Sault Ste. Marie Trail Report – 01/24
SAULT STE. MARIE UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association – 01/24
Update 1/24
Good evening!
A few things going on around here today.
1st, we had a brand new volunteer start today, welcome Jeff! He went on a ride along in the Kinross area with groomer Dave. Unfortunately, we had a track failure (NOT due to either of the operators) so the run was short lived. Heck of a first day, eh? This particular machine already had one track replaced with a spare earlier this season and this is another failure. We had given a track to Seney last year so we’re out of spares now. We have had tracks on order for some time with no ETA. Fortunately, our buddy Rex with Chippewa Snowchasers got word of our troubles and enlisted the help of DNR trail specialist PJ to track one down. Big thanks to Rex, PJ, and Grand Marais Sno-Trails Assoc. for helping us out! Tom and Mike will be on their way to Grand Marais in the AM to get the track.
Meanwhile, several other of our volunteers are working this evening to unhook the drag on #8 that is down, get it back to the Soo barn, and get the old #7 groomer down to Kinross until we can get #8 fixed up. Both will have to go via flatbed since trail 49 is still impassible via groomer south of the Soo all the way to Kinross. We appologize if 472, 480, 49 south of Gaines Hwy and 494 are a little rough until we can make the swap and get them groomed.
Additionally, we’ve made arrangements with a local farmer to pick up some straw to fill in our trouble spot water holes along 472 near 480 in the coming days. We’ll have volunteers out placing the straw and using the groomer to cover them with snow. I’ll share pics and update how it goes. Never had to do this before but we have seen Les Cheneaux have success with it.
Otherwise, trails are really in great shape. 8 from the Soo all the way through Raco, 480, 889, and the city trail system are all holding up really well. We got a little snow last night, a little more today, and temps are about to drop for an extended period of time…finally! With some luck, maybe we can get 49 all the way open in a couple of weeks.
Race week begins next week so it’ll be a fun and exciting time to be in the Soo and surrounding area!
Thanks again to our fellow clubs for helping us out!
We really are all in it together, all for the love of the sport and what it brings to our local economy.
Thanks all! See ya on the trails!❄️❄️❄️
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Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Lake Effect Snow through Saturday; Cold and Windy with Reduced Visibility Sunday Night/Monday... #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/16/26
OG (original groomer) Ben is back!
He did his first solo run of the season on the city trails today and had an interesting run!
Here’s what he had to say-
“Finished the city trails. Things started out great, trails were flattening out great and are in so much better condition than they were last weekend. I did open up a couple of spots between the high school and the casino but they all filled in with the drag so it shouldn’t affect any sledders. Got to talk to a porcupine near the high school trail which is groomed now. There are some ice chunks in that area so be aware. It is flat but it’s lumpy in spots still. More snow and that’ll clean up really nice again. Beyond that, I had a giant branch fall on me just before the turn to Don Dee Lanes. It wasn’t a branch that I hit with the groomer either, I just happened to look back and see it fall behind the drag. Weird. Took a little time to clean that up. Long story short, trails are in good shape. And finally a picture of my Bluetooth playlist while grooming. Smooth operator indeed.”
Great work, Ben! We’re happy to have you back in the saddle! ❄️❄️❄️
Video in the comments from Anita who saw Ben from her workplace😊 #soo #soo0116b #snowphotos
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/16/26
Good morning all! Light snow flurries have begun, and the frigid temps continue.
We do have one machine down that does the kinross area, and I’ll keep you posted on that.
Zeke ran trail 8 from Raco to Brimley last night, and 480 from the Spile Dam to 8.
Things are pretty flat everywhere, with some wet spots still giving us trouble in the swamps. Keep an eye out, especially on 49.
Ride safe! ❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo0116 #snowphotos1/16/26
Good morning all! Light snow flurries have begun, and the frigid temps continue.
We do have one machine down that does the kinross area, and I’ll keep you posted on that.
Zeke ran trail 8 from Raco to Brimley last night, and 480 from the Spile Dam to 8.
Things are pretty flat everywhere, with some wet spots still giving us trouble in the swamps. Keep an eye out, especially on 49.
Ride safe! ❄️❄️❄️
WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> This is our last call snowfall outlook for FRIDAY ONLY, January 16th, 2026. Snow has begun across parts of the UP, and will begin for the rest of the state over the course of the next 12 hours.... #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyThis is our last call snowfall outlook for FRIDAY ONLY, January 16th, 2026. Snow has begun across parts of the UP, and will begin for the rest of the state over the course of the next 12 hours.
A clipper will bring a mixture of synoptic snow and lake effect snow for the entirety of Michigan. This is the first of multiple clippers between now and Monday. Lake effect areas may see totals into the 4-8" zone, with localized heavier totals possible along the Porcupine Mountains in the western UP. We DO have ample moisture on our atmospheric profiles for tomorrow, but the forcing is still suspect, so a solid blanket of 1-4" of snow, with isolated higher totals close to half a foot should occur by the end of our day Friday. The greatest chance at an area underachieving is in... guess what... southeast Michigan. Monroe and Lenawee counties specifically were in the T-1" zone at first call, but with a more-moist profile expected tomorrow, all locations (in an ideal world) should at least hit 1". We are also watching for the development of freezing drizzle mixing in, primarily in the Lower Peninsula as low-level temperatures favor this phenomena. Now, drizzle would hinder totals, but significantly increase travel issues as roads get coated with both the drizzle and the wet snow. We will have a freezing drizzle accumulation map out tomorrow morning.
