With all the snow this week I am sure everyone is excited to get out riding this weekend.

We would like to advise everyone to be extra cautious as we are still early in the season and the high water levels in the lakes seems that it may have changed the patterns of the freeze up this season.

We have already had confirmed reports of snowmobiles going through the ice on Prelude Lake, Quyta Lake and Grayling River this week and unconfirmed reports of snowmobiles going through the ice on Prosperous and Pickerel Lakes. As well as a side by side breaking through on the first small pond off of long Lake heading to Martin Lake last weekend.

Stay safe and make sure to test the ice, keep distance between snowmobiles while travelling and always ensure that someone at home knows the route you are taking

Good Day All,

The Great Slave Snowmobile Association will be hosting rides as normal this winter as what better way to enjoy the outdoors while maintaining social distancing and COVID protocols.

We are in the process of setting up a virtual annual general meeting using zoom or go-to-meeting we will keep everyone updated once we have a plan

Shaun “Moose” Morris

President, GSSA

The weather forecast looks great for ride this weekend!!

Polartech has offered to sponsor the ride and donate some prizes to be drawn at random for those in attendance!!

We will meet by the Ice Castle at 10:00am on Sunday January 27th 

As for the route, we can go up to Berry Hill then over to Tartan Rapids where we can make a fire and have a lunch break.  

Shaun GSSA President

Good Day all,

Please click on the image below to see the poster for the World Snow Day events coming up on Sunday January 20th at 1:00pm

Polartech will be hosting a Ladies Night on January 17th from 6:00 to 7:00pm. Technicians will be reviewing basic maintenance and usage items such as belt changes, using pull cords and emergency rope starting.  They will also be demonstrating how to wear a no-fog with an open helmet and goggles.  
Polartech will also be offering 20% discount on clothing, helmets and much much more for any of the ladies that attend that night. 

As for trail conditions, I was out of town so I have nothing first hand to report, but I have received information that there is plenty of powder north of Neck and Johnson Lake but not much out on the winter road area towards Tibbit Lake and North. 
There was a snowmobile sunk a couple weeks ago on Prelude Lake, I have attached a screenshot of a map that shows the general area.  

Lastly,  Polartech is now renting snowmobiles, toboggans and even trailers!!  They will even set people up with helmets, winter gear, GPS and emergency locators if necessary.  Call Eric at Polartech for more information and rates. 

Shaun “Moose” Morris

President, GSSA

Over Christmas, some friends were out for a family ride and while travelling less than 50km/hr near Dettah during flat light conditions one of them struck a rock, was thrown over the handlebars landing on another rock and the snowmobiles momentum carried it forward where it struck the back of the riders helmet.

The rider had facial lacerations that required stitches and was transported to Stanton Hospital for assessment and treatment. Fortunately there were no long term serious injuries and the rider will be back riding again after a couple weeks of healing. The photos below show the damage that was done to the helmet while travelling at relatively slow speeds (20km/hr under the speed limit for the area).

It is mandatory to wear a helmet while riding within the limits of the City of Yellowknife a lot of people ride without helmets when out in the bush. This incident shows how important it is to wear a helmet at all time as this accident happened to an experienced rider travelling at relatively low speeds.

We are starting to get reports from members on trail conditions around the City.

Kam Lake

There is a significant amount of Overflow on the trail leading from the south end of Kam Lake heading towards Mac Lake. You can bypass this area by taking the trail that was cut for the winter road two seasons ago. See the photos below for the location and pictures of the over flow.

Walsh/Prosperous/Prelude/River Lakes/Hay Lakes

last week I went on a ride out to Prelude going from back bay to YK River over to Walsh then Prosperous and onto Prelude via the trial that comes out north of the River entrance. We returned to Yellowknife using the River Lakes trail to Prosperous/Cassidy Point then crossing the highway taking the Hay Lakes trail. The trails and lakes were in great condition with the fresh snow. there are ice roads starting to show up on the lakes so please be aware when riding.

White Beach

A member reported that the ride out to White Beach is beautiful but there is one ice ridge to be aware of.

If you have been out for a ride let us know what the conditions are like by emailing us at [email protected] so we can share with all our members.

In partnership with the City of Yellowknife the Great Slave Snowmobile Association will be leading a Family Ride to celebrate World Snow Day on January 20th, 2019.

We will meet on Frame Lake by the Sculpture at Sombe K’e park by City Hall with the ride starting at 1:00pm so make sure you are there early and ready to go!

Ice Testing Results – November 17th

All bodies of water tested have now reached 6 inches with the exception of Jackfish (Stock) Lake.

Remember that Ice Thickness can vary depending on currents or location, please be cautious at all times

Ice Testing Results – November 10th