Sault Ste. Marie Trail Report – 02/29
SAULT STE. MARIE UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association – 02/29
2/29 8 pm update-
What a day around here! If you’re not already here or plan to be here early tomorrow, I’m sorry to say that the trails will likely start to fall apart quickly with the coming warm up. Coming out of the Soo on trail 8 is not good. Thin and rocky as we didn’t get the snow that Brimley/Bay Mills/Raco/Strongs/Paradise did. If you’re in the Soo, your best bet would be to trailer. The forest service roads out there have a ton of snow and will hold up longer than the trails.
We were able to groom most of 889 and all of 8 from Brimley to Ranger rd, and part of 480. I have a report that the gate on 472 at Johnson rd is locked. I have no idea why but I’ll try to find out. We cleared a ton of fallen trees today. Big thanks to Groomer Warren and I believe his helper was Scott. There is still a big one on the straight part of 889 between 8 and plantation rd, but it’s easy to get around it. There are some big humps from snowdrifts there too so use caution! Groomer Raco Dave is heading out to smooth those out now. Other than that part, 889 is good to excellent as of this evening! And 8 from a mile west of Brimley to Raco is also excellent!
We also hosted some of the volunteers from other clubs that are in town for the MISORVA groomer workshop for a hot dog lunch at our groomer barn. Great to have the opportunity to meet like minded volunteers!
I spent my morning clearing trees and then got a 112 mile ride in. Had a great lunch and warmed up at The Cozy Inn in Brimley. Stop in and support them and enjoy the “cozy” atmosphere!
Get it while you can! Bring a saw if you want to hit fire roads. Still some trees down on those.
Ride safe!!!
<>
If you’re already here, trailer to Bay Mills/Raco. It’s worth it!
<>
2/29 🚨 CAUTION🚨 I’m starting to get many reports of downed trees everywhere. My day of riding has now turned into a tree clearing mission. I’ll be headed out in the club SxS to clear trees. If there are any club members that are available and want to go with, I am leaving the clubhouse in the Soo around 10.
Groomer Warren and his buddy will also be out in the tracked SxS. Please give us time to work and clear the trees, or help out if you can. Sounds like 889 and 8 in the Brimley/Raco/Bay Mills area have many trees down, and about a foot of new snow.
Please share, and again, please use caution!
Thank you!
<>
2/29 – good morning!
At my house in the Soo we got maybe 2-3” overnight. That’s probably being generous. The winds were crazy so I can’t tell for sure, but my gauge shows 5” total. Very light snow here now. Turbo checked in from Brimley and said there is a solid 8” out his way and it’s still snowing. A big thanks to Mr. Donnay for letting us know about a downed tree across trail 8 near Beune Rd, just west of Brimley. Also reported a foot of new snow there near Raco. Groomer Warren is heading out to cut it. As expected, it sounds like the highest snowfall amounts hit from Brimley west again. If you’re in our area, please comment with your snow totals. My assumption is that there are more than just the one tree down, so if you do ride, please be extra cautious. Carrying a saw is not a bad idea if you have the option. Again, I highly doubt we will send groomers out unless there are many trees down that need attention. Be safe!!!
<>
<>
Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association Facebook Page
<>
Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association Trail Report on MSA
<>
Postings From Regional Pages On Facebook
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Lake effect snow ends over the north-northwest wind snow belts today. A couple more fluffy inches and some blowing snow is still expected over the north central and eastern U.P. this morning. A quick hitting system looks to bring 1 to 4 fluffy inches of snowfall tonight through Saturday morning. West to northwest winds as high as 45 mph are expected to make a return over the Keweenaw on Saturday. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaLake effect snow ends over the north-northwest wind snow belts today. A couple more fluffy inches and some blowing snow is still expected over the north central and eastern U.P. this morning. A quick hitting system looks to bring 1 to 4 fluffy inches of snowfall tonight through Saturday morning. West to northwest winds as high as 45 mph are expected to make a return over the Keweenaw on Saturday.
