Branches are downed across a snow-packed trail in the western Upper Peninsula. (Michigan Department of Natural Resources photo)

Storms that hit the Upper Peninsula over the past week have left snowmobile trails impassable across portions of six U.P. counties, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

“Some snowmobile clubs are out clearing trails, others are continuing to assess the damage caused by freezing rain, followed by heavy snow and gusting winds, which knocked trees and limbs onto trails,” said Ron Yesney, DNR Upper Peninsula trails coordinator in Marquette. “The DNR will be assisting the clubs where necessary.”

The impassable trails are in Ontonagon, Iron, Gogebic, Baraga, Houghton and Keweenaw counties.

In the Dickinson County area, trails will be closed until at least Dec. 15 to accommodate the muzzleloader deer season. “If we have enough snow, we will open the gates,” Tri-County Snowmobile and ORV Club stated on its website.

Mac McCaughn, president of the North Country Snowmobile Club, said his club began working on the trails Saturday.

“We are actively trying to open them (the trails) up,” McCaughn said Tuesday. “Normally, we’d be out packing them now.”

McCaughn said more than an inch of rain fell before the storms brought snow, which acted as an insulator. The result is the swamps still remain wet, causing additional trail problems.

“We need that cold weather coming to firm things up,” he said.

McCaughn said more than 2 feet of snow fell in the Trap Hills in Ontonagon County and along the South Boundary Road at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

Portions of some trails have been cleared, but there is a good deal more work to be done.

“Anyone out on a snowmobile in the western U.P. should be extra careful and watch for downed trees, branches and other hazards,” said John Pepin, DNR deputy public information officer. “Snowmobilers could encounter these dangers even if not using trails. Ride right safely home to your family and friends.”

Snowmobile clubs and the DNR are working to have the trails cleared as soon as possible.

For more on Michigan snowmobiling, go to Michigan.gov/Snowmobiling.

Find the latest on DNR facilities and trails closures at Michigan.gov/DNRClosures.