SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Despite the recent dusting of snow over the past couple of days, the numbers back up what Yellowknife residents are noticing this year - that snow levels in the city are drastically lower than they have been in previous years.

Bruce Hewlko is warning snowmobile drivers to be cautious of rocks like this one near Kam Lake Road that are now exposed on the trails because of the extremely low snow levels this year. - Adrian Lysenko/NNSL photo

"The trails are in poor condition," said Bruce Hewlko, president of the Great Slave Snowmobile Association. "The issue facing snowmobilers is the rocks aren't covered (by snow) as much as they were in the past," said Hewlko.

As a result, there is potential for more "wear and tear" on the snowmobile's tracks and rudders, he said.

Environment Canada's Climate Data Almanac supports Hewlko's observations. As of Jan. 16, Yellowknife had 19 centimetres of snow on the ground - drastically lower than last year when there was twice as much snow at 39 centimetres. In 2008 and 2009, there was 40 centimetres and 50 centimetres, respectively, of snow on that date.

Yvonne Bilan-Wallace, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, said other NWT communities have had plenty of snow this year. On Jan. 16, Hay River had 46 centimetres on the ground, Fort Smith had 32 centimetres and Fort Simpson had 57 centimetres.

Earl Blacklock, manager of public affairs and communications for the GNWT Department of Transportation, said less snowfall can result in less need for maintenance on the roads, but when the crews are sent out, it can be more dangerous because of icy roads.

The winter conditions have led some snowmobilers to stay off the trails altogether.

"I've talked to several people who said 'the trails are pretty rough - I'm just not going out,'" Hewlko said.

He said snowmobilers are having more difficulty travelling on largely snow-free city roads.

"It's good for the city but bad for snowmobilers," he said.

However Hewlko, a veteran snowmobiler of 50 years, said the poor trail conditions haven't deterred him from the trails, nor has it caused the association to cancel any events.

"I guess we're fairly dedicated," he said with a laugh.

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