By Stephanie Froese

Snowmobilers are being warned

Feb 7, 2011 | 5:18 AM

Recent snowfall and warmer weather mean a lot of people are out riding snowmobiles. With the forecast calling for warmer weather again next weekend riders are sure to be out in full force again.

Bonnie Greene is a conservation officer for the ministry of environment. She has been hearing reports of slush conditions which she said happens when temperatures tend to rise.

“Severe slush conditions can take place so snowmobilers are definitely advised to take caution for that,” Greene said.

Besides the slush Green has also heard reports of thin ice in some areas.

“We’ve had reports of thin ice in-between the first and second lake of Emma, at McIntosh point where the sand bar is, the water is very shallow there and we’ve had reports of people breaking through the ice there.”

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Green also cautioned riders to avoid any area where there could be narrower channels. There is channel between Christopher and Emma Lake that is popular for snowmobilers.

“Anytime that the temperatures start to raise, this area, specifically because there’s water running through there all the time the ice can get very thin and travel is not recommended.”

Another area of concern is Bittern Lake, said Greene. Bittern Lake is about an hour north of Prince Albert.

With three snowmobile related deaths in the last couple weeks the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association is urging driver to use caution.

sfroese@panow.com