| Show SMOKEY SAYS Snowmobiling a popular new winter sport is drawing many enthusiasts to the mountains this winter Innocent in appearance the steep white canyons harbor avalanche conditions This is especially especially es es- es- es true because of the recent recent recent re re- re- re cent heavy snowfall Danger of avalanches is at a height after a heavy snowfall Dry snow especially especially es es- es- es when it has fallen faIlen on a crust of packed snow is most dangerous The slides may reach speeds of mph The ing wind blast can knock a person person person per per- son down People riding snowmobiles cant can't hear an avalanche because of the machines noise Often the vibration of the motor can trigger trigger trigger trig trig- ger a snow slide Like other sports snowmobiling ing may be made safer by observing observing observing ob ob- serving simple rules Foremost avoid steep terrain limiting travel to ridges or flat areas Never enter canyons alone and when approaching any potentially dangerous area cross one at a time so others can go for help in case of an accident Always leave word with friends or relatives informing informing informing inform inform- ing them of the planned destination destination destination destina destina- tion and estimated time of re re- turn It is also wise to check snow conditions and weather forecasts before leaving to avoid being caught by sudden storms |
