Weather results in unstable ice conditions, police warn

A recent blast of winter has resulted in a false sense of security as many outdoor enthusiasts venture onto the ice with snowmobiles and trucks and are met with negative results, according to the Ontario Provincial Police.

The fluctuations in temperatures and increased snowfalls have resulted in inconsistent and unstable ice conditions on lakes and rivers.

Sudbury Trail Plan Association director of operations, Norm Hein, backed the warning from OPP about unstable ice. He said his organization is having issues with several lakes, including Lake Wahnapitae and Windy Lake. Hein also warns snowmobilers that if a lake isn't staked, do not go on it.

“We don't stake a lake if there isn't at least seven inches of ice,” he said.

About 80 per cent of local snowmobile trails are open, however. Sudbury Trail Plan is hoping to have the remainder of its trails back in shape by tonight or early morning Jan. 21. It usually takes about three days to whip the trails back into form following a major snowfall, Hein said.

There has been a significant spike in the sale of trail permits, Hein said. Prior to the recent snow storm, sales were down by about 15 per cent compared to the same time last year.

In the North East Region, the OPP has investigated six occurrences where snowmachines have either broken through thin ice or driven into open water.

Sadly, a young man died in one of those mishaps.

Three other snowmobile operators were killed in off-ice incidents in northern Ontario.

Collisions with stationary obstacles such as ice shacks, rock outcroppings and pressure cracks see riders ejected and seriously injured or killed. Speed and alcohol often factor in such crashes.

Riding at night increases risks of open water incidents and trail collisions as machine headlights are often overdriven.

The OPP urged snowmobile enthusiasts to continually consult the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) website’s Interactive Trail Guide and Trail Status Reports www.ofsc.on.ca.

Ice conditions are poor in many areas, and anyone venturing out needs to stick to the open trails and ride with extreme caution.

Posted by Arron Pickard