Michigan Snowmobile Trail Reports Archive
A look back into the 2006 ~ 2007 Snowmobile Season
 

Michigan Snowmobile Trail Reports Archive
 

Here's a good look back at snowmobile trail reports posted on our website in the past.  We save our reports so you can take a step back in time and peer into what this 2006 ~ 2007 snowmobile trail reporting website has had to offer our viewers.  It may be also be helpful for new viewers and potential guests who want to see developments season-wide.

Check back frequently to find a whole travel log of snowmobile trail reports throughout the season.  We hope you'll have fun, be safe and enjoy the ride.

Go To  Current Michigan Snowmobile Trail Report

Site Update:  Sunday, February 25, 2007

It's a mess and no one wants to admit it.  This season will most definitely go down in the books as the worst ever- or "the winter that wasn't."

Snow blessed areas in the central northern yoop are taking a beating- big time. Excessive trail traffic, limited travel distances and a lack of snow have put trail grooming efforts on over-load.  There's loads of snow here, very little over there and it's all gone in some places. 

A major melt down last week caused complete havoc to snow-shy areas such as Marquette, Harvey, Sand River, Chatham, Deerton and Gwinn. Trail #417 that hugs the Lake Superior shoreline and M-28 is void of snow from Rock River Rd west to Marquette- its over, over there.  Luckily, the UP 200 sled dog races pulled through before the massive meltdown which occurred only a few days after the event.

All feeder trails are void of snow.  Snowmobilers are all concentrated in outlying areas of Munising and Wetmore. Feeder trails in Chatham for example are void of snow.  If you're in the city of Munising, you'll have to trailer in to snow filled areas. Much is the same in most communities.

Tensions are high on the trails. With massive weekend trail traffic, groomers are having a hard time keeping up with it all.

All it takes is a few thousand sleds in a confined area and you have conditions ripe for disaster.

If you want to ride, there's plenty of snow in the woods, but as far as trail quality and performance goes... it's taking a nose-dive, crash landing. And with temperatures expected to climb in the next few days, conditions can only get worse.

This article isn't intended to lure anyone away.  Primarily it's purpose is to explain and show how a lack of significant snowfall can deteriorate, not only a trail network link, but a vital link to distant communities as well. Confined areas of travel and a lack of snow result in a more rapid deterioration of trail conditions.

Other than the top picture of this page, trail pics are those of the notorious trail #417 that runs east and west along M-28 and connects to Harvey, Marquette and Gwinn.  This trail system segment is vulnerable and adversely affected throughout the winter due to the high winds blowing off Lake Superior. This trail segment has got to be rerouted.

The heading picture shown on top is that of Buckhorn where trails are currently holding up.  The further south you go, the more the snow thins out.

Forget the weekends... you're only going to add to the problems even if we do get hit with significant snowfall in the days to come.  Weekdays are your best bet. It's getting down to the wire.

The good news?  Temps remain below average. Daytime highs have been in the lower to middle 20's.  Also, as I type, Delta county is getting slammed with a major snow storm.  The storm reaches to Gwinn, where they could pick up 5 or more inches of much needed new snowfall.

More good news as of 4:29 PM Sunday Feb. 25, 2007

Report Updated: Thursday, February 15, 2007

Alrighty then, now that all the weekend trail warriors have gone home, its tend to the mess on a limited trail system that benefits most, the city of Munising, east to Shingleton, north to Grand Marais and east over into northern Luce county. 

Not real impressive snowmobile trail conditions for nearing the middle of February, and certainly not for the yoop on a whole.  Scattered trail distances from one end of the yoop to the the other.  Some snow here, very little over there, and a whole mess pile up there.  Lake effect is all we're getting and primarily the northern tier county of Alger and Luce.  That's it! Everywhere else is in dire need of snow.

Without dispute, this snowmobile season will go down as the worst ever in the yoop.  Kind of, well- much like the Bush administration. You just can't really find anything good about it, except in one small, limited place.

