Snow Cover: 11
Date of Report: December 29, 2016
Area Report:
Ely Area Trail Conditions – Wednesday, December 29, 2016
Snowfall Depth: 11 inches
Snowmobile Trails
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, and some parts of trails have been cleared of debris from the November storm. These trails do not have a developed base and may have rocks and other ground debris at the surface. Use caution if using snowmobile trails – use is at your own risk. Several area ski trails have been groomed and they include trails within Bear Head Lake State Park, the Trezona and Hidden Valley trails. Area lakes have ice cover of varying depths. Use caution when traveling out by foot, skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles and test ice as you travel. Some areas of slush exist on lakes. Area lakes have not been staked for snowmobile trails.
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 not recommended.
Tomahawk Trail & Local Trails: Trail not groomed but open from Ely to the the Mattala Shelter – 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:
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. Free
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