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Additional
Areas of 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 all the 1980 additions to Denali National
Park and Preserve. The open areas include the park and preserve
additions north and south of the Alaska Range. 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 very dangerous due to recent heavy snowfall
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. 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
Privacy
& Disclaimer
Author:Jane
Tranel
Last modified on: April 18, 2003
www.nps.gov/akso
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