Besides a complete lack of snow in the south for the entire season, the on-again, off again, trail that's been the real trouble maker here in the central yoop is trail #417 that stretches from east-west along the Lake Superior shoreline.  From west of AuTrain into Harvey the trail is POOR at best.  Good though, for those of you who enjoy like rocks, gravel and snirt.  The area just can't get their hands on enough snow to complete the link.  It never could. 

I think I remember only one, (okay, maybe two but don't quote me) good season on that trail section in over 10 years; and that was in March, with nobody here but locals on the trails. (shhhhhhh, which by the way is the best time to ride, weather permitting of course)

When are they ever gonna figure out, they have to re-route that trail segment?  It's been nothing but a headache ever since it was launched.  I've heard talk about it a few years ago. Just disconnect that damn link. 

Well, even if they had re-routed this season, it still wouldn't have done any good. "Why" you ask?  Well, listen to who you want, but there just isn't any snow in Harvey and Marquette anyway.

Trails in Gwinn have at best a 4 inch base.  They're just working on what-ever blowing snow they can get their hands on.  We haven't had any snowfall here in Gwinn in over a week... just down right cold weather.  Now you tell me what they're grooming.  I know-

And what about this frigid deep freeze weather?  The only good thing about it is, it haphazardly fuels the opposition to Global Warming.   It gives them a very short term argument that we're all crying "the sky is falling".  It sure isn't like it use to be.

Okay, here's a heads up on this snowmobile trail reporting website-  we're out of here on a daily basis.  Yup, that's right- we've had it, it's done.  We will however, continue to generate a weekly report that'll be delivered on each Monday. (Because we all know what the weekend dishes out.)  I would suggest you make your plans for during the week.  You'll find the best trail conditions and the least trail traffic.

For instance,  I was out yesterday from Four Corners to Gwinn and then to Sawyer.  I came across two sleds.   Granted, the groomer is working with what little snow they've got to work with.  (I refuse to show the pictures)  And it's much worse south of Gwinn-  in fact, some trails are completely closed. C'ya when it snow hearty.

Happy & Safe Trails

Report Updated: Sunday, February 04, 2007

Never mind anything else... show me the damn snow

Over-all snowmobile trail conditions are FAIR at best. The most snow and the best trails are the northern tier counties- where most recent lake effect snow showers have deposited its fury, leaving the southern U.P. with light snow sporadically.   Heading south or east of Munising, snow on trails thin out considerably.  One of the worse trail links, trail #417 connecting AuTrain to Harvey is still in dire need of new snowfall.  Heavy weekend snowmobile trail traffic further deteriorates the trail system where snow totals are weak.  There's plenty of snow in woods however and there's plenty of fun to encounter.  As for snowmobile trail performance? Be prepared for the good, the bad and the ugly.

Happy & Safe Trails

Report Updated: January 30, 2007

Never mind anything else... show me the damn snow

Better late than never.  As of last evening and over the early morning hours, a  lake effect snow advisory has been issued for Delta County.  If they get enough of the white stuff, it will connect the south with the central U.P, completing most of the central, north-south trail network and snowmobile business as usual.

The only real weak link is snowmobile trail #417 west of AuTrain to Harvey, however the last few days brought the area some real significant snow totals that have upgraded the snowmobile trail considerably.  Now all we need is continued snow showers from here on out and things should be looking UP.

Trail traffic is moderate to heavy on the weekends, so for best trail riding performance make your trip during the week.  

Lake effect snow advisory now in effect for Escanaba, Delta County.

Happy & Safe Trails

Saturday, January 27, 2007

We're back in the season saddle again.  Other than the south central Michigan U.P. all the dots are connected.  Take a ride from Grand Marais to Gwinn and you encounter for the most part, excellent snowmobile trail journies. Continued cold weather and nearly an un-ending supply of lake effect snow showers, have set the season in motion.

