The Wyoming State Trails Program is encouraging the public to exercise caution with the winter snowmobiling season as several fatalities have already occurred throughout the state this winter.
“We have already had four snowmobile-related fatalities in the State this season, and that is four too many. While many of our high-elevation snowmobile trail systems are officially open for business, the conditions are far less than desirable. Riders are going to encounter extremely icy and hard-packed snow conditions that significantly compromise the control of their snowmobiles.” – Forrest Kamminga, the State Trails Program manager.
The main hazards come from the hard, frozen, and icy base layer on most trail systems, caused by the lack of significant snowfall across most of the state. The lack of snow makes snowmobiles much harder to control, steer, and stop, degrading acceleration, cornering, and breaking performance. Additionally the loss of traction is magnified on downhill sections, and while riders are encouraged to continue taking advantage of the outdoors, they should do so with caution and awareness of the drastically altered trail conditions.
Beyond the icy conditions, the limited snow depth barely covers hazards both on and immediately off the trail system. Riders need to be acutely aware of objects hiding just beneath the snow surface, as running into a rock, jagged stump, or fallen timber that’s just thinly covered can result in damage to both the snowmobile and the person.
The Wyoming State Trails Program encourages all riders to slow down, scale back their riders, and prioritize safety as the current conditions remain dangerous. The State Trails Program wants people to continue to enjoy snowmobiling throughout the winter, but they must do it safely and assume every turn and every descent poses an elevated risk until significant snowfall softens and deepens the trails.
