I t is impossible to keep recreationists informed on the status of millions of acres of forest and thousands of miles of trails.
Snow conditions can change dramatically from day to day, even hour to hour.
Be on the lookout for rocks, stumps and fallen trees. Other potential hazards include caves and overlooks, abandoned mining tunnels and shafts, decaying structures and equipment, contaminated water, changing weather conditions, landslides and avalanches, exhaustion and hypothermia. The winter recreation season generally extends from late November through March, with snow conditions improving as the season progresses. Temperatures can range from 50 degrees above zero to 50 below, but averages generally run from 20 to 35 degrees above zero, with mostly sunny skies. Check the forecast before you leave.