The last couple of days, lake effect snow showers have visited and supplied the west, northern tier Alger County with significant snow- enough to connect the missing snowmobile trail link #417 from just west of AuTrain, all the way into Harvey and Marquette.  It's almost complete and the snowmobile season under-way will hopefully provide us with plenty of trail fun for the weeks ahead.  Get out now and enjoy the trails before the weather changes hey?  And you all know how our weather changes.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

It continues to snow.  Another week of this cold weather and numerous snow showers like we've been getting, trail conditions should be looking like EXCELLENT! If you're looking for snowmobile trail performance, its only a few days away if that. Now's the time to gear up while supplies last. Weather forecast outlook is calling for deep freeze temps for the next several days- and continued, significant lake effect showers to boot.

In fact, never mind reporting about Munising & Northern Alger County for this report... with all the lake effect snow their getting, we can skip right to the snowmobile trail news of day.  The forecast for today is showing the possibility for significant lake effect snow showers for the undeveloped, east-west snowmobile trail link #417.  That would connect the village of AuTrain to Harvey and ultimately the city of Marquette and beyond.  Interesting huh?  Well it was a late start to get there but things are really looking up and everyone can be happy about that... well most everyone that is.  Right around the corner now, and once you hit the trails, you'll be saying "it just doesn't get any better than this"!  A long time in coming, and we'll take all we can get our hands on.

Monday, January 22, 2007

Continued light lake effect snow showers have helped out the northern tier counties of Alger, northern Schoolcraft and Luce counties, but that hasn't done any good for trails south, beyond M-28 however.  Trail travel distances are limited.  For example, starting west from the village of AuTrain, trail 417 hasn't developed a sufficient base to locations such as Deerton, Sand River and west to Harvey. 

There's plenty of snow in the north woods, but overall trail conditions are FAIR at best.  If you want to romp in the woods, this is it.  If you're looking for optimum trail performance, this season has been hard-pressed to supply it thus far.  You'll have to get along with the good, the bad and the ugly. Trail traffic is light to moderate throughout a limited area of travel.  More sled traffic and a lack of significant snowfall make conditions worsen by the day.

More snow is in the forecast, but the entire central southern Yoop really needs a good over-all dumpage to connect outlying trail routs to the south, west and east of Munising and Alger county.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

What a difference lake effect snow makes.  The good news?  Snowmobile trail conditions have definitely improved over the past few days for central northern Michigan Upper Peninsula.  Groomers are out, there's plenty of snow now and more in the forecast for the days ahead.  Trails have gone from poor to fair to fair to good.  Even feeder trails into the city of Munising and Grand Marais have improved considerably.

The bad news? Still, you'll find snowmobile trails void of significant snowfall and a trail base from west of AuTrain to Deerton, Sand River and Harvey. Also, the Gwinn, Sawyer and Little Lake trail system is still dire need of new snowfall. Trails are in bad shape due to a lack of snowfall.  If they are grooming there, I don't know where they're getting the snow from.

Friday, January 19, 2007

If you want to get out and ride- you'll be happy.  If you're looking for premium trail performance you won't find it overall.  It's just that simple.  Trails, other than the northern tier county system are still lacking adequate snow even for a trail base.  Best trails are northeast of Munising.  Plenty of snow in the northern Hiawatha National Forest and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to Grand Marais. More lake effect snow and cold weather temps are expected today and into next week.  The problem is... lake effect accumulations are concentrated on the northern tier county leaving the southern Yoop dry.  Trail travel distances are extremely limited.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

With all the right winter ingredients and connecting all the dots... you have a snowmobile season.  Here we are, over half way into January and the snowmobile season finally ignites with an old fashion Michigan Upper Peninsula lake effect snow storm.  That's just what happened for much of Michigan's Upper Peninsula yesterday. Some better than others

In the Central U.P., hardest hit was Ishpeming, Negaunee and Gwinn where accumulations reached record breaking snow totals. Gwinn received over a foot of new snowfall.  The new snowfall joined snowmobile trail routes that were otherwise closed because of a lack of sufficient snowfall since the season opener.  The lake effect snow storm also triggered grooming operations for many trail routes.

