MARINETTE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — With the weekend winter storm in the books, people across Northeast Wisconsin are getting out Monday to enjoy the weather, but with warmer temperatures in the forecast, some of that fun may be short-lived.
On a section of recently-groomed snowmobile trail west of Crivitz, Marinette County forest leaders say snow from Winter Storm Amelia is being put to use.
“When you’re looking at for the snowmobile season coming up, anywhere from 8 to over 12 inches of snow is what we’re hearing right now,” said Pete Villas, Marinette County Forest Administrator.
But Villas says it may be some time before snowmobiles will be allowed to use the 700 miles of trails throughout the county.
“As of today, they’ve shut all the snowmobile, and winter ATV trails down in Marinette County until further notice. Due to the warm weather we got coming this week. There’s forecasted rain coming up Wednesday and into Thursday. So right now, they want to close the trails down so they can keep that base,” he said.
Officials say Winter Storm Amelia arrived relatively early in the season, but dropped plenty of snow on places like the Spring Rapids Ski Trail nearby. Tourism officials say the site is a popular place to explore.
“We have a number of hiking trails and systems available for snowshoeing, some groomed trails for skiing, and in addition to that, you can just get out and hike too,” said Jenny Short, Marinette County Development and Tourism Director.
But many agree change may be coming. Warmer weather is expected this week, but the winter season is expected to return.
“If we can get some cold weather to hold this snow, this is going to open up the whole entire county a lot sooner than is originally expected,” said Villas.
Marinette County isn’t alone, According to state tourism information, all counties across the state have no report, or are closed.
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