Yellowstone Today A National Park Service publication for Yellowstone visitors

Winter 1995-96 * Information * Regulations and safety * Park map

Caution, winter visitors Yellowstone has many hidden and unmarked hazards. Freezing, thawing, and extreme temperatures can create dangerous conditions. Take proper precautions; use common sense and extreme caution near canyons, water­ falls, thermal areas, viewpoints, and wildlife. Watch your children. Your hand and your voice may be too far away once your child leaves your side.

As well, road conditions on the stretch of road open to automobiles—from Gardiner, Montana, to Cooke City, Montana—can be icy, snowpacked, and hazardous. Snowtires or chains are always recommended and may be required to drive this road in the winter.

Please drive, walk, snowmobile, and ski safely to protect your park and yourself.

Emergency—dial 911 Park info—(307) 344-7381 TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf only)—(307) 344-2386

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Non-Profit Organization - The winter use dilemma U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 104 Many of the staff who live in Yellowstone Scientific studies are beginning to reveal extensively with our neighbors, our Livingston, MT 59047 during the winter consider this our favorite to us the extent of our impacts upon concessioners, and a variety of user season. The wildlife is more visible, the wildlife in winter. Budgetary realities are groups. scenery is even more spectacular than in telling us that we no longer have staff or summer, and the thousands of thermal resources adequate to care for the We all-want the chance to enjoy features are at their most dramatic, growing winter crowds. Individuals and Yellowstone at its best, and we all want wreathed in delicate ice formations and organizations are expressing concerns Yellowstone to last in good shape, not billowing steam. that the experience is slipping in quality. only for our next visit but also for future We in Yellowstone are actively seeking visitors. We hope you will be able to We hope your visit is safe and memo­ ways to address these problems. assist us in achieving those goals. • rable, and that Yellowstone lives up to your expectations. But while you are here, In conjunction with Grand Teton National If you would like to comment about your j^Uowstone we would like you to think over a vexing Park, and the six national forests sur­ winter experience in the national parks or dilemma we all face. The focus of our rounding the parks (Gallatin, Targhee, forests, please do so either at any of the Association concerns revolves around the extraordi­ Bridger-Teton, Beaverhead, Custer, and warming huts or visitor centers in the Yellowstone Today, which is distributed nary wonders we all enjoy and their need Shoshone), Yellowstone has launched parks, or when you return home by to visitors at park entrances, is published for special consideration in the winter. an initiative to determine how best to writing to: Winter Use, P.O. Box 168, by the staff of Yellowstone National Park. manage winter use in the long run. Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190. As a member of the Yellowstone Associa­ For all its beauty, winter is a time of tion, you have contributed to the produc­ extreme hardship for many of Yellow­ Among other things, we have conducted For information on other winter use tion costs of this publication, which is a stone's wild residents. Winter is the winter use surveys, to learn more about concerns, see page 9. major source of information for the millions foremost control on many animal your experiences here. We are continuing of park visitors each year. The Yellow­ population sizes, and those populations our research on recreational impacts on stone Association operates book sales have evolved to survive in an extreme the park, and we are communicating facilities in visitor centers and museums; environment. YA staff provide information and assis­ tance to park visitors. Ultimately, much But human use of the park has skyrock­ of YA's revenue is returned to the park's eted in the past 20 years, and though we _ Snowmobilers _ Spring plowing educational, interpretive and research humans try very hard to use the land programs. As a YA member, you are a lightly, we have many effects that we only part of the team striving to preserve now are beginning to understand. As well, need license —> schedule —— Yellowstone Tor the Benefit and Enjoy­ we have effects on each other; the more All snowmobile operators in Yellow­ Throughout the park, groomed roads will ment of Future Generations." people there are, the less each person stone National Park must possess a close to oversnow vehicle (snowmobile can be assured of the quality experience valid motor vehicle operator's license. and snowcoach) traffic for spring plowing H Index aMHHB for which Yellowstone is so famous. In addition, persons possessing a as follows: learner's permit may operate a snowmo­ Winter use management 1, 9 In 1990, after much deliberation and bile in the park only when supervised March 4 Mammoth to Norris Safety 2 extensive public involvement, we within line of sight (but no further than March 11 All other park roads close Planning your visit 3 produced a Winter Use Plan, aimed at 100 yards) by a licensed person 21 to oversnow traffic. Information and activities 4 ensuring the protection of park resources years of age or older. Snowmobiling 5 and the quality of the visitors' experience. Roads close at 8:00am on the days listed. Tips for passing wildlife 5 This plan's best estimates of winter use For more information on the park's Gross-country skiing 6 levels have already been exceeded; in snowmobile regulations, please see 1992-93, visitation levels in Yellowstone Resource issues 7,8 page 5 or ask a park ranger. Weather 10 and Grand Teton National Parks passed Printed on recycled paper with soy ink the levels predicted for the year 2000. Park concessioners 10,11 Park map 12 2 - YELLOWSTONE TODAY, Winter 1995-96 WARNING! Some things all visitors must know... hazards in Yellowstone National Park Emergency—dial 911 Park information—(307) 344-7381 )

Temperatures Snowmobilers Daytime temperatures are usually in Prepare for extremely cold conditions. the 10° to 30°F range (-12° to -1°C) Sudden changes in weather are typical, while nighttime temperatures often dip and conditions can differ drastically to between -12° and -40°F (-29° to -40°C). from one location to another. How cold can it get here? The lowest temperature ever recorded in Yellow­ Cold plus wind can be a deadly combina­ stone was -66°F in 1933. tion. For example, if you are travelling 40 miles per hour on a snowmobile and Yellowstone's weather often seems to the thermometer reads 10°F, the wind chill defy predictability; conditions at any given factor is 37° below zero, cold enough to time may vary drastically from those freeze exposed flesh within one minute! forecast or from long term averages. Wind chill compounds severe tempera­ Dress warmly and stop often at warming tures. Be prepared for storms that can huts to reheat. For regulations and quickly drop temperatures. Before starting information on planning a safe trip, a snowmobile trip or ski tour, check on see page 5. local conditions and get a weather forecast. Skiers & Walkers Trails may be icy, making footing Drivers dangerous. Heed trail closures; ' The only roads plowed for the entire even open trails may be hazardous. winter season—and not open to Proceed with caution at all times. oversnow vehicles—are the 56 mile Please watch your children very stretch between the North Entrance closely on all trails and overlooks. and Cooke City, Montana, via Mam­ moth Hot Springs and Tower Junction, You face harsh conditions plus the (^ Scalding water can ruin your trip ^ and a 1-1/2 mile stretch from Mammoth effects of vigorous physical exertion. Stay on boardwalks and designated Pets are prohibited in thermal areas. Hot Springs to the parking area at the Be prepared for equipment problems, trails. Scalding water underlies most of injury, rapidly changing weather, Upper Terraces. These roads are the thin, breakable crusts; pools are near Swimming or bathing in thermal pools and other unplanned events that may maintained only during daylight hours or above boiling temperatures. or streams whose waters flow entirely occur whether your outing lasts and may close during severe storms. from a thermal spring or pool is prohibited. Expect snow packed roads, icy spots, several days or only a few hours! Yellowstone's thermal features, rare Thermal waters may contain organisms and frost heaves. High winds cause For more information on gear selection among the earth's wonders, are known to cause infections and/or amoebic blowing and drifting snow. Snow tires and ski trip safety, see page 6. extremely fragile. Boardwalks and meningitis which can be quickly fatal. or tire chains may be required and trails protect you and preserve delicate Swim at your own risk; for more informa­ are usually recommended. The large fires in Yellowstone during the formations. tion, ask at any ranger station or visitor summer of 1988 burned near or across center. Park roads are designed for slower-than- many trails. These fires burned the tree interstate speeds—45 mph maximum, trunks and root systems, creating hazard­ lower where posted. Do not stop on the ous standing snags which can fall with road and block traffic when viewing little warning. Be alert for this possibility. Avoid these situations There is no guarantee of your safety. wildlife or scenery. PLEASE USE Law enforcement rangers strictly enforce -sidehilling or off-road snowmobiling PULLOUTS. While in burned areas, stay on park regulations to protect you and the -chasing or molesting wildlife established trails. park. We do not want to have a negative -feeding wildlife contact with you. Please give special -camping in undesignated locations attention to park regulations and avoid -pets off leash or on trails these common problems: -littering -speeding (radar enforced) -swimming in thermal pools -driving or snowmobiling while intoxicated -removal of natural or cultural features -approaching wildlife too closely