A snowmobile trail route is now open from and to west Marquette, Chatham to Gwinn and Little Lake. Although a very late start, the season is beginning to show a sigh of relief for both Upper Peninsula businesses and visiting snowmobilers alike.

Eastward, even the city Munising and its surrounding area got a shot of new snowfall that has helped its deteriorating trail conditions in most recent days. In fact, Munising, northern Schoolcraft county and Grand Marais is under a Lake Effect Snow Advisory all day today and this evening.

The only area left in the central Upper Peninsula that's still trying to recover from a lack of significant snow is east of AuTrain to Harvey along M-28.  More snow is expected throughout the week and possibly another lake effect snow storm by the weekend.  That's good news.  Granted, more snow is needed in some areas, such as the city of Marquette, but this snow storm for the most part gets the season back on map.

Monday, January 15, 2007

It's snow to go for much of Michigan's Central Upper Peninsula after a massive lake effect snow storm delivered up to nearly a foot of fresh new snow overnight and today to west Marquette (Negaunee & Ishpeming) and south to Gwinn and Little Lake.  Gwinn Michigan for example received nearly a foot of new snowfall, and schools were closed.

To the south east of Marquette, Chatham also was hit hard with over six inches and counting and finally connecting snowmobile trails to Gwinn and Little Lake.  Continued cold weather and additional lake effect snow showers today and the more snow showers expected throughout the week, will make for a great U.P. Michigan snowmobile trail riding experience.

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Granted, we all want snow for more reasons than just one... but the recent hype given snow blessed areas in most recent days is only that.. just hype.  Seriously, the only decent trail riding is in the woods.  The north woods that is... the north Hiawatha National Forest for example. Anything south of M-28, snow on trails is extremely thin and with hardly a base. 

It's not a pretty picture and we're not going to paint one.  Snow filled areas are scattered throughout the central Upper Peninsula at best. As far as feeder trails go, they're worn and void of sufficient snow. If you must ride, hit the north woods. We haven't even come close to begin giving our trails a rating, because the trail system network doesn't even exist. 

The central Michigan Upper Peninsula is still in dire need of new, significant snowfall and not day to day lake effect snow showers that produce an inch or two here and there.  We need an all out, genuine Michigan Upper Peninsula snow storm- and only then can we begin dancing for joy.

There's virtually no snow east of Ishpeming and south of Big Bay and from downtown Marquette to Gwinn.  Additionally, there's insufficient snow totals from AuTrain to Harvey.

Thursday, January 11, 2007

It's a start. Nothing to brag about. Mother Nature draped a white carpet of fresh lake effect snow over the northern tier counties of Alger, Northern Schoolcraft, Luce and Chippewa to a line just north of M-28 where snow totals begin to diminish considerable.

In the south, yesterday overnight Lake Michigan lake effect snow showers brought in a few inches of new snow to Manistique and further east as far as St. Ignace.  I don't have the exact snow totals for that area- but from everything gathered I am sure it's not quite enough to hit the trails and get excited over...as of yet. Scattered, light lake effect snow showers are expected each day throughout this week with the potential of significant snow accumulations forecasted for Monday.

The entire Central U.P. is by no means covered with snow at this time.  For example, there's very little snow if any, east M-28 from Munising to Marquette and north US 41 from Harvey to Chatham, Gwinn and Little Lake. No snow to go there what so ever- only a dusting received in the past couple of days. 

Trail travel distances are extremely limited throughout.  Best bet for snow-going sleds is along the northern Lake Superior shoreline from Munising to the Sault.

Munising claims they'll be grooming shortly, though I've been told there's minor snow accumulations east and south of Munising. Unplowed Federal forest roads are recommended by the city's official snowmobile website.

Make sure to check out our snowmobile trail and snow conditions links page to get exact snow totals.  And/or contact your favorite information or lodging resource for complete details.  Keep in mind- it's still not a very pretty picture if you're expecting groomed trail performance- but you'll have fun in the northern Hiawatha Forest and trails leading to Grand Marais and east.  Trail-wise, you can expect pounded trail conditions, washed out curves, water, snirt, dirt and gravel.  Feeder trails in Munising, Grand Marais & Paradise for example will be disastrous.

