Winter Travel Safety

Be aware of the hazards of winter travel. Harsh conditions 

of wind, cold, snow or whiteout can turn an outing into 

tragedy. Knowledge of the area, weather, route and the

limitation of your body and equipment, plus a little common 

sense, will insure a safe and enjoyable trip.

 • Always tell a responsible person where you are going 

and how long you plan to be gone. Mark on a map 

your planned route of travel. Use registration boards 

where provided.

 • Don’t go it alone and make sure that you and your 

partner or group are able to meet any conditions that 

arise.

 • Get an updated weather and avalanche report from 

the Forest Service or other appropriate agency.

 • Watch for avalanche paths; avoid old slide paths, 

open gullies and slopes. Snow failing at the rate of 

one inch per hour increases avalanche danger rapidly.

 • Travel over frozen lakes or steams may be hazardous. 

As a rule, do not try to determine if the ice is safe, 

just assume it is not.

 • Be aware of the danger of Hypothermia – the lowering 

of the internal temperature of the body that leads to 

mental and physical collapse. Untreated hypothermia 

can result in death. Hypothermia is caused by exposure to cold, and it is aggravated by moisture, wind, 

overexertion or by drugs and alcohol. Prevent it with 

proper clothing, food and water. If someone in your 

party is affected, give first aid by raising body temperature with warm drinks, quick energy food, a warm 

indoor environment or if not possible, body contact 

in a warm sleeping bag.

 • Frostbite is caused by exposure of flesh to subfreezing 

temperatures and can be a precursor to hypothermia. It 

can be recognized by loss of feeling and a dead white 

appearance of the skin. If affected, restore body temperatures as quickly as possible, preferably in a water 

bath of up to 105 degrees. If necessary to continue 

traveling, the affected part should be kept covered, 

and the victim moved to a location where treatment 

and evaluation can be obtained as soon as possible. 

If it is cold enough to freeze flesh, you should reconsider your trip?

 • Dress in layers: If you get warm, take off the top 

layer. When you stop, put it back on. Wool, downfilled, and wind and waterproof clothes are very effective. Cotton gives little protection. By controlling your 

body temperature you will be comfortable and avoid 

hypothermia.

 • If you are lost, injured or your equipment has failed 

– keep calm, decide on a plan. Trust you compass. 

Stay together, if possible, if not, send at least two people 

for help. Don’t abandon your equipment. Build a fire 

and shelter to stay warm and stay where you are. It 

will make it easier for rescuers to find you.

 • Do not ride on plowed highways or roadways.

 • Always drive with headlights turned on, never turn

 off the lights when stopped on a trail at night.

 • Be prepared for cold and wet weather and emergencies 

while traveling in the mountains or remote country. 

 • Unforeseen events may require an overnight stay in 

the snow. Be equipped with survival supplies.

 • Use distress signals in an emergency – three puffs of 

smoke, three blasts of a whistle, three shouts, three 

flashes of light, or three signals of anything that will attract attention.

 ! ! !

 to the Tri-Forest Snowmobile Trails. There are many places on the National Forests where you can enjoy Welcome

winter recreation. Identified on this map are the more popular designated and maintained routes. Skiers, snowshoers, and 

dog-sledders are invited to use the area as well as snowmobilers. These different forms of snow travel need not conflict with one 

another if everyone observes basic courtesy. 

Shown on this map is a Tri-Forest snowmobile trail system linking four snowmobile parks to each other. All parks are within

a days travel apart and the major trails linking the parks are groomed. There are approximately 260 miles of signed trails plus 

many other suitable riding areas offering excellent snow conditions and spectacular views. The access roads to the parks and 

paved parking areas are plowed. 

Located on the Goosenest Ranger District, Klamath National Forest are Deer Mountain and Four Corners Snowmobile Parks.

The facilities offered are warming huts, restrooms, loading ramps, picnic tables, fire grills and garbage service.

The Pilgrim Creek Snowpark is located on the McCloud Ranger District, Shasta-Trinity National Forest and offers a warming

hut, restrooms, a loading ramp and garbage service.

