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Trail Report: Ely, Minnesota – February 23, 2017

Ely, MN Chamber of Commerce

Trail Conditions: Poor
Snow Cover: 7 inches
Date of Report: February 23, 2017
Area Report:

Ely Area Lakes & Trails: Area trails have a base ranging from 0-4” and are rated as poor.  Anticipate rough trail conditions as trail grooming will not commence until temperatures drop below 20 degrees and we receive 6-8” of new snow.  Area lakes will have areas of slush.  Remain on staked trails when traveling across lakes.  Creeks and low lying areas may have open or standing water. 

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

Taconite Trail: Snow – 5-15” depth  Base – 0-4”  Groomed – yes  Condition – poor   The entire Taconite from Ely to Hwy 73 is in poor condition.  There is a small section of open water between Big Aspen and Pfeiffer Lake that is flagged, signed, and passable.

 Arrowhead Trail: Snow – 8-18” depth  Base – 0-4”  Groomed – yes  Condition – poor  The entire Arrowhead is groomed and in poor 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. 

Putnam-Fishing Lakes Trail: Groomed – yes  Condition – poor

Lake Vermilion State Park and Soudan Underground Mine State Park: Groomed – yes  Condition – poor

Taconite Spur Trails and Stony Spur Trails: Base – 0-4”  Groomed – yes  Condition – poor   

Tomahawk Trail & Local Trails: Base – 0-4”  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 poor condition.  Mud Lake to Vermilion still has a swampy area that has not frozen, so the unfrozen area is not currently groomed.