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Okay we got some snow-  big deal?  Could be if ole man winter (notice small caps? No respect) can keep it a daily routine for then next two months.  Seriously,  the central Yoop, received scattered light snow showers yesterday, overnight and after the the temps cooled down.  The northern tier, Alger county, from Pictured Rocks to Grand Marais received as much as three inches- less amounts headed south.  In places like Chatham and Gwinn- just a light dusting received. It's gonna take a hole lot of days like last night- to catch up and get started once again.

Outlook?  Weather wizards are paying close attention to the possibility of a LE system headed this way for the weekend.  Could be something to watch.  Other than that... its no go for snow.  At least not enough to romp and play in at this time anywhere in the Yoop.  We'll just sit and wait till it happens.  Can't go on forever like this can it? Hmmmmm

PM UPDATE:
It looks as Northern Alger County- Munising, Pictured Rocks and Grand Marais may be the first areas in the Yoop to hit the trails this snowmobile season.  Yesterday brought a few inches, it's currently snowing pretty good now and the next few days weather forecasts are calling for continued 50% chance snow showers throughout the week and into the weekend.  Best to keep a close eye on this one. It's looking pretty good for Munising so far.

Winter is back in the Yoop!  Well, the temperatures are at least. Still no snow to go, but now with colder temps, we can watch the ground freeze and prepare for what's eventually going to happen... SNOW!  Weather wizards are claiming we'll be back into the snow-zone with lake effect kicking in within the next few days and possibly during late next week.  They're not making a real big deal out of it, so hang on to your handle grips and hope and pray for the best.  We're already approaching the middle of January and it's only been yesterday and now today, that temps are getting back to more like normal.  January thus far, has been nearly 20 degrees above normal.

We'll keep you posted here. Think Snow.

Friday, January 05, 2007

No snow... no go.  More than several days have passed having unseasonably mild daytime and over-night record breaking temperatures.  Today was a major meltdown and seemed much more like middle March... and not the first week in January.  Don't get your hopes up for the near future either.  Precipitation is in the forecast for the next several days- that is.. snow at night, and rain during the day, because daytime temps are expected to be in the middle to upper 30's.  That computes to more slush, mush and mud.  If you're looking for snow, you won't find any left in the Yoop. 

With all this warm weather and rain, it's going to take a long time to re-freeze our current mud-slide snowmobile base.  When it snows, it melts.  When it snows again, it melts again- and over and over and over.  The temperature at midnight Wednesday was 41 degrees, which broke the previous record high for the date of 39 degrees set in 1990 and for yesterday's date, which was 37 degrees set in 1992.  I suggest snowmobilers should look west for snow- places like Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming.  There's plenty of snow there. 

Anyone know of any good play station video snowmobile games???  Seems they'd sell like hot-cakes just about now, and maybe curb snowmobiling withdrawals.

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Happy New Year!.

It snows... it rains, ...and then it turns to 40 degrees during the day.  Another few inches fell in Gwinn Michigan overnight and into early morning-  a wet, very heavy mix.  By noon daytime temps hit near 40 degrees turning snow once again to a mushy, wet heavy slush mix. Not quite the consistency to help out our snowmobile trail system.  The next few days, daytime temps are expected to reach 40 degrees as well.  There seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel. 

I am told as much as 5 plus inches of new snow fell west of Marquette-  but with daytime highs in the 40's it doesn't look like it'd be any better there than here.  Alger, Schoolcraft, Luce & Delta counties are void of snow on trails.

Here we are, now in the busiest time of the snowmobile season and we're bone-dry of any snowfall-  a brown Xmas, with nowhere to turn to snow.  Boo-Hoo  Ah, but then- there's always Colorado!  Colorado has a ton of snow.  Hmmmmm

Oh yeah too... there's Snowmobile Idaho.  Plenty of snow on the snowmobile trails in Idaho.

