欧博娱乐Practice Safety this Winter When Visiting the
Practice Safety this Winter When Visiting the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Release Date: January 17, 2025
Contact Information:
Erica Hupp
775-771-4777
Sparks, Nev. – With a variety of winter weather conditions occurring across Nevada and Eastern California, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest would like to remind visitors to be extra careful while recreating this Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend and throughout the winter.
While National Forest System lands can provide stunning scenery and recreational opportunities during the winter months, it is important to be aware of the dangers and risks associated with winter weather. Snowstorms, freezing temperatures, prolonged exposure to cold winds, and possible avalanches in some areas are all concerns when recreating in the winter months.
Here are some safety tips to practice this winter, but a more detailed list can be found at https://bit.ly/WinterRecreationTips:
Know Before You Go: Be aware of existing and impending weather conditions. Check for updates frequently with the National Weather Service at https://www.weather.gov/. Contact your local Forest Service office or visitor center for information on forest road conditions and seasonal closures. Please avoid unnecessary travel when extreme winter weather is predicted. Pay attention to weather conditions while out on National Forest System lands and be prepared to leave quickly if conditions change or worsen.
Road Information: A wide range of road conditions occur during the winter months, and some roads may be impassable for cars without high clearance and four-wheel drive or chains. Most Forest Service roads are not maintained during the winter months, so it is best to check with the local Forest Service office for current conditions. For current California and Nevada road conditions and chain requirements, visit:
Start Activities Early: With winter recreation, it is a good idea to start earlier than you would in the summer months to allow enough time to enjoy your chosen activity before the daylight fades and colder temperatures set in, potentially making it unsafe to continue.
Leave Detailed Trip Plans with a Trusted Person: The plan should include times and dates of departure and return. It should also include estimated arrival at certain checkpoints. Alert your trusted person if plans change. In the event of a missing person, your trusted person will need to call 9-1-1, and the trip plan you previously provided will assist with search and rescue efforts.
Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Driving: Make sure your vehicle is in good operating condition, has appropriate tires and a full gas tank before you hit the road. If you need to carry chains, make sure they are the right size, and you know how to put them on. Always carry a kit with essential winter driving equipment: a scraper and brush, a small shovel, jumper cables, road flares, tow rope, a waterproof tarp, chains, and a bag of sand or cat litter for tire traction.
Do Not Rely on Phones and Map Apps: There are many places on National Forest System lands with no cellular service, so having a cell phone does not guarantee your safety. If using a geolocating map application, be sure your phone’s GPS option is on and working. Keep in mind that GPS will give you options to pick the shortest route, but that may not always be the safest route! Diverting from major highways to rural or remote forest roads is not advisable, especially during winter months. Do your research before following map app directions and realize that just because a route is listed does not mean it is passable. It is always a good idea to have a paper map with you as well.
Accept Responsibility for Yourself: Always have emergency and survival gear with you. Essential items include fire-starting equipment; flashlights with extra batteries; appropriate extra clothing; water; food; navigation equipment; pocketknife; shelter materials; sunglasses or goggles; a backcountry shovel, stove, and fuel; and a small metal cup. If you become injured or lost, stay calm and seek shelter from the elements, but do not stray from your planned route. Call 9-1-1 if possible.
Backcountry Users: If you are out in the backcountry in the winter, you should acquire training and knowledge about avalanche safety and hazard recognition. Always carry the appropriate safety equipment, including a beacon, probe, avalanche airbag system, backcountry shovel, and winter survival gear. You should never travel alone. Cell phones are valuable tools but should not be relied upon in backcountry locations since cell coverage may be marginal. A satellite device may be a better communication option (e.g., a satellite phone or SPOT device).
Avalanche Awareness: Whatever reasons draw you into the backcountry in winter, it is essential to know there is a risk of avalanches. If you know what to look for and what to avoid, you can drastically decrease your chances of getting caught in one. For more information on avalanches, predictive services, and training resources, visit:
Practice Safe Snow Play: Do not sled in areas with less than 12 inches of snow, avoiding traffic and dangerous objects like trees and rocks. Leave no trace other than footprints and snowmen. Take all your trash with you. Respect private property and other locations where snow play and sledding are inappropriate. Also, when recreating in busy winter snow play areas, roads may be congested, so do not park in a manner that blocks traffic flow. Be a patient and courteous driver and watch for hazards and other visitors. climte