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Avalanche Safety For Snowmobile Riders

Jan. 28 2022 Safety By J&B Cycle & Marine

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When you ride a snowmobile, safety has to be a priority. Not only is your safety important, but so is the safety of everyone around you, whether or not they’re in your riding party. One of the biggest dangers that snowmobile riders face is the risk of being caught in an avalanche. Avalanches typically occur due to shifting weather or temperature conditions, but they can happen at any time, so it pays to know what you should do to avoid them and what you should do to survive them.

Know the Risks

While avalanches could happen for no discernible reason, they are typically caused by a shift in weather patterns or in temperature. If there have been heavy rains or several sunny days in a row recently, then the snowpack has likely loosened and may shift, causing an avalanche. Careless riders who sled too close to heavy snowpack may also unwittingly loosen it. Check the weather conditions before you go out to your riding area to make sure that the snow is not in danger of shifting.

Bring the Right Gear

Always make sure you’re dressed to ride your snowmobile, including layers of warm clothing underneath your snowsuit, gloves, a helmet, goggles, and boots. However, one key piece of gear you may also want to get is an avalanche beacon, which you wear on your body. Should you become caught underneath snow, the beacon will provide a radio alert that helps rescuers to find you. Some models even offer vital signs so that people will know you’re still alive.

Dig Immediately

If one of your companions becomes trapped underneath the snow, someone should call for rescue, but don’t stand around waiting! Have everyone pack a small folding snow shovel in their bags so that you can all begin digging immediately to free your compatriot. Rescuers may take a while to get there and an immediate rescue is the best chance your avalanche victim has for survival.

Visit our dealership today to check out our wide stock of new and used snowmobiles for sale. J&B Cycle & Marine proudly serves Timmins and the province of Ontario.