Keep an eye on snowmelt

During spring, trails and roads are most vulnerable to damage caused by rapid snowmelt. Those that do not follow late season snowmobiling guidelines can suffer costly repairs, cause soil erosion, and damage vegetation according to a press release from the Bighorn National Forest.

With the recent high snow melt across the state, the Wyoming State Trails Program reminded snowmobilers of the National Forest Service’s six-inch rule in regards to snow depth via a press release. As the “Ride on Wyoming!” slogan goes, “Respected Access is Open Access”.

This rule “prohibits over-snow travel in areas with less than six inches of snow,” according to the national forest press release.

Bert Miller, President of the Wyoming State Snowmobile Association, cautions riders to be extra careful when riding at the end of the season, “As snowpack shrinks, objects like rocks and stumps that were previously covered by deep snow may create hidden hazards. Melting snowpack may also create bare spots that should be avoided to prevent resource damage.”