Sunday, December 31, 2006

Happy New Year!.

What snowfall we received a couple a days ago (3 to 4 inches, Gwinn) is now all slush and quickly vanishing due to unseasonably mild temps and plenty of rainfall.  What was expected to be a potential winter weather/snow maker, tonight into tomorrow, turned out to a be a complete U.P. weather wash-out.  A winter weather statement issued yesterday was cancelled.

No snow... no go. No snow in these here parts. However, if you're looking for snow allow me to suggest snowmobile Idaho.  There's a whole ton of snow there.  And, if you're not sure where to go or how to locate information, you can go to Idaho Snowmobile Tour information for a complete packages.  Just think, you can be bringing in the New Year snowmobiling this week in Idaho.

Saturday, December 30, 2006

No snow... No Go!
Boy, as usual, our weather forecasters really screwed up again- big time, yesterday.  They down-played a possible winter snow event that was expected to produce an inch of snow and/or snow-rain mix- no one paid any attention to it... until it started snowing.  The winter system was concentrated in the central and southern U.P. where Gwinn, Michigan totaled at least 3 inches of new snow fall-  that's the good news.

The bad news??? Today temperature highs expected into the 40's and full sun shine all day.  That spells disaster for what little snow accumulation we acquired yesterday.   Three inches of new snow is a blessing these days in the Yoop...but not for long and not tonight.

Winter Temps have been extraordinarily above normal and having many days without snowfall.  Our low temps for example, have been higher than our normal high temps for most of the entire month of December.  Where's January going to take us?  It doesn't look good

Nothing to report so we'll sit and we'll wait like good boys and girls. 

Oh yeah, and have a Happy New Year BTW.

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Ah yes,  tis the no snow, no snowmobiling blues this holiday season.  Chin up though, it can't be this way for ever ya know. We still have a good couple of months of winter left. Can you believe that?  Remember, days gone by, listening to all the rhetoric about how Michigan U.P. Winters are so terribly long?  One I can't fail to forget is- "Michigan's Upper Peninsula has two seasons... Winter and August."

If you've noticed, for the past several years our winters have been shorter and shorter.  And this winter I think will go into the history books I am sure. We've had a whole lot of snow-less days so far this winter.  Can it get any worse?  We'll see.

Needless to say, there isn't any snow in our neck of the woods.  I am told there's limited snow available in the western U.P.  but no one is bragging about it, or admitting it personally.  Everything is second hand chatter.  Hmmmmmm.  I'm certainly not satisfied with making the trip to Ironwood, and I live here in the U.P.

Nothing to report so we'll sit and we'll wait like good boys and girls. 

Oh yeah, and have a Happy New Year BTW.

Sunday, December 24, 2006

There you have it... a storm without season. Just as I suspected.  As far as snow-filled areas are concerned here- you'll have to go west my friend, cause we didn't get any snow in our neck of the woods.  It's a snow-less Christmas for Central Michigan U.P. this year once again.  We're completely void of snow from Escanaba to Grand Marais and Paradise. The worse part?  Looks like we'll be high and dry for some many days to come. Good News?  Overnight temps are expected to reach more like... near normal?

If you do come on up... lets say to ride your 4 wheelers or to go canoeing? Please make sure you bring your raincoats- cause rainfall has been the norm in these parts for the past, many several days.  Snow doesn't lurk in these parts anymore.  It's a brown Xmas and conditions don't look like they're going to improve before the New Year. 

Merry Xmas everyone-  oh and a Happy New Year too. (Cause this site will probably be dormant until after the new year- or when ever we get some dang blasted snow)  Don't blame us if we leave this site unattended for awhile...  it's over and there's hardly been a few moments of fun. We're outta here. Bub bye! 

Oh, btw- and how are Michigan Upper Peninsula businesses singing the Merry Christmas business blues you ask?   SHIP, that's it!  I'll write a song, and sell millions to snowmobilers.. I'll title the song "The Boo Hoo U.P. Christmas Blues".  That's the ticket!  BE THE FIRST! Buy your friggin copy here now!  Wow, Am sure glad I don't have a business reliant on seasonal snowfall in the Yoop.

