WHOA.. A BREAKTHROUGH! DENALI NATIONAL PARK OPEN-SOME AREAS

[BACKWOODSLODGE]

:D HERE'S SOME NEWS FOR YOU...

KATHIE WHITE
BACKWOODS LODGE
907-768-2231



From: Kris_Fister@nps.gov
Subject: press release - some areas of park now open for snowmobiling for traditional activities
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 09:10:43 -0900

Denali National Park and Preserve News Release






November 19, 2004


For Immediate Release


Contact: Kris Fister (907) 683-9583


Snowmobiling for Traditional Activities Available in Some Portions of
Denali National Park and Preserve


National Park Service managers have determined that there is adequate snow
cover for the use of snowmobiles for traditional activities in the 1980
additions to Denali National Park and Preserve that are south of the crest
of the Alaska Range. All other 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 Alaska Range are closed to all snowmobile
use by federal regulation.


Even though areas of the park and preserve are now open for use, it is 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.


While there is enough snow cover to allow use, riding conditions are
potentially dangerous due to recent high winds and the warmer than normal
temperatures. There are many areas of thin ice or open water and avalanche
hazard could be high due to wind crusts or ice layers in the snow pack. It
is important to avoid steep slopes, narrow valleys, and ravines. Also, the
warm winter temperatures this year mean that many waterways could still be
dangerous for travel and extreme caution is advised.


Despite the current warm temperatures, 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:
Intentionally disturb or frighten wildlife.
Operate a snowmobile that makes excessive noise.
Operate a snowmobile without a 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.


For additional information, including current weather and backcountry
conditions, call Park Headquarters at (907) 683-2294 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30
p.m. weekdays and 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.on weekends. The Murie Science and
Learning Center is open from 10:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m. daily as a winter
visitor center, providing visitor information and backcountry permits. Park
information is also available on the web at www.nps.gov/dena.


-NPS-


Experience Your America


The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American
people so that all may experience our heritage.

____________________________________________

Kris Fister
Public Affairs Officer
Denali National Park and Preserve
(907) 683-9583
Kris_Fister@nps.gov