Snowmobilers warned about pressure cracks

Here at SooToday.com, we never nag.

But four of Ontario's 26 snowmobile-related fatalities this year have either been here in Algoma or have involved Saultites visiting other locales.

Ontario Provincial Police headquarters has asked us to distribute this advisory.

We do so in hopes of preventing further loss of life or injuries.

************************** Snowmobile season winds down

TORONTO, March 18 - With spring's arrival just days away, Ontario Provincial Police are warning snowmobile riders to plan their routes carefully.

Both ice and trail conditions are changing rapidly each day due to milder temperatures. Warmer weather brings on pressure cracks and slush under the snow in shoreline areas of lakes and rivers.

Stronger currents close to dams and stream inlets have weakened the ice dramatically.

Slush is now appearing on lakes where the ice is not thick enough to support the weight of snow that has fallen.

Many snowmobile clubs across Ontario have stopped grooming operations and some sections of trails are bare and washed out. Despite a late start to this year's season, police report 26 snowmobile-related deaths in Ontario this winter.

This figure is up slightly over last year, with the majority of fatalities attributed to excessive speed. "Five people died after their snowmobiles went through the ice," says Inspector Jim Dixon, Field and Traffic Support Bureau.

"Snowmobilers need to exercise extreme caution during the deteriorating conditions attributed to the spring thaw."

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