Hey friggin Stan???  You diggin it?  Yeah baby, Yeah!

Saturday, December 22, 2006

No snow... no go.  Snowmobile trails are void of any significant snowfall at this time.

Ordinarily our weather forecasters will give us at least a hint, to the amount of snowfall, days in advance- leading up to a possible snow event.  Not Tonite. 

Currently the Upper Peninsula is under an issued Special Weather Statement. (US Severe Weather) So far, (without giving snow totals) it appears the western U.P. is going to be hit with snow, while the central and eastern U.P. will get rain, rain-mix and or freezing rain out of the system.  They're not giving out any total snow fall expectations.

The outlook for a white Xmas here in the north appears unlikely. So far in December, we've been 15 degrees above average and more than 18 days without snow.  You can bet your sweet handle grips businesses are singing the "no-snow blues" these days.

Here we are leading up to the busiest time of the snowmobile season and we're bone-dry of any snowfall-  a brown Xmas, with nowhere to turn to snow.  Boo-Hoo  Ah, but then- there's always Colorado!  Colorado has a ton of snow.  Hmmmmm

I personally, am not going to hold my breath to the up and coming forecast weather experts are dishing out- especially when they can't even give us a clue on snow totals, less than 24 hours away from an approaching storm.

None the less, we'll keep our eyes and ears open and notify you if we happen to reap any snow rewards from Mother Nature, Old Man Winter and Jack Frost.

Merry Xmas to all and to all a good nite.

Friday, December 15, 2006

Here today, gone tomorrow.  The December 2006 snowmobile season is a wash out.  After a fun, but very brief encounter with snow-filled trails, the Upper Peninsula, including most of the Midwest, encountered a massive warm-up and rain showers powerful enough to put an end to what was thought... the "December snowmobile season opener".

It's over.  More unseasonably warm weather is in the forecast for the next several days-  and weather forecasters are hinting towards much of the same beyond that.  Only a few light snow showers possible... or freezing drizzle or rain.  No real snow events or significant snow fall for the future thus far.  Looks like a Xmas outing is out of the question... unless you want to four wheel it. I guess once again that we're back into the "lets wait and see" state of depression.

Climate change?  An Inconvenient Truth?  For those of us who've been around the U.P. for a good number of years, global climate change has been looking more and more like an inconvenience truth.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

It's over, washed out and melted away.  After four days of above freezing daytime temps, and three overnight temps above freezing, unseasonably warm weather has done us in big time.  At first, it looked like we could hang on to a developed base- only if overnight temps below freezing could spare us.  Not so, and " Not Tonight". 

As I sit here and type in the wee hours of the AM, we're currently experiencing a massive rain shower- just totally wiping out what snow we had accumulated. It rained for most of the entire day.  Right now trails are all about water, dirt and gravel. I'm afraid I have to admit it... we're back to square one Gentlemen.

It's not looking too good at all for snowmobiling here this Xmas-  if this weather continues that is.  We're into at least, the next five days above normal temps.  YuK!

That means we only have a window of opportunity for seven days to change things around in our favor.  Any bets anyone?

As for right now, it looks like we'll be taking a back seat on the snowmobile season until our next encounter with Mother Nature, Old Man Winter and Jack Frost... or who ever first decides to merit us with a return to winter.  (I heard a rumor Jack Frost recently took his closest weather friends on a global warming summit somewhere in the Antarctica)

The only promising trail report I've heard came from Paul Routhier at Sault Snowmobile Association Trail Report ...and after yesterday's soaking I can only guess it must have gotten much worse.

Well, until something new and exciting comes along our way we'll sit, wait... and pray, &$#@ it!

