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Show IBack CdDnnimitipy Safety Summit County law requires skiers to obey boundary closure signs byNanChalat This is the fourth in a series of articles on snow safety presented in conjunction with Red Pine Backcountry Rescue. " It is a tough job to be a policeman on the mountain, but it is necessary," said Brian Strait, assistant director of the Park City Ski Patrol. ."We want everyone to have fun, but there have to be some rules of the road," he said, referring 'specifically to ; the boundary signs "arid closed sighs at the ski areaSj "When runs are closed from time i to time it is for a good reason," he said. The area boundaries of Park City's three ski resorts are marked with signs that say "Closed Area Boundary," said Strait. The terrain beyond those signs is not groomed or tested for avalanche hazards. The signs are meant to help visitors who are unfamiliar with the area so they won't get lost or stray accidentally into dangerous areas. Within the boundaries skiers can be reasonably sure that all exposures have been tested for susceptibility to avalanche and that most hazardous obstacles have been marked. The sign "Closed Avalanche" means that a definite hazard has been identified by the ski patrol, said Strait. Strait cautions that these signs are A new sign also has been put into effect along the Wasatch Range this year. It says "Do Not Traverse Above- This Sign" and it is self-explanatory, said Strait. The signs are posted in a vertical line along bowl areas which might be released by a ski cut, he explained. Along with ropes, terrain features also are used to mark off these areas. It is also unlawful to hike above those signs, he said. The areas are marked to protect skiers who may not realize an avalanche hazard exists 1 t .. rJ Access gates also are used to z control certain areas which open and 0 close on a frequent basis, said Strait. 1 When weather reports indicate a big storm is on the way, the gates are closed by the ski patrol. "And they aren't reopened until we have personally tested the area either with explosives or by skiing it," said Strait. Strait added it would be wise for skiers to read the message boards at the base of each lift. The boards often have important information about recommended routes, closures and the weather. "All of them should be read carefully so you can make the most out of a safe skiing day. " 'Open' means just what it says: Have a good time but still use common sense," Strait said. Area closure signs are put there for your protection, said Brian Strait of Red Pine Back Country Rescue. not just suggestions from the ski patrol. They are backed up by the laws of Summit County. According to Ordinance 91, it is unlawful for any person to enter an area which has been designated as unsafe by the sheriff, the forest service, the national park service or the ski patrol. Violators are guilty of a misdemeanor and may be fined up to $299. |
