Arctic Warriors reminded of snowmachine procedures

  • Published
  • By Mark Sledge
  • Conservation Enforcement Office
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Summers in Alaska are beautiful, but uncertain. Winters, however can be safely assumed to be snowy and cold. The beauty of snow-filled woods and the pleasure of traversing the winter landscape with family and friends make snow machining fun. However, there are a few things that operators should be aware of before they ride.

People who operate snowmachines on the installation trail system must obtain a Wing Form 35, Elmendorf Air Force Outdoor Recreation Permit, from the Base Natural Resources Office at Building 8481/Base Wildlife Museum.

To obtain a WF 35, snowmachine operators must attend an annual orientation briefing and have their snowmachines inspected by Base Natural Resources personnel before they can obtain a WF 35. All privately owned snowmachines operated in Alaska are required to be registered with the state and inspected annually. People riding unregistered snow machines are subject to a $300 fine.

Snowmachining is authorized only on designated trails on-base. Information on approved riding trails may be obtained at the Base Natural Resources Office, or on the base snowmachine trail map available on Topcover. Visitors may operate snowmachines on base when accompanied by a qualified WF 35 holder, who accepts responsibility for the visitors.

Snowmachines may be operated in housing areas/main base to the nearest trail, by the most direct route, at a speed of no more than 10 mph. Snowmachines may be ridden between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Snowmachine use is not authorized if there is less than 12 inches of packed snow, and may not be operated on lakes unless ice is six inches thick. The Base Natural Resources Office will open base trails and lakes, upon the approval of the 3rd Mission Support Group commander, once suitable conditions exist.

Areas where snowmachine operation is specifically prohibited include all flightline areas, sidewalks, seeded areas, playgrounds, the Family Camp, within 50 feet of static display aircraft, gas stations, and AAFES facilities (including restaurant parking lots/drive throughs).

Snowmachine operators will wear all required personal protective equipment and safety equipment when riding a snowmachine on or off base. Required equipment consists of:
 
_ Impact resistant goggles (Helmets with full-face shields meet this requirement)
_ a helmet that meets Department of Transportation (DOT) standards,
_ Long-sleeve shirt or jacket,
_ Long trousers,
_ Full-fingered gloves,
_ Reflective vest with a minimum of 138-square inches of reflective material (International orange or lime green are the only authorized colors for the vest); the vest cannot be covered by a backpack or similar item, and
_ Sturdy footwear.

In addition to the above listed safety equipment, snowmachines must have an operational headlamp and tail light. Snowmachines must be equipped with a throttle, which when released by hand, will return the engine speed to idle. Operation of snowmachines specifically designed for youth is permitted only when the youth is accompanied by a qualified, responsible individual over the age of 16 years.

When riding a snowmachine for the first time, take the time to have an experienced rider teach you about the snowmachine. Do not start riding on your own until you are fully prepared. Taking the necessary safety precautions is the first step towards an enjoyable experience.

For more information on approved snow machine procedures, riding areas and applicable installation traffic codes refer to 3rd Wing Instruction 31-204/Base Traffic Code or contact the Base Conservation Enforcement Office at 552-8609 or the 3rd Security Forces Squadron at 552-2132. 

(Master Sgt. Chris Black, 3rd Security Force Squadron, contributed to this story)