Snowmobiles are a common sight on the frozen Red River, but one submerged near Riverside Dam has become an eyesore this summer. It caught the attention of fishing guide Brad Durick before last weekend's Cats Incredible tournament.
"We were out marking the north boundary and decided to check the dam out, and darn it if the rear end of that sled wasn't sticking out," Durick said. "It hung up on the bottom shelf of the dam. I don't particularly want it in our river."
The machine has been wedged about 3 feet under since its rider was rescued from the water below the dam in March. Investigators then decided the spring current and temperature of the water made it too dangerous to try to salvage the snowmobile.
The Red soon after rose above flood stage, but the water failed to loosen the craft.
Five months later, oil, coolant and other engine fluids have seeped into the river and no one seems eager to remove the snowmobile. Minnesota law says the state's jurisdiction of the Red River stretches to the North Dakota shore.
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"Under Minnesota statute, the removal falls under the county sheriff's jurisdiction," said Angie Warren, state conservation officer.
Sgt. Jim Tadman, an investigator with the Polk County Sheriff's Department, said the snowmobile will be removed "if we can do it in a safe manner. We'll sure look into it and get it taken care of."
"If the water gets much lower, it'll make a great place to tie off," Durick said.
Reach Johnson at (701) 780-1262; (800) 477-6572, ext. 262; or send e-mail to jjohnson2@gfherald.com .
