THUNDER BAY — Ontario Provincial Police are warning snowmobilers about dangerous slush conditions on some northwestern Ontario lakes.
Police said Tuesday that they had received "a surge in calls for help" from stranded sledders.
In a statement, OPP noted that this winter's above-average snowfall has produced extreme slush conditions on area lakes.
They said that, due to plummeting temperatures overnight, getting stuck in slush "could quickly become a life and death situation."
Police advised snowmobilers to take appropriate precautions before heading out.
- Check ice conditions on the route you are taking, avoid unknown lakes.
- Ensure you have a charged cell phone and an extra power supply. Keep them in a warm pocket.
- Stay on approved trails and don't venture into unknown areas.
- Avoid alcohol consumption while sledding.
- Always travel in pairs, never alone.
- Dress in layers and bring an extra set of mitts/socks.
- Always carry an axe and small shovel in case of an emergency.
- Bring a lighter and paper in your backpack.
- Advise someone of your plans and when you will be back.
- Try not to travel at night and reduce your speed.
- Bring snacks (granola bars) and water
- If you get stuck, monitor your body for signs of hypothermia
The OPP advisory followed their involvement in an incident Sunday in northern Minnesota, just south of the international border, where four snowmobilers got stuck in slush, resulting in one member of the group suffering severe hypothermia and frostbite.
In another recent incident, OPP had to use a helicopter to rescue a man and a woman whose machines got bogged down in slush on a lake southwest of Thunder Bay.
