After riding in fresh deep snow,more than a foot of semi-dry lake effect snow my sled began to bog,sure enough, the beak of the sled had packed with snow.Your right it does only enter through the highest part of the nose,under the removeable intake screen.I'm looking for some of that intake pre filter material that most oem sleds use for a pre filter.I bet if two pieces were slid in along side of that slot where the air is pulled into,the snow couldn't pack up due to the sucking force .The snow seems like it wants to blow off while your driving,but after its under the top cover the wind cant blow it off,and the motor is suciking it tight up against the silicone impregnated silk screen that was supposed to prevent snow and water from entering the motor.I had to stop several time while playing in so pits and meadows to bang and pry the snowy, icy mix that was restricting the flow.On a good note ,after my sled thawed in the shop,there was NO water in the box,or any evidece that there might have been!It's early does this make sense?