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Know Before You Go! Snowmobiling Safety on Ice: A Critical Guide

Traveling on frozen water—lakes, rivers, and ponds— presents unique and extreme dangers for snowmobilers. The safest practice is to assume all ice is unsafe and avoid crossing bodies of water entirely.

1. The Absolute Rule: Ice Thickness and Stability Ice conditions are constantly changing due to running water beneath the surface, temperature fluctuations, and inconsistent thickness. Ice thickness sufficient to support a snowmobile can never be guaranteed. • The Safest Decision: Never venture onto lakes or rivers

unless you are absolutely certain of a designated, safe, and checked route across the frozen surface. • Personal Responsibility: Never trust the tracks of other snowmobilers. You are responsible for your own safety and must test the ice thickness yourself if you choose to cross. 2. Riding Technique and Traction Ice provides dramatically less traction than snow, making starting, turning, and stopping extremely difficult. • Speed and Control: Always use extreme caution and travel at low speeds when riding on ice. • Body Position: Remain seated on the snowmobile to keep the center of gravity low, which aids in machine control. • Braking: Fast stops are often impossible without additional traction devices, and spinouts are common on bare ice. Avoid heavy braking; instead, release the throttle and coast slowly to a stop .

3. Collision and Obstruction Hazards Riders often mistakenly assume lakes are flat, wide-open areas free of obstructions, increasing the risk of high-speed collisions. Collision Risk: Because you can ride in any direction on a lake, other riders can approach from any direction at any time. Maintain extreme situational awareness. Hidden Obstructions: Lakes are rarely obstruction-free. Be prepared for unexpected hazards that change daily, including: • Ice heaves (pressure ridges) • Slush pockets • Frozen mounds left by ice fishing

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