Official Newspaper of Yellowstone National Park Winter 2000/2001 C o n t e n t s Safety .. 2 Winter Highlights .. 3 Sn o w m o b i l i n g. 4 Skiing & Snowshoeing .. 5 Winter Safety Tip s. 6 AC T I V I T I E S .. Center Section Wil d l i f e .. 11 Is s u e s. .1 2 Se r v i c e s .. .1 4 - 1 5 Ma p .. Back Cover graphic removed to allow faster downloading The National Parks Pass is the new way to save on entrance fees! See p. 4. NPS photo/Jim Peaco C a u t i o n ! Yellowstone has many hidden and unmarked hazards. Freezing, thawing, Plan Your Visit and Enjoy Ye l l owstone Safe ly and extreme temperatures can create dangerous conditions. Take proper pre- Winter in Yellowstone is a time of First, decide how you will get around the Entrance). Reservations are strongly cautions; use common sense and extra extremes: boiling versus frozen water, park. Heavy accumulations of snow limit recommended; call Yellowstone National care near canyons, waterfalls, thermal the suspended animation of hibernating driving; the only road open for year- Park Lodges at 307-344-7311 for infor- areas, viewpoints, and wildlife. Wat c h animals versus the struggle of others to round automobile travel is the Gardiner, mation and reservations. your children. Your hand and your voice find food, days of whiteout versus days MT–Cooke City, MTroad (North Snowmobiles may be rented from out- may be too far away once your child of pure sparkling colors. Transformed by Entrance to 7 miles east of the Northeast fitters in nearby communities or from the leaves your side. cold temperatures, water assumes end- Entrance). All other park roads are closed park concessioner Yellowstone National Road conditions from Gardiner to lessly variable forms and shapes: water- to wheeled vehicles but some are Park Lodges. Privately owned and operat- Cooke City, Montana, can be icy, snow- falls freeze into giant icicles, geyser spray groomed for snowmobile or snowcoach ed snowmobiles must be registered packed, and hazardous. Snow tires or creates fantastic ice sculptures, Yel l o w - travel. Snowmobiles, rented or privately according to the laws of the operator’s chains are always recommended and at stone Lake freezes from shore to shore. owned, and snowcoaches are permitted state of residence and have a muffler in times may be required. Wildlife and people adapt to harsh condi- only on groomed roadways; sidehilling good working order (see page 4). and off-road travel are illegal. Please drive, walk, snowmobile, and ski tions in ways both obvious and subtle. In Operators must have a valid motor safely to protect yourself and your park. the vast wilderness of Yellowstone, snow Snowcoaches—winter vehicles on skis vehicle driver’s license. Before beginning and cold combine with natural wonders to and caterpillar tread—depart from Old your trip, get an up-to-date road and create an incomparable winter experience. Faithful, Mammoth Hot Springs, Wes t weather report. The key to enjoying your Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s season of winter operations Yellowstone (at the West Entrance) and winter visit is preparation. runs from late December to early March. Flagg Ranch (outside the South International Der Yellowstone National Park hat Map & spring plowing schedule on back page. V i s i t o rs gewisse Gefahren. Sehen Sie Seite 2. Sie können Information auf Deutschan den Besucherzentren Le Parc national de Yel l o w s t o n e und Parkeingangen bekommen. Park Information présente des risques particuliers. Emergency Existen peligros únicos en el Unique dangers exist in Regardez la page 2. Des renseigne- Parque Nacional Yel l o w s t o n e . Ve a 307-344-7381 ments en francais sont disponibles Yellowstone National park. See página 2. Se puede conseguir infor- page 2. You can obtain more www.nps.gov/yell Dial 911 aux centres des visiteurs dans le mación en español en los Centros parc et aux kiosques d’entreé. information at visitor centers and de Visitantes y las entradas. entrance stations. Printed on recycled paper with soy ink 2 You Need to Read This Page ! Winter 2000/2001 Scalding Water Can Kill Yo u Watch for Ice on Roads and Tra i l s • Only two roads inthe park are plowed: eautiful but deadly: Yel l o w s t o n e ’ s thermal features can kill you. Their waters are frequent- Between the North Entrance and Cooke City, Montana Bly near or above boiling. The crust surrounding them is thin and breaks easily, and often From Mammoth to the parking area at the Upper Terraces overlies more scalding water. If you break through crust or accidentally fall into a