All of 1980 Additions to Denali National Park and Preserve Now Open to Snowmobiling for Traditional Activities-Feb 6, 2008

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Date: February 6, 2008
Contact: Kris Fister, 907-683-9583

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 crest 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.

Despite these recent improvements, snow depths may be less than normal in some of the Stampede Trail corridor area west of Healy. Riders are advised to follow the established trails and frozen rivers in the area when possible. 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 many areas of thin ice or open water and avalanche hazard could be high due to wind crusts 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.

The Murie Science and Learning Center is open from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily as the winter visitor center, providing visitor information and backcountry permits. Park information is also available on the web at www.nps.gov/dena. For additional information, call park headquarters at (907) 683-2294 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily.

-NPS-



Last updated: April 14, 2015

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PO Box 9
Denali Park, AK 99755

Phone:

907 683-9532
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