(^Unpredictable wildlife; keep your distance j

Do not approach any wildlife. View Seeing animals in the wild inspires the from the safety of your vehicle. photographer in all of us. However, wild If an animal reacts to your presence, animals, especially females with young, you are too close. are unpredictable. Keep a safe distance from all wildlife. Each year, a number of BISON may appear tame and slow but park visitors are injured by wildlife when are unpredictable and dangerous. See approaching too closely. Approaching page 5 for tips on passing bison or other on foot within 100 yards of bears or wildlife on a snowmobile. within 25 yards of bison, elk, bighorn mountain sheep, deer, moose or COYOTES can quickly learn bad habits coyotes is prohibited. like roadside begging. This may lead to aggressive behavior toward humans. If your camera is not equipped with telephoto lenses, do not attempt closeup BEARS may be seen in early and late photography. winter. Be alert for tracks and signs. Never approach animal carcasses. You will see more of an animal's natural Report all bear sightings to a ranger. behavior and activity if you are sensitive to its need for space. That need is most Watch your children Snowmobilers: Stop and allow wildlife critical in winter. Cold and deep snow to move off roads before continuing. make it difficult to find food, and every Your hand and your voice may be too If you must pass them, stay toward movement costs precious energy. one side of the road and pass carefully. If you pursue an animal for a photo­ far away once your child leaves your side.. Skiers: Give all animals plenty of room. graph, you may jeopardize its survival. Please—protect your park and yourself. Do not ski through herds. YELLOWSTONE TODAY, Winter 1995-96 - 3 .Planning crucial for winter visit Winter in Yellowstone is a time of lushness. Animals are drawn to thermal By mid-winter the roar of the Upper and boundaries. Set amidst the Absaroka extremes: boiling versus frozen water, areas because food is easier to find. Lower Falls is muffled behind massive Mountains, it defines the essence of the suspended animation of hibernating sheets of ice. Water seems frozen in winter—an untouched wilderness snow- animals versus the struggle of others to Most of the park's major thermal basins motion, as though instantly transformed scape, harshly beautiful. Warming huts find food, days of blizzard whiteout lie along the 50 mile road between from towering falls to icicle. At the base are located near Fishing Bridge Junction versus days of pure sparkling colors. Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful. of the 308 foot Lower Falls, spray freezes and at West Thumb. Transformed by cold, water assumes These areas include the Mammoth Hot and grows into an ice cone that some­ endlessly variable forms and shapes: Spring Terraces, Norris Geyser Basin, times reaches half the height of the falls. WILDLIFE Winter is the season of waterfalls freeze into giant icicles, geyser Fountain Paint Pots, Midway Geyser greatest stress to all living things. For spray falls as crystal beads or grows into Basin, Biscuit Basin, Black Sand Basin, Overlooks along the North and South many animals, it is the time of dying. The fantastic ice sculptures, Yellowstone Lake and Old Faithful. West Thumb Geyser Rims offer views of different portions of very old, very young, and those weakened freezes from shore to shore. Wildlife and Basin, located on the shore of Yellow­ the canyon and of the Upper and Lower by injury or illness are at a disadvantage people adapt to harsh conditions in ways stone Lake, is 22 miles north of the South Falls. Facilities at Canyon Junction when it is extremely difficult to find food. both obvious and subtle. In the vast Entrance. Six miles north of Fishing include a warming hut, snacks and hot Even animals in good condition cannot wildness of Yellowstone, snow and cold Bridge junction, in Hayden Valley, is drinks, and snowmobile fuel. endure repeated stress without depleting combined with natural wonders create Mud Volcano. Boardwalk trails may be energy reserves; soon, survival is at an incomparable winter experience. snowpacked and icy, so walk carefully. YELLOWSTONE LAKE At an stake. Now more than ever, you must Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs elevation of 7,733 feet, Yellowstone Lake avoid unnecessarily disturbing wildlife. Yellowstone's season of winter operations offer a full range of services and facilities: lodging, meals, snowmobile fuel, is North America's largest body of water Never approach animals closely— runs from mid-December to early-March. at a relatively high elevation. During you may cause an animal to move, First, decide how you will get around the snowcoach service. A warming hut at Madison Junction offers snacks and hot winter, its 139 square miles of surface and exertion through deep snow park. Heavy accumulations of snow limit drinks; at West Thumb warming hut, a freeze solid from shore to shore (except consumes great quantities of energy. driving; the only road open for year- more limited selection of snacks is for isolated spots of thermal activity). Animals have adapted to cold and snow round automobile travel is the offered. Freeze-up is a gradual process in such in a variety of ways. Ground squirrels, Gardiner-Cooke City road (North a large body of water, starting as early marmots and bears disappear under­ Entrance to seven miles east of the as August. Water temperature gradually ground or into dens, entering that myster­ Northeast Entrance). All other park You may be surprised to see puffs of drops, cold water sinks as warm water ious state of suspended animation known roads are closed to wheeled vehicles but steam at random locations. Countless rises, and the process continues until the as hibernation. Others, including many groomed for snowmobile or snowcoach tiny thermal features elude detection by water is uniformly cold enough to freeze. birds, leave for more moderate climates. travel. Snowmobiles, rented or privately summer visitors, but winter reveals and owned, and snowcoaches are permitted highlights their presence. Other clues to Although shallow lagoons or bays may For those who remain, adaptations on groomed roadways; sidehilling and thermal influence include patches of bare freeze earlier, widespread freeze-up takes include thicker winter coats, a change off-road travel are illegal. ground, ice-free streams or ponds, and place after an intensely cold subzero to protective coloration, or migration to frozen spray where no waterfall exists, night. On average, the lake is ice-locked lower elevations or to thermal basins Snowcoaches—winter busses on skis evidence of geyser activity. Yellowstone's by December 25. In the few days between where winter is slightly less severe and and caterpillar tread—depart from Old volcanic past (and future?), expressed in freeze-up and the accumulation of food easier to find. Of the large mammals Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, West thermal activity, is more obvious now than insulating snow, solar radiation causes inhabiting Yellowstone, only the moose Yellowstone (at the West Entrance) and at any other time of year. heating and expansion of the vast sheet. can survive in the forest. Its long legs are Flagg Ranch (near the South Entrance). Ice noisily shifts—creaking, popping, well suited to striding through deep snow Reservations are strongly recommended. GRAND CANYON OF THE and groaning in the stillness; The lake to reach fir needles. Call TW Recreational Services, Inc. at YELLOWSTONE The Yellowstone sings" in the local parlance. (307) 344-7311 for information and River has carved a great canyon through Elk and bison are most commonly seen, reservations. rocks altered by thermal activity. Snow Yellowstone Lake is snowbound roughly partly because their winter ranges overlap clings to canyon walls in patterns deter­ half the year. Break-up occurs quickly, areas of human occupation, and partly Snowmobiles may be rented from a mined by pinnacles, ridges, gullies and usually in late May or June. This vast due to numbers. Look for them in the variety of outfitters in nearby communities slopes. Deep in the canyon, steam body of water is a complex system Lamar, Pelican and Hayden Valleys, and or from TW Recreational Services, Inc. plumes mark locations of hot springs, influencing climate, plants and animals along the Firehole River. Privately owned and operated snowmo­ geysers and fumaroles. over a far greater area than its shoreline biles must be registered according to the Winter in northern Yellowstone, along the laws of the operator's state of residence 56 miles of road between Gardiner and and have a muffler in good working order Cooke City, Montana, is significantly (see page 5). Operators must have a valid different from the rest of the Yellowstone motor vehicle driver's license. Before plateau. Three river valleys—the beginning your trip, get an up-to-date road Yellowstone, Lamar and Gardner— and weather report. The key to enjoying combine with the lowest elevations in the your winter visit is preparation. Now you park to create ideal winter habitat for a are ready to discover Yellowstone's winter variety of wildlife. Typically, less snow wonders. falls here and temperatures are a few degrees warmer than elsewhere in the THERMAL BASINS Geysers, park. Few other places in North America hot springs, mud pots and fumaroles are feature the diversity of wildlife found here. fascinating any time of year. In winter, the clash of extreme heat and cold Often, a visit is most remembered and creates extraordinary beauty—ghost enjoyed for the discoveries made on your trees, ice cones, eruptions seemingly own. Though winter logistics encourage amplified in the frigid air to several times haste, patience and alertness may bring summer height. Warm ground, steam you moments of extraordinary beauty or and hot water runoff create microclimates; reveal the story of a jumble of tracks in in places, plants grow in summer-like the snow. May your visit be safe, reward­ Photo—Pam Gontz ing and special. -Self-guiding trails Take time to stretch your legs and by off trail travel. Thin crusts give away to Lodge. Check on trail conditions and colors and activity found here. Thin linger in the beauty of the snowscape. boiling water. Stay on designated trails weather forecasts before starting out; crust overlies boiling water; stay on trails Adapt your pace to winter conditions; and boardwalks to preserve features and hazards may cause restrictions or to protect yourself and fragile formations. trails may be icy and snowpacked so protect yourself. closures. Help preserve fragile formations Avoid disturbing wintering wildlife. walk with caution. For safety and and protect yourself from severe burns courtesy to skiers, please do not Fountain Paint Pot Nature Trail. by staying on designated trails. Avoid Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. walk in ski tracks. Located 8 miles south of Madison disturbing wintering wildlife. The Canyon and Upper and Lower Falls Junction (and 8 miles north of Old of the Yellowstone River are seen from Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces. Paths Faithful). Mud pots boil and churn, West Thumb Geyser Basin. Thermal overlooks along the North and South Rim wind over a hillside of active and inactive changing shape with each burst; minerals features boil and steam on the shore of roads. Stop at the Canyon Warming Hut hot springs. These springs are noted for are the "paint" of the pots. Active geysers ice-locked Yellowstone Lake. Otters are for a map of the area. Trails and over­ their rapid mineral deposition; up to two and varicolored pools are also found occasionally spotted fishing in ice holes. looks are snowpacked—use caution. tons of limestone is added to the hillside along this short trail. Preserve delicate Avoid damaging or destroying delicate Note: the road is closed to snowmobiling daily. Formations are fragile and unstable. features and protect yourself from serious features and protect yourself by staying 4 miles north of Canyon Junction. For their protection and your own, stay on burns by staying on boardwalks and trails. on trails. Lake ice is thin and hazardous; designated boardwalks and trails. Trail Avoid disturbing wintering wildlife. do not venture out on it. guide leaflets are available for 25C at the Upper Geyser Basin. The world's largest Mud Volcano Trail. Located approxi­ Yellowstone Today is published visitor center or parking lot trailheads. by the Division of Interpretation, array of geysers is found here, including mately 6 miles north of Fishing Bridge Yellowstone National Park, Norris Geyser Basin. Explore the Old Faithful Geyser. Several miles of trail Junction (10 miles south of Canyon WY 82190,(307)344-2258, hottest, most active thermal basin in the begin at the Old Faithful Visitor Center. Junction). The names of thermal features in cooperation with the park. Trails begin at the museum. Ski trail guide leaflets are available at the —Dragon's Mouth, Mud Volcano, Black Yellowstone Association. Thermal features are fragile and easily visitor center and at the Old Faithful Snow Dragon's Caldron—hint at the unusual damaged by objects tossed into them or 4 - YELLOWSTONE TODAY, Winter 1995-96 -Information and activities Visitor centers Warming huts Mammoth Hot Springs, Albright Visitor Center. Old Faithful Warming Hut. Open through March 10, daytime only. Open year round. Winter hours 9:00 am-5:00pm daily. Vending machine snacks are available. Information, publications, and exhibits of the early history, exploration and establish­ Madison Junction Warming Hut. Open through March 10, 24 hours daily. ment of Yellowstone National Park. A one-hour video on winter in Yellowstone is TW Recreational Services, Inc. sells light snacks and hot drinks during the day; shown at 9:00am and 3:30pm daily; a 25-minute film on the National Park idea is vending machine snacks available any time. shown on request during the remainder of the day. Check at the visitor center for Indian Creek Warming Hut. Open through March 3, 24 hours daily. more information or call (307) 344-2263. Fishing Bridge Warming Hut. Open through March 10, 24 hours daily. Vending machine snacks and cold drinks available. Old Faithful Visitor Center. Canyon Warming Hut. Open through March 10, 24 hours daily. Open through March 10. Winter hours 9:00am-5:00pm daily. TW Recreational Services, Inc. sells light meals and hot drinks during the day, Information, publications, geyser eruption predictions. A 10-minute movie on geysers and vending machine snacks are available anytime. is shown throughout the day. Check at the visitor center for more information or call West Thumb Warming Hut. Open through March 10, 24 hours daily. (307) 545-2750. Snacks are available from vending machines. Ranger-naturalist activities Concessioner interpretive Old Faithful Mammoth Hot Springs Evening programs are offered Sunday, Evening programs are offered Thursday, activities «—_—_• Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday Friday and Saturday nights (Dec. 21- TW Recreational Services, Inc. operates lodging and provides other services in nights (beginning Dec. 17) at 7:00pm in March 2) at 8:30pm in the Mammoth Yellowstone, including interpretive activities, some of which are free and some of the Old Faithful Visitor Center Auditorium. Hotel Map Room. For more information which have fees. For reservations or for more information regarding any of the For more information on ranger-naturalist on ranger-naturalist activities, check at activities listed below, call (307) 344-7311. activities, check at the visitor center. the visitor center.

