Reports

Trail Conditions: Poor

Snow Cover: 3 inch base

Date of Report: February 24, 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 block of the trail is moved just south of the street across from the Bay Mills Laundry facility and includes a portion of their driveway. Follow the signs.

Trails are in poor-improving to fair shape as groomers finish them.  They still have a snow/ice base with very few dirt spots showing.

Some are out for the first time since Saturday. The temperatures finally got cold enough and we are supposed to get 3-6 inches of snow today and tonight.  We’re trying to smooth up the icy snow mixture before the wet snow falls. We had enough snow base that only a few spots of dirt are showing, which is good.  Some wet spots may have opened up.

Check our Facebook page for pictures.

There is a big reroute around Raco this year.

There is also a change in the Soo to Kinross 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.

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 of the towns you visit.  The grooming entities are 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, 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.

Sault Ste. Marie to Brimley, Trail #8 –

Base 1 – 3 inches – Trail is in poor to fair condition.  

Brimley to Raco, Trail #8 –

Base 1 – 4 inches – Trail is in poor to fair condition.  The trail going west off M-221 is moved to the south of the street as the building’s roof next to the road has collapsed; the county closed the road.

When you’re 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 2 – 5 inches – Trail is in poor condition.

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

Base 1 – 3 inches – Trail is in poor condition.  Wet areas might be open again. 

We now have a marked and 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 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 1 – 4 inches – Trail is in poor condition.  Make sure you follow the reroute once you cross the bridge going south at 7 Mile Road.  Wet areas will be 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 1- 4 inches – Trail is in poor condition.  Watch for trucks on the trail.

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

Base 1 – 4 inches – Trail is in poor Condition.  Watch for the reroute signs just west of Kinross.

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

Join us on Facebook, too!!!

www.sootrails.org

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.