Winds gusting 25-35 mph at times, primarily out of the west. Some snow squalls will mix in, which for those who don't remember, snow squalls exist to only cause headaches. These narrow bands of snow drop visibility from open skies to mere feet in the matter of seconds, which is never good, especially on fast-moving roadways. A snow squall can put down as much as a quick inch in 15-30 minutes at their peak intensity. Both morning and evening commutes will be impacted by snow or drizzle. Let's hope we don't light up the MDOT drive map with 25 accidents this time around, so please take your time. Give yourself that extra hour to travel, especially in instances of forced slow downs.
-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
Rainbow Restoration | 616-583-1234, call today for all your restoration needs in the Grand Rapids regional area!
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A couple rounds of heavy lake effect snow will develop first across Luce County tonight through tomorrow, then across the western U.P./Keweenaw tomorrow into Saturday afternoon. Winter Weather Advisories and Warnings are in effect from tonight through Saturday afternoon. Greatest snowfall accumulations are expected across the higher terrain west of a line from Ironwood to White Plains, and from Mass City to Painesdale. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaA couple rounds of heavy lake effect snow will develop first across Luce County tonight through tomorrow, then across the western U.P./Keweenaw tomorrow into Saturday afternoon. Winter Weather Advisories and Warnings are in effect from tonight through Saturday afternoon. Greatest snowfall accumulations are expected across the higher terrain west of a line from Ironwood to White Pine, and from Mass City to Painesdale.
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/14/26
Good evening!
We saw a huge temperature swing today, after wet snow and rain later in the day yesterday. 35 last night, 1 tonight with negative windchills🥶
Lane and Randy went on a mission today to work on trail 49 where some water holes opened up during the warm up.
Here’s what Lane had to say, and photos to give you all a visual-
“I took 49 north out of Kinross to try to work on a water hole just south of 9 mile. I took Randy along with me and I was glad I did, he was a big help. That hole is a very deep hole. We filled it with as much ice and snow as we could. It is not pretty, but should freeze in good with these temps. We also worked on a few other water spots that filled in great. The bridge just south of 8 mile had a trench of water on the bridge. That filled in good and will freeze up good also. All the rest of the trail is great. The swamp south of 12 mile held up great and groomed really nice.”
Thank you, Lane and Randy! The timing for this work could not be better. Mid week traffic is light, temps are frigid, and there’s not any significant snow forecasted, so these spots should really lock up now.
The work that our operators put in to the spot south of 11 mile, and near Devils Hill are holding up awesome, even after the warm up the last few days.
This trail continues to improve with each run, and is still so far ahead of where we normally are this time in the season.
Ride safe and stay warm! ❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo0114b #snowphotos
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/14/26
Brimley Bill did the Brimley to Raco route tonight, which is 8 between Brimley and Ranger Rd, and 480 from the Spile Dam Turnaround to 8.
Here’s what he had to say-
“The base is real solid. There were sections of trail with a lot of drifts on the edges. I was able to cut into all the drifts with the Dubie wings, and pull the snow back into the trail. The result is trails that are smooth and flat across the width of the trail.“
Looks awesome, thank you Bill!! 🙌🏼 #soo #soo0114 #snowphotos
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WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Lake Effect Snow through Saturday; Cold and Windy with Reduced Visibility Sunday Night/Monday... #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/16/26
OG (original groomer) Ben is back!
He did his first solo run of the season on the city trails today and had an interesting run!
Here’s what he had to say-
“Finished the city trails. Things started out great, trails were flattening out great and are in so much better condition than they were last weekend. I did open up a couple of spots between the high school and the casino but they all filled in with the drag so it shouldn’t affect any sledders. Got to talk to a porcupine near the high school trail which is groomed now. There are some ice chunks in that area so be aware. It is flat but it’s lumpy in spots still. More snow and that’ll clean up really nice again. Beyond that, I had a giant branch fall on me just before the turn to Don Dee Lanes. It wasn’t a branch that I hit with the groomer either, I just happened to look back and see it fall behind the drag. Weird. Took a little time to clean that up. Long story short, trails are in good shape. And finally a picture of my Bluetooth playlist while grooming. Smooth operator indeed.”
Great work, Ben! We’re happy to have you back in the saddle! ❄️❄️❄️
Video in the comments from Anita who saw Ben from her workplace😊 #soo #soo0116b #snowphotos
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/16/26
Good morning all! Light snow flurries have begun, and the frigid temps continue.
We do have one machine down that does the kinross area, and I’ll keep you posted on that.
Zeke ran trail 8 from Raco to Brimley last night, and 480 from the Spile Dam to 8.
Things are pretty flat everywhere, with some wet spots still giving us trouble in the swamps. Keep an eye out, especially on 49.
