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Trail Report – : Ashland County, Wisconsin – February 16, 2023

Reporter:info@visitashland.com

Trail Conditions: Fair

Snow Cover: 4-10

Date of Report: February 16, 2023

Area Report:

Snowmobile Report – February 16, 2023
Ashland County trails are reported in FAIR conditions. Now that the measurable rain has stopped and the temperature is dropping, the trails are turning to ice. Groomers are going out to smooth out the trails but be prepared for icy corners, hills and intersections. There may even be some bare spots. Please slow down, stay right, and be prepared for changing snow conditions.  Logging will be taking place February 10th for 2 weeks on Trail 8 from Parker Rd to White Bass Road.  Please use caution and ride safe.  Only 200 feet of trail will be dozed on each side.  Detour has been posted on Trail 12.  Beaware of more traffic in that area due to logging in progress.  Area affectied is by Agenda Rd and Blueberry Rd.   Enjoy your ride and stay safe!

Snowmobile Information:

Please stay on the trail.  A lot of Ashland County snowmobile trails are on farmers land, please be respectful so we don’t lose our easement to their property. Snowmobiles may not be modified, or operated, to amplify or otherwise increase the total vehicle noise above the originally manufactured snowmobile noise level.

As always please follow the snowmobile trail rules and regulations. 

As always operate with everyone’s safety in mind and report any hazardous trail issues that are observed to the Ashland County Sheriff’s Department (715-682-7023 opt 1) so that it can be forwarded to the appropriate service.

The Tri-County Corridor is open from Superior to Ashland. There are still several areas on the eastern end that require attention but all known hazards have been identified and marked. Use caution when approaching ribbons, barricades, and cones.

Important reminders: There is no snowmobiling allowed from Ashland to Bad River/Odanah as snowmobiling is not permitted on reservation land.  However, snowmobiling is allowed from Bad River east to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

If you would like to receive an Ashland County Snowmobile map, let us know and we will mail one out to you! Call us at 715/682-2500 or email us fdchamber@visitashland.com.

Trail Report – : Hayward / Sawyer County, Wisconsin – February 16, 2023

Reporter:haywardlakes

Trail Conditions: Fair

Snow Cover: 6-9 inches of snow

Date of Report: February 16, 2023

Area Report:

Still awaiting reports from groomers as they will start to go out, so this is not the official report but just sharing what we know at this point. 

There is plenty of snow in the woods, but it has a very hard top. The groomers will cut tops as much as possible and pull some snow in from sides as they are able, but right now everything is quite hard. The good news is when the snow is firm, trails lay down and stay flat vs fresh snow and warmer temps, but there will be icy corners. Please ride with caution and try to keep your speed down.  Think about who is around that corner and remember it’s harder to move out of the way and slow down on icier trails.

Lakes are complete ice, and it is hard to move without studs.  If you are on the lake to get from point A to point B, we suggest doing so slowly and cautiously. 

Again, we will update as groomers go out and report back but just wanting to share a heads up to ride cautiously with the hard ice we have this morning. Stay tuned for more info, we will share as soon as we hear.

Trail Report – : Hurley, Wisconsin – February 16, 2023

Reporter:hurley@hurleywi.com

Trail Conditions: Fair

Snow Cover: 8-10

Date of Report: February 16, 2023

Area Report:

WTR Groomers are back out this morning. It’s 13 degrees at 6:30 am and we got 1-3 inches of new snow across some of our area. This will help keep things white. You WILL FIND ICY AREAS AND CORNERS! Please slow down, stay right, watch for changing conditions, and pray for more new snow. Conditions are not what we normally have for President’s weekend, but our trails are currently still in better shape than most areas, and ALL open.

Trail Report – : Bayfield County, Wisconsin – February 16, 2023

Reporter:BayfieldCounty

Trail Conditions: Good

Snow Cover: 8-10 inches

Date of Report: February 16, 2023

Area Report:

Trails have held up well despite the rain. There are some wet and icy spots so drive with caution. as always, ride right.

News and Reports:

Barnestormers  While we expect that Tuesday’s rain has had an effect on our trails, we are hearing good reports from riders. About half of our trails were groomed before the rain, our groomer will be going out today (Thursday) to finish up. We are expecting to see some bare spots and icy corners, however as you get away from town and into the woods, we expect fair to great conditions.

Drummond Sno Jacks  No report

Namakagon Trail Groomers   Trails were checked Wednesday, and things were looking good considering the rain. Club gave 7 out of 10 rating. Groomers will be out as soon as possible and weather permitting.

Northern Adventures   Trails in Iron River have been groomed this week and are in good shape.

South Shore Trails Club All South Shore trails will be groomed by Thursday and will be in great condition.

Washburn Valhellers   Groomers will be out Thursday to groom and assess trails. Visit their facebook page for an update!

White River Ramblers  Trail 4 to Mason has been groomed but encountered large pockets of water in between Horstman Road and White River Road.

Snowmobile Information:

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Sign up to receive text message or email trail condition updates on the county website under “Notify Me.” You can also find updates on Snowtracks and view the Wisconsin Snow Conditions widget at travelbayfieldcounty.com.  

