Partial opening of Denali Nat park in Broad Pass area

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Partial opening of Denali Nat park in Broad Pass area

#1 Post by john »

Some Portions of 1980 Additions to Denali National Park and Preserve
Open to Snowmobiling for Traditional Activities

Recent storms have brought additional snow to Denali Park and Preserve and the
Superintendent has determined that there is now adequate snow cover for the use of
snowmobiles for traditional activities in areas of the 1980 additions to Denali National Park and
Preserve that are south of the crest of the Alaska Range except for the park lands between
the Bull River and Windy Creek at the north end of Broad Pass. All areas of the 1980 park
additions north of the crest of the Alaska Range remain closed to snowmobile use for
traditional activities due to inadequate snow cover.

Riders are reminded that all lands within the former Mount McKinley National Park on both the
north and the south sides of the crest of the Alaska Range are closed to all snowmobile use by
federal regulation. Maps with GPS coordinates for the park and preserve boundary are available
on the park website at www.nps.gov/dena.

Despite these recent improvements, riding conditions are variable and snow depths are still less
than normal. It is also the rider’s responsibility to avoid locations where wind or topographic
conditions may have reduced snow depth and created situations where damage to vegetation or
soils could occur, or where vegetation is taller than the protective snow cover.

Riding conditions are potentially very dangerous due to recent snowfall and high winds. There
are still areas of thin ice or open water and avalanche hazard could be high due to wind crusts
and layers in the snow pack. It is important to avoid steep slopes, narrow valleys, and ravines.
Winter weather in the Alaska Range can change very quickly and become severe, with high
winds and temperatures well below zero. Park rangers stress the importance of bringing survival
gear on all trips into the backcountry and informing friends or relatives of your travel plans.
Remember to assess local conditions before venturing into the backcountry.

Riders are also reminded that federal regulations require that riders do not:
• Frighten or intentionally disturb wildlife.
• Operate a snowmobile that makes excessive noise.
• Operate a snowmobile without a lighted white headlamp and red tail lamp ½ hour before
and after sunrise/sunset or when persons and vehicles are not clearly visible for 500 feet.
• Operate a snowmobile in excess of 45 miles per hour or racing.

Snowmobile operators must be at least 16 years of age unless accompanied and supervised by
a responsible person 21 years of age or older. The supervising rider must keep the other rider in
sight and may not supervise more than one person at a time. Alaska State statutes also require
that snowmobiles be registered and numbered. Riders must report accidents resulting in injury
to or death of a person, or property damage by the quickest means to park rangers.
-NPS

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