Two Snowmobilers from Grand Haven Found in Lake

Snowmobilers have been taking advantage of all the early snow this season. Unfortunately, a pair from Grand Haven crashed through the ice to their deaths.

How Much Ice Should Be on a Lake to Safely Snowmobile?

Just because Michigan has received a lot of early snow and temperatures have been cold, doesn't mean that lakes are safe to take out snowmobiles, ATVs, side-by-sides, or even vehicles.

For safe snowmobiling in Michigan, you generally need 5 to 7 inches of new, clear ice, but many experts recommend 8-10 inches. It is always important to test the ice thickness with an auger or spud bar, as factors like currents, freeze-thaw cycles, springs, and ice color can significantly affect strength.

Read More: Michigan Ice Tragedy Highlights Deadly Early-Season Risks

It is important to note that no ice is 100% guaranteed, and if you don't know a lake very well, it is best not to attempt to cross it on any motorized vehicle.

Two Snowmobilers From Grand Haven Found on Bottom of Lake

According to WZZM, two Grand Haven men, Dan Meyers, 65, and Jason Aemmer, 49, were snowmobiling with family over the weekend on trails in Lake County, which is just under 80 miles from where they live.

Meyers and Aemmer had decided to do some late-night snowmobiling on some trails, and after family had not heard from the two for several hours they notified the Mason County Sheriff's Department around 12:30 a.m.

A search team located snowmobile tracks that entered the ice on Round Lake, but there were no tracks leaving the ice. Police used a drone to fly over the unsafe ice and located a helmet near a hole.

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One of the first responders fell through trying to get to the location the snowmobiles went through the ice. Unfortunately, the search crews located both men and their snowmobiles under the ice in six feet of water.

👇BELOW: Michigan Snow Removal Etiquette👇