There is no such thing as “inbounds” when it comes to snowmobiling, which is what makes it one of the most popular and potentially dangerous sports in the Wasatch Back. Snowmobilers have access to over half a million acres in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, and with so much territory to cover, forest rangers say snowmobilers need to know how to keep themselves safe.
Spokesperson for the Uinta Forest Loyal Clark said rangers are constantly concerned about snowmobilers who are unprepared for the conditions or terrain.
“The biggest issue we see is when people don’t check the weather and get caught in a storm or don’t follow our safety tips and tell people where they are going or when they are coming back,” she said. “We ask people to not put themselves at risk and know how to handle the snowmobile, be familiar with the terrain, and constantly observing the conditions.”
According to the Utah Avalanche Center’s website, a snowmobiler is 10 percent more likely to trigger an avalanche than a skier. The said that a disproportionate number of avalanche fatalities occur when one snowmobiler gets stuck on a slope and another person rides up to try to help them.
“There are so many areas that people can snowmobile that we strongly encourage everyone to check with the Utah Avalanche Center in the morning and if one area is at risk for an avalanche, they go somewhere else,” said Clark. “People need to know before they go and take responsibility for their own safety.”
Forest rangers are also concerned about people riding on too little snow and damaging the ecosystem.
“We try to make sure people know when there is enough snow and if we open certain routes and areas,” said Clark. “Some visitors access areas prematurely and it really impacts the soil and vegetation.”
Rangers will be on patrol throughout the winter making sure recreationalists adhere to the rules and avoid wildlife.
“We have a map on our website that shows everywhere people can snowmobile so there shouldn’t be any confusion on what areas are, and are not, open,” said Clark, adding that certain areas may be closed all season long to protect wildlife such as deer and elk.
The Heber-Kamas Ranger District will begin grooming snowmobile trails around Dec. 15. Currently, snowmobiling is not recommended in the region until more than a foot of snow accumulates on the ground.
For snowmobiling maps, safety information and notifications visit www.fs.usda.gov/main/uwcnf/home or the Utah Avalanche Center at http://utahavalanchecenter.org.