride the 906. #ontonagon #westernup #snowphotosTrail Report 1/11:
This is an easy one!! All of our trail system was groomed yesterday!
Every trail is in good to very good condition with the exception of Trail #1 along Lake Superior between Silver City and The Porkies Ski Hill. Very light snow, mostly snirt, slow down for any low area as they are bumpy.
Ride the 906.
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