pool, you • They are maintained only during daylight hours and may may die. close during severe storms. • You must stay on boardwalks and designated trails. They exist to protect you and to • Expect snowpack, ice, frost heaves, drifts. preserve delicate formations. • Snow tires or tire chains may be required and are always • Pets are prohibited in thermal areas. re c o m m e n d e d . • Swimming or bathing is prohibited in thermal pools or streams where water flows entirely • Speed limit for all vehicles, including snowmobiles, is 45 mph (73 kph), from a thermal spring or pool. lower where posted. • Where swimming is allowed, swim at your own risk. Thermal waters may contain orga n - • Do not stop on the road and block traffic when viewing wildlife or scenery. isms known to cause infections and/or amoebic meningitis, which can be quickly fatal. Please use pullouts. Obtain more information at any ranger station or visitor center. • Trails and overlooks may be icy, making footing dangerous. Obey trail cl o s u re s . Proceed with caution at all times and watch your children closely. High Altitude speech, memory lapses, drowsiness, and ex- B a ck c o u n t ry Pe r m i t s Attention Anglers haustion. Know these warning signs and how Visitors with a cardiac or respiratory medical Permits are required for overnight back- The fishing season in Yellowstone National to treat them. Seek help as soon as you can. history should be aware that most park roads co u n t r y use. Obtain them in person up to 48 Park closed on the first Sunday in November are above 5,300 in elevation. We recommend Fro s t b i t e can permanently damage tissue hours in advance from any ranger station. and will reopen the last Saturday in May. contacting a physician prior to your visit. and affect functional use of fingers, toes, Rangers will provide information on weather, nose, ears, or other extremities. Protect your- Be aware of your physical limitations. Don’t trails, snow conditions, and any special Pe t s self with warm, layered clothing and frequent overexert. Drink plenty of fluids to forestall winter hazards. Backcountry winter campers Pets must be leashed. They are prohibited stops to warm up. the dehydrating effects of the park’s dry cli- must carry stoves and fuel for cooking and in thermal basins, in the backcountry, and on mate. Stop and rest frequently. Know the warning signs of hypothermia and melting snow; no wood fires allowed. any trails—including ski trails. Pets are not frostbite and how to treat both conditions. allowed more than 100 feet from a road or Hypothermia and Winter Camping parking area. Leaving a pet unattended F ro s t b i t e Ava l a n ch e s Win t e r ca r- c a m p i n g is available only at and/or tied to an object is prohibited. Avalanches occur throughout Yellowstone on Mammoth Campground (accessible via the Even on seemingly calm days, you can be at slopes 25º or steeper. Be especially alert for North Entrance). Heated restrooms and water We a p o n s risk for hypothermia and frostbite. Both them if you are snowmobiling over Sylvan are available; wood fires allowed. No No firearms or weapons, including state- occur when you are exposed to cold tempera- Pass or if you are skiing or snowshoeing in overnight camping or stopping allowed out- permitted concealed weapons, are allowed in tures, wind, and when you are inadequately the backcountry. It is your responsibility to side of this designated campground. Yellowstone. However, unloaded firearms prepared with layers of clothing and appro- check conditions before beginning a trip, and may be transported in a vehicle when the priate gear. Primitive winter ca m p i n g is available at to know the warning signs, safety rules, and Old Faithful a on limited basis and at back- weapon is cased, broken down or rendered Hypothermia is a rapid loss of body heat how to respond should you or one of your country sites. No facilities. Permit required. inoperable, and kept out of sight. Am m u n i - that can cause death if not treated. Early party be caught in one. See page 6 for more (See above.) tion must be placed in a separate compart- warning signs include shivering, slurred in f o r m a t i o n . ment of the vehicle. Avoid These Situations Stay Away from Wildlife Your visit may be marred by tragedy if you violate park rules. Law You will see more of an animal’s natural behavior BI S O N may appear tame and slow but they are un- enforcement rangers strictly enforce park regulations to protect you and activity if you are sensitive to its need for predictable and dangerous.