A navigation app may suggest a road that is unavailable in winter. Follow official closures and signs.<\/p>\n
Four-wheel drive does not replace suitable tires or winter-driving ability. If the route exceeds your experience, choose another destination, use appropriate transport, or postpone the trip.<\/p>\n
Check Avalanche Information Independently<\/h3>\n
An open road does not establish that nearby backcountry terrain is safe.<\/p>\n
Consult Utah Avalanche Center information for the relevant area, paying attention to its issue time, coverage, and limitations. Early-season information may differ from the regular winter forecast schedule.<\/p>\n
Hikers and snowshoers can encounter avalanche exposure, including below slopes they do not intend to climb. A flat path may still cross a runout area.<\/p>\n
Choose a route appropriate to your knowledge and the conditions. For inexperienced visitors, a suitable route outside avalanche terrain or a professionally guided activity is a better starting point than relying on equipment alone.<\/p>\n
Dress for Both Movement and Waiting<\/h2>\n
Clothing needs change during the day. Walking uphill generates heat; stopping for photographs, food, or traffic removes that activity-generated warmth.<\/p>\n
Manage Sweat While Moving<\/h3>\n
Use a suitable base layer, such as wool or synthetic fabric, and adjust clothing before becoming heavily sweaty.<\/p>\n
Open vents, remove an insulating layer, or reduce pace when necessary. Wet clothing can become uncomfortable and contribute to cooling when you stop.<\/p>\n
Carry dry replacements for important items, especially socks and gloves.<\/p>\n
Add Insulation During Breaks<\/h3>\n
Pack a layer that can be put on quickly when activity stops. Keep it protected from moisture.<\/p>\n
Consider the coldest plausible part of the outing, including an unexpected wait. Clothing that feels comfortable during a brisk walk may be insufficient when standing still.<\/p>\n
Protect Against Wind and Snow<\/h3>\n
Use an outer layer suited to the weather, along with appropriate head and hand protection.<\/p>\n
Check that gloves allow you to operate zippers and essential equipment. Practice using navigation and lighting while wearing them.<\/p>\n
A spare warm layer in the vehicle is useful after the hike, but necessary trail clothing must remain in your pack.<\/p>\n
Match Footwear and Traction to the Surface<\/h2>\n
Winter footwear should be selected for the route rather than the appearance of snow at the parking area.<\/p>\n
Packed Snow and Ice Need Grip<\/h3>\n
Appropriate traction devices can improve footing on hard-packed snow and ice. Fit them to your footwear before departure and learn how to attach and remove them.<\/p>\n
Trekking poles can assist balance, but they do not remove the consequences of a fall on a steep or exposed path.<\/p>\n
Inspect footwear for fit and condition. Cold, wet feet can quickly change the character of a short outing.<\/p>\n
Deep Snow May Require Snowshoes<\/h3>\n
Snowshoes help reduce sinking in soft snow. Traction devices primarily improve grip.<\/p>\n
The two are not interchangeable, and conditions may change along the route. Ask the land manager about current trail conditions before selecting equipment.<\/p>\n
Recognize When the Route Exceeds the Gear<\/h3>\n
Steep hard snow, exposed ice, and technical terrain require different skills and equipment from an ordinary winter walk.<\/p>\n
A basic traction accessory is not a qualification for entering that terrain. Turn around if the surface or exposure exceeds your preparation.<\/p>\n
Pack for a Longer Day Than the One You Planned<\/h2>\n
Winter travel can take longer because of deeper snow, reduced visibility, route-finding, or slower group movement.<\/p>\n
Prepare for a reasonable delay without assuming that you will finish at the earliest estimated time.<\/p>\n
| Preparation<\/th>\n | Practical winter purpose<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navigation and backup<\/td>\n | Find the route when snow hides familiar features<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||||||
| Headlamp and spare power<\/td>\n | Maintain personal lighting after an unexpected delay<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||||||
| Extra clothing<\/td>\n | Stay warmer during breaks or reduced activity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||||||
| Emergency shelter and ground insulation<\/td>\n | Reduce exposure if movement stops<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||||||
| Water and food<\/td>\n | Support a longer outing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||||||
| First-aid supplies and personal medication<\/td>\n | Address individual needs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||||||
| Communication and signaling<\/td>\n | Contact help where service permits<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | ||||||||||||||||
| Equipment-specific repair items<\/td>\n | Handle minor problems with the gear you carry<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nKeep Essentials With You<\/h3>\nSupplies left in the vehicle cannot help while you are away from it.<\/p>\n Each person, or independent subgroup, needs appropriate access to navigation, light, and backup power. Avoid placing every essential function on one phone.<\/p>\n Carry a non-electronic navigation backup and know how to use it. Do not assume footprints lead to your destination or a safe return.<\/p>\n Leave a Clear Return Plan<\/h3>\nTell a reliable contact where you are going, who is with you, and when you expect to return.<\/p>\n Agree on a check-in arrangement and what should happen if you are overdue. Update the plan before losing service if the destination changes.<\/p>\n Set a turnaround time that allows for slower winter travel and changing daylight.<\/p>\n Make the Vehicle a Charging Point Before and After the Hike<\/h2>\nThe vehicle can support preparation and recovery, provided that its location and conditions remain safe.<\/p>\n A portable battery is useful here because charging does not have to depend entirely on the vehicle\u2019s accessory outlets.<\/p>\n Check Essential Electronics Before Departure<\/h3>\nConfirm that phones, GPS devices, communication equipment, and headlamps are ready.<\/p>\n Bring the correct cables and any dedicated charging docks. Some equipment uses replaceable batteries rather than accepting USB charging.<\/p>\n Do not delay departure to solve an untested connection. Missing a sensible start time can affect the entire return plan.<\/p>\n Where the GP35SE Fits<\/h3>\nThe Merpower GP35SE provides stored energy for compatible USB and DC equipment.<\/p>\n
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