Show SMOKEY SAYS By Ranger KARL H. H HAASER Although winter sports facilities tics ties are lacking in our mountains mountains mountains moun moun- winter use is increasing In addition to cross country skiing by a few hardy souls snowmobiling is becoming a popular popular popular pop pop- ular new winter sport A word of caution to those inthe in inthe the thc mountains this winter During During During Dur Dur- ing the past few weeks a number number number num num- ber of people have been buried by avalanches in the Intermountain tain Region Ski and snowmobile tracks in our mountains indicate that most persons are unaware of avalanche hazards Avalanche danger is most critical critical critical cal during and just after heavy storms However with temperatures temperatures temperatures tempera tempera- tures near and below freezing this critical period may extend for days or even weeks Mountain travel in the winter can be made safer by observing five simple rules 1 Avoid steep terrain limiting travel to ridges or flat fIat areas 2 Never enter canyons alone 3 When approaching potential danger areas cross one at a time so that others can go for help in case of an accident 4 Check weather forecasts before before before be be- fore leaving 5 Leave word of your planned destination and estimated time of return with a friend or rela rela- tive |