The trails in this area generally cross stable terrain but there can be a danger of avalanches starting above and sweeping across the trail. If avalanche forecasts predict moderate to extreme danger you should explore the trails in gentler terrain listed as low avalanche potential and don't venture off the trail. You should also consider staying home and waiting for a day with more stable conditions

Frostbite - occurs when body tissue freezes. The colder the area becomes the more severe the damage will be. Wind and moisture (sweat and precipitation) increase the heat loss and quicken the freezing process. The most commonly affected areas are fingers, toes, nose, ears and cheeks. Dress properly. Stay alert for loss of feeling or whitish skin color in these areas both for yourself and for those in your party. Catch the problem quickly, rewarm the area completely and make sure it does not refreeze.

Hypothermia - a lowering of general body temperature due to heat loss. As with frostbite, wind and moisture hasten your loss of heat. Uncontrollable shivering is a reliable early sign -do not ignore it! Stop and warm up immediately. Drink hot liquids, start a fire, cuddle with a friend but warm up. Once you get too cold to shiver it becomes harder to move, harder to think and harder to help yourself. Untreated, hypothermia leads to death. Catch the problem quickly and rewarm immediately.

Weather - Mountain weather can change quickly and seriously threaten the unprepared skier with wind, cold, avalanches and whiteout. Know the weather before you go. Keep an eye out for changing conditions and leave yourself enough time to get out safely.

Trail Etiquette - Trails on public land are used by a variety of groups. Skiers, snowmobilers, snowshoers, dog sledders and others are all focusing on a limited amount of trail space. Please respect the other users and public resources by following some simple rules.

• Yield the right of way to users going faster than your group by moving to the side of the trail.
• Keep your dogs under control so they don't bother other users or harass wildlife.
• Use the proper portion of groomed trails which usually look like:

  __                 ____________________________________
      \___/\___/

  The set tracks on the left are for traditional skiers; the flat surface is for skate skiers, snowmobilers, snowshoers, dog sleds, and dogs.

• If you get off the trail be sure you are not trespassing on private land.
• Do not stress wildlife by pursuing them in the winter. The energy they use getting away from you cuts down on their ability to survive.
• Trailhead parking is often limited. Park so that other users can enter, park and exit easily.
• Pack out all your trash. Clean up after your dogs.
• Avoid leaving human waste near any streams, ponds or lakes.

For More Information Contact:

US Forest Service 216 North Colorado Street Gunnison, CO. 81230 (970) 641-0471	Crested Butte Nordic Ski Center 512 Second Street Crested Butte, CO 81224 (970) 349-620
US Bureau of Land Management 650 South 11th Street Gunnison, CO 81230 (970) 641-4940

Created by the Bureau of Land Management, Colorado
Point of Contact: Brian St. George