New York Snowmobiler Rescued After Being 'Catapulted' 150 Feet

Temperatures in the Hudson Valley may have already hit the 60s, but further north, persisting ice and snow means that winter sports are still in full swing.

Recently, a snowmobile rider was rescued on Indian Lake after a catastrophic accident that authorities said "catapulted" both operator and vehicle 150 feet before the driver was ejected from the sled and thrown even further.

The NYS DEC says a man and his snowmobile were "catapulted" 150 feet when they hit an ice have on Indian Lake (NYS DEC via Facebook)

Winter Activities in Indian Lake, NY

Indian Lake in Hamilton County, NY is the site of a wide variety of winter activities. Recently, residents were treated to an ice carousel on nearby Blue Mountain Lake (below). Frozen lakes are also used by local snowmobilers.

Snowmobiler "Catapulted" After Hitting Ice Heave on Indian Lake

"On March 4 at 11:30 AM, Hamilton County received a 911 call about an unconscious snowmobiler on Indian Lake", began a recent post from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

They went on to explain that an ice heave (a ridge of ice formed by two ice sheets pushing against each other) was suspected to have caused the accident (below).

Traumatic Injuries After Snowmobile Accident on Indian Lake in New York

The NYS DEC explained that the ice heave "catapulted" both snowmobile and rider more than 100 feet across the frozen lake before landing, where the force threw the rider an additional 50 feet.

A snowmobile rider on Indian Lake was transported by helicopter to the hospital after a serious crash (NYS DEC via Facebook)

The injured rider was transported first by snow ambulance and then helicopter (above) to receive medical attention for an injured arm and traumatic brain injury.