Ready to break out the snowmobile? Hit the trails but not the lakes!

The only joy I get from Maine winter is snowmobiling. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is warning there's no safe ice on Maine lakes, ponds and rivers. With ice fishing season underway many Mainers are ready to break out the ice fishing shack or snowmobile.

Although the weather has been cold, it hasn't been enough to safely freeze the open water. Blustery winds hinder the freezing process. The temperature needs to remain this cold for about two weeks with little to no wind.

Another danger officials are warning about is the snow covering what could be thin ice. It's tough to judge the thickness of the ice. It can vary wildly in early winter. Snow can pack over open water or thin ice. Officals recomend you don't venture out into water that could be over your head under the ice. Wearing a life jacket or having specialized ice picks to pull yourself to safety is another recommendation as well as drilling test holes.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife says the safest bet is to just avoid the ice all together for now.

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