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.

Snowmobile Tip of the Week

Salt Lake City – Utah State Parks rangers encourage all snowmobilers to have a pre-plan in place before heading out for a ride. Let a responsible person know where you are going, when you plan to return, a written description of the snowmobiles and license plate number of your tow vehicle. This information helps search and rescue crews in the event of an emergency.

For more information and safety tips, visit http://www.stateparks.utah.gov/. To find the latest snowmobile grooming reports, visit www.snowut.org/groomingreports.htm or call 800-OHV-RIDE. Ride smart!

Monte Cristo Open Air Demo and Safety Fair next Weekend

Huntsville – Join Utah State Parks and local snowmobile dealers for the Monte Cristo Snowmobile Open Air Demo and Safety Fair Saturday, January 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Monte Cristo Trailhead. Test ride new sleds, hone your beacon/probing skills, and check out snowmobile merchandise. Cost is $5 per vehicle or free with the Monte Cristo annual parking pass.

To reach Monte Cristo, take Highway 89 north from Ogden to Highway 39. Follow Highway 39 east to Huntsville until you reach the trailhead, which is about 17 miles from Huntsville.

For more information, call 435-734-9494 or 800-OHV-RIDE.

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!

Limited Access to Snowmobile Trails near Monte Cristo-Hardware Ranch

Salt Lake City – Due to pipeline work, Ant Flat Road between Highway 39 and Hardware Ranch will be plowed now until December 15. From December 15 through January 1, Ant Flat Road between Hardware Ranch and Scare Canyon will be plowed.

Until January, it is not possible to make a complete circuit of Curtis Creek Loop. If you plan to ride this loop, be sure to take extra gas for a two-way trip. After January 1, Ant Flat Road will be allowed to fill in with an 18-inch base of snow, then, snowmobile grooming will begin.

Utah State Parks Statewide Snow Grooming Ends April 1

Photo Courtesy Skyline Sno-Riders, Brian Howarth

Salt Lake -- With the onset of spring conditions across much of the state, Utah State Parks and Recreation announces an end to its 2010 snowmobile trail grooming season effective April 1.

Utah State Parks operates 11 snowmobile trail groomers on nine snowmobile trail complexes in the state. These complexes stretch from Logan Canyon to Cedar Mountain.

“We’ve had a tremendous snowmobile season,” said Fred Hayes, off-highway vehicle program coordinator with Utah State Parks. “Since we began grooming in November, our groomers have maintained more than 25,000 miles of trail for public use.” He added that spring conditions are now limiting groomer access on many complexes, and with current budgetary constraints, it’s time to wrap up the season.

Hayes says there is still some great riding in some of Utah’s high country, but encourages snowmobilers to exercise caution.

“Avalanche dangers remain and snowmobilers should avoid areas where avalanche activity has been noted,” said Hayes. “We also encourage all backcountry users to get an avalanche advisory before heading out, and to always wear an avalanche beacon and take along a shovel and probe.”

For additional information, please call (801) 538-7220 or 1-800-OHV-RIDE.

Utah State Parks and Recreation administers the state off-highway vehicle program, providing education, access, maintenance, and enforcement.

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/

Reminders from Snowmobile Safety Week

January 10 through 16, 2010 was Utah Snowmobile Safety Week. Utah snowmobilers are encouraged to ride safely this season by:


- Taking Utah's Know Before You Go! Snowmobile Education Course online at stateparks.utah.gov. This course is mandatory for youth eight to 16, but is recommended for all Utah snowmobilers.
- Checking avalanche and weather forecasts at utahavalanchecenter.org before venturing on their ride.
- Wearing a helmet at all times.
- Carrying all recommended safety equipment, including an avalanche beacon, shovel, probe and first aid kit.

After the declaration signing, join Utah State Parks Off-Highway Vehicle Education Specialist Ann Evans and USDA Forest Service outside the capitol for a brief safety demonstration. Evans will also review snowmobile safety equipment, including a helmet, shovel, beacon and probe.

UtahState Parks and Recreation is the state off-highway vehicle authority, providing access, education, and search and rescue on Utah's motorized trails. The agency operates 12 grooming machines, which groom and re-groom Utah's 1,200 miles of snowmobile trails for a total of 25,000 miles each season.

Youth Snowmobile Educatioin Course now Online

Salt Lake City– The Utah State Parks Know Before You Go! youth snowmobile education course is now available online at http://www.stateparks.utah.gov/.

Utah law requires youth eight to 16 to complete the Utah State Parks Know Before You Go! Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Education Course before operating a machine on public lands, roads or trails. It is illegal for
any child under age eight to operate an OHV on public land.

The online course covers riding basics, safety, winter survival and Utah laws. Upon successful completion of the course, students print a temporary certificate valid for 60 days and later receive a permanent certificate by mail. Cost for the class is $30

Students are encouraged to study all materials prior to taking the test. Students who do not pass the course must pay a second registration fee and retake the test. “Safety is our number one concern. We want to reduce the number of accidents by educating youth to operate snowmobiles safely and emphasize the importance of wearing safety equipment, and following laws and rules,” stated OHV Education Coordinator Ann Evans. “Online courses provide easier access to education courses and allow students to learn at their own pace.”

Summer OHV and personal watercraft (PWC) education courses are also available online at http://www.stateparks.utah.gov/ .

For more information, visit stateparks.utah.gov or call (800) OHV-RIDE.