Thread: Unsafe Ice!
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Old 02-02-2006, 11:22 AM   #11
Woodsy
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There are certain times when on a snowmobile you have to "Skim" across a few feet, say less than 50' of open water. I define open water as anything other than ice solid enough to support you. The issue lies with the thrillseekers skimming over hundreds of feet of open water. The people yesterday were attempting to skim the Weirs Channel. At this time, the open water extends from 200' from the channel entrance to well past the docks at the 4 Seasons (approximately 1/2 way betweeen the NASWA & Christmas Island) approximately 1 mile.

I don't think the skimming law has any real effect because most snowmobiliers understand the danger and just don't do it. Those thrillseekers that are willing to "Skim" long distances, probably aren't going to care about the law, the same way "base jumpers" and others don't.

There really isn't all that much environmental damage to the lake. The oil & gas are contained, and although some may escape its very little. A small 2 stroke outboard motor puts more pollutants into the lake during a day of fishing.

Woodsy
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