Chilkoot Trail Winter Travel

EMERGENCIES

U.S. Park Service Rangers and Parks Canada Wardens have ceased summer patrols of the Chilkoot Trail.  Hiking parties should be self-sufficient and well versed in self-rescue before attempting to hike the Chilkoot Trail in winter.  There is no cell phone coverage along the trail.  Iridium Satellite phones may work in some areas.  Satellite phone users may seek 24 hour emergency assistance through Denali Dispatch at 1-907-683-6351. At Log Cabin your closest contact for help is Canada Customs at Fraser (four miles south of Log Cabin parking lot along the Klondike Hwy.) Medical or rescue response may be several days, if at all. Helicopter medical evacuations cost a minimum of $1600. Trail hikers are advised to consult their medical insurance policies before starting their hike. Choosing to travel alone or not carry essential safety and camping equipment may limit your chances of survival if you sustain injury.

TRAIL 

The trail is not marked nor readily identified during the off season. Snow cover can conceal the trail completely and sound route finding skills are necessary. Carry a map and compass. Shelters are available at a Finnegans, Canyon City, Sheep Camp, and Lindeman for preparing meals and warming up.  Woodstoves are provided in each US shelter and Lindeman City, however wood may not be readily available. Dead and downed wood may be collected for a heat source.  Please replace any firewood used during your stay.  It may save the life of hikers following you.  The Summit shelter may be inaccessible by December.  Carry extra clothing, food, matches, etc.  

WEATHER

Weather conditions can be severe and unpredictable. Conditions above tree line can be especially severe. High winds and driving snow may prevent travel through this open country. Temperatures vary from 30F/-1C to -50F/-46C. It snows up to 200inches/508cm. per year. Be prepared for rain, sleet, snow, ice and winds in excess of 50mph/80kmph. Poor visibility and whiteout conditions are common and can prevent detection of hazardous avalanche terrain, cliffs, open water and overflow. Come dressed and prepared for hypothermic environmental conditions. 

REGISTRATION

Hikers need to register for the trail and for customs at the National Park Visitor Center on 2^nd & Broadway. There is no permit fee at this time.

 U.S. Customs phone # is 907-983-3144.  Canada Customs at Fraser can be reached at 867-821-4111 for further questions in regards to crossing the border.

AVALANCHE HAZARD

Avalanches are a natural phenomenon which may occur during any season on the trail. Extreme avalanche conditions often exist between Sheep Camp and Deep Lake, and in Moose Creek Canyon during the months of December mid-May. Campgrounds may be unsafe. Extreme avalanche conditions can also develop elsewhere in the park given the right set of conditions ie. slope, terrain, weather and snow pack composition. When travelling through avalanche terrain, you need to be capable of identifying and assessing avalanche hazards. You need to be knowledgeable about route finding, avalanche safety and rescue in mountainous terrain. You should be properly equipped with shovels, avalanche transceivers, and probes. Choose your route and campsite locations carefully to avoid unstable slopes and hazardous avalanche terrain areas.

This report is intended to stress the changing trail conditions only and will not substitute for the essential information found in other brochures and your own common sense.  For Web information, visit http://www.nps.gov/klgo/chilkoot.htm