Reports

Reporter:BayfieldCounty

Trail Conditions: Unknown

Snow Cover: 6-8 inch base

Date of Report: January 25, 2018

Area Report:

We’ve been seeing lots of sleds on the trails the past couple weeks and it is a welcomed sight! We didn’t get the huge dump of snow that was forecasted, but many parts of the County did receive from fresh snow this week. We are grateful for the snow we have, but could always use some more.  Detailed reports from the local snowmobile clubs are posted below. Stay safe and stay on the trails!

Namakagon Trail Groomers: All trails had been groomed prior to the new snow. The system is in Great shape!! With the new snow of 3-6 in. We have a base of 5-8 in. Namakagon Trail Groomers will be out laying down the new snow and getting the trails groomed before the weekend. The Grooming team is doing a great job of keeping our trails as good as possible! We do have a couple areas that are going continue to be of areas concern. One being Trail 90 at Old Grade and Federal roads. Heavy logging traffic. They are running trucks in and out Old Grade and Federal rd. Both roads are marked as detour for trail 90 however the townships had to plow down so the trucks can meet each other. Another area of caution is trail 15 north of Club Lake Rd. Water from a spring continues to weep out of the hillside where the trail had to be rebuilt last year causing ICE down and across the trail!  As always watch for Groomers and ride safe!

Drummond Snojacks: Drummond trails have been groomed after an early week snowfall of 3” and will continue up until the weekend. Trails remain snow covered and in good condition. Those traveling on trail #63 in and out of Mason must stay on marked trails and off of private property/fields. This route is in jeopardy.

Barnes Barnestormers: In our area grooming operations continued earlier in the week 1/21 through today, 1/24, all trails are groomed, trails groomed out well, with welcomed cold temperatures through the nighttime hours, trails are holding up, we could definitely use more snow in some areas.  Thanks to the County Forestry Dept. for their efforts on Trail 31S, the trail is groomed and in fair condition.

Bayfield County Snowmobile Alliance – Iron River Area: Trail conditions in the immediate Iron River area, with the exception of the Tri County Corridor, are in fair shape at best. Still good riding to be had both north and south of town.

Washburn Valhallers: Trail #13 North from Washburn to Valhalla was groomed Tuesday, 1/24 and still remains in great shape.  Just a few bare spots before grooming, but with even the little additional snow this week, things are solid and white again.  Trail #13 South from Washburn to the Tri-County Corridor will be regroomed Thursday, 1/25.  The trail is holding it’s own and is still very ridable. Valhalla area continues to have excellent riding opportunities. South of Hwy C starting to show some wear but is still very rideable

South shore Trail Club – Port Wing, Herbster & Cornucopia: Was out Wednesday, 1/24, and will be out again Thursday. Trail 1 by the lake is thin but rideable. Trails 40 & 41 are good to very good.

WAINO Riders- Northwest corner of the County: Trail 1 from the Corridor to Highway 13 is in good shape with grooming coming Thrusday, 1/25, or Friday morning. It’s seen a lot of use the last two weekends. 

Closures:

• Trail 1 near Port Wing: This is now open but use caution as ruts have frozen into the ground.
• Trail 63 in the Cable Area: Trail 63 just south of the intersection with Trail 70 south of the town of Cable is closed until further notice.
• Trail 31 South of the intersection with Trail 1 near the City of Bayfield is not signed and not being groomed. There is currently no trail access to the City of Bayfield, but there is access to Legendary Waters Casino.

ReReoutes:

• Trail 13 outside Washburn, follow signs. Permanent reroute.
• Trail 4 east of Mason, follow signs. Seasonal reroute for now, includes road routes.
• Trail 70 south of Cable, follow signs. Seasonal reroute for now, includes road routes.

Logging Activity

• Trail 40 Southeast of Port Wing has a timber sale going active this week so keep your eyes out and stay alert in that area.
• Trail 1 between Cornucopia and Bayfield near Henkens Road has an active logging operation. They are logging off the trail and using the trail as a haul route so use caution.
• Trail 51 south of Cornucopia near Jodi road is now being used for an active timber sale. They are logging off the trail and using the trail as a haul route so use caution. Jodi road is also being plowed for a short distance.