Date: March 11, 2009
Contact: Al Nash, 307-344-2015
Contact: Stacy Vallie, 307-344-2015
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Yellowstone National Park
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2009 09-012
Al Nash or Stacy Vallie (307) 344-2015
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YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK NEWS RELEASE
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Damaged Tower Prompts Temporary Trail Closures In Yellowstone
Two trails popular with spring cross-country skiers and snowshoers near Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park have been temporarily closed.
The trails leading to the summit of Bunsen Peak have been closed because an unused communications tower there has been weakened and could topple without warning.
The 40 foot tower was originally erected as part of the park’s two-way radio system. One of the wires used to brace the tower has broken, causing the tower to buckle in the middle. High winds could blow the weakened tower over.
If the tower were to fall, it could strike a small building, a power line, or any individual at the summit.
The power line provides electrical service to a cellular telephone installation and two FM radio translators housed in the small structure at the summit. If the building or power line were struck, it could disrupt these communications facilities until the damage could be repaired.
Yellowstone National Park officials are consulting with utility officials about the problem. The trails to the summit of Bunsen Peak will be closed until the problem is resolved. The ski and snowshoe trail circling the base of the peak remains open.
Visitors can get updated information on the status of the trails by contacting the staff at Albright Visitor Center in Mammoth Hot Springs or by calling the park’s Visitor Services Office at 307-344-2107.
- www.nps.gov/yell -