The Doorknob Snowpark is located on the Doublehead Ranger District and offers a warming hut, picnic 

tables, a loading ramp and restrooms.

Grant dollars from the California State Off-Highway Vehicle Fund have financed the development of these 

snowmobile parks. Other State recreation funds provide for maintenance, snowmobile trail grooming, snow 

removal from parking area and access roads, and trail signs. Some of these funds come from the fees you 

pay to register your snowmobile. Proper registration is required on all snowmobiles.

▼

▼

▼

For More Information

Winter trails on this map are managed by the Forest 

Service. Additional information may be obtained from 

the following:

KLAMATH

NATIONAL FOREST

Goosenest Ranger District 

37805 Highway 97

Macdoel, CA 96058

(530) 398-4391

TTY: (530) 398-4636

www.fs.fed.us/r5/klamath

MODOC

NATIONAL FOREST

Doublehead Ranger District

P.O. Box 369

Tulelake, CA 96134

(530) 667-2246 

www.fs.fed.us/r5/modoc

SHASTA-TRINITY

NATIONAL FOREST

McCloud Ranger District

P.O. Box 1620

McCloud, CA 96057

(530) 964-2184

TTY: (530) 964-2692

www.fs.fed.us/r5/shastatrinity

CHAMBER OF

COMMERCE

Telephone listing for full 

service communities:

Dorris (530) 397-3711

Tulelake (530) 667-5312

Weed (530) 938-4624

Mt. Shasta (530) 926-4865

McCloud (530) 964-3113

MT. SHASTA

SNO-MOBILERS, INC. 

SNOW PHONE

For an update on snow 

conditions call: 

(530) 926-2824

www.snowcrest.net/mssc

OTHER INFORMATION WEBSITES

www.shastacascade.org

www.visitsiskiyou.org/winter

www.snowdrifters.homestead.com

www.buttevalleychamber.com

www.dot.ca.gov/dist2/

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its 

programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, 

and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, 

sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or 

part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not 

all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require 

alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, 

audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice 

and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of 

Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or 

call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Common Sense & Courtesty

Snowmobiling, skiing, sledding and other forms of snowplay 

on public and private lands are increasing as more people 

are discovering the enjoyment of these forms of winter recreation. Many areas of the National Forests are accessible to 

those who enjoy the pleasure of winter sports. As in other 

recreational pursuits, visitors to an area have the responsibility 

of seeing and enjoying – but not destroying – the area.

Remember: • Respect the property and privacy of others.

 • Be a good sportsman. Recognize that people judge 

all winter recreationists by individual actions. 

Promote sportsmanship.

 • Plan your outing according to your ability, endurance 

and equipment. Check current weather reports prior 

to departure.

 • Snowmobilers and over-the-snow vehicles should 

operate at a minimum speed near skiers or snowshoers.

 • Skiers and snowshoers should yield the track to 

oncoming or overtaking snowmobiles.

 • Learn to recognize winter trail signs, blazes and 

maps. Respect and obey designated trails, closed 

areas and private property.

 • Park your vehicle considerately and in designated 

spaces where provided. Do not block other vehicles 

or impede trail access.

 • Do not litter trails, camping areas, streams or lakes.

 • Do not damage trees, shrubs, or other natural features.

 • Know and obey all Federal, State and local laws or 

rules regulating the operation of snowmobiles in 

areas where you use your vehicle.

 • Lend a helping hand when someone is in distress.

 • All snowmobile Trailheads offers warming huts that 

are available for use on the Tri-Forest snowmobile 

trail system. Snowmobile Trailheads are public facilities offered for the enjoyment and shelter of all winter 

recreationists.

 • The use of motorized vehicles is prohibited in 

Wilderness and certain other protected areas.

 • Animals must not be chased or harassed. The energy 

needed to survive in cold and snow can make unnecessary exercise harmful or fatal to wildlife.

Winter Safety Checklist

This equipment is suggested for day trips;

additional items are needed for overnight trips.

■ Proper Clothing & Extras (Sunglasses,

 wool garments, gloves, boots,

 headgear, suntan lotion, etc.)

■ Liquids To Drink

■ Snowshoes Or Skis

 (a pair for each person in case of break down.)

■ Equipment (in top shape and tested)

■ Lunch, snacks, and emergency food

■ Tools, Belts, And Extra Gas In Safety Cans

■ Waterproof Matches

■ First Aid Kit

■ Map, Compass

■ Hatchet or Hunting Knife

■ Rope Or Avalanche Cord

■ Emergency Flares

■ Tarps (for temporary shelter)

■ Pocket knife

■ Space blanket

■ Survival kit

■ Avalance Transceivers

■ Avalance Prob

■ Shovel

Always use caution and be aware of

snow grooming equipment!

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

Sharing Routes

In some areas of the Forest those traveling by skis, snowshoes and snowmobiles share the same routes and areas. 

Consideration of others is necessary for enjoyment and safety. 

The following suggestions will provide safe routes for everyone:

 • Operate snow machines at minimum speed near skiers and snowshoers. Maintain minimum speed until 

well beyond those on foot.

 • Do not operate snowmobile or other over-the-snow 

vehicles in excess of 5 MPH in or around designated 

snowmobile parks.

 • Skiers and snowshoers should realize that snowmobile 

operators are generally not able to hear approaching 

trail users. On steep topography, snowmobiles are 

generally limited to the developed trail surface. On 

shared corridors, skiers should ski single file and 

keep poles and arms out of the way of passing overthe-snow machines. 

 • Do not operate over-the-snow vehicles on designated 

ski trails.

Groomed Snowmobile

Trails & Access Routes

Not all the trails shown on this map are groomed. All of the 

“marked X/C ski routes” and some of the “marked snowmobile routes” are not groomed. Visitors, especially novice 

snowmobile riders, need to be aware that snowmobile routes 

and access roads that are regularly groomed or plowed 

sometimes exhibit ungroomed characteristics. This may 

occur under several different circumstances, such as:

 • Just after a snowstorm if the groomer or plow has not 

yet reached the trail or road you planned to ride.

 • During a heavy snowstorm. Snow depths of two 

or more feet can accumulated in just a few hours 

and bury a freshly groomed trail. Be sure to check 

weather forecasts before venturing out. 

 • Funds for operations may have been exhausted,

 especially in late winter.

 • If you would like current grooming or road conditions 

information, call the local Ranger District Office for 

the area you plan to ride. 

Please remember to respect the Forest as you enjoy your 

winter recreation!

Wind Chill Chart

✓

✓

✓

Attention Snowmobilers!

Operating a snowmobile on a roadway maintained by 

snowplowing equipment is a violation of the State of 

California vehicle code (Sec. 38025). Current registration and green sticker must be in a place on all snowmobiles. Your cooperation and compliance with these 

regulations is appreciated.

Signs to Know

Symbols like this one are generally located at the trailhead. 

They show the type of use for which the trail was designated.

Snowmobile Trail

These designated trails are marked and 

maintained for the use of snowmobiles.

Orange blazers mark snowmobile 

trails, especially in areas where the trail 

is difficult to follow.

Intersection Number identifies

important road intersections.

8

8

81

In An Emergency

Call 911 For Help

Avoid Avalanche Hazards

For the current avalanche advisories, call (530) 926-9613 

or on the Internet www.avalanche.org. The avalanche information is updated as needed. 

Large or small, avalanches are deadly! Terrain, weather, 

and your decisions are important factors to consider to 

avoid getting caught in an avalanche. Avalanche advisories 

apply outside developed ski areas.

Terrain • Avalanches are most common on slopes of 30 to 45 

degrees (60 to 100 percent).

 • Smooth slopes without tree cover are more dangerous.

 • Generally, avalanches occur in the same areas year 

after year. Watch for avalanche paths (steep open 

gullies and slopes, pushed-over small trees, trees 

with limbs broken off).

 • South-facing slopes are dangerous in the spring 

and on warm sunny days.

Weather • Check Internet: www.wrh.noaa.gov

 • 80 percent of all avalanches occur during, and 

shortly after, storms.

 • Snow falling at a rate of 1 inch per hour or more 

increases avalanche danger. Be alert to dangerous 

conditions with six inches or more of new snow. 