Ride safe! ❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo0116 #snowphotos1/16/26
Good morning all! Light snow flurries have begun, and the frigid temps continue.
We do have one machine down that does the kinross area, and I’ll keep you posted on that.
Zeke ran trail 8 from Raco to Brimley last night, and 480 from the Spile Dam to 8.
Things are pretty flat everywhere, with some wet spots still giving us trouble in the swamps. Keep an eye out, especially on 49.
Ride safe! ❄️❄️❄️
WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> This is our last call snowfall outlook for FRIDAY ONLY, January 16th, 2026. Snow has begun across parts of the UP, and will begin for the rest of the state over the course of the next 12 hours.... #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyThis is our last call snowfall outlook for FRIDAY ONLY, January 16th, 2026. Snow has begun across parts of the UP, and will begin for the rest of the state over the course of the next 12 hours.
A clipper will bring a mixture of synoptic snow and lake effect snow for the entirety of Michigan. This is the first of multiple clippers between now and Monday. Lake effect areas may see totals into the 4-8" zone, with localized heavier totals possible along the Porcupine Mountains in the western UP. We DO have ample moisture on our atmospheric profiles for tomorrow, but the forcing is still suspect, so a solid blanket of 1-4" of snow, with isolated higher totals close to half a foot should occur by the end of our day Friday. The greatest chance at an area underachieving is in... guess what... southeast Michigan. Monroe and Lenawee counties specifically were in the T-1" zone at first call, but with a more-moist profile expected tomorrow, all locations (in an ideal world) should at least hit 1". We are also watching for the development of freezing drizzle mixing in, primarily in the Lower Peninsula as low-level temperatures favor this phenomena. Now, drizzle would hinder totals, but significantly increase travel issues as roads get coated with both the drizzle and the wet snow. We will have a freezing drizzle accumulation map out tomorrow morning.
Winds gusting 25-35 mph at times, primarily out of the west. Some snow squalls will mix in, which for those who don't remember, snow squalls exist to only cause headaches. These narrow bands of snow drop visibility from open skies to mere feet in the matter of seconds, which is never good, especially on fast-moving roadways. A snow squall can put down as much as a quick inch in 15-30 minutes at their peak intensity. Both morning and evening commutes will be impacted by snow or drizzle. Let's hope we don't light up the MDOT drive map with 25 accidents this time around, so please take your time. Give yourself that extra hour to travel, especially in instances of forced slow downs.
-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
Rainbow Restoration | 616-583-1234, call today for all your restoration needs in the Grand Rapids regional area!
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> A couple rounds of heavy lake effect snow will develop first across Luce County tonight through tomorrow, then across the western U.P./Keweenaw tomorrow into Saturday afternoon. Winter Weather Advisories and Warnings are in effect from tonight through Saturday afternoon. Greatest snowfall accumulations are expected across the higher terrain west of a line from Ironwood to White Plains, and from Mass City to Painesdale. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaA couple rounds of heavy lake effect snow will develop first across Luce County tonight through tomorrow, then across the western U.P./Keweenaw tomorrow into Saturday afternoon. Winter Weather Advisories and Warnings are in effect from tonight through Saturday afternoon. Greatest snowfall accumulations are expected across the higher terrain west of a line from Ironwood to White Pine, and from Mass City to Painesdale.
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/14/26
Good evening!
We saw a huge temperature swing today, after wet snow and rain later in the day yesterday. 35 last night, 1 tonight with negative windchills🥶
Lane and Randy went on a mission today to work on trail 49 where some water holes opened up during the warm up.
Here’s what Lane had to say, and photos to give you all a visual-
“I took 49 north out of Kinross to try to work on a water hole just south of 9 mile. I took Randy along with me and I was glad I did, he was a big help. That hole is a very deep hole. We filled it with as much ice and snow as we could. It is not pretty, but should freeze in good with these temps. We also worked on a few other water spots that filled in great. The bridge just south of 8 mile had a trench of water on the bridge. That filled in good and will freeze up good also. All the rest of the trail is great. The swamp south of 12 mile held up great and groomed really nice.”
Thank you, Lane and Randy! The timing for this work could not be better. Mid week traffic is light, temps are frigid, and there’s not any significant snow forecasted, so these spots should really lock up now.
The work that our operators put in to the spot south of 11 mile, and near Devils Hill are holding up awesome, even after the warm up the last few days.
This trail continues to improve with each run, and is still so far ahead of where we normally are this time in the season.
Ride safe and stay warm! ❄️❄️❄️ #soo #soo0114b #snowphotos
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 1/14/26
Brimley Bill did the Brimley to Raco route tonight, which is 8 between Brimley and Ranger Rd, and 480 from the Spile Dam Turnaround to 8.
Here’s what he had to say-
“The base is real solid. There were sections of trail with a lot of drifts on the edges. I was able to cut into all the drifts with the Dubie wings, and pull the snow back into the trail. The result is trails that are smooth and flat across the width of the trail.“
Looks awesome, thank you Bill!! 🙌🏼 #soo #soo0114 #snowphotos
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