A reminder about the dangers on area lakes this weekend as police had to rescue a stranded snowmobiler.
On Talon Lake east of North Bay, OPP officers responded to a missing person report. A 60-year-old rider was reported missing by friends.
"The sledder was located stranded in deep slush at the opposite end of the lake," says Constable Kyler Brouwer. "The individual was cold, soaked, and unable to move their snowmobile. Officers rescued the sledder, recovered their snowmobile with extensive effort, and returned them safely to their group."
The Intrepid Snowmobiler has some tips about sledding in slush.
"The name of the game is not to let your track get clogged with icy slop. Not only does that packed slush add a ton of weight to your sled. But it also slows or stops your track’s ability to continue rotating. Before you know it, you’re stuck. And freeing your snowmobile will likely involve an ordeal of brute force, wet feet and long effort. And always consider the possibility that your companions may not be able to help much for fear of getting stuck themselves."
The website offers these tips:
- If a sled in front of you cuts a track of open slush, steer your snowmobile onto unbroken snow if possible. Don’t follow in an open slush track.
- Don’t stop, slow down or attempt any tight turns. Why? Because the weight of your sled is more likely to sink into the slush at lower speed and trap your track.
- Stay on the throttle with enough speed to keep your sled on top of the slush, Then hightail it back onto solid snow or to the shore.
- If you do feel your sled beginning to bog down, try rocking your back end side to side as you continue to ride. This action may help keep your track free from the goop.
"If your group hits slush, it’s each rider’s job to make it out on their own if possible. Why? Because anyone who stops to help is also likely to get struck. After you reach safe snow or shore, stop to check if everyone made it. If not, make a plan about how to assist stuck companions before heading back. Is there a safer way to approach the stuck sled? What tools do you have to help? Who should go and on what sleds? Do you have cell service to communicate with one another as needed?
"Meanwhile, someone should stay in a safe place as your backup. This person(s) can go for help if the worst happens and everyone gets badly stuck. Depending on the situation, they can also prepare materials for a bonfire. This way, those out in the slush can warm up when they get out."
