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Due to recent warm temperatures and a deteriorating snowpack, Denali
National Park and Preserve Superintendent Paul Anderson has determined
that there is no longer adequate snow cover for the use of snowmobiles
for traditional activities in the 1980 additions to Denali National
Park and Preserve that are north of the crest of the Alaska Range,
and those park lands that were open for snowmobile use are now closed
for the season.
The
warmer temperatures and long days have reduced snow depths to a
level that is no longer adequate to protect vegetation and soils.
The snow cover south of the crest of the Alaska Range is still adequate
for the use of snowmobiles for traditional activities, but riders
are warned that river corridors have open water and that the snowpack
is becoming less consolidated.
The
Park Road is currently open for travel by private vehicles to the
Teklanika Rest Area at Mile 31. The road will close to private traffic
west of the Savage River (Mile 15) when the shuttle buses begin
running on Saturday, May 21. The Murie Science and Learning Center
at Mile 1.3 is open for visitor information and backcountry permits
from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The
Riley Creek Campground at Mile 0.2 is open for camping, but water
and sewer services will not be available until mid-May. A vault
toilet is provided for campers in the loop that remains open year-round,
and water can be obtained at park headquarters. Additional campgrounds
will open on Saturday, May 21. Visitors can obtain information by
calling park headquarters at (907) 683-2294 from 8:00 a.m.-4:30
p.m. daily. Trip planning information is also available on the park
website at www.nps.gov/dena. -NPS-
Privacy
& Disclaimer
Author:Jane
Ahern
www.nps.gov/akso
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