Roving ranger-naturalists Evening Programs Evening programs are offered Monday and Tuesday nights (December 25- Look for ranger-naturalists at Yellowstone warming huts or near major park features. February 27) at 8:30pm in the Mammoth Hotel Map Room. They are intermittently available to assist you, to answer your questions, and to tell you more about the winter wonderland of Yellowstone. Snowcoach tours Full and half day interpretive tours are offered in heated snowcoaches departing from Mammoth, Old Faithful, and West Yellowstone. These trips provide excellent opportunities to view winter wildlife and to explore other points of interest. Fares, , Yellowstone Institute courses routes, days, and times vary; call the number listed above for more information. As seasons change and winter moves in, The Winter Experience: Enjoying its Yellowstone country is transformed into a Comforts—Jan. 30-Feb. 1,1996 ' Guided ski tours beautiful snowscape, offering visitors to This course for newcomers to the winter Full and half day guided ski tours are offered from both Old Faithful and Mammoth. the park rewarding experiences available landscape will introduce you to tools and Transportation to the trailhead is provided by either snowcoach or van. A guide will to relatively few people. Yellowstone techniques to thoroughly prepare you for assist you with your ski technique and explain the area features. Tour fees and Institute winter courses provide an enjoyable winter outings. Classroom destinations vary; call for more information. opportunity to learn about this special discussions of equipment and natural place in a stimulating, fun, and safe history topics will be interspersed with Guided Snowmobile tOUrs are available roundtrip from Mammoth to Norris environment, full of the camaraderie skiing and field demonstrations. Geyser Basin, Canyon, and Old Faithful; call for more information. that comes so easily at this time of year. Field courses offered this winter are: The Tradition of Winter Storytelling— Wildlife bus tours depart from Mammoth Hotel and travel through the northern February 2-4,1996 range of Yellowstone to look for wildlife. Tour fees, days and times vary; call for more Winter Wildlife and Nature Winter is the season for storytelling. information. Photography—January 12-15,1996 Coyote tales, and many others like them Explore the startling, diverse moods around the world, are traditionally told nature has to offer as you photograph, . only during the winter. It is a time not ski, and hike to several locations in the only to tell stories but to figure out what northern part of the park. to tell and how to tell them. This will be a session of stories, of discussions about Backcountry by Ski— stories, and analysis of stories. January 12-15,1996 This is a two-night trip into the intense Yellowstone's Winter World- and beautiful backcountry of Yellowstone. February 16-19,1996 A wide range of winter skills will be This is an introduction to snow as a taught, including travel over snow, food substance and how plants and animals preparation, snow shelter construction, adapt to it. One of the course highlights cold weather clothing, and the hazards is the construction of a quinzhee snow of cold environments. shelter.

How Mammals Survive Winter— The Yellowstone Institute, in its 20th January 27-28,1996 season, offers more than 80 diverse For mammals, winter is a time of harsh courses each year on such topics as reality with scarce food, deep snow, and geysers, grizzlies, birds, wildflowers, raging blizzards. In this class, you will and park history. For more details Photo—Pam Gontz leam through lectures and field exercises about these learning experiences, call A Yellowstone Institute class examines a snow profile. how mammals survive these harsh (307) 344-2294 or write P.O. Box 117, realities of winter. Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190. The Yellowstone Association The Yellowstone Association was You are invited to become a member I want to help educate people about founded in 1933 to assist with educa­ of the Yellowstone Association. the natural wonders of Yellowstone. tional, historical, and scientific programs Membership benefits include: STYES! for the benefit of Yellowstone National • A way for visitors to support educa­ To receive all the benefits of membership, complete and mail this form Park and its visitors. Among the tional, historic and scientific programs with your dues to: The Yellowstone Association, P.O. Box 117, Yellow­ Association's past and present in Yellowstone. stone National Park, WY 82190 (or leave at any Visitor Center sales desk). projects are: • An informative newsletter and a Mr. Operation of bookstores in all park subscription to Yellowstone Today, the park newspaper. S visitor centers with proceeds funding Name MS interpretive programs and exhibits for • A 15% discount on books sold by Address visitors, as well as research projects and the Yellowstone Association in all visitor equipment in Yellowstone. centers; discounts at many association City Sponsorship of the Yellowstone bookstores in other national parks. Institute which offers a variety of • Discounts on Yellowstone Institute State _ Zip- Phone . in-depth classes on various aspects class tuition. of Yellowstone. • Memberships are tax-deductible to the Annual Dues: Associate .... $25 Patron $250 Sponsorship of scientific conferences extent allowable by law. Contributing.. .$50 Sponsor $500 relating to Yellowstone resource For more information about the Sustaining... .$100 Benefactor.. .$1000 management issues. Yellowstone Association, write Publication of books and pamphlets P.O. Box 117, Yellowstone National Make checks payable to "The Yellowstone Association" about Yellowstone for the visitor. Park, WY 82190 or call (307) 344-2296. Charge to Visafj Mastercard [JJ Discover [~J# Maintenance of park research library. Expiration date Signature PNP YELLOWSTONE TODAY, Winter 1995-96 - 5 .Snowmobiling and other information ACCIDENTS so skiers must carry stoves and fuel for rendered inoperable, and kept out of human wastes. When possible, carry a Report all accidents or injuries to park cooking or melting snow. sight. Ammunition must be placed in a supply of water from a domestic source. rangers at visitor centers or ranger separate compartment of the vehicle. If you drink water from lakes and streams, stations. PACK IT IN—PACK IT OUT All refuse boil it a minimum of two minutes to must be carried out of the backcountry. LOST AND FOUND Report lost and reduce the chance of infection. WINTER CAMPING found items at any visitor center or ranger Wheeled vehicles: winter camping is SANITATION Latrine areas must be a station. A report will be filed and the article BEWARE OF HYPOTHERMIA available only at Mammoth Campground minimum of 100 feet from all water returned when possible. For more AND FROSTBITE (accessible via the North Entrance). sources and out of sight from trails and assistance write: Yellowstone National Yellowstone's weather is unpredictable; Heated restrooms and water are avail­ camp areas. Bum toilet paper on top of Park, Visitor Services Office, P.O. Box a calm, clear day may turn fiercely stormy. able. Overnight camping or stopping the snow. 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY Without adequate clothing and gear an outside of this designated campground 82190. easy ski tour or snowmobile trip can turn are not permitted. DEFACING PARK FEATURES into a battle for survival. Exposure to wind Collecting natural or archeological objects, PETS Pets must be leashed. They are and cold can result in hypothermia. This BACKCOUNTRY PERMITS or removing, defacing or destroying any prohibited on ski trails, in the backcountry, rapid loss of body heat can cause death Permits are required for overnight plant, animal, or mineral is prohibited. and in thermal basins. Leaving a pet if not treated. Early warning signs include backcountry use and may be obtained Travel into fragile thermal areas may unattended and/or tied to an object is shivering, slurred speech, memory in person up to 48 hours in advance from result in serious injury or damage to the prohibited. lapses, drowsiness, and exhaustion. any ranger station. Rangers will provide area. Exposure to cold and wind can also result information on weather, trails and snow SHOULD YOU DRINK THE WATER? in frostbite. Frostbite can permanently conditions, and alert you to any special FIREARMS Firearms are not allowed in Intestinal infections from drinking damage tissue and affect functional use winter hazards. Wood fires are only Yellowstone. However, unloaded firearms untreated water are increasingly common. of fingers, toes, nose, ears or other body allowed in Mammoth Campground may be transported in a vehicle when the Water may be polluted by animal and/or extremities. Protect yourself with warm, weapon is cased, broken down or layered clothing and frequent stops to warm up.

