Snowmobile and Winter Ice Safety

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by jetskier

In general, it is much safer to snowmobile with someone else. My rule is not to ride alone. In addition, I carry a set of ice awls (they sell them for $4 on the net) in the unlikely event that I need to pull myself out of the water onto the ice. I find that the safest approach is to follow other snowmobile tracks on the ice and be on the lookout for ice ridges and bubblers.

The final issue, is speed. Generally, most snowmobilers keep to the right and travel at a speed that allows them control. Some travel at speeds too high for the conditions and that is a safety concern.



IMHO, we are responsible for our own safety and others around us. So, we should ride prepared and smart. Most people do.

Jetskier,

Great suggestions! I will make one comment on your suggestion regarding following other tracks especially at night. My house is in Suissevale in Moultonborough over near Green's Basin. There have been a number of drownings there. the most recent was due to the two snowmobilers following other tracks, unfortunately they were the tracks of open water skimmers. So be careful of whose tracks you follow! Of course, alcohol, speed and lack of common sense were also mitigating factors in this case as well. One guy gunned it and crossed, the other panicked and died.

[jetskier]

Originally Posted by VitaBene

Jetskier,

Great suggestions! I will make one comment on your suggestion regarding following other tracks especially at night. My house is in Suissevale in Moultonborough over near Green's Basin. There have been a number of drownings there. the most recent was due to the two snowmobilers following other tracks, unfortunately they were the tracks of open water skimmers. So be careful of whose tracks you follow! Of course, alcohol, speed and lack of common sense were also mitigating factors in this case as well. One guy gunned it and crossed, the other panicked and died.

Hi VitaBene,

That is a very good point. It is prudent to also look at where the tracks are going. In general, snowmobiliers create track roads on the ice that indicate that the way is/was safe. Of course, that is no substitute for watching where you are going and being aware of the conditions. I find that the greater issue (than open water) is ice ridges. Ice ridges can form quickly and they are essentially a brick wall.

Skimming is just a bad idea. Of course, if you find yourself on soft ice or unexpected open water, then power is your friend.

Unfortunately, I think that most accidents are rooted in drinking and bad judgement...like everything else.

Jetskier

[VitaBene]

Jet skier- great point on the ice ridges.

The drowning I referred to happened at night. I think the main point of both of our suggestions is don't out-run your vision; or especially at night, your headlights!!

Be safe out there this weekend, everyone!!

John

[Seeker]

BRK-INT I agree with you. I think FLL needs a new hobby - too much time on his hands.

Anyway regarding snowmobiling safety I find one of the biggest problems, especially on lakes is outdriving your headlight(s). Seen too many people killed by head-ons and pressure ridges just because they were going too fast at night. One of the reasons there are a couple nighttime speed limits on NH lakes. Of course the underlying cause is still alcohol in many of these.
I refuse to ride lakes at night, even my own. I've seen open water where there was 34" of ice the year before with the same temps.
Skr