UNIS snowmobile course

The University Centre in Svalbard
UNIS snowmobile course
1. Laws and regulations
2. Area regulations for snowmobile use
3. UNIS policy
4. UNIS snow scooters
5. UNIS scooter sleighs
6. How to pack gear on sleighs
7. Clothing and equipment for scooter trips
8. Starting up
9. Riding
10. Safety and risks
11. Some problems and solutions in the
field
1. Laws and regulations
• Use of helmet is mandatory (CE-marked ski helmet is ok)
• Driver’s licence for car or snowscooter
• Rules with alcohol same as for driving car. Limit is
0,2‰
• Speed limits:
• Terrain 80 km/h
• Inside Longyearbyen 30 km/h
• Main track in river valley inside town 50 km/h
• Inside Barentsburg 30 km/h
• Driving on the road should be avoided.
• The surface must be frozen and snow covered.
• Snow scooters must give way to other traffic when
crossing roads – STOP and look to all directions
always
Scooter routes in Longyearbyen
Gasoline pump for UNIS
scooters – need fuel card
To Adventdalen-valley
To Longyearbre-glacier
and Fardalen
2. Area regulations snowmobiles
Driving forbidden after
1.March
Driving forbidden
whole year
Allowed driving
route for permanent
residents and guided
groups
Restricted areas for snowmobiles
in Nordenskiöld land
2. Area regulations snowmobiles
Permanent residents – areas
for snowmobile use
2. Area regulations snowmobiles
3. UNIS rules
• Speed limit with student groups is 45 km/h
• UNIS regulations regarding driving in difficult weather
conditions:
– We do not drive if we can’t see the whole group because of the
weather.
– The drivers need to see the terrain surface in front of the snowscooter
to avoid possible obstacles or hazards.
4. UNIS Snow scooters
Lynx Ace Adventure 600cc
• Small 4-stroke scooter with electric
start
• 45 liter gasoline tank – uses 8-12
liters/100km
• UNIS has 25 scooters
• 4 with Montana-GPS attachment
• Small equipment box on the back
• In each box:
• Snow shovel
• Avalanche probe
• Insulated bivouac bag
(Jervenduk)
• Pull only light sleigh/trailer
4. UNIS Snow scooters
Ski Doo Expedition 1200cc
• 4-stroke powerfull large working
scooter with electric start
• 45-liter gasoline tank
• UNIS has 6 scooters
• Montana GPS attachment
• Equipment box on the back
• In each box:
• Snow shovel
• Avalanche probe
• Towing rope
• Insulated bivouac bag (Jervenduk)
• Pull heavier loaded sleighs/trailers
4. Rental scooters in busy times
During busy periods we rent scooters from Svalbard Snøscooterutleie SSU
Lynx Ace Adventure 600cc
• Same model as UNIS has
• No equipment box
Safety gear in separate bag
• Snow shovel
• Avalanche probe
• Insulated bivouac bag (Jervenduk)
•
Ski Doo Legend 800cc
• Basic 4-stroke scooter with electric start
• No equipment box
• Functions are very similar to UNIS scooters
•
•
Safety gear in separate bag
• Snow shovel
• Avalanche probe
• Insulated bivouac bag (Jervenduk)
Pull only light sleigh/trailer
4. UNIS snow mobiles
Functions: Lynx 600 Ace Adventure
Brake
Heating for
handlebars
Heating for
throttle
On/Off switch:
On when up
Off when down
Light switch: full
beam/short beam
Start button
On/Off ’key’ plug
Fuel tank
Throttle/”gas”
4. UNIS snow mobiles
Heating for handlebars:
Off in the middle
Low heat on left
High heat on right
Light switch: full
beam/short beam
Heating for throttle:
Off in the middle
Low heat on left
High heat on right
Start button – push
to start
5. UNIS snowmobile sleighs
Metal sleigh (ekstremslede)
• For smaller and lighter
loads
• Balance point in the
middle  heaviest load
in the middle
• Not too heavy at the
front – max 10kg weight
down on the attachment
hook
Wooden sleigh
• For heavier and large
loads
• Can be loaded more
uniformly
Max 10 kg
Balance point
6. How to pack sleighs
• Pack everything properly
and tightly in boxes, bags
etc and protect well from
snow, water and slush
• Fill up boxes totally so that
things can’t shake around
and get damaged
• Pack things tightly together
and use them to support
each other
• Try to fill from edge to
edge  less movement
• Heaviest things on balance
point or in the middle
6. How to pack sleighs
How to attach cargo
3 straps used –
easy to get tight
• Use ratchet straps
• Do not pull one strap
many times back and
forth  impossible to get
tight – use several straps
• Do not place metal
ratchet handle over edges
of boxes – it will destroy
the box - place it on flat
surfaces or on the side of
cargo
 Adjust strap lenght
• Check and tighten up
your cargo after short
driving intervals
OK
!