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/19/25
The switch has flipped! We went from 42 and rain last night to 18 and snow flurries currently. Wild!
Word is that the roads are absolutely horrible, and area schools have been cancelled.
No doubt, trails will be solid ice until the new snow starts to pile up. As soon as I have any idea what the trails look like, I’ll be sure to share, but wanted to at least share a bit of good news. #soo #snowphotos
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> Video is from 12/16/25
Sorry I’m late on this put thought it was still worth sharing to show how things looked before this little warm up.
Here’s Pete’s report to go along with it-
“I took took New Dave out for his final training run down trail 8 to Brimley. We have been struggling with some engine computer wiring issues causing stalls. Some repair attempts were made, and this was an unscheduled test run as well. Bryan and his assistant Logan followed along to assist in case of another breakdown. Additionally, we wanted to take down the large leaning tree that’s been impeding the trail. Everything went well and the groomer made the trip with no issues. Dave finished up his training and will be headed out on his own soon. The tree came down without any hiccups. Even though it was warm out, the trail laid out smooth and flat. It was a great success and we are glad to have accomplished so much in one evening.”
Thanks all! #soo #snowphotos
WEATHER UPDATE via Michigan Storm Chasers >> Lake effect totals through Friday afternoon, December 19th, 2025 have been updated slightly to account for latest shifts in atmospheric conditions.
Discussion
As temperatures fall early Friday, moisture pools back in, mixed with colder air over the warmer lakes, turning on the lake effect machine for both of the Great Lakes that influence our normal lake effect zones. A respectable 1-3" to 2-5" is possible in the fairly typical areas shown on the map. The narrow lane of higher elevation across the Keweenaw Peninsula and Porcupine Mountains are most-likely to experience totals exceeding 6". You may have noticed our one main change was the expansion of T-1" over to the east side of the state just as a general precaution to any snow squalls that make it across the state. Not everyone will get a rogue snow squall, but it is in the odds for nearly everyone. A snow squall is a thin, but intense band of quick snow that can produce at least half an inch of snow in minutes time, while knocking visibility down from 10 miles, to a quarter mile in moments time. Additionally, a quick coating of snow may hide any ice that was able to form from the freeze later tonight. Lake effect snow and snow squalls are poised to start later this evening around 8 pm EST (earlier for the western UP), and run primarily through 1 pm EST Friday. A couple lake effect bands may last through 6 pm across northern Michigan near Gaylord, and the central UP near Munising.
Each area is never guaranteed the totals shown on the screen. This is why we call it a prediction. The totals that are shown however do have the greatest odds of occurring. Yes, we are still trying to find that crystal ball, but no luck to this point. Follow us here at Michigan Storm Chasers for forecast updates, and a little humor on the side, throughout the next few days, and as always, 365 days a year! #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea #gaylord #cadillac #benzie #traversecity #petoskeyLake effect totals through Friday afternoon, December 19th, 2025 have been updated slightly to account for latest shifts in atmospheric conditions.
Discussion
As temperatures fall early Friday, moisture pools back in, mixed with colder air over the warmer lakes, turning on the lake effect machine for both of the Great Lakes that influence our normal lake effect zones. A respectable 1-3" to 2-5" is possible in the fairly typical areas shown on the map. The narrow lane of higher elevation across the Keweenaw Peninsula and Porcupine Mountains are most-likely to experience totals exceeding 6". You may have noticed our one main change was the expansion of T-1" over to the east side of the state just as a general precaution to any snow squalls that make it across the state. Not everyone will get a rogue snow squall, but it is in the odds for nearly everyone. A snow squall is a thin, but intense band of quick snow that can produce at least half an inch of snow in minutes time, while knocking visibility down from 10 miles, to a quarter mile in moments time. Additionally, a quick coating of snow may hide any ice that was able to form from the freeze later tonight. Lake effect snow and snow squalls are poised to start later this evening around 8 pm EST (earlier for the western UP), and run primarily through 1 pm EST Friday. A couple lake effect bands may last through 6 pm across northern Michigan near Gaylord, and the central UP near Munising.