• Snowmobile regulations ATTENTION ANGLERS: Yellowstone National Snowmobiling is one way to discover "Operating a snowmobile while intoxi­ Park's fishing season Yellowstone's winter wonders. Snowmo­ cated is illegal. Possession of open closed on the first bile regulations are designed to protect containers of alcoholic beverages, Sunday in November park resources and you, and are strictly including bota bags, is illegal while and will not reopen until enforced. operating a snowmobile or riding as Saturday of Memorial "Snowmobile operators must possess a passenger. Day weekend. a valid state motor vehicle driver's "Wildlife have the right of way! license (see article below). Chasing, molesting, approaching or "Maximum speed limit is 45 mph or less feeding any animal is prohibited (see when posted. article below). ALCOHOL AND "Snowmobiles may be driven on desig­ "Snowmobiles must be registered SNOWMOBILES nated roads only. Sidehilling is prohibited according to the laws of the operator's and carries a fine of up to $500.00. state of residence, Wyoming or Montana, DON'T MIX. Stay on roads to avoid injuring yourself, and have a muffler in good working order. ENJOY THE damaging your machine or harming the YELLOWSTONE environment. AREA SAFELY. •Tips for passing bison and other wildlife on park roads If bison or other wildlife are slowly If the animals do not appear to be If an animal raises its tail, paws the ber that you will need the space of both walking toward you on the road: Pull agitated and if they remain standing ground, or throws its head and body lanes to turn your vehicle around. your machine over to the side of the road calmly, inch toward them and stop. Watch around, do not attempt to pass. Wait for opposite the animal(s), as far as possible, how they respond to your advance. They the animal to leave the road on its own. If you do not have time to turn around, and stand to the side of it, leaving the may decide to get out of your way by Any advance may be perceived as a pull your machine as far as possible to the machine between you and the animal(s). walking off the road or by moving to avoid threat and the animal(s) could charge. side of the road opposite the animal(s), Wait until they are completely past you you. If so, pass safely on the opposite and stand to the side of it, leaving the before driving on. Do not make any quick side of the road at a moderate and If animals are running toward you: machine between you and the animal(s). or loud movements. Wildlife are generally consistent speed. Use groomed puliouts It is likely that oncoming snowmobile not aggressive unless they have been whenever possible to give the animals traffic Is pushing them your way. If you Be aware of the urgency of this situation. provoked or surprised. maximum space when you are passing. have enough time and space, turn your Anticipate it as you come around a curve machine around and move down the road and be prepared to act quickly. Also, make If animals are standing in the road: If the animals remain calm, but do not until the animals have moved off the road an effort to avoid running wildlife down the Stop at least 25 yards before reaching move as you inch toward them, stop, or until you find a safe place, such as a road, pushing them toward oncoming them. Give them the opportunity to move pause, and then try again. Give them the pullout. Remember that it is difficult to turn snowmobilers. And remember, there is off the road. If they don't move, and you right of way. If they feel pressured or a snowmobile around quickly. If your no guarantee of your safety. want to pass them, assess their behavior. pushed, they may begin to stampede. machine does not have reverse, remem­ •License needed to snowmobile— -Keep your trip safe All snowmobile operators in Yellowstone Park officials believe that winter traffic "Travel In groups; emergencies are "Know the locations of warming huts, National Park are required to possess a conditions are more similar to a highway more easily handled. visitor centers and public phones valid motor vehicle operator's license. In driving situation than to the snowmobile (see the back page of this newspaper.) addition, persons possessing a learner's and off-road vehicle trails found else­ "Dress for extreme cold. Items essen­ permit may operate a snowmobile in the where. Under the high speed highway tial for snowmobilers include: helmet, face "Avalanches may occur on steep hills park when supervised within line of sight conditions found in the park, most young mask, heavily insulated gloves or mittens, or canyons. When travelling through (but not further than 100 yards) by a snowmobilers are at a distinct disadvan­ felt lined boots, and a heavily insulated such areas, do not bunch up—spread out. licensed person 21 years of age or older. tage in terms of their judgment, experi­ snowmobile suit. Avoid tight-fitting Avalanches are more likely to occur The policy change was implemented ence, and physical capabilities compared garments; they restrict circulation and during or after heavy fresh snowfall, high because of the park's concern about the to a licensed driver. This rationale is increase the possibility of frostbite. winds, or extreme temperature changes. number of snowmobile accidents involving reflected by the fact that the vast majority young operators. of states require persons operating motor "Carry extra food for 12 hours beyond Hazardous conditions may temporarily vehicles on state road systems to be your planned trip, extra fuel, drive belt, close Sylvan Pass (between the East Snowmobile use has increased dramati­ licensed and at least 16 years old. spark plugs and appropriate tools, plus Entrance and Fishing Bridge Junction). cally in the park over the past decade, extra parts which frequently break down The road from Tower Junction to the and it is now common to have over 1,600 The driver's license requirement being or wear out on your machine. Always Washburn Hot Springs Overlook four snowmachines a day, including track- implemented for snowmobiling in Yellow­ include matches and a First Aid kit. miles north of Canyon Junction is closed conversion vehicles and snow coaches, stone is not unprecedented. A number of Repair services are not available in to snowmobiling due to avalanche danger. operating on the park road system. Modem states require the possession of a valid the park except for minor repairs and snowmobiles weigh 400-500 pounds and driver's license to operate a snowmobile parts at Old Faithful. "Bison often stand, lie, or walk on roads are capable of quick acceleration to over on public lands or on public roads. during winter; see article above for some 70 mph. Between 1987 and 1992, youthful "Before starting your trip, check on road tips to assist you in passing them. operators accounted for an average of Options for young people visiting the park and weather conditions. Blowing and 16 percent of the snowmobile accidents during the winter include doubling up on a drifting snow can be especially hazardous in the park, while composing an estimated snowmobile operated by a licensed driver in Hayden Valley (between Canyon and 5 percent or less of the total number of or using any of the authorized commercial Fishing Bridge Junctions) and on Swan snowmobile operators. snowcoach services that provide trans­ Lake Flats (approximately 4 miles south portation in the park. of Mammoth Hot Springs). 6 - YELLOWSTONE TODAY, Winter 1995-96 -Cross country skiing information

From The Nordic Skier's Guide to Montana by Elaine Sedlack Sketch by Larry Thompson

_ Ski Yellowstone guidelines, Yellowstone National Park, encompassing 2.2 million acres, is one of the world's premier wilderness areas. Most of the park is backcountry and managed as wilder­ ness; many miles of trails are available for skiing.

However, there are dangers inherent in wilderness: unpredictable wildlife, changing weather conditions, remote thermal areas, deep snow, open streams, and rugged mountains with extreme avalanche danger. You have chosen to explore and experi­ ence the land on its own terms, but there is no guarantee of your safety. Be prepared for any situation! Carefully read all backcountry guidelines and regulations, and know the limits of your ability.

All unplowed roads and trails are open to cross country skiing and snowshoeing; on unplowed roadways used by snowmachines, keep to the right to avoid accidents.

Most trails are marked with orange metal markers attached to trees. Few streams have bridges. Parties venturing into the backcountry should carry a USGS topographic map and a compass, and know how to use them. Even on a well-marked trail, it is easy to get lost in a "whiteout" or blizzard. Only skiers thoroughly familiar with the area should attempt off-trail travel. When planning your trip, get specific information on conditions from rangers at a ranger station or visitor center.

Park elevations with adequate skiable snow range from 7,000 to 10,000 feet. Skiers and snowshoers who live at lower elevations should take a short day or overnight trip to test your capabilities before attempting longer outings.