NOT OK!
OK
!
Shortened strap
7. UNIS snowmobile clothing
Snow scooter suit:
• Windproof
• Water-repellent
• Thick insulation
• Extra protection over the knees
• Big hood
• High neck collar
• Keep snow away from boots
•
Need to wear 1-3 warm layers
under the suit according to the
weather – bring always extras
7. UNIS snowmobile clothing
Shoes:
•
Insulated
•
Choose 1-3 sizes larger than normally –
should not be tight
•
Wear 1-2 pairs of thick wool socks
Mittens:
•
Wind proof + large
•
Thin liner gloves or separate thinner gloves
nice to have to avoid bare hands while
working + fixing things
Face mask/Balaclava:
•
Windproof neoprene + fleece
•
Should cover nose and cheeks totally
Goggles:
•
Be careful not to get moisture inside the
goggles  freeze when you get outside
•
Light colour when dark – dark colour when
sun
Helmet
•
Wear warm balaclava or hat under
•
Remember to bring your warm hat to wear
while working
7. Personal equipment
•
•
•
•
•
•
Extra warm layers
Extra socks
Extra mittens
Thinner gloves
Scarf or buff
Warm hat
•
•
Thermos bottle
Snacks & Food – remember that
they freeze
Sun glasses
Small backpack (30-50 liter) or stuff
sack which you can attach on
passenger seat or on cargo rack on
your scooter
•
•
7. Emergency and other equipment
In addition to basic safety gear: rifles, emergency beacon, satellite telephone
1. Avalanche beacons on your body
3. Snowmobile repair box
5. If needed Glacier rescue box
2. Emergency camp box
4. If needed Sea ice rescue gear: ice spikes,
throw ropes
6. Extra gasoline in 20 liter jerry cans
2.
1.
4.
3.
5.
7. Snow scooter repair box
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Towing rope
Start cables to connect two
batteries
Gasoline funnel for filling from
canisters
Basic tools + axe
Some spare parts for the sleighs
Engine oil for 4-stroke engines
Cooling liquid concentrate
Condensation water remover
for the gasoline system
8. Starting up and driving
8. Preparations before starting and driving
1. Check brake handle (you feel pressure when
you pull)
2. Check throttle wire (throttle handle moves
freely in and out)
3. Make sure that belt and skis are not frozen to
the ground
 Lift the skis, lift/rock the belt
4. Check around for damage
5. In really cold conditions spin the belt before
you start driving  1 person lift the belt up from
ground & another use throttle
6. Check that the lights are working (after
starting)
8. How to start Lynx 600 Ace
1. Check that black ‘key’ plug
is attached properly
2. Pull up red on/off
switch
3. Start-button
• Push shortly in
grey Start-button
• After peeb-peeb
sound push in
button again and
keep in until
engine starts
• Let engine warm
up 5 minutes
before driving
8. Starting up Lynx 600 Ace
Problems after starting:
1. After starting warning
peeb sound and red text
flash on left
 black ’key’ plug not
properly connected
 twist the plug
around until connection
ok
If you don’t fix the connection you can’t power up the
engine in normal way using throttle.
Sometimes warning signal and sound hasn’t been working
when plug is not properly connected – you will notice this
because you can’t power up the engine using throttle in
normal way  twist the plug
8. Starting up Lynx 600 Ace
Problems after starting:
2. Fuel meters are not
working properly in all
scooters
– double check fuel level
before you start by looking
in the tank.