Merry Xmas

Monday, December 11, 2006

You'd think having a couple of days of above freezing temps, snowmobile trail conditions would deteriorate considerably.  It hasn't been all that bad... for areas like Munising and to northern Pictured Rocks and northern Schoolcraft county.  Actually, the high temps could have a positive note- the beginning of a new trail base- provided we can keep overnight temps below freezing and no rain.

 Trails are open, they're just not being groomed.  More snow is needed to compact and develope a firm, solid base.  The bad news?  We're expecting warm weather temps for next several days.  Without any snowfall..  we'll be back to square one and waiting once again for another encounter with Ole Man Winter.

We're not telling you it's a pretty picture.  It's all going to go down-hill from here on out- that is if we don't get any new snow soon.  If you took the chance to romp on the trails since our last LE snow event, congratulations, you had a good ride in.

If you're thinking about heading on up, think about it... warm weather, worn trails, slush, snirt and well you know the rest.  If you're willing however, there's still plenty of snow and fun in deep woods- if you're willing to trailer into it.

Happy & Safe Travels

Site Update: Friday, December 08, 2006

What does it mean... when the snowmobile season is open?  (Obviously we have to have snow.) Isn't it on December 1st?  Or, is it once the first groomer hits the trails? Or, when the DNR says it is?  According to this snowmobile news article trails aren't open. 

Maybe to the snowmobile trail grooming community and the Department of Natural Resources, trails are not open,  but with all the snow we've got-  especially the northern tier counties, Marquette,  Alger and Northern Schoolcraft- the trails are officially open- and you can bet there's plenty of snow to go around, both on and off the trails.  Snowmobile trails are open-  they're just not being groomed... for now that is.

Granted, trails are not going to be side-walk smooth.  But if you want to head out for an early season romp- this is the time to do it... while supplies last.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

There's no shortage of snow east to west along the northern tier U.P. counties and south to the Delta county line.  And we're always grateful to get more.  More is what we're into for tonight and tomorrow.  Looks like trails are going to get another pounding of Lake Effect snow showers beginning tonight.  We'll keep you posted on snow totals as we receive them.

If all goes well, it looks like grooming operations just might take off-  Hey wait a minute... there's a rumor going around that due to temps above freezing expected in the next couple of days after this storm, grooming operations are going to be put on hold, despite what snowfall we get tonight and tomorrow.

Doesn't matter-  there's plenty of snow in the woods and enough snowfall keeping trails passable. Trail activity levels are low.

Monday, December 04, 2006

We're into snow and we're into a new season- jump started by a December 03rd Lake Superior, lake effect snow storm that dumped significant snow accumulations from east to west along the northern tier counties of Lake Superior.

Some areas received as much as 7 to 8 inches.  Overall average was 4 to 6 inches from east to west.  Locals took to the trails for a season's first time out.

Granted, it's not all that explosive... but its a start to an otherwise soggy season.  December roars in with plummeting temps and some snow-shine to boot.  Rumor has it the Houghton, Hancock trail system may be setting their sites on grooming operations this week.  No other grooming operations in progress reported as of yet.

This is just a kick-start to the new season, but anything is better than nothing and we'll gladly thank Mother Nature, Old Man Winter and Jack Frost for cooperating.

Here in Gwinn, we even cashed  in on the snow show, with an average of 4 to 5 inches acquired from the storm.  Needless to say, sleds could be heard hitting the trails in all directions. Trails may not be prime, but there's snow and a whole lot of Winter ahead.

More snow expected throughout the week

Posted: December 02, 2006

Trails are covered with new snowfall

Our northern tier counties (Marquette, Alger and Luce) are now snow covered with some locations having up to 4 inches acquired yesterday.  Snow showers remain in the forecast for next few days.  Of course, there aren't any grooming operations going on yet. Early, local snowmobilers have taken to the trails with what little snow we have received so far, with more snow on the way. 

The most snow right now is located in the Keweenaw- no grooming operations at this time. It appears now we're going to develop a trail base within the next several days- accompanied by below normal temps and a series of lake effect snow events.  Things are looking UP.  We'll keep you posted.

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We'll keep you posted and thanks for stopping by to visit.