Sault Ste. Marie Trail Report – 02/20
SAULT STE. MARIE UPDATE via Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association – 02/20
2/20- Good afternoon!
I love it when our operators get to bring their spouses with them to document the trip!
This report comes to us from Ann, groomer Dennis’ wife, on their run of 472 and 480 through the Spile Dam.
“What a beautiful hoar frosty morning to go out for a ‘slow snow roll’. It was 6° overnight, 15° when we left and 23° when we returned 5 hrs. later. Sure wish it would stay this way.
We panned west 472 & 480. Snow amount is same as yesterday. We were able to smooth out the trails. Trail 472 turned out good. Only area of concern is a deep trough just west of the “leaning deer blind”. It was open yesterday & frozen today but I assume will open back up.
Trail 480 has more thin spots with a little snirt showing in places & a few bumps that will take more snow to smooth out. Overall it came out just ok but enough snow to ride on”
Thank you Ann and Dennis for your time and the report!
It remained pretty cloudy today, and never did get above freezing. Just goes to show ya, you can’t always believe what your weather app says.
We hope you’re out enjoying it while you can! It is likely that grooming will be suspended until we receive new snow, to preserve what is left as much as possible, especially with very low traffic. We’ll keep updating! ❄️❄️❄️
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Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association Facebook Page
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Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association Trail Report on MSA
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WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Another system brings a quick round of light to moderate snowfall late tonight into early Saturday. A widespread 1-3 inches of snow is expected, possibly locally higher up to 3-4in in the eastern UP. A change over to lake effect snow is expected in the NW wind snow belts Saturday afternoon, lingering into Sunday. Winds turn gusty for Saturday, with gusts as high as 40-45mph possible over the Keweenaw, where a Wind Advisory is in effect Saturday afternoon and evening. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaAnother system brings a quick round of light to moderate snowfall late tonight into early Saturday. A widespread 1-3 inches of snow is expected, possibly locally higher up to 3-4in in the eastern UP. A change over to lake effect snow is expected in the NW wind snow belts Saturday afternoon, lingering into Sunday. Winds turn gusty for Saturday, with gusts as high as 40-45mph possible over the Keweenaw, where a Wind Advisory is in effect Saturday afternoon and evening.
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
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WEATHER UPDATE via US National Weather Service Marquette Michigan >> Another system brings a quick round of light to moderate snowfall late tonight into early Saturday. A widespread 1-3 inches of snow is expected, possibly locally higher up to 3-4in in the eastern UP. A change over to lake effect snow is expected in the NW wind snow belts Saturday afternoon, lingering into Sunday. Winds turn gusty for Saturday, with gusts as high as 40-45mph possible over the Keweenaw, where a Wind Advisory is in effect Saturday afternoon and evening. #miweather #keweenaw #westernup #marquette #munising #seney #newberry #soo #straitsareaAnother system brings a quick round of light to moderate snowfall late tonight into early Saturday. A widespread 1-3 inches of snow is expected, possibly locally higher up to 3-4in in the eastern UP. A change over to lake effect snow is expected in the NW wind snow belts Saturday afternoon, lingering into Sunday. Winds turn gusty for Saturday, with gusts as high as 40-45mph possible over the Keweenaw, where a Wind Advisory is in effect Saturday afternoon and evening.
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
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