Snowmobiling enters its late-season stage, and several factors could impact safe trail conditions.
On the eastern end of the Upper Peninsula, Michigan State Police responded to a fatal snowmobile crash in Chippewa County. Emergency medical measures were taken by a witness on the scene, but the driver, a 62-year-old man, was pronounced dead when law enforcement arrived. Officials report speed was a factor in the crash.
As temperatures rise and fall in late winter, snowmobile patrol officers say trail conditions can deteriorate quickly. Keweenaw County Sheriff Deputy Matt Eberly says as snowmobiles head into corners, sleds may slide out from under a rider due to loose snow he compares to sugar.
“You may have a great flat straight stretch of trail that has a good base on it and then at the end of that straight stretch is a corner that is absolutely blown out and you’re down to dirt and that’s when you lose control,” said Matt Eberly, snowmobile patrol officer with the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office. “Your track doesn’t stop you and your skis either bite too hard or don’t bite at all and you end up in the toolies.”
Over the weekend in Baraga County the snowmobile club found a burnt-down snowmobile on the trail on Saturday, and a second was found by a trail groomer out on maintaining conditions on Sunday. Both sleds were removed from the trail.
If you come across a downed tree or flooded section of trail, contact the nearby snowmobile club to assess conditions. In case of an accident or emergency, contact law enforcement and note the nearest trail marker or road intersection.
Learn more about snowmobile recreation in Michigan here. Check out trail conditions by downloading the groomer tracker app, or find out more about snowmobiling safety here.
