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Trail Report: Eagle River, Wisconsin – February 22, 2017

Trail Conditions: Poor

Snow Cover: Little or no base or snow

Date of Report: February 22, 2017

Area Report:

Trails OPEN
Poor to Unrideable

No rain yesterday. Sun out most of the day.  Looks like SNOW for Friday and Saturday.  Wide range of totals.  Stay tuned.

  •      *Wunderground weather forecasting 1-3 inches Thursday night, 1-3  Friday daytime, 1-3 Friday night  and about 1 inch Saturday.
  •       *NOAA weather forecasting 2 inches Thursday night with Snow Friday and Saturday with no totals. 90%
  •        *Weather Service forecasting 3 inches Thursday night also Snow Friday and Saturday with no totals. 90%

Trail Boss Brian reports that “all grooming has been suspended until weather permits”.

The barrels have been pulled from both Catfish Lake Loop & Eagle Lake Trail.  Advise not to ride.  If you do it is at your own risk.

Short report until the temps return to “normal” February weather.

Keep Doin’ The Snow Dance! And For Heavens Sake…THINK COLD!

See Ya On The Trails Soon I Hope!

Holly Tomlanovich
Communications Chair
Sno-Eagles, Inc.
PROUD GROOMERS OF THE SNOWMOBILE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD® – Eagle River
Phone Trail Updates 715.479.5185 – Early AM with more updates should conditions changes dictate.

News and Reports:

***RIDE WITH PRIDE RAFFLE TICKETS
Drawing 12 Noon, this Saturday, February 25, 2017 at TrackSide***

  • $2 each or 3/$5 available from Sno-Eagles, Eagle River Chamber office & many businesses in Eagle River
  • Prizes – 1st prize SkiDoo MXZE 600 or CanAm Outlander 570. 2nd prize 55′ Flat panel TV or $500. 3rd prize Wkend at Eagle Waters Resort + dinner. 4th prize Wkend at Wild Eagle Lodge.
  • Meet AWSC Miss Snowflake Erica Keehn!

SNO-EAGLES SNO HUNT – January 13-February 28, 2017 – for more information contact Dave Mrczynski at 715.891.8584.

  • A fun snowmobile scavenger hunt with bonus point & prizes
  • Register at local businesses

SNO (Saturday Night Out) – Cocktails 5:30pm – Dinner 6:00pm

  • February 25 – 12 Pines Restaurant on Townline Rd off of Trail 10E
  • March 25 – Catch 22 on Hwy 70E/Trail 10E about 5 miles from Eagle River.

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY TRAIL RIDES – No Trail Rides this week

  • Meet on Trail 13 (the Grade) in town between Historic Railroad Depot & Friendship House
  • 9am departure

MONTHLY MEETINGS – 6:30pm Snacks – Meeting at 7pm – All Welcome!

  • March 16 – Eagle Waters (Hwy 70E to Rangeline Rd-follow the signs)
  • April 20 – Gordo’s (Hwy 45N across from Holiday North Gas Station)

BOARD MEETINGS – 7pm at the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame (Hwy 45N next door to the World Championship Snowmobile Derby)

  • January-May the 1st Tuesday of the each month

Snowmobile Information:

DNR Registration, $30 Trail Pass information

AWSC $10 Trail Pass information

Trail Report: Hayward / Sawyer County, Wisconsin – February 22, 2017

Trail Conditions: No Snow

Snow Cover: No Snow at this time!

Date of Report: February 22, 2017

Area Report:

Due to the warm temps and the rain.. our trails may be open but are un-rideable at this time.  The lakes have all been un-staked and are considered unsafe.

If we receive colder temperatures, plus snow… we may have the wooded Seeley Hills Area available for snowmobiles!

Trail Report: Conover, Wisconsin – February 22, 2017

Trail Conditions: Not Ridable

Snow Cover: 4″ & going fast

Date of Report: February 22, 2017

Area Report:

Virtually all trails & base are gone. Vilas trails are technically open but are un-rideable. Lakes are now basically just ice with some water on top, all snow is gone. Top soil is soft but I believe there is still frost an inch or 2 down.

We have been in the upper 40’s to mid 50’s for 5 days running, lots of sun & rain Monday night as well. Some clouds today with highs forecast in 50’s again. There is a possible storm Friday with storm totals all over the place from 4 inches to a foot or better. So, we wait & see. I can imagine that given the forecast track, temps & time of year IF this storm develops, it could drop what I call “glacier snow” (given that we are in the SE winds portion of the track). Glacier snow is the stuff that is so water logged that when you shovel/plow it in the sunshine it will appear blue.

