Mild temperatures a welcome change for snowmobilers

Temperatures below -30 C with the wind blowing don’t make for ideal snowmobiling conditions.

In fact, Jerry Jemieff, a snowmobile safety instructor in Saskatoon, encourages people to stay home.

“Just do not go. It’s not safe out there. You’re asking for uncomfortable situations if you ever get caught,” Jemieff said.

“If you have any exposed skin, of course you’re going to freeze.”

That is why Jemieff was pleased to see the recent warm-up. It is exactly what he has been waiting for after a long deep freeze last week.

Groomed trails are the safest place to enjoy the activity. Maps of where they are can be found on the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association’s website.

The thaw still comes with its own risks, however, when everything turns to slush.

“It could create havoc on the trail because that slush is going to freeze overnight when the temperatures do drop below zero. You don’t want bits of flying ice and debris coming up on snowmobile trails,” Jemieff said.

His general advice for safe snowmobiling includes not going alone and telling somebody about your whereabouts; also, he recommends keeping a safe speed and not drinking alcohol.

Environment Canada is forecasting warm and above-average temperatures for most areas of the province over the rest of the week and into the weekend.

Regina’s high on Saturday is expected to be 2 C, while Saskatoon’s is expected to be – 1. Prince Albert is also expected to be -1, as is Meadow Lake.