Maybe May is not the right time to be talking about running OHVs on snow and ice, but it does give is time to think it over and prepare for it for next winter. And you may still encounter snow and ice at some elevations in the mountains for several weeks to come. I am still seeing winter weather advisories with up to 12" of snow forecast above 4500' in the Cascades through May 29 here in Oregon. If you've never ridden or driven on snow and ice, coming up on it unexpectedly on a road or trail can be scary and dangerous.
Most OHVs (with the exception of snowmobiles) are not typically intended or equipped for operation in snow or ice. Most dirt bikes, ATVs, and side-by-sides are well designed for use on dirt and rocky trails. However, because of the extended and remote locations some OHV outings take us to, you could run into to snow or ice on the roads and trails. We usually avoid riding dirt bikes and even ATVs in winter conditions. For the most part you want to avoid operating two wheeled OHVs in snow or on ice unless they have been specially equipped and you are properly trained and prepared. 4WD ATVs and side-by-sides do better in snow and ice, so much so that you can even get snowplows for them to clear your driveway.
Side-by-sides usually have 4WD and can operate fairly safely and successfully in a lot of conditions. Having 4WD and usually having fairly aggressive tires gives them pretty good traction in snow but they can suffer many of the problems we have with highway vehicles on icy surfaces. If the snow gets deep enough it is going to inhibit or stall our side-by-sides. Snow deep enough can be impossible to push through and even fairly moderate amounts, like a foot or so, can be enough to cause the bodies of side-by-sides (and even other larger, heavier vehicles) to float enough to lose traction. Like ATVs, side-by-sides can make good snowplows for your driveways.
ATVs, also commonly known as four wheelers, with 4WD are also quite agile in moderate amounts of snow. But they will face insurmountable problems when the snow is deep enough to block their progress and are subject to the same problems on ice as any other vehicles.
Dirt bikes are the least capable of all motorized OHVs on snow and ice. Folks who plan to ride through snow often equip their tires with steel spikes to improve traction. However, even with spikes, dirt bikes are not all that well suited to riding in snow or on ice. There are track conversions for dirt bikes that would make them work better in snow but they are quite expensive.
Snowmobiles are, of course, designed to operate on the snow and are usually very good at it. However, even they can run into situations where the snow exceeds their capabilities. Snowmobiles may be configured in different ways to maximize performance on trails or in powder snow. When riding a snowmobile, make sure you know what yours is configured for. Trail machines will not do well off-trail in deep powder snow.
Tracked vehicles generally fair better in snow and ice than wheeled vehicles. The Cushman Trackster, for example, a popular tracked off road vehicle for a time was quite agile in snow. They were manufactured and sold from about 1969 to 1974. There are still a few around if you are lucky enough to find one. These days you can also purchase track kits to fit almost any kind of OHV, from dirt bikes to Jeeps.
Some common dangers for any OHV when riding in the snow include deep drifts and hidden obstacles. Hidden obstacle might include logs, stumps, disabled vehicles, rocks, and ditches, streams, ponds, or depressions filled with snow. Snowmobiles are fairly heavy and will sink deep where skiers and snowboarders can skim over the surface. Tracked vehicles can sometimes ride over the top of deep snow while wheeled vehicles tend to dig into deep snow. Avoid riding or driving on ice over the top of lakes or rivers unless you are absolutely sure the ice is thick enough to support your vehicle. Liquid water beneath ice will never be colder than 32 degrees and can partially melt and/or erode the ice until it can't support the weight of passing vehicles. Ice should be at least 4" thick to walk on and 12-15" thick to drive on.
If you know you are going to be riding in snow make whatever preparations and take whatever precautions you can. Preparations might include special tires, spikes, or tire chains along with dressing for the weather and carrying extra supplies in case you get stuck or stranded. Precautions will include paying special attention to where you are going to avoid drifts and hidden obstacles and driving cautiously and appropriately. Sometimes there will be hints of hidden obstacles -- mounds of snow over logs and stumps or depressions over ditches or holes in the ground. Sometimes those indicators might look like fun things to explore, but it would be a good idea to approach them initially with caution, perhaps even use a stick or something to probe them before attempt to run your vehicle over them. Learn what you can about the trails you plan to traverse so you can anticipate and prepare for as many problems as you can. Stream crossings or places a trail passes through rock slides can present particularly menacing problems if you hit them without warning.
If you suddenly get caught in a snow storm or a trail climbs up into a snowy area slow down enough to be able to properly evaluate the trail ahead of you. You don''t want to slow down too much because often you need to maintain a certain amount of momentum to keep going through snow. Consider turning around and heading back to camp if you encounter unexpected snow on the trail. There are very few rides, other than rescue missions, that might warrant forging ahead through dangerous snowy conditions. Even rescue missions might need to be aborted if things get too bad or you will become another part of the problem instead of being part of the solution. Turning back before it is too late may be the best thing you could ever do. Staying out in cold conditions too long will risk injury or even death from exposure or hypothermia, especially if you are in or on an open vehicle.
If your vehicle gets stuck or breaks down you might find yourself stranded for a while. It is always good to have some extra supplies to fall back on if this happens. Some things to consider are blankets, extra clothes, matches or lighters, first aid supplies, food, and water.
Be sure to dress for the weather whenever you might be operating your OHV in snow or icy conditions. Start by dressing in layers and be sure to protect your extremities -- hands, feet, ears and nose -- since they are most susceptible to the cold. Stay dry! You will lose body heat about 25 times faster if you are wet! Warm gloves will be essential for operating your OHV but make sure they aren't TOO bulky as that can negatively affect your ability to control the vehicle. Chemical hand warmer packs are fairly cheap and are easy to use to help keep your hands and feet warm.
Have fun and stay safe!
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