If (yes, another IF) this storm happens it will take 8″ or more to begin to make trails fair or better. The more snow the better, but heavy wet snow compounds problems too. Trees & branches may come down, and if the snow is way deep, it will be difficult to pan the trails. We will be essentially starting from square one just like early to mid December all over again. Wet areas/swamps & low spots in the trails may be an issue even with a heavy snow.

All grooming operations are suspended until the weather changes.

News and Reports:

It crossed my mind that for those of you that have never snowmobiled in Vilas or surrounding, it is unlike areas further south. We really have nearly zero farm field crossings. Most riding is in the woods, some trails are on old rail grades & there are lots of lake crossings. But, be prepared to travel a distance to the next stop, especially along the northern portions of the county. Food is hard to find on Tuesdays, carry a snack. 

Please stay on the trails; Trespassing is the fastest way to loose trails. Don’t forget you need a WI trail permit to ride the state’s groomed trail system. Aggressive riding causes more trail damage than slower, less aggressive riding. Ride right & be safe.

 

Trail Report: Boulder Junction, Wisconsin – February 22, 2017

Trail Conditions: Poor

Snow Cover: 6-8

Date of Report: February 22, 2017

Area Report:

Trail report for February 22 2017-Trails are poor. With the rain and warm and sunny day Monday and Tuesday our trails are pretty well shot. The trails have many puddles, bare spots and are down to the base. Out in the woods we still have a little snow. One thing on the bright side we are expecting a big snowstorm late Thursday with colder weather. It could be 6-9 inches with the heaviest band to be up to 12 inches. They aren’t quite sure were the heaviest band is going to hit yet but it could be right on our trails. If this happens we could be back out grooming and back in business for a while. Even with 6-9 inches we will be in good shape. Cross your fingers.  We can always use more snow and cold weather!!!  Please be careful out there! Remember be safe, ride right, and enjoy the ride.

Jim (Hammy) Hamilton
BJSC President

Trail Report: Lake Gogebic, Michigan – February 23, 2017

Trail Conditions: Poor

Snow Cover: Poor

Date of Report: February 23, 2017

Area Report:

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

No news is good news and there’s not been a lot of good news – however – that could possibly change and we are certainly hoping so as we still want to ride yet this winter!     Looks as though cold weather is moving back in and we could have snow starting as early as this evening.   We’ve seen anywhere from 8-12” of snow forecasted for Friday – keep fingers crossed.  

Keep in mind that we need some cold in order for the groomers to get back out and more than likely we will have some wet areas that have reopened – so it won’t be ideal riding conditions immediately after the snow flies.        

Temps will remain below freezing through the weekend and it looks as though there will be a light warmup around Tuesday, Feb 28th and it also looks as though we could see snow through a good part of next week and John Dee shows a possible 8+” between Feb 28-March 1st.

We will post reports as we get them – and just hope that we can recover from what Mother Nature has dealt us.

Trail Report: Bergland, Michigan – February 22, 2017

Trail Conditions: Poor

Snow Cover: Minimal

Date of Report: February 22, 2017

Area Report:

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

No news is good news and there’s not been a lot of good news – however – that could possibly change and we are certainly hoping so as we still want to ride yet this winter!     Looks as though cold weather is moving back in and we could have snow starting as early as this evening.   We’ve seen anywhere from 8-12” of snow forecasted for Friday – keep fingers crossed.  

Keep in mind that we need some cold in order for the groomers to get back out and more than likely we will have some wet areas that have reopened – so it won’t be ideal riding conditions immediately after the snow flies.   

Temps will remain below freezing through the weekend and it looks as though there will be a light warmup around Tuesday, Feb 28th and it also looks as though we could see snow through a good part of next week and John Dee shows a possible 8+” between Feb 28-March 1st.

We will post reports as we get them – and just hope that we can recover from what Mother Nature has dealt us.

Trail Report: Eagle River, Wisconsin – February 22, 2017

Trail Conditions: Not Ridable

Snow Cover: Thin & crusty

Date of Report: February 22, 2017

Area Report:

Trails OPEN
Poor to Unrideable

No rain yesterday. Sun out most of the day.  Looks like SNOW for Friday and Saturday.  Wide range of totals.  Stay tuned.