To preserve Yellowstone's backcountry and enhance your wilderness experience, the National Park Service has established regulations and guidelines (see pages 2, 5). A non-fee permit is required for all overnight trips In the Yellowstone back- country. Contact a park ranger at a visitor center or ranger station before you begin a ski trip—whether for a few hours or several days. Ski gear guide— equipment and clothing ••Skiing safety. Choose skis and boots made for touring Each ski trip will teach you what works 1. Evaluate your party's capabilities. 6. Do not approach wildlife. Ail wild or mountaineering. Narrow racing skis best for you. Discuss your plans with Plan your outing to allow the weakest animals are unpredictable; if they charge, won't give you enough surface area to rangers at visitor centers and ranger member of your group to enjoy and you can't outrun them in deep snow. break trail. Low shoes won't give you stations. Staff at the Old Faithful and survive it. If they run, you are forcing them to use enough ankle support, and track is set Mammoth Ski Shops can help you energy they need to survive. only on a few Yellowstone trails. Before choose gear to match your ability and 2. Learn about your equipment's you rent or borrow equipment, check for the conditions. capabilities and weaknesses and be 7. Fires during the summer of 1988 fit and suitability for wilderness use. prepared to repair it. burned near or across many ski trails Equipment that fits both you and park Trip planning should include allowances and destroyed the trunks and root conditions can make or break your trip. for limited daylight, snow conditions, 3. Never closely approach geysers, systems of many trees, creating hazard­ temperature extremes, and the number hot springs or mud pots. You may fall ous standing snags which could fall Winter temperatures are severe in of people in the group and their experi­ through overhanging snow ledges or thin with little warning. Skiers—be alert for Yellowstone but you can be comfortable ence and physical condition. Overnight crust. Do not leave designated trails in this possibility, and, while in burned areas, and confident if you are properly dressed. ski and snowshoe trips during December geothermal areas. stay on established trails. Prepare for changing conditions by and January are difficult due to short wearing clothes in several adjustable days (8:30am-5:00pm), temperature Beware of icy conditions on downhill 8. Exertion in dry mountain air can layers. It is as important to prevent extremes and soft snow. grades leading into thermal areas. Side­ dehydrate you. Carry and drink two overheating as it is to prevent chilling. step or walk down the hill rather than risk quarts of water a day. Carry gear to On day trips consider taking some or skiing out of control into a boiling pool. melt water from snow or dip it out of a Be sure your clothing includes a wind- all of these items to increase your stream from a safe distance with a ski proof hooded outer layer with wool or margin of safety: 4. Avalanches are possible on hillsides pole. Boil water from lakes or streams other insulated garments underneath. extra clothing compass or in canyons with slopes of 25-85%. to reduce the chance of infection. Wool or synthetic trousers and long matches or lighter snack food Slides occur most frequently after heavy underwear will help keep your legs warm water ski tip snowstorms or during warm periods. 9. Learn as much as you can about and dry in deep snow. Wind or rainpants winter survival. Talk with park rangers are lightweight and provide extra warmth Skiers who are planning extensive Avalanche hazard can be high on roads before you leave on any trip. Many good on windy days. Avoid cotton jeans and backcountry trips involving overnight between the East Entrance and Fishing books are also available on this topic. sweatshirts. Thick wool socks and gaiters camping should carry all of the above Bridge Junction, on Dunraven Pass, on or overboots help keep your feet warm and the items below: trails in the Cooke City vicinity, and in 10. Basic ski etiquette: yield to those and dry. Wear gloves or wool mittens with Backpack many areas of the backcountry. Learn going downhill when skiing uphill on shells that breathe to allow moisture to Sleeping bag (7 in. thick min.) about avalanche mechanics, safe travel trails. escape from sweaty hands. First Aid kit methods, and rescue procedures. Avalanche cord 11. Hikers: please do not walk in ski Since you lose more heat from your head Compass 5. When crossing frozen lakes, use tracks. than from any other part of your body, Knife extreme caution and check ice thickness wear a facernask-style stocking cap or Tent or bivouac bag by prodding with a ski pole. Ice, snow parka hood when you need maximum Closed cell sleeping pad covered or not, may be thin, especially protection. Dark sunglasses are a must Stove and pots near inlets, outlets, and waters warmed for sunny days. High altitude sunlight Easily prepared food by thermal activity. Crossing rivers may reflected from snow is much more intense Shovel be dangerous; some have bridges and than at lower elevations; snowblindness Maps some do not. Ask a ranger about local may occur if sunglasses are not worn. Repair parts and tools for skis, crossings. Apply sunscreen lotion to exposed skin stove and pack to avoid painful sunburn. YELLOWSTONE TODAY, Winter 1995-96 - 7 -Bison in the Yellowstone ecosystem Wild, free-ranging bison have been a from domestic livestock. It was first The proposed procedures would modify •Test bison captured in the West Yellow­ part of the Yellowstone landscape since detected in 1917. Representatives of the an Interim Bison Management Plan in use stone area for brucellosis. Bison that prehistoric times. Primarily because of livestock industry have concerns about since 1992 where bison that left the park pose a low risk of transmitting the poaching and market hunting, the bison the possibility of brucellosis transmission were shot by agency personnel and most disease will be released and allowed to population declined until just after the from bison to cattle. While no docu­ carcasses were made available to Native occupy public lands adjacent to the park turn of the century when less than 50 mented case exists of wild, free-ranging American tribes. The NPS and Montana during designated times of the year. bison were known to exist in Yellowstone bison from Yellowstone transmitting are preparing an environmental assess­ Higher risk animals will be transported National Park. brucellosis to domestic cattle, the risk ment on the proposed procedures, which to certified slaughter facilities. The of transmission is of concern. call for the NPS, Montana Department of released animals will be marked and In this century, bison populations have Livestock, Montana Department of Fish, monitored. made a remarkable recovery, now In November 1995, the National Park Wildlife and Parks and APHIS to work numbering over 150,000 animals in Service (NPS), Animal Plant and Health together to: •Allow bison to remain on specific public private and public herds nationwide. Inspection Service (APHIS) and the State lands where there is not livestock use as Bison are nof listed as federally endan­ of Montana reached agreement on •Closely monitor bison activity from long as they do not go beyond specific gered or threatened species. By 1995, proposed Interim Bison Management December 1 -March 1 and throughout boundaries. the Yellowstone bison population had Procedures and a schedule for complet­ the year as necessary. increased to about 4,000 animals. ing a longterm bison management plan • Work cooperatively and expeditiously The Yellowstone herd is the largest and environmental impact statement • Haze bison found in some areas outside with the USDA Forest Service toward free-ranging (unfenced) bison herd in (EIS) for bison that move between the park back inside park boundaries, completing a longterm Bison Manage­ the world. Yellowstone National Park and Montana. when feasible. ment Plan and EIS. As part of the settle­ ment agreement, Montana and the NPS Maintaining a wild, inherently nomadic The agreement settles a lawsuit filed by •Operate portable capture facilities in the plan to issue a draft EIS for public bison herd can present problems. Bison Montana against the NPS and APHIS in Reese Creek boundary area near review and comment by November 1996 do not recognize boundaries and some­ January 1995. The suit was based on Gardiner, Montana, during the winter and a final EIS by May 1997. times move to adjacent public and private concerns about brucellosis transmission when bison move to the area, to prevent land, especially during the winter. to cattle and the possible revocation of the animals from entering onto private •Agree that the court would maintain Increased numbers of bison, weather Montana's brucellosis-free status. In the land adjoining the park where there are jurisdiction over the changes in the conditions, and human activities all affect settlement agreement, APHIS has cattle. Bison captured in the Reese interim operating procedures and distribution of animals; attempts to agreed that it will not change Montana's Creek area may be transported to completion of the longterm bison manipulate bison movements by hazing brucellosis-free status based on the certified slaughter facilities. management plan and EIS. or herding have met with very limited presence of brucellosis-exposed bison success. migrating from Yellowstone to Montana •Operate portable capture facilities in the For more information, contact the as long as the proposed procedures vicinity of West Yellowstone during the Superintendent's Office, Yellowstone Unfortunately, early in this century, bison outlined in the agreement are imple­ winter to prevent bison from migrating National Park, WY 82190. were exposed to brucellosis, probably mented. onto or near private land, or public land where livestock would be grazed. -Controversial mine proposed near park A proposal to locate a gold mine less There are also unanswered questions the greater Yellowstone ecosystem be than three miles from the northeast about the potential of groundwater examined, and that geologic studies comer of Yellowstone National Park contamination as water comes in contact detailing subsurface faulting and aquifer is attracting national and international with the acid-generating rock as it is location be completed and analyzed in attention. being mined. the EIS.