GENERAL INFO:

Order a snowmobile map online or pick one up at area businesses. You can also download the Avenza app (for free) and get the updated Snowmobile Map on your device before you hit the trails – locate yourself on the trail map with GPS so you can see where you are, even with no cell reception! If you’d like to see the sponsor businesses on the same type of map, try the Trail Treker app ($1.99).

Be sure to stop in, warm up and patronize the businesses on our snowmobile map. Their advertising makes it possible to print and distribute the map.

 

Trail Report – : Rhinelander, Wisconsin – February 16, 2023

Reporter:Hodag SnoTrails

Trail Conditions: Poor

Snow Cover: Ice base with some snow in the woods

Date of Report: February 16, 2023

Area Report:

Well folks, the current status is not what we hoped for, but not totally unexpected with the warm temps and more devestating was the rain.  The trails are in poor condition at this point.  They are down to a thin, icy base with bare spots. 

I could not suggest looking forward to a long ride at this point.   We desperately need snow to change the present conditions.

 

 

Trail Report – : Spooner and Washburn County, Wisconsin – February 16, 2023

Reporter:Washburn County

Trail Conditions: Fair

Snow Cover: 8+

Date of Report: February 16, 2023

Area Report:

Washburn County snowmobile trails are still open. Trails are soft due to the recent warm weather and after the recent rainfall, area clubs & county staff will continue to monitor the trail conditions. Please check back as the trail conditions continue to fluctuate given the weather. Remember to ride with caution and stay on designated trail surfaces. 

Trail Report – : Minocqua, Wisconsin – February 16, 2023

Reporter:minocqua

Trail Conditions: Poor

Snow Cover: ice

Date of Report: February 16, 2023

Area Report:

Well the trails are in poor shape after the rain like i said it would be, nothing but ice and very slick, no snow for lube or steering, suggest you stay home until more snow, you would overheat and most likely end up in the trees. All we need is 6 inches of snow on top of our ice base and we should be fine so until then 

Trail Report – : Conover, Wisconsin – February 16, 2023

Reporter:snobuddies

Trail Conditions: Not Ridable

Snow Cover: Ice

Date of Report: February 16, 2023

Area Report:

With the rain, and now colder temps, the trails have turned into hard sheets of ice with little to no snow cover. We have not groomed the trails since Saturday Feb 11th. 

The Vilas County Snowmobile Alliance is asking riders to refrain from using our trails until we receive more snow and can groom the trails. We are asking this for your safety, to protect your snowmobile and to protect our private landowners land. 

Once we receive more info and grooming resumes, we will post an update here.

There are several activities going on in the northwoods this weekend, so come check those out and support our local establishments. 

Think Snow!

News and Reports:

  • A reminder to ride between the orange blazers. Along Hwy K West, there were several 100 trees removed this summer to place new electric poles. Most of the stumps are still there. If you were to hit one, it could ruin your trip quickly. Ride Right ➡️ Ride Safe.
  • To see where the Groomer is at, check out  Groomer Tracker  Half the cost of the app comes back to Conover Sno-Buddies to support grooming operations.

Snowmobile Information:

Our annual Poker Run starts December 24th and ends on March 4th. You can pick up game cards to be stamped at several locations in Conover, Eagle River, Phelps, and Land O Lakes. Draw party is March 4th. No need to be present to win.

February 18 –  Northwoods Blizzard Blast
Conover Community Park
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
A Flurry of Winter Fun for Everyone!

The Winter Event That Supports Local Fire and EMS Departments

March 17 – Fundraiser at Club 45. Annual St. Patricks Day Corned Beef dinner. Money raised at this benefit go to the Sno-Buddies for trail maintenance. Come out and enjoy a Corned Beef dinner provided by the Payne Family.

Trail Report – : Sayner, Wisconsin – February 16, 2023

Reporter:SaynerStar Lake Barnstormers

Trail Conditions: Poor

Snow Cover: Minimal

Date of Report: February 16, 2023

Area Report:

IMPORTANT UPDATE:  On 2/15/2023, the Vilas County Forestry, Recreation & Land Department issued the following announcement.

The Vilas County Snowmobile Trail conditions have rapidly deteriorated to poor conditions and we recommend they not be used.

For more information, please contact Todd Bierman, Parks and Recreation Supervisor at 715-479-5160.

Due to unseasonable weather conditions, the Vilas County Snowmobile Trail System has deteriorated to poor and dangerous conditions.  All grooming operations have been halted due to lack of snow to work with.  The current trails are very icy and grooming blades can’t cut the trail base to smooth it out.  There is no loose snow on the trail base for cooling or lubricating the slides.  They Vilas County Snowmobile Alliance is asking that you please refrain from using the snowmobile trails until more snow is received.  Once the clubs have some workable snow, grooming will start back up.  We are asking this for your safety, your snowmobile well-being and to protect our landowner’s property.  Please, if you are planning on visiting Vilas County, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy this time of year.  Please contact the Vilas County Tourism Department for more information at (715) 479-3649 or email them at: vilasadv@Vilascountywi.gov. 

We don’t like to ask this but feel the need to be completely honest with you so that you have the most enjoyable time here in Vilas County.  Please be safe and if you haven’t already, join a snowmobile club and “Ride Right”.

Todd Bierman

Vilas County Parks and Recreation Supervisor