  •  Wunderground weather forecasting 1-3 inches Thursday night, 1-3  Friday daytime, 1-3 Friday night and about 1 inch Saturday.
  •   NOAA weather forecasting 2 inches Thursday night with Snow Friday and Saturday with no totals. 90%
  •   Weather Service forecasting 3 inches Thursday night also Snow Friday and Saturday with no totals. 90%

Trail Boss Brian reports that “all grooming has been suspended until weather permits”.

Both Catfish Lake Loop & Eagle Lake Trail have surface slush. Stay by the barrels as there can be danger out there.

Short report until the temps return to “normal” February weather.

Keep Doin’ The Snow Dance! And For Heavens Sake…THINK COLD!

See Ya On The Trails Soon I Hope!

Holly Tomlanovich
Communications Chair
Sno-Eagles, Inc.
PROUD GROOMERS OF THE SNOWMOBILE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD® – Eagle River
Phone Trail Updates 715.479.5185 – Early AM with more updates should conditions changes dictate.

News and Reports:

RIDE WITH PRIDE RAFFLE TICKETS – Drawing 12 Noon, this Saturday, February 25, 2017 at TrackSide.

  • $2 each or 3/$5 available from Sno-Eagles, Eagle River Chamber office & many businesses in Eagle River
  • Prizes – 1st prize SkiDoo MXZE 600 or CanAm Outlander 570. 2nd prize 55′ Flat panel TV or $500. 3rd prize Wkend at Eagle Waters Resort + dinner. 4th prize Wkend at Wild Eagle Lodge.
  • Meet AWSC Miss Snowflake Erica Keehn!

SNO-EAGLES SNO HUNT – January 13-February 28, 2017 – for more information contact Dave Mrczynski at 715.891.8584.

  • A fun snowmobile scavenger hunt with bonus point & prizes
  • Register at local businesses

SNO (Saturday Night Out) – Cocktails 5:30pm – Dinner 6:00pm

  • February 25 – 12 Pines Restaurant on Townline Rd off of Trail 10E
  • March 25 – Catch 22 on Hwy 70E/Trail 10E about 5 miles from Eagle River.

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY TRAIL RIDES – No Trail Rides this week

  • Meet on Trail 13 (the Grade) in town between Historic Railroad Depot & Friendship House
  • 9am departure

MONTHLY MEETINGS – 6:30pm Snacks – Meeting at 7pm – All Welcome!

  • March 16 – Eagle Waters (Hwy 70E to Rangeline Rd-follow the signs)
  • April 20 – Gordo’s (Hwy 45N across from Holiday North Gas Station)

BOARD MEETINGS – 7pm at the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame (Hwy 45N next door to the World Championship Snowmobile Derby)

  • January-May the 1st Tuesday of the each month

Snowmobile Information:

DNR Registration, $30 Trail Pass information

AWSC $10 Trail Pass information

Trail Report: Phelps, Wisconsin – February 21, 2017

Trail Conditions: Not Ridable

Snow Cover: 8+ inches on the ground

Date of Report: February 21, 2017

Area Report:

6:30 PM +45 deg.P/C

The last 4 days have taken a toll on all area trails,with temps in the upper 40’s

to the mid 50’s and with about 3/4 of an inch of rain Mon. nite.As a result most trails

are not RIDABLE.

There is some snow forecast on Friday how much is not sure.

There is a possibility we as a group that we will temporary close all Vilas County

trails on Monday.

Will update as soon as conditions change.

Dick

 

 

 

 

 

Trail Report: Superior – Douglas County, Wisconsin – February 21, 2017

Trail Conditions: Poor

Snow Cover: Low and deteriorating with warm weather.

Date of Report: February 21, 2017

Area Report:

With the recent unseasonably warm temperatures and significant rainfall, the trail base has eroded and the frost is coming out of the soil rapidly. As a result, a majority of the trails have been closed.

The following Douglas County managed trails remain open at this time:

Wild Rivers Trail from the Harroun Road to the CTH A/C Parking Lot
Saunders Grade Trail from the MN state line to the Schalamier Road Parking Lot
Gandy Dancer Trail from the MN state line to Patzau

The Tri-County Corridor is managed by others, but it is reported to be open as well.

All other trails are closed at this time and the gates are in the process of being shut by the Northwest Trails Association members. Operating on closed trails is both illegal and may jeopardize our ability to use the land for future seasons.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE DOUGLAS COUNTY FORESTRY AT 715 378 2219 DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS OF 8 AM TO 4:30 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY (EXCLUDING HOLIDAYS). Or Check on Line at www.douglascountywi.org under the Forestry Department tab.