The New World Mine would operate The area is seismically active. Geologic Superintendent Mike Finley has stated, year-round at elevations of 8,000 to studies indicate that over 1,000 tremors "There are many unanswered questions 10,000 feet in the mountains above and quakes of various sizes are and no guarantees associated with the Cooke City, Montana. Officials with recorded in and around Yellowstone each New World Mine proposal. We don't Crown Butte Mine, Inc., owner of the year. Other concerns that have been know yet whether this project can mining claims, have stated that they expressed include potential impacts to withstand the test of time." expect impacts to Yellowstone to be wetlands, wildlife (including grizzly bears), minimal. However, Yellowstone officials air quality, nearby communities, scenic The draft EIS is scheduled for release and citizens and groups opposed to the values, and noise. to the public for comment in early 1996. mine disagree. If you are interested in this issue and 777e proposed New World Mine site The National Park Service (NPS) has no would like more information, contact the The potential for surface and ground­ is located just outside Yellowstone permitting authority for projects outside Superintendent's Office, Yellowstone water contamination is a major concern. National Park's northeast comer (*). park boundaries. It is, however, working National Park, WY 82190. To be placed The mine would be situated at the with the agencies (U.S. Forest Service on the mailing list for the draft EIS or to headwaters of three drainages: the and the Montana Department of State comment on the proposal, please contact Clark's Fork of the Yellowstone River Where and under what conditions the Lands) preparing the environmental the Montana Department of Environmen­ (Wyoming's only Wild and Scenic River), potentially toxic mine tailings are depos­ impact statement (EIS) for the project in tal Quality, P.O. Box 201601, Helena, the Stillwater River (which flows into the ited and stored could affect the water an effort to ensure that any impacts to MT 59620 or Gallatin National Forest, Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness), and quality of one or more of these drainages. the park are fully addressed. The NPS P.O. Box 130, Bozeman, MT 59771. Miller Creek, a tributary of Soda Butte These toxic mine tailings would have to has requested that an alternative that Creek (which flows into Yellowstone be maintained in a neutral state forever. would dispose of the mine tailings outside National Park). -Habituation spells disaster Yellowstone offers unique opportunities coyotes, bighorn sheep, ground squirrels, wildlife behavior that could lead to a dangerous. Never feed or approach to view wildlife in their natural environ­ bears, ravens and other species have problem, for you or for them. All park any park animals. ment. Some birds and mammals live all demonstrated "begging" behavior in animals are wild and potentially near park roads and developed areas, Yellowstone. This apparently harmless where they are particularly observable. activity is dangerous for both you and the However, this increases the likelihood animal(s). When they come to the road­ Coyotes and habituation that some individuals will become side to obtain food, animals often are hit habituated—that is, used to people. by vehicles, or become exhausted The coyote—perhaps Yellowstone's most common predator—is often seen Habituated wildlife are misleading— chasing traffic. traveling through the park's wide open valleys. Coyotes may live in packs, or they may appear to be highly tolerant may range alone in search of prey or carrion to scavenge. They eat a variety of humans, but they are still wild and Human foods in an animal's diet may of small mammals, but they can also hunt and kill larger prey; packs have unpredictable. result in tooth decay, ulcers, digestive been observed bringing down adult elk in Yellowstone. problems, or failure to accumulate Approaching wildlife at close range can adequate fat reserves for the winter when Coyotes normally avoid people but are wild and unpredictable. During recent cause the animals stress. Be observant food is scarce. Beggar birds and wildlife winters, instances of coyote aggression toward humans, including one which —many animals will show signs of may become aggressive, and have involved an actual attack, were reported. Habituation most likely played a role increased alertness or fear. The animal(s) occasionally injured park visitors. in this unusual behavior. may move away; heads may perk up, or Please enjoy the opportunity to view eyes widen and focus on nearby humans; and photograph park wildlife in their wild, We are experimenting with scaring unwary coyotes away from visitor use areas. the animal may flatten its ears, flare its natural state. The park is not a zoo; Those animals that continue to pose a threat to themselves or to humans may nostrils, change body direction, stop animals live and die based on their be translocated to other areas of the park, or even removed from the park eating, or rise from a resting stance. species' adaptations and their individual ecosystem. If you see a coyote or other animal which appears to be unwary ability to survive in this environment. of people, please report it to a park ranger. Habituated wildlife can quickly become Respect park wildlife—never approach conditioned to human foods. Swans, too closely, and be alert for changes in 8 - YELLOWSTONE TODAY, Winter 1995-96 -Wolves return to Yellowstone In March, 1995,14 gray wolves (Canis Wolves translocated to Yellowstone in One wolf was shot outside the park in groups of wintering ungulates in the lupus) were released from three fenced January 1995 were captured near Hinton, late April; the party responsible was Firehole River Valley and/or the Pelican enclosures in Yellowstone National Park. Alberta. Following evaluation of potential prosecuted under the Endangered Valley or southeast regions of the park. The releases represent one tangible impacts on wolf populations this year, we Species Act. Also in late April, the mate outcome of a plan developed over nearly hope to capture and move wolves from of this dead wolf gave birth to a litter of Prior to 1870, gray wolves were common two decades under the authority of the northeast British Columbia to supplement pups. This female and her pups were in the northern Rocky Mountains, Endangered Species Act, with input by the genetic diversity of the new popula­ relocated back into their enclosure in including Yellowstone. By the 1930s, more than 160,000 people, to restore tion of wolves in Yellowstone, and to order to assure their survival, and were government predator control programs wolves in Yellowstone. enhance the probability of reaching then released in mid-October. had eliminated wolves from Yellowstone. recovery goals. The gray wolves of This plan, evaluated in an environmental western Canada are the same as those One of the other two packs also gave Restoring wolves to Yellowstone is impact statement (EIS) in 1992-1994, naturally recolonizing northern Montana, birth to one known wolf. Members of the in keeping with national park goals to and under rules published in the Federal and that might have eventually reached third pack were very visible in Lamar perpetuate all native species and their Register in November 1994, is to restore Yellowstone on their own. They also feed Valley from May through the early days natural interactions with their environ­ wolves to Yellowstone and central Idaho primarily on the same prey that is of July. ment. As with other park wildlife by establishing experimental populations abundant in Yellowstone—elk and deer. programs, management emphasizes of gray wolves in both areas. Copies All released wolves are radio collared, minimizing human impacts on natural of the rules, and of a summary of the Wild wolves are shy, and may become and biologists monitor their movements animal population dynamics. final EIS, are available at park visitor frantic if unable to retreat. For this reason, from the ground and from aircraft as centers or by calling (307) 344-2013. the acclimation sites are closed to the regularly as weather permits. Information Once again the greater Yellowstone area public when occupied by wolves. The gained from these monitoring efforts will has a nearly complete complement of the The goal for Yellowstone wolf recovery areas are posted against entry, and enable managers to evaluate the success native wildlife found here long before is to establish 10 packs of wolves repro­ patrolled regularly by rangers. While the of this reintroduction effort, and to modify Yellowstone became the world's first ducing in the Greater Yellowstone area wolves are temporarily penned, they are the effort in future years, if necessary. national park in 1872. for three consecutive years by the year fed road-killed deer, elk, moose and This reintroduction will provide valuable 2002. bison. insights about how to restore wolves and other large canids into other habitats. The plan is to place about 15 wolves From March through November, the from Canada in Yellowstone each year movements of all three packs of wolves Continuing to capture, transport, and for 3-5 years. Each group of wolves will varied greatly. Some stayed relatively release about 15 wolves annually for at be allowed to acclimate to their new close to the pen sites, while others, at least another year or two is essential to surroundings in Yellowstone for several times, explored up to 50 miles from the ensure the success of the restoration months before being released into the release points, often over rugged, effort. In the fall of 1995-96, one new wild. The purpose of the acclimation mountainous terrain. By mid-November, acclimation pen was built, using surplus period is to let them recover from the none of the wolves released in Yellow­ materials from the pens constructed in stresses of being captured and moved, stone had come into conflict with livestock 1994-95. Another was disassembled and to reduce the likelihood that wolves and all were using areas within Yellow­ and moved. Eventually, wolves may be might travel widely or try to return to their stone National Park. released at sites located near large former homes. -Coyote or wolf?: identification facts Unexpectedly, an estimated 3,750 park visitors viewed wolves in Yellowstone's Lamar Valley during the early summer of 1995. They observed wolves playing, resting, killing elk, and interacting with grizzly bears, coyotes, and bison. Lamar may again be a good place to see wolves this winter.

It can be difficult to distinguish between coyotes and wolves. In general, wolves are much larger than coyotes. The wolf track printed here is actual size; tracks can be even larger. The legs and muzzle of a coyote are particularly delicate in appearance; the legs of a wolf appear much longer in proportion Photos—Monty Sloan, Wolf Pah: to its body. Coyotes are rarely pure black or white in color and are often SPECIES: COYOTE (Canls latrans) WOLF (Canis lupus) light to dark gray with rust" or brown. APPEARANCE: delicate massive Both animals live in packs and can HEIGHT: 16-20 in (0.4-0.5 m) 26-34 in (0.6-0.9 m) prey on small as well as larger animals, LENGTH: 3.5-4.25 ft (1.1-1.3 m) 5-6 ft (1.5-6 m) such as elk. WEIGHT: 27-33 lbs (12-15 kg) 70-120 lbs (32-54 kg) COLOR/COAT: varies from gray to tan with rust; varies from white to black to silvery gray; The National Park Service monitors can be thick and bushy thick and bushy wolf activity in Yellowstone. Wolf EARS: long and pointed rounded and relatively short observation reports from park visitors MUZZLE: long and narrow large, broad and blocky play a major role in detecting wolves LEGS: thin and delicate thick and long in the area. If you think you see a wolf­ FEET: small—2-2.5 in (5-6 cm) wide very large—3.5-4 in (9-10 cm) wide like animal, take detailed notes of your 2.5-3.5 in (6-9 cm) long .... .,_... 4-5 in (10-13 cm) long observation and your location, photo­ TAIL: hangs straight down or out hangs straight down or out graph or measure tracks if possible, and report your sighting to a ranger at •- *• fit'': the nearest visitor center.

For a look at mounted wolves, visit the second floor of the Albright Visitor Center in Mammoth Hot Springs.

Your opinion counts Yellowstone is no stranger to complex, important, and often controversial issues.

