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Trail Report – : Ely, Minnesota – January 4, 2018

Ely, MN Chamber of Commerce

Reporter:Ely Chamber of Commerce/Explore MN Visitor Center
Trail Conditions: Poor
Snow Cover: 8
Date of Report: January 4, 2018
Area Report:

Ely Area Trail Conditions – Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Snowfall Depth: 8 inches 

Snowmobile Trails 

Ely Area Lakes & Trails: With the subzero temperatures, many of the lakes and wetlands are gaining ice at a rapid pace.  Please continue to use caution while crossing areas of ice – lakes, ponds, wetlands or rivers.  Areas may still have thin ice due to fast moving waters, underground springs, etc.  Test ice all the way to your destination to ensure safe travel.  Fall Lake is all staked. East and West of the Power Dam with Thin Ice signs and also staked from 13 Corners to Longbranch and to Cedar Lake Portage. No trails are groomed in these areas. 

Echo Trail: No trails are groomed or staked in this area.  

Taconite Trail: Snow – 6-12” depth  Base – 1-2”  Groomed – partially  Condition – poor   The Taconite is currently groomed from Tower to the Arrowhead State Trail junction and is in poor condition.  We are anticipating grooming to Ely if snow conditions allow.  

 Arrowhead Trail: Snow – 10-16” depth  Base –1-3”  Groomed – partially  Condition – fair  The Arrowhead is groomed to the Olson Road just north of the Cook Grant-in-Aid snowmobile trail and is in fair condition.  We will continue grooming north to Melgeorges in the next couple of days and further as conditions allow.  Also beware of and slow down for logging activity in throughout the trail. 

Putnam-Fishing Lakes Trail: Base – 1”  Groomed – no   Condition – poor  The trail remains ungroomed and rough due to low snow conditions.  Be aware of rocks and frozen ruts in sections throughout the trail. 

Lake Vermilion State Park and Soudan Underground Mine State Park: Snow 6-12”, Base – 0”, Condition – poor, no grooming 

Tomahawk Trail & Local Trail Sections: Snow 8” depth, Base – 0”  Groomed – no  Condition – poor  Trail is cleared from Ely to Mattila Shelter.  Groomer reports that there are pressure ridges on the lakes – use extreme caution if traveling on lakes with a snowmobile.  Mud Creek is packed but not groomed.  Crews are working on the trail between Mattila Shelter and Isabella hoping to have it cleared by Friday.   Some area lakes are staked and crews hope to complete staking next week.  If you are willing to help with trail cleaning or other maintenance, please contact the Ely Igloo Club. 

Stony Spur & Taconite Spur:  These sections will be groomed sometime over the weekend.  More snow is needed to groom from the Taconite Spur to the Ridge. 

For all trails, use caution due to spots with low snow, rocks, and frozen ruts.  There are active logging operations on multiple sections of the trails.  Please travel at appropriate speeds and stay to the right. 

 



Snowmobile Information:

2018 Northland 300 Snowmobiling for Special Olympics  January 24-28, 2018  Join us for a fantastic fundraiser that benefits the athletes of Special Olympics.  Rides are based out of the Grand Ely Lodge.  For more details, visit www.northland300.org.  Details regarding fees and fundraising available at website.  Fees: Visit website for details

FunRun Snowmobile Event January 27, 2018 All Day  Come join in on the fun at this year’s Annual Fun Run Snowmobile ride in the Ely Area. Participants travel by car or snowmobile to check points in Ely, Babbitt and Tower for chances to win prizes. Hundreds of great prizes!  Money raised goes to support Snowmobile Trails in the Ely, Babbitt, and Tower area. Visit our Facebook page for additional details.

Ely Winter Fest February 1 – 11, 2018  Ten days of winter fun in Ely.  Snow carvings in the park, art in merchant windows, food, music, winter sports and many other events.  Fun for the entire family.  Don’t miss out on this spectacular annual event!  Click on the “More Information” button below to access the event website.  Most events are free – see website for details on specific events and fees.

Pink Ribbon Riders 12th Annual Minnesota Snow Run February 23-24, 2018 Join us for the 12th Minnesota Snow Run fund raiser hosted by the Pink Ribbon Riders.  Funds raised provide direct financial assistance to breast cancer patients.  Multiple participation levels.  Registration fee.  Open to men and women.  Grand Ely Lodge  400 N Pioneer Road, Ely, MN, 55731

WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race  February 25, 2018 | All Day  A premier mid-distance sled dog race spanning 65 miles through northern Minnesota’s State Trail system.  The WolfTrack Classic is known for it unrelenting hills that test the stamina of mushers and dogs across the scenic north woods terrain.  Join mushers following the race at the Awards Banquet.  All events are open to the public.  Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities available.  Please contact planners at volunteer@wolftrackclassic.com.