As Washington County recently received several inches of snow, local snowmobilers will be heading out this weekend on the trails.

Snowmobile club Southeast Iowa Ridge Blasters President Cody Krueger recommends those snowmobiling in groups to make sure everyone is comfortable, “While you’re out riding, I think it’s always very important to make sure that you ride within your abilities and you don’t push other riders outside of their abilities. [It’s] very important if you’re going to cross any water to make sure that you know the ice conditions, make sure that ice is thick enough to support the weight of riders and snowmobiles. Rivers can be especially dangerous because the current underneath can leave pockets of thin ice so it’s very important to know ice conditions.”

Krueger mentions that the trails maintained by the Southeast Iowa Ridge Blasters are in the public right-of-way but they do go through residents’ front yards so he warns not to disturb private property. Snowmobiling with a group and bringing supplies including tools, a cell phone, and extra socks and gloves is advised.