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4. Evaluating Ice Quality It is critical to evaluate the ice quality and type before traveling onto it. The only type of ice recommended for travel is new, clear, hard ice.

Always Avoid Ice That Is:

Risk Factors That Weaken Ice:

Snow Cover: Snow acts as an insulation blanket, preventing ice from hardening.

Slushy

Near Moving Water: (Rivers, currents, channels)

Pressure Ridges: Caused by wind, current, or shifting ice pressure.

Warm Temperatures: Weakens and causes "rotten" or layered ice.

Thawed and Refrozen

5. Emergency Procedure: If You Fall Through Drowning is a leading cause of snowmobiling fatalities. Preparation and quick action are essential. Preparation • Wear Flotation Gear: If you ride on ice often, wear a buoyant floatation snowmobile suit. • Carry Ice Picks: Wear commercial ice picks attached to a cord and threaded through your jacket sleeves. These are essential for self-rescue. Self-Rescue Steps 1. Stay Calm: Realize that air trapped in your suit and helmet may help keep you afloat for several minutes. 2. Catch Yourself: Extend your arms forward onto the unbroken ice surface immediately. 3. Propel Forward: Kick your feet to help propel yourself onto the ice, similar to a seal. 4. Use Tools: If the ice keeps breaking, use anything sharp (ice picks, keys, or a knife) to dig into the ice and pull yourself forward. Do not remove your gloves or mitts. 5. Crawl Away: Once you are out of the water and on the ice, crawl or roll away from the hole. Do not attempt to stand up until you are well away from the fracture zone.

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MAINE SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION