PDA

View Full Version : Current Trail Conditions 01-13-06


Snow VP
01-13-2006, 01:56 PM
FYI - Even if only 1 person shows up, the poker run is ON !

OK Guys here is the deal, I want this site to be THE PLACE for snowmobile info around this area. I pledge to always give a honest picture of the conditions to the best of my knowledge. I do not own or work for a business that benefits from the snowmobile industry, so there is no reason for me to mislead anyone.


That being said, I can not believe this weather. I have personally checked the trails within 5 miles of St. Ignace. Historically the first place we loose snow is the RR Grade, and today is no different. There is little snow right in St. Ignace. If you have to go through town you will encounter gravel and pavement. Leaving town is a bit better. Leaving Little Bear staging lot, and up until I-75 overpass the trail has some gravel areas on it. It gets a little better still for the next few miles, but there are some gravel areas on the sides of the trail where the drag wings stole snow. Then you get out to the cast rock road intersection. RR North is thin but ridable, and the castle rock road itself is fine.

I have talked to a few people, and here is some additional information:
Cut River area has a couple of bare spots, and a few choppy areas. The Burma Grade, and Carp River Trail are OK. Here is the bad news: gravel sections on the RR grade North of Moran to the Burma Grade, and on the RR Grade up by Trout Lake.

I caution you, when this freezes up the RR grade will be slick, and mostly ice. Everything else seems to be holding that 3" ice base with 2-4 inches of snow/slush on top.

Breakdown:
St. Ignace to Castle Rock Rd - thin a bit of gravel on the sides, ridable
Pipeline - bare areas - you can easily get around them
cut river - a few bare spots, a bit choppy in areas, ridable
Everything central & Northwest- ridable
RR Grade North of Moran & by Trout Lake - gravel sections showing

After reading this, please go to the poll in the weather conditions 1-13-06 thread, link= http://www.straitsareasnowmobileclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=78 and let us know if you are coming up or canceling. Thank you

Snow VP
01-13-2006, 02:04 PM
First Pic is in St. Igance, leaving the little bear staging lot. The trail is about the only thig left with snow! It improves North of there a little ways.

Second pic is from 1/2 mile out, looking back toward town, I-75 in the background.

Thrid pic is on I-75 Looking West. As you can see there are areas on the sides of the trail with gravel sections.

Snow VP
01-13-2006, 02:07 PM
This next area is the RR Grade where is crosses Cheeseman Rd, about 2 miles out of town. Again OK in the middle, and a few bare spots along the sides here and there. This has a 2-3 inch Ice base that is not going anywhere, and 1" of slush/snow on top of that.

Snow VP
01-13-2006, 02:13 PM
There is a small parking area at the intersection of Castle Rock Road, and the RR grade, this is 5 miles out of town. As you can see the conditions are better here. From the reports I have gotten over the last few days, I believe these represent the majority of the trails right now, with the exception of the RR grade North of Moran.

Pic 1, RR South toward St. Ignace
Pic 2, RR North toward Moran
Pic 3, Cast Rock Road - West

I am giving you my honest opinion of the trails, but you form your own.
I am considering this similar to the last few rides of the year, Vs a January ride.
Hope to see some of you over the weekend.

Please follow this link: http://www.straitsareasnowmobileclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=78 and vote in our poll.

Happy Trails

ToddMeister
01-13-2006, 02:47 PM
Trails look better than here in Munising right now. If I wasn't with another fellow right now I'd be heading back to Saint Ignace.

There is 1-2 feet of snow in the woods, though.

andie245
01-13-2006, 03:24 PM
Well, as of right now, I am bringing 3 for the Poker run...So we'll have more than one! THANK YOU for the pictures...very helpful! Keep up the great work! See you in the morning!!:cool2:

conniver04
01-13-2006, 05:41 PM
Neil, Thanks for all the up to date photos of the trails. Lets hope we get some snow soon......

polaris4me
01-13-2006, 07:22 PM
Thanks for the pics. Looks like 'ok' riding when you get out of town.
We will be up on Feb.3, hope you get a crap load of snow by then:thumb: