For General Information:406-329-3750

For Weekend Snowpack andWeather Information:

406 - 549 - 44881 - 800 - 281 - 1030 (MT only)

http://missoulaavalanche.org

Lolo, Bitterroot and ClearwaterNational Forests

AVALANCHE AWARENESS GUIDE

KNOW BEFORE YOU GOCall to obtain updated weather and avalanche information.

AWARENESS WHILE RIDINGLook for evidence of recent avalanches, shooting cracks in the snow or snow collapsing with a “whumpf” sound. These signs usually mean the snow is unstable. The avalanche danger is likely increasing if it is snowing, blowing or raining.

RECOGNIZING AVALANCHE TERRAIN1) Avalanches start on slopes steeper than about 30 degrees, but can be triggered from below on flatter terrain in unstable conditions.

2) Slopes with wind-deposited snow are often unstable. Cornices indicate a wind loaded slope.

3) A slope that’s recently avalanched indicates unstable conditions on other slopes of a similar angle, aspect and elevation.

SAFETY TIPS1) If you ride on or beneath potential avalanche slopes, travel one at a time, even when highmarking.

2) Don’t stop in areas exposed to avalanches.

3) If caught, try to ride out of the slide, but if this fails, make swimming motions while trying to stay on the surface.

4) Have all members of the group carry avalanche beacons, shovels and probes and be sure everyone knows how to use them.

MULTIPLE TRAIL FUNDING

There are several sources of funds utilized for the development, maintenance and upkeep of winter recreational trails. They include:

· Snowmobile registration - A state decal is purchased by all snowmobilers: 50% is used for development, maintenance and operations of snowmobile facilities and 50% is used for enforcement of snowmobile regulations and laws.

· Snowmobile fuel tax, a state gas tax - 15/28 of 1% of the state gasoline dealers’ license tax is utilized for the development and maintenance of snowmobile facilities.

· Recreational trails program - A federally funded program that offers grants for trail development, renovation, maintenance, acquisition, safety and interpretation for both motorized and non-motorized trails.

Groomed snowmobile trails are managed by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks in cooperation with the Lolo and Clearwater National Forests. Trails are groomed and maintained by the Missoula Snowgoers Snowmobile Club depending on logging activity, snow conditions and equipment operations.

Groomed cross-country ski trails are managed by the Clearwater National Forest. The Missoula Nordic Ski Club participates in planning and trails are maintained by a private contractor, with help from the Missoula Snowgoers during heavy snow.

GENERAL SAFETY TIPS

PHYSICALLY FIT?Remember that human efficiency declines in cold weather. Top physical condition may be required to walk out if equipment fails.

GOING ALONE?Travel in a group of at least three people and two snowmobiles.

GOOD EQUIPMENT? Know how to make repairs; carry an emergency repair kit. Have enough gas, with some to spare. Carry snowshoes or skis.

TRIP PLANNED? Know where you’re going and stick to it. Inform a responsible person of your planned route and when you’ll return. Use registration boards where provided.

CHECK WEATHER FORECAST?Don’t travel in a storm. Turn back if the weather turns bad. If visibility is reduced or area is unfamiliar, follow your tracks back out.

STAY ON SAFE ROUTES?Avoid avalanche terrain. Avoid thin ice or unsafe river crossings.

CARRY A SURVIVAL KIT?Equip snowmobile with survival material. Review publications on winter survival. Carry matches (waterproof), hatchet, plastic sheet (9’ x 12’), first aid kit, spare food pack, snowshoes or skis.

DO NOT RUN OVER TREES

Tree Topping is a Serious Problem!

Broken tree tops cause major problems to the health and growth of trees and may render them useless for timber harvest. Please stay out of harvest areas where young trees are visible or just below the snow surface.

Mixed land ownership exists in this area (State and U. S. Forest Service). Forest lands are important to us all. Let’s not jeopardize future snowmobiling opportunities.

This message is brought to you by the Missoula Snowgoers, Montana Snowmobile Association, U.S. Forest Service, and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

TRAIL MARKERSOrange Diamond - Snowmobile Trail

Blue Diamond - Ski Trail

HAZARD WARNING SIGNSYellow

23-2-654. Snowmobiler’s assumption of responsibility - duties.

1) A snowmobiler assumes the risk and all legal responsibility for death or injury to himself or other persons or property that results from the risks inherent in the sport of snowmobiling. The assumption of risk includes but is not limited to death or injury caused by the following: variations in terrain, surface or subsurface snow or ice conditions, cornices, avalanches, poor visibility, bare spots, rocks, trees, other forms of forest growth or debris and plainly marked trail maintenance equipment.

2) A snowmobiler is responsible for:

· Knowing the range of his own ability to snowmobile any slope, trail, or area and for snowmobiling within the limits of his ability considering the conditions;

· Maintaining control of his speed and course at all times while snowmobiling;

· Heeding all posted warnings; and

· Refraining from acting in a manner that may cause or contribute to the injury of anyone.

3) The provisions of this section do not affect a products liability cause of action based upon the design or manufacture of snowmobile equipment or products or safety equipment used incidental to the operation of a snowmobile.

MISSOULA AREA

SNOWMOBILE TRAILS

2010

LOLO AND CLEARWATER NATIONAL FORESTS AND THE MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF FISH,

WILDLIFE AND PARKS

Win

dchi

ll da

ta fr

om N

atio

nal O

cean

ic &

Atm

osph

eric

Adm

inis

trat

ion

(NO

AA

).ht

tp://

ww

w.n

ws.

noaa

.gov

/om

/win

dchi

ll/in

dex.

shtm

l

IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONSWILDLIFE WATCHING

Follow these guidelines when viewing wildlife:· Give wildlife plenty of space, they have to preserve precious energy to survive the winter. Even a small disturbance, causing them to run, may deplete energy reserves critical for survival. Avoid any action that causes them to move or alter their activity.· Observe animals from a safe distance. Use binoculars, spotting scopes and telephoto camera lenses.· Stay seated on your snowmobile and continue moving at a slow steady pace. Stopping or getting off your sled is more likely to disturb wildlife.· Respect closures or restrictions.

AIR QUALITYReduce fossil-fuel emissions and protect Montana’s unique environment.· Reduce idling time of snowmobiles and automobiles. This not only avoids unnecessary adverse impacts to air quality, but saves gas and money, too.· Perform pre-trip tune-ups. This maintenance measure will also help ensure trouble free and safe winter travel.· Consider using synthetic biodegradable oils available from snowmobile dealers.

VEGETATIONAVOID RUNNING OVER THE EXPOSED TOPS OF TREES. Stay away from areas of little or shallow snow cover. Mechanical damage to the ground and vegetation can cause spring soil erosion and damage to other valuable resources.

SOUNDMontana law establishes a noise limit of 78 decibels for snowmobiles. When riding on public land, please use the manufacturer’s muffler system. This not only satisfies Montana law, but also results in reduced impacts to wildlife and other winter recreationalists.

SNOWMOBILE OPERATOR’SCODE OF ETHICS

1) I will be a good sportsman. I recognize that peoplejudge all snowmobile owners by my actions. I will use my influence with other snowmobile owners to promote sportsmanlike conduct.

2) I will not litter trails or camping areas. I will not pollute streams or lakes.

3) I will not damage living trees, shrubs or other natural features.

4) I will respect other people’s property and rights.

5) I will lend a helping hand when I see someone in distress.

6) I will make myself and my vehicle available to search and rescue parties.

7) I will not interfere with or harass hikers, skiers, snowshoers, ice fishermen or other winter sportsmen. I will respect their rights to enjoy our recreation facilities.

8) I will know and obey all federal, state and local rules regulating the operation of snowmobiles in areas where I use my vehicle.

9) I will not harass wildlife. I will avoid areas posted for the protection or feeding of wildlife.

IF LOST OR EQUIPMENT FAILS

· Keep calm - think, decide on a plan.· Trust your compass.· Backtrack if possible.· If not possible, remain in place.· Don’t separate if with a party.· Don’t abandon your snowshoes or skis.· Build a fire and shelter - Stay warm.· Mark your base camp.

DISTRESS SIGNALS:

Three smokes, blasts or whistles, three shouts, three flashes of light, three of

anything that will attract attention.

WHAT TO DO WHEN SOMEONE IS OVERDUE:

Keep calm - Notify proper authorities:Law officer, Forest Service Personnel

GIVE PROPER INFORMATION

THREE MAJOR CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS

1. Excessive Speed-slow down for the conditions, use the play areas.

2. Alcohol Impairment-wait until the end ride or when you get home.

3. Lack of familiarity with machine-participate in a snowmobile safety course.

All snowmobile accidents can be prevented. Please drive safely.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Vic

init

y M

ap

Lolo

Nat

iona

l For

est

!

!

!

!

!

!

§̈¦I-90

§̈¦I-90

£ ¤12

£ ¤93

(200

(200

(83£ ¤9

3

IdahoMontana

Sain

t Reg

isRi

ver

Flath

ead

Rive

NorthForkBlackfoo

tRiv

e

BitterrootRiver

Blac

kfoo

tRiv

e r

Clark Fork

PLA

INS

ST R

EG

IS

SUP

ERIO

R

THO

MP

SON

FALL

S

MIS

SO

ULA

SEEL

EY

LAK

E

T

TT

TT

T

T

TT

T

T

T

T

T

T T

EE EE E EE E EE E EE E EE EEE

EE

E E

EE E

E E

EE E

E E

EE E

E E

EE E

E E

EE E

E

EE

EE

E E

EE E

E E

EE E

E E

EE E

E E

EE E

E E

EE E

E

EE

EE

E E

EE E

E E

EE E

E E

EE E

E E

EE E

E E

EE E

E

EE

EE

E E

EE E

E E

EE E

E E

EE E

E E

EE E

E E

EE E

E

EEE EE EE EE EE EE

!9

!9

!

!!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!! !

!

! !

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

! !

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

! !

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!!

!!!

!!

!

! !

!

!

