Safety comes first when visiting Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest this holiday weekend

With a variety of winter weather conditions occurring across Nevada and Eastern California, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest would like to remind visitors to be extra careful while recreating this Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend and throughout winter.

National Forest System lands can provide stunning scenery and recreational opportunities during the winter, but it is important to be aware of the dangers and risks associated with winter weather,” said Jamie Fields, Recreation and Wilderness Program Manager. “Snow storms, freezing temperatures, and prolonged exposure to cold winds are all concerns when recreating on National Forest System lands in the winter months.”

Here are some safety tips to practice this winter:
— Know Before You Go: Be aware of existing and impending weather conditions and check with the National Weather Service frequently for updates. Contact the local ranger district office for updates on forest road conditions and seasonal closures. If extreme winter weather is predicted please stay home.

Road Information
— Nevada - Dial 511 within Nevada, 1-877-NV-ROADS (1-877-687-6237) outside of Nevada.
— California - Dial 800.427.7623 for up-to-the-minute information in California and Western Nevada (Lake Tahoe/Reno Area).

Avalanche Centers
— Bridgeport Avalanche Center - http://bridgeportavalanchecenter.org/
— Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center - http://www.esavalanche.org/
— Sierra Avalanche Center - https://www.sierraavalanchecenter.org/

Leave Detailed Trip Plans with a Trusted Person: The plan should include times and dates of departure and return. It should also include estimated arrival at certain checkpoints. Alert your trusted person if plans change. In the event of a missing person, your trusted person will need to call 911 and the plan will assist search and rescue efforts.

Do not Rely on Phones and Map Apps: There are many places on NFS lands where cellular services or coverage still DO NOT exist. A cell phone does not guarantee your safety. Have the appropriate navigation equipment and knowledge of how to use that equipment. Do your research before following map app directions and realize that just because a route is listed does not mean it is passable. Most U.S. Forest Service roads are not maintained in the winter.

Accept Responsibility for Yourself: Always have emergency and survival gear with you. Essential items include fire starting equipment; flashlight with extra batteries; appropriate extra clothing; water; food; navigation equipment; pocket knife; shelter materials; sunglasses or goggles; a backcountry shovel, stove and fuel; and a small metal cup. If you become injured or lost, stay calm and seek shelter from the elements, but do not stray from your planned route and call 911 if possible.

Backcountry Users: If you are out in the backcountry in the winter you should acquire training and knowledge about avalanche safety and hazard recognition. Always carry the appropriate safety equipment including a beacon, probe, avalanche airbag system, backcountry shovel, and winter survival gear. You should never travel alone. Cell phones are valuable tools, but should not be relied upon in backcountry locations since cell coverage may be marginal. A satellite device might be a better communication tool option (e.g. satellite phone or SPOT device).

Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Driving: Make sure your vehicle is in good operating condition, has appropriate tires, and adequate level of fuel. Also make sure you have properly fitting tire chains and know how to install them. Stock your car with basic winter driving equipment: a scraper and brush; small shovel; jumper cables; road flares; tow rope; chains; and a bag of sand or cat litter for tire traction. If you leave your vehicle running to provide heat; make sure the tail pipe is properly vented and clear of snow or any other debris. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas, and prolonged expose can be deadly.

Winter Driving Considerations: Always use defensive driving techniques while on Forest roads. This includes adjusting your speed to current weather and road conditions. Stay alert for the unexpected hazards, including other vehicles, livestock, as well as rocks, fallen trees and road washouts. Be prepared to seek alternate routes if necessary, but keep in mind that if your main route to your destination has been closed because of road conditions, alternative routes will also be impassable. Also, refrain from driving on soft, muddy, unsurfaced Forest Service roads. Causing damage to roads and other Forest resources can be a violation of federal regulations, which could carry a fine up to $5,000 and/or six months in jail.

High Wind Hazards: Pay attention to high wind advisories and high wind warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Take shelter immediately if there are high winds in the area you are visiting. Watch out for falling trees and limbs, and flying debris. Be careful when driving. Strong winds can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles (RVs, campers and trucks). Be careful on bridges and overpasses.

Flooding Dangers: Floods can happen anytime during the year and create hazardous driving conditions. Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water if flowing fast. Flooding streams and rivers carry hidden debris such as logs and rocks, and are filled with heavy silt

Practice Safe Snow Play: Do not park in a manner that blocks the flow of traffic. Watch out for hazards and other visitors. Be patient. Be a courteous driver. Roads may be congested. Do not sled in areas with less than 12 inches of snow, and avoid traffic and dangerous objects like trees and rocks. Leave no trace other than footprints and snowmen. Take your trash with you. Respect private property and other locations where snow play and sledding is not appropriate.

Dress Warmly in Layered Clothing: Layers allow you to easily adjust your clothes to regulate body moisture and temperature. Three types of layers are considered optimal: a liner layer against your skin (long-johns), an insulation layer (fleece), and a water- and wind-proof outer shell. Cotton loses its insulating qualities when it gets wet, whether it is from rain or sweat. Cotton also takes a long time to dry out. Wool or synthetic materials are much better suited for cold weather conditions.

Boots should have a waterproof outer shell such as oiled leather or plastic. Hiking boots alone are usually not adequate in deep snow conditions for extended periods of time. Protect yourself from heat loss through your` head by wearing a warm stocking cap or other winter hat. Make sure socks and gloves do not fit so tight that they constrict the blood flow, which keeps your hands or feet from warming up. Pack plenty of extra clothing in case the clothes you are wearing become wet. Hiking clothing or footwear that become wet not only makes movement more difficult, it also can contribute to hypothermia and other cold related injuries or illness.

Do Not Forget Food and Water: Keep yourself adequately nourished to provide fuel for hiking and for simply keeping your body warm. Food should be easy to prepare and tasty enough to be appetizing. Drink plenty of water even if you do not feel thirsty. Water is necessary for your body to generate heat. A good rule of thumb for checking hydration is the color of your urine. Urine will be light colored or clear if you are properly hydrated. Keep water bottles from freezing in your pack by putting them in a wool sock or insulated bottle cover.

Visit www.fs.usda.gov/htnf or participate in the conversation at Twitter here and Facebook here for more information.