If you have comments on issues which affect the park and/or the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, please send them to Superintendent Mike Finley, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190. YELLOWSTONE TODAY, Winter 1995-96 - 9 -Winter use concerns As we described in the article on page 1, Visitor Conflicts: Many winter visitors Gasoline: Gas storage capacity is limited use on wildlife and other resources. the rapid increase in winter visitor use is expect a quiet, serene experience, while in Yellowstone Park during the winter. Geothermal features in Yellowstone and bringing a whole host of concerns to the others prefer a more social setting. Both Each year we come close to running out tree plantations on the forests may be managers and staff here at Yellowstone. groups come to enjoy the many natural of fuel. damaged by improper visitor use. features of the area, but there are Snowmobile exhaust and noise levels Through our cooperative efforts with conflicts where different uses exist Community Expectations: Communities creates health concerns for employees. Grand Teton National Park and the (snowmobilers and cross-country skiers, around the region have become increas­ national forests that surround us, we will for example). ingly dependent on winter use. Commu­ Employee Stress: Staffing has not kept be looking more closely at a wide variety nity expectations and marketing efforts up with the rise in winter use, resulting in of problems. Some of these issues come Safety: Young or unskilled drivers can assume continued and unlimited growth employee stress and reduced efficiency from our own observations; most have cause safety problems. Heavy use and in winter recreation use. The number of and service to visitors. Many park been suggested by visitors like you. warm weather make it impossible to keep businesses renting snowmachines and employees live in housing designed for Some of the concerns that we face are: roads and trails well groomed. In loca­ the number of snowmachines being summer-only occupancy. Operational tions where snow machines and autos rented is increasingly rapidly. These funding is inadequate to meet demands. Overcrowding: During peak use periods, come in close proximity, safety concerns expectations and marketing efforts may Also, the Forest Service receives no parking areas, roads, warming huts, and increase. be inconsistent with resource capacity. additional funding for construction, restrooms are full, making it difficult for maintenance, housing or necessary visitors to enjoy the areas. Resource Damage: We are unsure of patrolling for national and regional trails. the effects of rapidly increasing winter - Snowmobile studies underway this winter Snowmobile Emissions field data on alternative fuels and lubri­ Numerous parties have been invited to Renewable Fuels Association One of the issues that concerns man­ cation oils for snowmobiles. This project participate in the Snowmobile in the Park Montana Snowmobile Association agers at Yellowstone and Grand Teton will provide information on emissions Project. These include: International Association of Snowmobile National Parks and the nearby national from snowmobiles, including air toxics. Administrators forests is snowmobile emissions. These alternative fuels and oils are U.S. Department of Energy Snowmobiles are powered by two-stroke expected to reduce pollution, color, and Montana Department of Environmental Groomed Roadways engines, in which oil is mixed directly visible smoke caused by snowmobiles. Quality This winter, another project will evaluate with gasoline. The resulting exhaust is U.S. Department of the Interior the effect of snowmobiles and snow- believed to contain significantly more The alternate fuels include biomass- National Park Service, coaches on the groomed road surfaces. carbon monoxide and particulate matter derived (grain) ethanol blend, along with Yellowstone National Park The project will be conducted several than a modern automobile. biodegradable lubrication oils, such as National Park Service, times throughout the winter, between esters of animal and plant fats and their Air Resources Division Old Faithful and Madison Junction, both The exhaust fumes from the machines derivatives (for example, CONOCO's Bio- International Snowmobile Manufacturers on the Old Freight Road and on the main create clouds of blue smoke where Synthetic 2-Cycle oil). The fuels and oils Association Grand Loop Road. Snowmobile and snowmobiles concentrate, especially in will be tested at the Southwest Research CONOCO, Inc. snowcoach traffic will be separated so the communities, at park entrances, and Institute. Products that reduce emissions Wyoming Department of Commerce that the effects of each type of vehicle along major travel corridors. The fumes and health concerns, show increased West Yellowstone Chamber of can be compared. create health and environmental biodegradability and efficiency, and meet Commerce concerns for residents, employees, and manufacturers specifications will be field Ethanol Producers and Consumers visitors who live, work, and play in these tested in Yellowstone and in Montana of Montana areas. These problems are particularly and Wyoming gateway communities. acute in Yellowstone National Park, where up to 2,000 snowmobiles enter The National Park Service has been the park daily. working cooperatively with snowmobile manufacturers and the oil industry to To begin to address these concerns, address these concerns. The park the Snowmobile in the Park Project is believes that concerns about emissions, underway in Yellowstone. The project noise, and safety equipment need to be is designed to provide industry and addressed at their source, with the government with detailed laboratory and manufacturers of snowmobiles. Grand Teton information Visitor Centers and Activities Grand Teton Roads The Moose Visitor Center in Grand Although U.S. Highway 89/191 in Grand Teton National Park is open daily Teton National Park remains open 8:00am-5:00pm, except Christmas Day. through the winter, adverse weather Services include information, audiovisual can cause temporary closures. programs, exhibits, raised relief map, permits, and publication sales. Free For detailed road, ranger-led program ranger-led snowshoe hikes (reservations or other information, please call required, snowshoes provided) are given (307) 739-3399. from late December to mid-March. National Elk Refuge The Information Station at Flagg Ranch Established in 1912, the National Elk will be open daily (except Christmas Day) Refuge maintains a winter range and from mid-December to mid-March. supplemental feeding area for 7,500 elk. Visitors can ride horse-drawn sleighs Park activities include snowmobiling through the elk herd within the refuge in designated areas, cross-country skiing, near Jackson. For information on these and snowshoeing. sleigh rides, call (307) 733-9212. -Figuring out entrance fees Some snow facts Legislation passed by Congress in for one year from date of purchase, Ten percent of the earth's surface is covered with snow or "old snow" (ice). 1988 raised the ceiling on entrance fees allows the permit holder and accom­ This is about 48 million square miles. In winter months more than 20% and up to charged at Yellowstone and Grand Teton panying passengers in a private 50% of the earth's surface is snow and/or ice. This snow covering is the greatest National Parks. Entrance fees are now noncommercial vehicle to enter all source of fresh water for humans. $10 for a private, noncommercial auto­ parks which charge entrance fees. mobile and $4 for each visitor (ages When we fight snow, try to overpower it, ignore its dangers, we suffer. When we 17 to 61, inclusive) entering the park The Golden Age Passport (for those understand it, adapt to it, it becomes a source of pleasure and an ally. by snowmobile, motorcycle, bus, bicycle U.S. residents over 62) can be obtained or on foot. A maximum of $10 will be for a one-time $10 fee. And the Golden Snow is an important economic force, both positive and negative, including effects charged for an immediate family residing Access Passport is still offered free of on recreation, tourism, snow removal and insurance. in the same household. These fees are charge to qualifying individuals with good for a seven day pass to both parks. special needs. These special passes There are approximately one million snow crystals in a space measuring two feet admit the holder and accompanying by two feet by ten inches. Also available for $15 is a parks-specific passengers in a private, noncommercial pass to Yellowstone and Grand Teton, vehicle to national parks plus a 50 Snow crystals are all different but have enough similarities that they can be valid for one year from date of purchase. percent reduction in camping fees. classified into certain shapes or types. The $25 Golden Eagle Passport, valid 10 - YELLOWSTONE TODAY, Winter 1995-96 •Yellowstone's weather—predictably unpredictable Visitors to Yellowstone National Park temperatures and the greater the moisture Summer nights are invariably cool, and are well below zero and all areas of the may be surprised to encounter "winter" and shower activity. In winter, precipitation temperatures drop into the 30s and 40s park have recorded at least -40 degrees weather any time of year. If unprepared, is heavier at the higher elevations on the average at most places before at some time. The lowest recorded the consequences range from uncomfort­ and in the southern portion of the park; sunrise. The lowest recorded tempera­ temperature is -66 at the West Yellow­ able and inconvenient to life-threatening. the coldest temperatures occur in the ture during the summer is 9 degrees, on stone station on February 9, 1933. On During the coldest months, wind and mountain valleys. August 25,1910 at Canyon. the other hand, there are occasional mild snow can kill if rules of nature are ignored periods during the winter when daytime and protective clothing is not worn. The temperatures reach well up into the 40s. information presented here describes the Wind chill chart "normals" and extremes of Yellowstone's \ Annual precipitation varies from an year round climate and may be used as r average of just under 14 inches at the Estin urted.4 ctuall nermometer Reading, °F a guide in planning a visit to the park. Lamar Ranger Station in the northeast Obtain information on current weather 10 0 -10 -20 -30 -40 -50 -60 Wind 50 40 30 20 portion of the park to around 38 inches conditions and forecasts at visitor centers SpMd at Bechler Ranger Station in the south­ Equh ralent rem pet•ature . °F or ranger stations when planning outdoor InMPH west comer. For most places at the lower activities. Calm 50 40 30 20 10 0 -10 -20 -30 -40 -50 -60 elevations, June is the wettest month with averages ranging from two to three Weather observations were started at 5 48 37 27 16 6 -5 -15 -26 -36 -47 -57 -68 inches. Yellowstone National Park Headquarters 10 40 28 16 4 -9 -21 -33 -46 -58 -70 -83 -95 —Mammoth Hot Springs—by U.S. Army Snowfall is quite heavy over the moun­ personnel in January 1887; a Weather 15 36 22 9 -5 -18 -36 -45 -58 -72 -85 -99 -112 tains. For most of the park which lies Bureau station was established in 1903. between 7,000 and 8,500 feet, annual -96 -124 The observation site is located in the 20 32 18 4 -10 -25 -39 -53 -67 -82 -110 snowfall averages close to 150 inches. extreme northern part of the park on the 25 30 16 0 -15 -29 -44 -59 -74 -88 -104 -118 -133 At higher elevations, amounts are mountain slopes above the Gardner river. normally well over 200 inches annually, Mountains to the east, south, and west 30 28 13 -2 -18 -33 -48 -63 -79 -94 -109 -125 -140 and in some locations, over 400 inches. rise 2,000 to 3,000 feet higher than the Of course, amounts vary from year to 27 11 -4 -20 -35 -49 -67 -82 -98 -113 -129 -145 valley. The station itself, being at 6,241 35 year. Occasionally during summer, cold feet above sea level, is lower than most of 40 26 10 -6 -21 -37 -53 -69 -85 -100 -116 -132 -148 air from western Canada will invade this the park, which varies from 7,000 to 8,500 area, causing snow. While not common, Wind feet, with several ridges and peaks going speeds Little Dange r Increasing Great there are records of several inches in the up to 11,000 feet or more. greater than (fort tprope rty clothe d Danger Danger summertime. 40MPH person ) have little Danger From Freezing Of Exposed Flesh Because of the lower elevation and additional Yellowstone's weather is well known for mountain barriers which trap moisture- Vetted. J its unpredictability and sudden changes. laden air at this headquarters site, Be prepared for a range of conditions, temperature will average about five especially if you will be out for several degrees warmer and precipitation less The average maximum temperatures for Winters are cold with temperatures well hours or overnight. See the park map than at other locations in the park. the park during the summer months are in below freezing most of the time. In on page 12 for locations of warming huts The valley location is also favorable the 70s. Readings occasionally reach the January, which is usually the coldest and phones. Careful, thorough pretrip for lighter winds. 80s, and rarely the 90s, at the lower month, temperatures on average range planning is the key to an enjoyable elevations but there is no record as high from near zero at night to the middle 20s winter visit to Yellowstone. In summer, a general rule is that the as 100° F at any place in the park. in the early afternoon. Values frequently higher the elevation, the cooler the

Chambers provide satewav info Expedition: Yellowstone!!. Facilities and services are also available in communities outside Yellowstone. The National Park Service continues to offer a curriculum for upper elementary grades For information, contact Chambers of Commerce in: called Expedition: Yellowstone!. Through this curriculum, students learn about the park either by studying it at their school or by combining classroom work with a trip Gardiner, Montana (406) 848-7971 Red Lodge, Montana (406) 446-1718 (an "Expedition!") to Yellowstone. This residential program, taught by park ranger- naturalists, operates on a fee basis in the spring and fall. Livingston, Montana (406) 222-0850 Billings, Montana (406) 245-4111 Aimed at the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade levels, the curriculum materials consist of a Bozeman, Montana (406) 586-5421 Cody, Wyoming (307) 587-2297 teacher's workbook and a storybook entitled Expedition Yellowstone, A Mountain Adventure. For more information, please fill out the coupon below. West Yellowstone, Dubois, Wyoming (307) 455-2556 Montana (406) 646-7701 Please send me more information about Expedition: Yellowstone! Jackson, Wyoming (307)733-3316 Cooke City-Silver Name Gate, Montana (406) 838-2272 Idaho Falls, Idaho (208) 523-1010 School

