Snowmobile Trail Conditions

Lake Vermilion Minnesota

March 9 - Unless we receive a significant amount of new snow, riding for this year is done - the earliest in many years. Unseasonable warm temperatures are expected to continue through the week, and rain is taking its toll.

Arrowhead State Trail 3/8/10 Condition: Poor to fair Base: 0-4" Snow Depth: 6-10" The snow base and trail conditions are deteriorating due to warm temperatures and sunshine. Open areas and south facing slopes have really lost snow. Grooming has ceased pending additional snow. Conditions are poor to fair. Expect bare patches, exposed rocks and dirt. Please use caution, especially on corners and hills. Report from the Minnesota DNR

McCarthy Beach State Park 3/8/10 Condition: Poor Base: " Snow Depth: 6" Snowmobile trails are getting many bare spots in open areas, especially on the grant-in-aid trails connecting to the park. Report from the Minnesota DNR

Putnam and Fishing Lake Trail 3/8/10 Condition: Fair Base: 0-2" Snow Depth: 6-10" The snow base and trail conditions are deteriorating due to warm temperatures and sunshine. Open areas and south facing slopes have really lost snow. Grooming has ceased pending additional snow. Conditions are poor to fair. Expect bare patches, exposed rocks and dirt. Please use caution, especially on corners and hills. Report from the Minnesota DNR

Staked Lake Trails 3/4/10 Ice conditions and lake riding are still very good, lake is completely staked. Report from the Vermilion Penguin Snowmobile Club

Stony Spur Trail 3/8/10 Condition: Poor to fair Grooming has ceased pending additional snow. Report from the Ely Chamber of Commerce

Taconite Spur Trail 3/8/10 Condition: Poor to fair Grooming has ceased pending additional snow. Report from the Ely Chamber of Commerce

Taconite Trail 3/3/10 Condition: Poor Base: 0-2" Snow Depth: 6" The snow base and trail conditions are deteriorating due to warm temperatures and sunshine. Open areas and south facing slopes have really lost snow. Grooming has ceased pending additional snow. Conditions are poor to fair. Expect bare patches, exposed rocks and dirt. Please use caution, especially on corners and hills. Report from the Minnesota DNR

Tomahawk Trail 3/2/10 Groomed Monday night and in fair condition with a 2-3 inch base. This trail is rideable, but definitely needs more snow. The Tomahawk improves greatly from Knotted Pine to the North Shore Trail. Watch for bare spots. Report from the Ely Chamber of Commerce