 • Storms starting with low temperatures and dry snow, 

followed by rising temperatures, are more likely to 

cause avalanches (the dry snow creates a poor bond 

and cannot support the weight of the heavy, wet snow 

on top).

 • Sustained winds of 15 miles per hour or more 

increases the danger of an avalanche on the leeward 

slope from heavy accumulations of snow.

You • It is OK to cancel your trip; sometimes the best

 decision is NOT to go!

 • Look for signs of recent avalanche activity and old 

slide paths.

 • Listen for “whoomp” and cracking sounds of slabs 

moving.

 • Be aware of the terrain and snow conditions.

Choose safe routes • The safest routes are on the ridgetops and slightly 

on the windward side, away from cornices.

 • The next safest route is out in the valley, far from 

the bottom of slopes.

 • Take advantage of dense timber or rocky outcrops 

as islands of safety.

 • Spend as little time as possible on open slopes.

 • Make sure you and your group are carrying beacons, 

probes and shovels.

If you get caught in an avalanche • Discard all equipment.

 • Try to stay on top with swimming motions and work 

your way on the side of the avalanche.

 • Before coming to a stop, get your hands in front of 

you and try to make an air space in the snow.

If you are the survivor • Mark the place you last saw the victims.

 • Search for the victims directly below the last seen 

point, scuff or probe the snow if you can’t see them.

 • Do not desert the victims and go for help, unless 

help is only a few minutes away (after 30 minutes 

the victim has only a 50% change of survival).

If there is more than one survivor Send one for help while the remaining persons 

search for the victims.

AMBULANCE SERVICE:

Mt. Shasta Ambulance – Mt. Shasta (530) 926-3420

Siskiyou Ambulance – Yreka (530) 842-2468

Butte Valley Ambulance – Dorris (530) 397-3105

BASM Ambulance - Tulelake (541) 884-4876

HOSPITALS

Merle West (541) 882-6311

 2865 Daggett, Klamath Falls, OR

 Hwy. 97 North to “Kit Carson Way” off ramp

Fairchild Medical Center (530) 842-4121

 444 Bruce Street, Yreka, CA 96097

 Hwy. 97 South to A-12 West; I-5 North to “Central” off ramp

Mercy Mt. Shasta (530) 926-6111

 914 Pine, Mt. Shasta City, CA 96067

 Hwy. 97 South to I-5; South to Central” off ramp 

Back-country travelers may encounter a variety of dangerous 

conditions. It is your responsibility to inform yourself 

about these inherent risks and take precautions.

Call 911 For Help

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

▼

Snowparks are public facilities

offered for the enjoyment and

shelter of all winter recreationists.

Estimated Wind

Speed In MPH

Actual Thermometer Readings (°Fahrenheit)

50 40 30 20 10 0 -10 -20 -30 -40 -50 -60

50 40 30 20 10 0 -10 -20 -30 -40 -50 -60

48 37 27 16 6 -5 -15 -26 -36 -47 -57 -68

40 28 16 4 -9 -21 -33 -46 -58 -70 -83 -95

36 22 9 -5 -18 -36 -45 -58 -72 -85 -99 -112

32 18 4 -10 -25 -39 -53 -67 -82 -96 -110 -124

30 16 0 -15 -29 -44 -59 -74 -88 -104 -118 -133

28 13 -2 -18 -33 -48 -63 -79 -94 -109 -125 -140

27 11 -4 -20 -35 -49 -67 -82 -98 -113 -129 -145

26 10 -6 -21 -37 -53 -69 -85 -100 -116 -132 -148

Calm

	 	 5

	 	 10

	 	 15

	 	 20

	 	 25

	 	 30

	 	 35

	 	 40

(Wind speeds

greater than

40 mph have

additional effect)

Little

Danger

Danger Exposed Flesh 

Can Freeze

Increasing Exposed Flesh

Freezes in 1 Min.

Great Danger! Exposed Flesh

Freezes in 30 Seconds

Tri-Forest

Snowmobile Trails

Klamath, Modoc and

Shasta-Trinity National Forests

United States Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

2007

R5-RG-109