Northern Michigan Recreation Weather

Looking at the snow depth graphic, there is a healthy amount of snow, especially in the center of the lower peninsula. There will be more by Friday as a couple of systems will bring light snow to the region over the next day or two (as pictured in the weather story graphic).

Friday should be a great travel day with high pressure over northern lower and eastern upper Michigan. The only thing to watch out for is the kink in the isobars in our area. This usually signifies that the heat from the Great Lakes is helping to lower the air pressure somewhat, which means that there could be lake effect snow. However, by Saturday, there will be snow over northern Michigan as low pressure moves out of Alberta and into Wisconsin. This is an Alberta Clipper system and will probably bring a quick couple inches of snow on Saturday night and Sunday. By the time it is through the region, in the afternoon, there will probably be lake effect snow.

So for the snowmobilers and cross-country (nordic) skiers, continue to expect good trail conditions out through this weekend. The downhill(alpine) skiers, expect excellent conditions as the ski areas continue to make snow to supplement the natural snow. As I type this at 4 am on Wednesday, Boyne Mountain is lit up with clouds of snow in the air as it make more snow for their ski area.

Looking a little further out, CPC is still insisting that things will begin to warm up by the following week. The only problem is that they have been saying that for the past week already. So, take the 8-14 day graphic with a grain of salt as always.