how to survive the unexpected

Water
A body works hard at keeping itself warm. This produces hunger and thirst. Dealing with thirst is our first concern. Eating snow will provide some relief, but overall it will lower body temperature cause more thirst due to the mouth drawing upon warm saliva to break down the frozen water.

How to acquire water in this unlucky situation takes forethought. Obviously, if a stream or lake is nearby, fetch water from this supply; provided the water is easily accessed, is exposed or has a minimal depth of ice on its surface. Take caution not to expose flesh to the water for a considerable length- minimize this at all costs, and don't slip in.

If needing to melt snow or capture free flowing water for drinking, then consider the following:

First, if the snowmobile motor will run, it will generate under hood heat. With this in mind, fill a pair of goggles with snow and place on top the cylinder head, close the hood and start the motor. In an undetermined amount of time, the snow will melt inside the goggles. Ingenuity will come to play to drink the water from the goggles. This can also work if a sock or a wrapped-up scarf is partially filled with snow and melted. Wringing the sock or scarf of its water will release the needed fluid. This may sound like an event from Fear Factor, but it will help keep you alive.

Shelter and warmth are key to staying alive. Use what you have at hand and consider all your options.

Note: Many thanks to Mike Vorachek, Idaho Falls, Idaho who has
more than 30-years experience in training and conducting search and rescue. Currently a member of the Bonneville County, Idaho, Search and Rescue, he also serves in the Army Reserves as an emergency response expert. He has logged more than 50 search and rescues of lost or injured snowmobilers.