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Trail Report: Ely, Minnesota – January 5, 2017

Ely, MN Chamber of Commerce

Trail Conditions: Poor
Snow Cover: 17
Date of Report: January 5, 2017
Area Report:

Ely Area Lakes & Trails: We have received several inches of new snow since last week’s report.  Swamps and wetlands are developing ice; however, they have not reached sufficient levels to support grooming equipment.  Area snowmobile trails are currently ungroomed; however crews are working on rolling the Tomahawk Trail and encourage riders to help pack the trail.  Most areas have been cleared of downed trees from the November storm – please continue to use caution while traveling and watch for downed trees and surface debris.  Area lakes have ice cover of varying depths and all lakes, except White Iron Beach and Birch Lake (Babbitt), have been staked.  There are areas of slush on lakes and it is recommended snowmobilers follow staked trails for safety.  Use caution when traveling on lakes by foot, skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles and test ice as you travel.

Taconite Trail: Snow – 10-12” depth  Base – 0”  Groomed – no  Condition – poor

 Arrowhead Trail: Snow – 10-15” depth  Base – 0”  Groomed – no  Condition – poor

Putnam-Fishing Lakes Trail: Base: 2-4” Groomed – no  Condition – poor

Lake Vermilion State Park and Soudan Underground Mine State Park: Trails are closed

Taconite Spur Trails and Stony Spur Trails: Base – 2-4”  Groomed – partially Condition – poor

Tomahawk Trail & Local Trails: Base – 4-6”  Trail is cleared through to the North Shore from Ely.  Crews are attempting to roll the trail, but cannot run grooming equipment through swap/wetland areas yet.  Crews are encouraging snowmobile riders to aid in packing down the trails, particularly the wetland areas to help them freeze faster and develop a solid base.  Please use caution traveling along the trail.  All lakes except White Iron Beach & Birch Lake (Babbitt) have been staked.  Slush does exist on area lakes, please follow stakes routes for safety.



Snowmobile Information:

Visit our Event Calendar at www.ely.org to see upcoming snowmobile events including: The Fun Run, Northland 300 and Pink Ribbon Riders Snow Event.  Many other great winter events happening too!