Address

City, State, Zip_

Phone: ( Leave this coupon at any park visitor center or mail to: Expedition: Yellowstone!, Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

i Yellowstone Park Medical Services MAMMOTH CLINIC West Park Hospital, Cody, Wyoming, Outpatient services are provided at Lake *Open weekdays 8:30am-12 noon and l:00-5:00pm; through its Yellowstone Park Medical Hospital and Old Faithful Clinic, as well Services Division, has been offering as at Mammoth. Lake Hospital is also closed Wednesday afternoons medical care to Yellowstone's visitors, an acute care facility with ten inpatient *Full-time board certified family practitioner employees and residents since 1980. beds, clinical laboratory, pharmacy, radiology and 24-hour ambulance A board certified family practitioner and emergency services. The staff *Minor x-ray and clinical laboratory procedures provides year-round health care to the is assembled from highly qualified, *Prompt personal, family and emergency medical care Yellowstone Park community, including experienced professionals from across biweekly visits to Old Faithful. Experi­ the country. enced registered nurses and office staff *For appointments, call (307) 344-7965 complete the team offering courteous, For information on employment for the *For emergencies, dial 911 professional family and emergency 1996 season (both professional and medical care. nonprofessional positions are available), send a resume to: Yellowstone Park YELLOWSTONE PARK MEDICAL SERVICES In the summer, the operation grows to Medical Services, 707 Sheridan Avenue, meet the needs of the park's increased Cody, WY 82414 or call (307) 578-2461. We're there when you need us! number of visitors and the employees who serve them. A division of West Park Hospital —Cody, Wyoming YELLOWSTONE TODAY, Winter 1995-96 - 11

TW Recreational Services, Inc.— lodging concessioner MHHMH EXPLORE YELLOWSTONE TW Recreational Services, Inc. has been Monument in California. During the past This Winter Season Yellowstone's lodging concessioner since several years, TW Recreational Sen/ices, 1979. Summer operations include lodging Inc. has provided millions of dollars in facilities, five campgrounds including an investment funding for new concession R.V. Park, restaurants, cafeterias, snack facilities at Yellowstone, Zion and Bryce shops, cocktail lounges, gift shops, Canyon, and improvements in concession cookouts, corrals, sightseeing sen/ices facilities at Grand Canyon's North Rim and a full service marina on Yellowstone and Everglades. Lake. Winter operations include lodging, restaurants, lounges, ski shops, snow- TW Recreational Services, Inc. hires coach tours and snowmobile rentals. more than 3,700 seasonal employees in Yellowstone National Park. For employ­ A winter visit to Yellowstone will provide you with an unforgettable TW Recreational Services, Inc. has ment information and applications, please vacation where cross-country skiing and snowcoach touring are without decades of experience in providing contact the address below. equal. Enjoy all that Yellowstone has to offer during this season... lodging, food, gift shops, and other visitor wildlife in abundance, frozen lakes, icy waterfalls, the Old Faithful services at national parks, state parks, The staff and management extend a Geyser, thousands of other thermal features, and much, much more. state lodges and recreational areas. warm welcome to Yellowstone visitors. The company operates visitor facilities We invite your questions and comments For more information, contact any at Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks and will do our utmost to assure your visit RECREATIONAL SERVICES hotel front desk or activity desk, TW in Utah, North Rim-Grand Canyon to Yellowstone is a memorable experi­ Authorized Concessioner of National Park in Arizona, Mt. Rushmore ence. For information and reservations, or call (307) 344-7311. the National Park Service National Memorial in South Dakota, contact TW RECREATIONAL SERVICES, AA/EEO Everglades National Park in Florida, and Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, Scotty's Castle, Death Valley National (307) 344-7311.

Providing electricity to UEWESTCOMMUNICATIONS @ Yellowstone National Park since 1959. May your visit to As provider of telephone service to Yellowstone, the world's ni/iL Yellowstone be memorable. first National Park, we wish you a safe and enjoyable visit. The Montana Power Company

Snowmobilers: YPSS offers services and advice Prior to the invention and proliferation of Dress intelligently and earn/ a tow rope, the snowmobile, the roads of Yellowstone a flashlight, matches, an extra drive belt YELLOWSTONE PARK Park were seldom travelled in the winter and spare spark plugs. Fill your fuel tank SERVICE STATIONS months. The resident winterkeepers, a when you have the opportunity to do so. few hardy souls on skis and snowshoes Travel at least in pairs if you can and Yellowstone Park Service Stations has been serving Yellowstone or in snowplanes, and an occasional watch each other for signs of hypother­ visitors since 1947, and since 1972 has served winter travelers. ranger were about the only people out mia. Let someone know what your travel We offer quality petroleum products at four winter locations. there among all of the winter wildlife and plans are, especially if travelling at night, scenery. The tempo has changed over and check back in with them when you the past 15 to 20 years but the unique arrive at your destination. Be on the Snowmobile fuel is available at Canyon and Old Faithful Yellowstone winter wilderness experience lookout for animals on the road. Do not December 8-March 10, at Fishing Bridge December 15-March 10, is still here. approach wildlife closely. The energy and at Mammoth Terraces December 20-March 3. an animal expends running from you Yellowstone Park Service Stations may seriously affect the animal's pros­ Drive Belts, Spark Plugs and Accessories are available (YPSS) has offered basic services to pects for survival. snowmobilers in Yellowstone since 1972. at Old Faithful, Canyon and Fishing Bridge We encourage you to play it safe out We feel privileged to be able to live and V (Snowmobile repair services are not available) there—Yellowstone can be very unforgiv­ work here in the winter. We hope you ing in winter. Familiarize yourself with enjoy it as much as we do and will help Conoco, Master Card, Visa, Discover and American the location of warming huts, public us to preserve it. telephones and other services in the park Express credit cards are accepted and know where you are as you travel.

i Hamilton Stores— oldest park concessioner • The 1872 Act that set the Park aside "for next five years he acquired store conces­ the benefit and enjoyment of the people, sions at Lake and Fishing Bridge, and HAMILTON STORES INC. and the protection of the natural and built filling stations at each location. This EST. 1915 scenic treasures therein" also granted YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK was the start of what was to become the leases for the various concessioners who oldest privately/family owned concession Serving the traveling public since 1915, served the public. For the first decade of in the National Park System, serving the the park's official existence, no lease to traveling public for over 75 years. Hamilton Stores, Inc., offers a wide sell general store merchandise was variety of merchandise including Yellowstone souvenirs, issued. Then, in 1882, Henry E. Klamer Hamilton Stores invites you to visit its gifts, film and photo supplies, souvenir T shirts and applied for, and received, permits to locations during the summer season for provide fresh meat to camps and hotels, a bit of that history—most especially, the sweatshirts, winter accessories, and groceries and food, pasture and slaughter beef cattle, operate original store at Old Faithful (the Lower including hot and cold beverages, beer and liquor. a dairy herd, and open a general store in Basin Store) and the General Store in the Old Faithful area of the park. the Lake area. The upper store at Old Faithful and the Fishing Bridge General Mammoth General Store is open year round to serve In 1915, a year after the Klamer General Store also convey rustic charm. The the traveling public. Come in and meet Ted Lowe, Store was purchased by Charles Ash- newest store, Grant Village General our manager for over 20 years. worth Hamilton, horse transportation in Store, was built and decorated with the the Yellowstone reached its zenith. Three craft of many Montana artisans. The thousand hayburners pulled Yellowstone general store at Mammoth Hot Springs, We are an authorized UPS shipping agent. wagons, coaches, surreys, freight open year round, can also be seen in wagons, and—grandest of all—double historic photos from around the turn of decker twenty-six passenger Tallyhos the century featuring horse-drawn or stagecoaches. However, autos were stagecoaches and people in period dress. allowed into the park for the first time that year, and Charles Hamilton quickly Mammoth General Store remains open spotted the tire marks in the dirt. In the year round for your convenience. Yellowstone National Park winter facilities

Park information (307) 344-7381 TDD: (307) 344-2386 Emergency 911

Plowed roads - autos only Groomed snowmobile routes (no wheeled vehicles; off road travel is illegal) Visitor centers Food service: Snowmobile fuel: Mammoth Hot Springs: Open year round Dining Rooms: Mammoth Hotel, Dec. 20-March 3 Old Faithful, Canyon Junction: Dec. 8-Mar. 10; Old Faithful: December 8-March 10 Old Faithful Snow Lodge, Fishing Bridge: Dec. 15-approx. March 10; Dec. 15-March 10 Mammoth Hot Springs: Dec. 20-March 3 Warming huts: December 8-March 10 Snack Shop: Old Faithful Four Seasons Indian Creek, Madison Junction, Old Faithful, Snack Shop, Dec. 9-March 10 Campground Light Lunches: Mammoth General Store, West Thumb, Fishing Bridge, Canyon Mammoth Hot Springs—Open year round Open year round Snack Bars: Madison and Canyon Warming Clinic Mammoth Hot Springs—Open Lodging Huts, mid-Dec.-March 10 Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel: Dec. 20-March 3 weekdays 8:30am-12 noon and 1:00-5:00pm; Old Faithful Snow Lodge: Dec. 15-March 10 General store closed Wed. afternoons; phone (307)344-7965 Mammoth Hot Springs - Open year round Restrooms Telephones

Dates subject to change due to weather conditions and/or resource management concerns. TW Recreational Services, Inc. also offers full service ski shops, guided ski tours, skier shuttles, and snowcoach tours at Old Faithful and Mammoth, and snowcoach tours/transportation out of West Yellowstone. Snowmobile rentals, guided sightseeing tours, ice skate rentals, and hot tub rentals are also available at Mammoth. Dinner reservations are required; call (307) 344-7901. Reservations are strongly recommended for lodging and snowcoach tours. For TW information and reservations, call (307) 344-7311.

This map courtesy of Conoco ~ providing petroleum products since 1917... (conoco) All service stations in Yellowstone offer environmentally sensitive fuels, specially formulated "® by Conoco to reduce hydrocarbon emissions and decrease other pollution-related problems.