Resurrecting this thread to update in case this helps anyone out.
I was at my farm in the Hinckley area again last weekend. I would estimate there are 24-30 inches of snow at the farm and it is still fairly loose snow so drifting and filling in low spots is a problem.
There are very large snow berms left by the snowplows on many county/township roads. My driveway had a 4-5 foot tall plow berm across it, so just to get the snowmobile in, we had to shovel a path through the plow berm. Then I promptly got stuck in the drift on the other side before I could get any momentum.
I talked to quite a few local friends while I was up there. Here’s the takeaways I heard.
Ice Fishing: Parking is a major hassle near some lakes because the deep snow and slush issues are preventing many from driving onto the ice as they normally would and high snow berms left by plows are taking up a lot of space on the shoulder of narrow rural roads. ATV use is very limited and don’t go anywhere without a shovel because you’re going to get stuck. Be careful using trail snowmobiles for ice fishing, there is really deep snow on the edges and in sheltered areas of some lakes.
Wheelhouse guys especially are getting pinched in tight access places when they find out they can’t drive onto the lake as intended. It can be a real b!tch trying to find a place to turn these big rigs around.
Also, put your ego in check when it comes to just sending it thinking your big ol’ half tunny can go anywhere, even when pulling the ice castle. There have been some real clustef###s with guys thinking a pickup truck is basically unstoppable and finding out that it ain’t.
Snowmobiles – Lots of different clubs and groups are still doing trail clearing or widening work to get rid of downed trees from December ice damage. Find local advice for the trails you intend to ride.
If you’re heading off-trail, note that there is very deep snow in some places so it’s more like mountain conditions. I got stuck 4 times on a long track machine because I had to stop or turn around due to blocked trails at my farm. If you go off a groomed trail or get hemmed in by downed trees, it can be a real workout. Have shovels and tow straps available.
Cabins – same comments about issues with downed trees across driveways, etc. If you go up to your cabin, be ready for really deep snow and trees across the driveway. Have plenty of tow straps and ropes available in case you get into something you shouldn’t have.
Hopefully this helps somebody out.