Each area is never guaranteed the totals shown on the screen. This is why we call it a prediction. The totals that are shown however do have the greatest odds of occurring. Yes, we are still trying to find that crystal ball, but no luck to this point. Follow us here at Michigan Storm Chasers for forecast updates, and a little humor on the side, throughout the next few days, and as always, 365 days a year!
-- Trusted Partner of the Day --
Apex Restoration & Mitigation | Call 810-202-3586 today for all restoration needs across Genesee county and the thumb!
WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Active weather is expected for the remainder of the work week. Winds pick up tonight, gusting to 25-45mph (highest in the western and north-central UP), falling back into Thursday morning. Light rain and patchy mixed precipitation return Thursday morning, transitioning over to widespread snow late Thursday into Thursday night before tapering off to light lake effect snow Friday. The heaviest snow accumulations will be across the far western UP. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsarea
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/16/25
Good evening everyone!
Trail 49 update, between the Soo and Kinross. Lane groomed from Kinross to 12 mile yesterday morning. He reports that he brought up some water between devils hill and 12 mile, but he was able to knock down a lot of the rough stuff and said it is getting better every trip through. He rode it after he groomed and it is passable, nothing too deep. He advises that you need to pick your lines to go around wet spots, which is typical in the early season. There were several sled tracks after he groomed👍🏼
Last night, Dennis groomed 49 from the Soo south to around 11 1/2 mile. There’s a ditch around there that he couldn’t get through so he back out and headed back. He said that there are still some wet spots to watch for, but it’s passable via sled.
Temps are still below freezing at night, even with a few days above freezing, and the thaw/freeze cycle should actually help that trail. We need some more snow to push into the wet spots and we’ll really be able to get this trail in good shape.
Thank you Lane and Dennis! ❄️❄️❄️
Remember, we are on Groomer Tracker! Half of each subscription fee comes right back to the club. We appreciate your support! #soo
SAULT STE. MARIE AREA UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association >> 12/16/25
Thank you to Bryan, Logan, Pete, and Dave for clearing this gnarly widow maker from trail 8 between 5 and 6 mile. It was just sort of dangling there and would have made a real mess if left to fall on its own. Much safer for riders and our operators now. #soo #snowphotos
<>
Latest Trail Reports – Quick Links
- Gaylord Area Trail Report – 12/19
- Frederic / Gaylord Area Trail Report – Sledheads of Frederic – 12/19
- Paradise Area Trail Report – 12/19
- Sault Ste. Marie Area Trail Report – 12/19
- Munising Area Trail Report – 12/19
- Ironwood – Bessemer – Western U.P. Trail Report – 12/19
- Newberry Area Trail Report – 12/19
- Keweenaw Peninsula Trail Report – 12/19
- Lake Gogebic Area Trail Report – 12/18
- Newberry Area Trail Report – 12/18
- Sault Ste. Marie Area Trail Report – 12/18
- Gaylord Area Trail Report – 12/18
- Frederic / Gaylord Area Trail Report – Sledheads of Frederic – 12/18
- Watersmeet – Western U.P. Trail Report – 12/18
- Ontonagon Trail Report – 12/18
- Jordan Valley Area Trail Report – 12/17
- Munising Area Trail Report – 12/17
- Lake Gogebic Area Trail Report – 12/17
- Keweenaw Peninsula Trail Report – 12/17
- Keweenaw Peninsula Trail Report – 12/16
- Baldwin Area Trail Report – 12/16
- Sault Ste. Marie Area Trail Report – 12/16
- Grand Marais Area Trail Report – 12/16
- Benzie Area Trail Report – 12/16
- Newberry Area Trail Report – 12/16
- Watersmeet – Western U.P. Trail Report – 12/16
- Traverse City Area Trail Report – 12/16
- Ontonagon Area Trail Report – 12/15
<>