3. Scooter doesn’t move
when you power up using
throttle
 check that skis and belt
are not frozen to the ground
9. Driving snowmobiles
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Driving basics
Driving in a group
Driving in a group – stopping and parking
Driving technique: basic, side slopes, uphill, downhill
Driving with a sleigh
Driving with a passanger
9.1. Driving basics
Controls for driving:
• Use throttle handle with right thumb to speed up and to slow down
• Do not hold the brake handle while driving – only hold it when you
use it  very easy to overheat the brakes
• Do not adjust speed with brake  very easy to overheat the brakes
• Snowmobiles have automatic transmission – you do not shift gears
Brake handle
Throttle handle
9.2. Driving in a group
• Stay in the track
• Keep 10-20m distance between
scooters
• No slowing down and speeding
• Remember to look behind to see
that everyone is following –
group leader can’t always see the
whole group
• Check your sleigh and cargo
often
• It is not allowed to drive pass the
scooter in front.
• When you see ATTENTION-STOP
hand signal (raised left arm)
 repeat the signal
 Slow down
 Stop in the right side of the track
behind other scooters
9.3. Driving in a group
You must stop if:
• You do not see the group and
do not know where to drive –
there can be many old tracks
• You do not see person behind
you
• Something wrong with the
snowmobile
• Cargo getting loose or sleigh
damaged
• Goggles freeze up or you
cannot see
• You get really cold
9.3. Driving in a group
When you must stop:
• Show STOP signal
• Turn to the right side of track
• Keep engine running
• Stay on or next to your
scooter outside of the track
• WAIT
• It is not allowed to pass the
snow scooter in front of you.
9.3. Parking
Parking:
• Slow down in time - use brake to stop
•
•
Park in lines next to each other whenever there is space – easier
to gather group
Leave minimum 5 metres distance between parking lines
•
Stay seated until next snowmobile has parked – avoid getting run
over
•
When starting again – drive out one by one in the same order
Min 5 metres distance
9.4. Driving technique
Basic driving position:
• Keep your feet on the standing
platforms
• Keep your hips and shoulders relaxed
and flexible
• Always some movement from side to
side
• the skis follow old tracks and
changes in snow
• relax and get used to it
• Be an active driver and use your
body to balance the snowmobile
• when turning
• also in different terrain
(sideslopes, uneven snow, soft
snow)
 lean into the curve, lean to
uphill
9.4. Driving technique
Driving on side slopes:
• Move your body uphill and lean
uphill in order to to balance the
snowmobile
The steeper and softer the snow
the more you need to move
Move your body
Steer uphill
• Keep and steer the skis uphill –
in softer snow you need to steer
more
• In soft snow keep the lower ski
on the track – otherwise it is very
easy to fall off the track totally
• Keep some speed – without
speed you will slide down easier
Move your body
Steer uphill
9.4.Driving technique
Driving uphill:
• More distance between the
snowmobiles
• Get speed before you start
climbing
• Keep the speed
• Stay on the hardest packed and
most even track
• Make a judgment whether you
manage to drive up with the
sledge. Unhook the sledge and
try first!
9.4. Driving technique
Driving downhill:
• STOP and check the downhill
• Leave more space between the
snowmobiles
• Start slowly, keep slow speed
• Pump the brakes in short
intervals to slow down and do
not lock the belt totally for long
time – easy to start sliding
sideways
• Stay on the hardest packed and
most even track
9.4. Driving technique
Driving with sledge:
• Think more ahead when driving with
sledge;
• easy to get stuck in:
• Soft snow
• Uphill's
• Icy spots
• Places without snow – also
road crossings
•
•
Always try to stop and park on flat ground
on hard snow
Stop and park so that you have space to
start driving forward afterwards
•
On sidehills and icy ground sledge start
sliding sideways very easily
•
Stay on the hardest packed and most even
track
Driving on sea ice
1.
2.
3.
4.
Stop and make an overview
•
Look for signs of poor ice.
•
Plan the route.
Make a plan and brief the group.
•
Distance between scooters
•
Signals
•
Communications (VHF etc)
•
Behaviour if stop
•
What to do in an accident
Open water
Ice
Make preparations
•
Ice spikes ready
•
Rescue equipment available
(rescue rope, rope etc)
Measure the ice thickness and
quality.
•
5.
Ice edge
Planned route
Measure the ice
STOP
Min 30 cm.
Make a decision - whether to go
or not.