!!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

Z

Y

««14

««15

RATTLESNAKE WILDERNESS

SNOWMOBILING PROHIBITED T15N

T14N

R 17 WR 18 W

RATTLESNAKE NATIONAL RECREATION AREASNOWMOBILING PROHIBITED

Shoo FlyMeadows

T15N

T14N

Blackfoot River

Clark Fork

Boulder Lake

Big Lake

Sanders Lake

Sa-ol-Sooth, Lake

Hidden Lake

Little Lake

Glacier Lake

Fly LakeWapiti Lake

Farmers Lakes

Carter Lake

Bull Lake

McKinley Lake

Twin Lakes

Crazy Fish Lake

Worden Lake

Sheridan Lake

Lower Lake of Twin Lakes

Yellow Lake

Roosevelt Lake

Lockwood Lake

Sudden Lake

Gold Creek

Rattlesn

ake C

reek

Belmont Creek

Boles Creek

Union Creek

West Twin Creek

West Fork Gold Creek

East Twin Creek

Burnt Creek

John

son

Gul

ch

Bear

Creek

Pilcher Creek

Finley Creek

Lake Creek

High Falls Creek

South Fork Jocko River

Wisherd Gulch

Liberty Creek

East Fork Rattlesnak

e Creek

Spring Creek

Mitt

ower

Gul

ch

Beeskove Creek

Mar

shall

Creek

Fray Creek, La

Liberty Creek

Marshall Cree

k

Blue Point

Boles Peak

Stuart Peak

McLeod Peak

Belmont Peak

Misquito Peak

Triangle Peak

Woody Mountain

Lockwood Point

Sheep Mountain

Black Mountain

Gold Creek Peak

Diamond Mountain

Sunflower Mountain

Little Belmont Peak

Mineral Peak Lookout

Thibadeau

Johnsrud Park

7

7

9

7

4

3

89

9

9

4

1

8

8

9

5

5

12

6

9

65

5

8

4

9

8

6

4

4

2 4

8

2

9

3

3

9

8 8

3 1

7

2

5

7

2

8

5 5

1

6

3

1 46

1

5 4 3

7

2

3

6

7

7

6

7

36

6 5 4 3

11

1111

1111

11

30

19

31

29

20

32

33

21

18

12

27

16

21

18

16

34

31

16

28

28

21

18

30

16

20

29

10

19

28

23

32

26

31

20

10

34

23

17

31

23

29

15

25

35

33

24

26

13

16

23

26

19

27

22

32

15

33

14

26

28

32

36

13

16

35

22

26

22

24

3235

29

36

27

27

36

21

32

35

28

14

17

27

26

20

33

30

35

33

34

29

34

23

12

23

28

22

24

30

29

15

10

35

28

18

2529

27

14

15

17

12

21

29

17

25

34

10

20

33

22

2728

17

20 24

1920

14

22

1210

16

16

34

22

21

13

25

14

12

10

13

21

29

14

33

21

32

31

33

17 17

3334 36

31

12

20

32

20

13 17

30

28

32

17

21

13

19

18

15

30

19

15

34

27

16 15

24

36

22

25

31

10

10

15

10

18

30

15

19

18

22

34

30

31

27

18

18

19

24

36

25

30

31

19

1

1

1

151617

20 2122

19 23 212419

22 23

18

242021

2019

22

36

24

25

13

12

24

25

12

36

13

18 1714

36

25

15 1413

24

15

13

16 161718 13

12

23

35

24

1314

26

¦90

¬«200

¬«200

515

513

333

517

393

52

534

502

514

452

518

504

533

1513

511

330

466

336

519

505

326

KW-1

1265

332

327

513.

2

29.1

358

326.

1

516

113°37'30"W113°45'0"W113°52'30"W

47°7

'30"

N47

°0'0

"N46

°52'

30"N

Legend

Groomed Snowmobile Trail

Snowmobiling Prohibited

Lolo NF Boundary

Non Forest Service Lands

National Forest Lands

Intersection MarkerA

Route Number1

To S

eele

y La

ke

¹ 0 1 2Miles

««14

««15

ROUTE NUMBER, NAME

GOLD CREEK Jct Z to Seeley LakeRoute Descrption: Take Rd. #126 to Jct Z, then Rd #4241 to junctionwith Rd #9974. Continue on Rd #9974 to Seeley Lake.Reoute Remarks: Scenic ride connecting with the Seeley Lake trailsystem (refer to Seeley Lake Area Snowmobile Map). May encounterdrifted areas on open hillsides. Plowed parking may vary depending onsnow conditions and road plowing due to winter logging. Parking will belocated to avoid snowmobiling on plowed roads.

MINERAL PEAK 10 miles - Jct Y to Mineral PeakReoute Description: Take Rd #2112 from Jct Y. Follow to junction withRd 2120. Trail continues to Mineral Peak. Trail from Shoo Fly Meadowsto Mineral Peak is not groomed.Route Remarks: Scenic ride with excellent views of the RattlesnakeWilderness from Mineral Peak Lookout. Many play areas in the Shoo FlyMeadows area. NOTE: This area is adjacent to the RattlesnakeWilderness and National RecreationArea where snomobiling isprohibited. Please respect the wilderness boundary.

SOUTH FORK JOCKO PRIMITIVE AREA

(OPEN TO TRIBAL MEMBERS ONLY)