Snowmobile falls in 8-foot hole near Stephenville, fellow riders save it

A group of snowmobilers pulled together to help a friend in need this week after a harrowing close call when his Polaris fell through a deep hole in the snow into a brook.

If he was pinned under it, he wouldn't have made it for sure. Very close call.- Charlie White

Charlie White of Stepenville was out exploring the backcountryon Tuesday, making videos for his YouTube page, when he noticed three men in the distance, waving at him.

When he drove down to meet them, he discovered one had run into some trouble. His Polaris 800 Assault snowmobile was nowhere to be seen, nearly submerged in the waters of Cold Brookat the bottom of an eight-foot hole.

"His quick reaction allowed him to live for another adventure, because his sled was in threefeet of water," White said. "If he was pinned under it, he wouldn't have made it for sure. Very close call."

A team effort helps get a snowmobile out of buried snow near Stephenville

8 years ago

Duration 4:57

A group of snowmobilers come together to dig out a machine buried in back country snow behind Stephenville.

While the rider was lucky not to behurt, there was still the problem of the lost snowmobile. That's when they heard another group on their machines on a nearby mountain, and chased them to ask for help.

"This area is remote and very few folks travel there, but it lies between two very popular spots," he said. "So we got lucky with the right people in the right spot at the right time."

Could have been worse

White hopes others will see the video and be a little more cautious when out riding. He said the sinkhole was likely a result of a number of mild periods this winter, which allows running water to eat away at the ice and snow above.

"You really have to know where you are going to avoid traps like this," he said. "It could have been much worse. If it had been me driving that sled I'd be needing to change my pants afterwards."

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