Snowmobile clubs in Maine are cautioning riders to stay off most of the state’s trails until more snow comes in.

Maine Snowmobile Association operations director Al Sweat told Maine Public that snowpack created in early December was mostly wiped out by a rainstorm later that month, leaving hazardous conditions across most of the state.

He added that there’s already been one fatality; a 17-year-old girl in Aroostook County who was killed in a snowmobiling accident late last month.

Maine’s snowpack has become less reliable overall, which has been attributed to warming temperatures brought on by climate change.

“I usually go 1,000 miles a year, sometimes more,” Sweat said. “Last year I got 350. I know a lot of riders got less than that and it’s very discouraging.”

While some areas like Rangeley and Moosehead Lake have better conditions, Sweat said the state overall could use another foot of snow to make trails safe to ride.

To read the original Maine Public article, click here.