Opening of snowmobile season set for Bighorn National Forest

GILLETTE, Wyo. – Snowmobiling season is scheduled to open this week in the Bighorn National Forest depending on the amount of snowfall.

The Gillette News Record reports the season will begin Friday if the ground has at least 6 inches (15 centimetres) in the Big Horn Mountains.

U.S. Forest Service regulations prohibit snowmobiling in areas with less than 6 inches of snow.

The National Weather Service is predicting the northern Wyoming area will get up to 8 inches (20 centimetres) of snowfall from Monday through Thursday morning.

Snowmobiling will remain off limits in the Cloud Peak Wilderness area, downhill ski areas, cross-country ski trails and the Medicine Wheel Snowmobile Restricted area and wildlife area.

All snowmobiles are required to display a current Wyoming or nonresident user fee decal.

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Information from: The Gillette (Wyo.) News Record, http://www.gillettenewsrecord.com