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Trail Report: Ely, Minnesota – February 16, 2017

Ely, MN Chamber of Commerce

Trail Conditions: Good
Snow Cover: 18+ inches
Date of Report: February 16, 2017
Area Report:

Ely Area Lakes & Trails: Area trails are groomed with grooming continuing as overnight temperatures remain below 20F.  Snowmobile trails are currently rated as very good with average trail bases in the Ely area of 4-9 inches.  Groomers anticipate that even with the predicted weekend warm-up snowmobile trails will hold-up through Sunday. 

Echo Trail: Fenske Lake and other short trails along the Echo Trail are staked and groomed. 

Taconite Trail: Snow – 10-24” depth  Base – 2-8”  Groomed – yes  Condition – very good   The entire Taconite from Ely to Hwy 73 is groomed and in very good condition.  There is a small section of open water between Big Aspen and Pfeiffer Lake.  This section is flagged and passable.

 Arrowhead Trail: Snow – 10-26” depth  Base – 3-9”  Groomed – yes  Condition – very good  The entire Arrowhead is groomed and in very good condition.  Use caution when crossing the bridge in the Lost Lake swamp due to thin ice and open water.  This bridge is located two miles north on the Arrowhead from the Hwy 1 crossing.  Also, be aware of and slow down for logging activity on the Arrowhead north of Hwy 1, north of Hoodoo Lake, and north of Elephant Lake Rd.

Putnam-Fishing Lakes Trail: Trail base – 2-8” Groomed – yes  Condition –very good

Lake Vermilion State Park and Soudan Underground Mine State Park: Trail base – 3-5”  Groomed – yes  Condition – very good

Taconite Spur Trails and Stony Spur Trails: Base – 2-8”  Groomed – yes  Condition – good   Stony Spur And Taconite Spur are groomed and in good shape. 

Tomahawk Trail & Local Trails: Base – 4-6”  Everything is groomed.  Some light logging activity is occurring in the Spruce Road and Hidden Bay areas, so please slow down and use caution.  These areas will not be closed or posted.  Trails are in very good condition.  Mud Lake to Vermilion still has a swampy area that has not frozen, so the unfrozen area is not currently groomed.