37
10. Safety & risks
Small crashes and accidents with
snow scooters are most common
incidents during all of UNIS fieldwork
every year.
Accidents happen mostly because of:
• Inexperienced drivers
• Not slowing down early and enough
when stopping and parking
• Capsizing on side slopes etc.
• Driving in poor visibility or ‘flat light’
• Driving too fast in unknown terrain
• Hitting rocks or ice
• Playing around with scooter
• Hitting the throttle when getting on or
off the scooter while parked
38
10. Safety & risks
Most common accidents with UNIS
groups are:
• Crashing into other snow scooters
from behind when stopping, parking,
starting up and while driving
•
Falling over on side slopes
•
Loosing control and panicking on side
slopes or tricky tight spots and
crashing into rocks, chunks of ice or
down in wind holes or ravine walls
•
Hitting rocks or chunks of ice with
high speed
•
Destroy too heavily packed sleighs
39
10. Safety & risks
Most common personal injuries
• Frost bites on face, fingers – cover
up properly and check each other
More severe personal injuries
• Fractures on arms, legs, shoulders
• Injuries to the spine and neck
40
10. Safety & risks
Some common high risk features
• Steep holes and creek valley
edges in snow created by wind
(difficult to see in limited
visibility)
• Cracks, weak ice areas, melting
seal holes in sea ice
41
42
10. Safety & risks
Scooter accident in limited visibility –
driving over steep edge. Very easy to see in
normal conditions.
10. Water and slush on ice and terrain
Water on top of sea ice and in terrain
• Emerges under thicker snow cover in winter
on sea ice
•
Below glacier fronts – some melt water
flows out even in winter
•
End of season melt water on river beds, low
terrain, on ice, river mouths etc.
•
Can be totally hidden under snow and be 150cm deep slush
Can be only thinly frozen on top
•
•
Glacier front melt water pools and melt water
usually visible as wet/slushy darker surface
 Scooters, sledges get stuck and you get
wet and frozen
 AVOID these areas – stop and check first
44
10. Water and slush in terrain
•
Often possible to see wet areas
in the field  avoid and drive
around if possible
•
STOP and check first before you
decide to try drive across – you
can spare a lot of time and
sweat by using some minutes
first
45
10. Water and slush on ice and terrain
1.
Do not stop after you have started crossing!
2.
Speed up – keep the speed
3.
Make a big turn or cross the area
4.
1.
Keep as high speed
as possible
2.
Get back in a safe
track
Stop and evaluate
•
How can you solve the problem / help your
colleges the best way?
If you get stuck:
•
Detach the sledge, most cases empty the sledge
•
Help each other, use ropes, which way is easiest
to get loose?, try to make a snow/slush platform
and get scooter and sledge on that before you
try to drag and drive it out, open up track in loose
snow etc.
46
10. Snowscooter safety
•
•
•
•
Drive slowly and adapt your
driving to the conditions – UNIS
max speed in groups is 45km/h
Keep enough distance between
scooters
Pay attention to changes in terrain,
snow and ice – STOP and check if
you are unsure
•
•
Pack your sleigh properly – attach
well, not too heavy
Emergency box + scooter repair
Weather forecast
•
•
Ask about latest conditions
Updated GPS tracks to follow
•
Extra gasoline + Extra food + extra
clothing + extra goggles
Never drive longer trips with only
one scooter – if it breaks down
you have a big problem.
•
47
11. Some problems and solutions
Lynx Ace Adventure 600cc
• Extra variator/drive belt under the
front cover
• Cooling liquid container
• Drive belt/variator belt under side
cover on drivers left
• Basic tools + variator change key
• Engine oil pin & fill in
11. Some problems and solutions
To open variator discs
Tow rope attachment
Change variator belt:
• Use a key from tool set to open up variator
discs
• Slide out old belt and place new one in
• Check rotation direction on the new belt
and put in right way
Right towing rope attachment:
• Put towing rope behind the skis and
through the ski tips
• Attach both ends into towing hook
 Damaged scooter will follow the
track very nicely
• Remove variator belt so that belt
can rotate freely
• One person need to use brakes on
downhills
12. Check after fieldwork
Check the following;
- Possible damages. Pay special attention to
the under gear, belt and wheels.
- Get snow away from the belt and under
gear.
- Liquid levels; fuel oil and transmission oil.