Snow Cover: 10-15 inches
Date of Report: December 22, 2016
Area Report:
Ely Area Lakes & Trails: There is snow in the woods. With the recent cold weather, the swamps and wetlands now have 4-6” of ice. Over 15” of ice is needed before grooming is possible over these areas. Trail crews are working to clear the Taconite and Arrowhead trails of debris and trees from the November 18 storm. They are also packing trails so the swamps and wetlands will freeze sooner. Trail use is not recommended, please use extreme caution and travel at your own risk. Area lakes do have ice cover. Medium to large lakes may not have sufficient ice for foot travel yet. Use caution when traveling out onto lakes – check ice conditions as you move across the ice. Use recommended safety gear for protection when skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling or ice fishing on area lakes.
Babbitt Trails: No report
Taconite Trail: Snow – 10-15” depth Base – 0” Groomed – no Condition – poor
Arrowhead Trail: Snow – 10-15” depth Base – 0” Groomed – no Condition – poor
Putnam-Fishing Lakes Trail: No report
Lake Vermilion State Park and Soudan Underground Mine State Park: Trails are closed
Taconite Spur Trails and Stony Spur Trails: Base – 0” Trail condition – poor Swamps and wetlands have not frozen yet, so grooming cannot commence. Trail use Is no recommended.
Tomahawk Trail & Local Trails: Trail not groomed but open from Ely to the Kawishiwi River bridge – this portion of trail has been cut open and will be rough. Remaining sections of trails still need to be opened up from wind storm. Wetlands and swamps have not frozen solid along sections of the trail. Ice conditions may not yet be safe for traveling by snowmobile. Check ice conditions before venturing out.
News and Reports:
Dogsled Yurt Adventure January 20, 2017 – January 22, 2017 | 5:00 pm – 12:00 pm Join the International Wolf Center staff as they conduct winter track counts in the Superior National Forest and travel the trails and frozen lakes of wolf range. Fees: Non-member $980, Member $882 International Wolf Center 1396 Highway 169, Ely, MN, 55731
Ely Winter Fest February 2, 2017 – February 12, 2017 | All Day 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! Fees: Most events are free – see website for details on specific events and fees.
Ely Art Walk February 2, 2017 – February 12, 2017 | All Day Tour Ely and view breath-taking artwork created by local artisans. Map of locations available at Ely Greenstone website.
WolfTrack Classic Vet Check & Meet the Dogs & Mushers February 25, 2017 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm The vet check runs from 11 am – 3 pm at Vermilion Community College. Meet the dogs and mushers. No fee for admission into the Vet Check area. Free Vermilion Community College
WolfTrack Classic Pre-Race Dinner February 25, 2017 | 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm Our pre-race lasagna dinner runs from 4 pm to 7 pm. Social hour 4-5 pm, dinner 5-6:30 pm, musher meeting from 6:30-7 pm and presentation of the bibs at 7 pm. Fee is $10.00/person at the door. Credit cards welcome. Fees: $10.00/person for meal Ely Senior Center 7 S 1st Ave E., Ely, MN, 55731
WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race February 26, 2017 | All Day Join us for this premier mid-distance sled dog race spanning 65 miles through northern Minnesota’s State Trail system. The WolfTrack Classic is known for its unrelenting hills that test the stamina of mushers and dogs across the scenic north woods terrain. Race starts at 9 am. Fees: No spectator fees Softball Fields Old Airport Road and State Highway #1, Ely, MN, 55731
Snowmobile Information:
Northland 300 – Snowmobile Event January 18, 2017 – January 22, 2017 | All Day Four day event includes trail riding, banquet and prize drawings. Fees to participate. Learn more at www.northland300.org. Grand Ely Lodge 400 N Pioneer Road, Ely, MN, 55731
Fun Run – Snowmobile Event January 28, 2017 | All Day Spend a day of fun – either by snowmobile or car – traveling the northland. Money raised goes to support snowmobile trails in the Ely, Tower and Babbitt area. Fees to participate Fortune Bay 1430 Bois Forte Rd, Tower, MN, 55790
Pink Ribbon Riders 11th Annual Snow Run February 24, 2017 – February 25, 2017 | All Day The Snow Run is an event open to both men and women, including a welcome social, snowmobile ride(s), awards banquet and more! Click on the “More Information” button below to access event site and more details. See flyer for participation fees Grand Ely Lodge 400 N Pioneer Road, Ely, MN, 55731