Trail Report: Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan – February 21, 2017

Trail Conditions: Poor

Snow Cover: 4 inch base

Date of Report: February 21, 2017

Area Report:

Temporary Trail Diversion in Brimley

A street closure due to a collapsed building in Brimley causes a short diversion of Trail #8. When turning west off M-221 in downtown Brimley, the first portion of trail is moved just south of the street across from the Bay Mills Laundry facility and over a portion of their driveway. Please follow the signs.

The trails are in poor to fair shape.

The warmth of today/yesterday and the next couple of days will take a toll on trails. We will try to groom as much as possible when it is cold enough.  It was not cold enough to groom last night; the trails will be roughed up in a hurry. 

We have a new plowed parking area at the beginning of Trail #8 under the International Bridge, which now has an all-season Porta-John.

If you are staying in the Sault, please look at our list of supporters on our web page and give them your business.  Please do that in all the towns you visit.  The grooming entities are all made up of volunteers who want you to support those who support us!!!!!!

We now have a marked trail that will be groomed on occasion to get to parts and service at Chippewa Motors.  It comes into the back of their lot from the east side of M-129 when you come out of the woods.

Remember, trail base is the amount of snow between your track and the ground below, not the amount of fluff piled up in the woods.  Six inches of snow compresses to a depth of less than one inch on the trail.

Sault Ste. Marie to Brimley, Trail #8 –

Base 3-6 inches – Trail is in poor to fair Condition.  

Brimley to Raco, Trail #8 –

Base 3-7 inches – Trail is in poor to fair Condition.  Trail going west off M-221 is moved to the south of street as the roof of a building next to the road collapsed; the county closed the road.

When going across the bridge in Brimley, make sure you go with the flow of traffic!  Blowing and drifting occurs when you first leave Brimley.

Raco to Naomikong Trail #8 [where Paradise meets us], Trail #8 –

Base 4-8 inches – Trail is in poor to fair Condition.

Sault Ste. Marie City Trail, Trails #497, #449, parts of #8 & #49 –

Base 3- 6 inches – Trail is in poor to fair condition.  Wet areas by casino are frozen and groomed.

We now have a marked & groomed trail going to Chippewa Motors.  It starts once you come out of the woods east of M-129 off #449.  It comes into their parking lot from behind if you need parts or service.

City curfew is from 1 am – 6 am. Remember, most City streets are open to traffic 20mph, stop at all intersections, and ride on the right hand side of the street; not on sidewalks. Watch for closed streets that are posted, mainly around the hospital, university, and state trunk lines.

Sault Ste. Marie to Kinross, Trail #49 –

Base 3-5 inches – Trail is in Poor to fair Condition.  Make sure you follow the reroute once you cross the bridge going south at 7 Mile Road. Wet areas are reopened.

When the trail is running along roads, make sure you go with the flow of traffic on the right side of the road.

Kinross loop & south to Pickford, Parts of Trail #49, #472, and #494 –

Base 2-4 inches – Trail in poor to fair condition.  Watch for trucks on the trail.

Kinross to Raco & Rudyard, Parts of trail #472 & #480 –

Base 1-4 inches – Trail in poor to fair Condition.  Watch for reroute signs just west of Kinross.

The Downtown Trail is signed and coned up Portage Ave!  Big, frozen snow banks, left from the big warmup, are hindering grooming parts of the route, but adjacent streets are open to sleds.

Courtesy of the Sault Ste Marie Snowmobile Association – Groomer Report 

  • We now have a marked trail that will be groomed on occasion to get to parts and service at Chippewa Motors.  It comes into the back of their lot from the east side of M-129 when you come out of the woods.
  • Remember, the trail base is the amount of snow between your track and the ground below, not the amount of fluff piled up in the woods.  6 inches of snow compresses to less than an inch on the trail.
  • We have a new plowed parking area at the beginning of trail #8 under the International Bridge, which now has an all-season Porta-John.

Online Safety Course 

Local Safety Course 

Snowmobile Information:

Courtesy of the Sault Ste. Marie Snowmobile Association

The Sledder’s Pledge

  • I will obey the rules and laws of the state or province I am visiting.
  • I will be careful when crossing roads, and always cross at a right angle to traffic.
  • I will keep my machine in top shape and follow a pre-op check before each ride.
  • I will wear appropriate clothing, including gloves, boots and a helmet with a visor.
  • I will let family or friends know my planned route, my destination and my expected arrival time.
  • I will treat the outdoors with respect. I will not litter or damage trees or other vegetation.
  • I will respect other peoples’ property and rights, and lend a hand when I see someone in need.
  • I will not snowmobile where prohibited.