Winter Safety Reminders from National Forests

Salt Lake City, Utah, February 2, 2010 – Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest officials would like to remind all winter recreationists to have a safe, fun-filled season and to be extra careful while out in the woods. Snowmobilers, skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and dog sleds all share the same trails at some point in time, so it is extremely important that all users respect each others rights to enjoy their recreation activity of choice.

Snowmobile users should always proper trail etiquette such as: Obey all trail signs. Slow down when meeting other users and oncoming snowmobile traffic. Pull to the right ride or just off the trail if you meet oncoming dog sleds. Stop before crossing highways. Stay to the right on curves and slow down. Make sure your snowmobile is legally registered. Never snowmobile in wilderness areas. Make sure you are riding on trails, roads or areas that are open to snowmobiles. Maps are available to identify routes open to motorized and non-motorized uses. These routes do not include adjacent, surrounding lands or private property. Please leave gates open or closed, as you found them. Respect private property. You can pick up Winter Travel Maps at local Forest Service offices that will show you what trails, roads and areas are open for snowmobile use.

Skiers and snowshoers should always move to the side of the trail or just off the trail when you hear snowmobilers approaching. Please do not insist on the right-of-way, you are no match for a snowmobile. Remember you are responsible for your own safety.

Be informed about avalanche dangers. Carry safety equipment such as avalanche beacons, shovels and probes. Take an avalanche awareness class. Call the Avalanche Forecast Center for the most current and update information at 801-524-5304 or http://www.utahavalanchecenter/ . Here are a few safety tips to practice this winter:

 Call ahead for current conditions

 Make sure your vehicle is in good operating condition and contains an adequate level of fuel and have properly fitting tire chains and know how to install them

 Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member

 Never travel alone and take along your cell phone and a map
 Wear appropriate clothing and footwear

 Always carry extra clothing, food, water, flashlight, first aid kit, matches, and a small shovel

 If you become injured or lost, stay calm and seek shelter from the elements, but do not stray from your planned route

BE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING! Always stay alert on trails, know your limits for whatever form of winter recreation you choose to enjoy. Respect the rights of other users and the National Forest you are recreating on.

Helmets focus of Snowmobile Safety Week

Salt Lake City - Utah State Parks and Recreation is stressing helmets, safety and education as part of Utah Snowmobile Safety Week, January 16 through 22 and throughout the snowmobile season. Two snowmobilers have lost their lives this season, and snowmobile program managers want to prevent additional fatalities and injuries.

“We want everyone to be prepared before heading into the backcountry by knowing laws and rules, riding safely, respecting avalanche dangers, and wearing safety gear,” said Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Education Specialist Ann Evans.

Utah law requires youth eight to 15 to complete the Utah State Parks Know Before You Go! online snowmobile education course before operating on public lands, roads or trails. Anyone 16 or older must have a valid Utah driver’s license or a safety certificate to operate a snowmobile on public land. It is illegal for any child under age eight to operate an OHV on public land. The snowmobile course is available at www.stateparks.utah.gov/ohv.

All youth under age 18 are required by law to wear a properly-fitted and fastened helmet. Utah State Parks strongly recommends that all riders wear helmets.

Evans offers these following safety tips:

- Never ride alone. Always ride with a companion and let others know your plan.

- Check weather reports and avalanche advisories at utahavalanchecenter.org. Be prepared by wearing an avalanche beacon, and carrying a shovel and probe.

- Dress for changing weather conditions. Wear layered clothing to adjust for changing conditions.

- Know basic maintenance procedures. Carry spark plugs, drive belts, a tool kit, and a survival kit that contains a map, compass, flashlight, extra food, extra clothing, sunglasses, first aid kit, pocket knife, waterproof matches, and candles or fire starters.

For more information, visit www.stateparks.utah.gov/ohv  . Stay on the trail!

Snowmobile Safety and Education Encouraged

Salt Lake City – With recent snowmobile-triggered avalanches in Utah, Utah State Parks rangers remind riders to check avalanche conditions and be prepared before heading out in the backcountry.

According to the Utah Avalanche Forecast Center, snowmobilers lead the list with twice the number of fatalities as any other backcountry users.

Follow these safety tips to ensure your next outing is safe:

- Never ride alone. Always ride with a companion and let others know your plan.

- Check weather reports and avalanche advisories. Be prepared by wearing an avalanche beacon and carrying a shovel and probe.

- Dress for changing weather conditions. Wear layered clothing to adjust for changing conditions.

- Never drink and drive.

- Watch your fuel supply carefully.

- Always wear an approved helmet designed for motorized use. It’s the law for anyone under 18 to wear a helmet at all times. Utah State Parks encourages everyone to wear a helmet.

- Know basic maintenance procedures. Carry spark plugs, drive belts, tool kit and a survival kit which contains a map, compass, flashlight, extra food, extra clothing, sunglasses, first aid kit, pocket knife, waterproof matches, and candles or fire starters.

Utah law requires youth eight to 15 to complete the Utah State Parks Know Before You Go! online snowmobile education course before operating on public lands, roads or trails. Anyone 16 or older must have a valid Utah driver’s license or a safety certificate to operate snowmobiles on public land. It is illegal for any child under age eight to operate an OHV on public land. The course is $30 and is accessible through http://stateparks.utah.gov/ / .

Avalanche information is available by calling 1-800-OHV-RIDE or visiting utahavalanchecenter.org. Avalanche classes are also available through the Utah Avalanche Center. For more information, visit http://stateparks.utah.gov/

January and February Winter Programs hosted by Timpanogos Cave

Photo courtesy Utah Avalanche Forecast Center

The National Park Service and the Uinta National Forest invite you to join us for a free winter ranger program series. These free programs will be presented by National Park Service rangers and/or guest speakers. The programs start at 10:30 a.m. at the Highland City Hall multipurpose room next to the library. For further information call 801-756-5239 or visit www.nps.gov/tica .

JANUARY

Location: Highland City Hall Multipurpose Room

Time: 10:30 a.m.-noon

Date: Saturday, January 23, 2010

Program: Avalanche Awareness

Whether you appreciate the power of nature exhibited by avalanches, want to know how they happen and what you can do to stay safe, or just pursue winter sports this program is for you. Learn about avalanche forecasting, safety and mechanics. Try out your new skills during an avalanche beacon exercise. The hour and a half program will be presented by guest speaker Bruce Tremper, Director of the Utah Avalanche Center. The program starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Highland City Hall multipurpose room next to the library . For further information call 801-756-5239 or visit www.nps.gov/tica .

FEBRUARY (Kids in Nature)

Location: Highland City Hall Multipurpose Room

Time: 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Date: Saturday, February 20, 2010

Program: Senses of the Season (Winter)

Let's bring the outdoors inside with a special sensory program geared toward children ages eight and under. Discover the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and textures of the winter season. All ages are welcome to attend and challenge all of their senses. The hour long program will be presented by rangers Roberta Jacobsmeyer and Karissa DeCarlo. The program starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Highland City Hall multipurpose room next to the library . For further information call 801-756-5239 or visit www.nps.gov/tica .