Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

Friday January 16th, 2026 - 3:24 am

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! ... See MoreSee Less

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

Saturday January 17th, 2026 - 1:47 pm

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> While snow is expected at times through much of the next week, the most impactful time frame across northern Michigan will likely be Monday into Tuesday. A combination of accumulating snow, gusty winds, and bitter cold wind chills are anticipated. Small flakes will likely lead to significant visibility reductions at times and cold temperatures will make road treatment difficult, leading to hazardous travel. Be sure to follow the latest forecast for updates! #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyWhile snow is expected at times through much of the next week, the most impactful time frame across northern Michigan will likely be Monday into Tuesday. A combination of accumulating snow, gusty winds, and bitter cold wind chills are anticipated. Small flakes will likely lead to significant visibility reductions at times and cold temperatures will make road treatment difficult, leading to hazardous travel. Be sure to follow the latest forecast for updates! ... See MoreSee Less

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

Friday January 16th, 2026 - 5:13 pm

WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Gaylord Michigan >> Accumulating snow continues across northern Michigan into tonight, bringing an additional 3-6” across far western parts of the area by Saturday morning. Slippery roads and reduced visibility will make for hazardous travel at times into this evening before snow begins to taper off tonight. #miweather #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyAccumulating snow continues across northern Michigan into tonight, bringing an additional 3-6” across far western parts of the area by Saturday morning. Slippery roads and reduced visibility will make for hazardous travel at times into this evening before snow begins to taper off tonight. ... See MoreSee Less

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

Friday January 16th, 2026 - 12:20 pm

HARBOR SPRINGS AREA UPDATE via Harbor Springs Snowmobile Club >> The 61st Annual Moose Jaw Safari is tomorrow! The ride leaves from the Harbor Springs Groomer Barn (3151 Kernow Lane) at 10am, we will be there with the heat on at 8:30am to start parking people.
The official sign in will take place after the ride at the Bean Pot where we will have our donation bucket, key chains, raffle tickets, and apparal for sale!
We will also be selling raffle tickets at the Groomer Barn in the morning, $10 each!
If you don't have a sled, you are still more than welcome to join us at the Bean Pot (981 W. Van Rd, Pellston), it's usually ready around noon!
We had two groomers out last night, one on the railroad grade and one on the east side of our trail system. The trails are flat & on the icy side, we could use some fresh snow! We will have groomers headed back out tonight, to double up on the west side for tomorrow’s event. #harborsprings #petoskeyThe 61st Annual Moose Jaw Safari is tomorrow! The ride leaves from the Harbor Springs Groomer Barn (3151 Kernow Lane) at 10am, we will be there with the heat on at 8:30am to start parking people.

The official sign in will take place after the ride at the Bean Pot where we will have our donation bucket, key chains, raffle tickets, and apparal for sale!

We will also be selling raffle tickets at the Groomer Barn in the morning, $10 each!

If you don't have a sled, you are still more than welcome to join us at the Bean Pot (981 W. Van Rd, Pellston), it's usually ready around noon!

We had two groomers out last night, one on the railroad grade and one on the east side of our trail system. The trails are flat & on the icy side, we could use some fresh snow! We will have groomers headed back out tonight, to double up on the west side for tomorrow’s event. ... See MoreSee Less

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

Friday January 16th, 2026 - 3:24 am

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! ... See MoreSee Less

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

Friday January 16th, 2026 - 3:18 am

PETOSKEY AREA UPDATE via Petoskey Snowmobile and ORV Club >> Trails groomed tonight 1-15-2026... #petoskeyTrails groomed tonight 1-15-2026 ... See MoreSee Less