Date: March 25, 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 25, 2009 09-017
Al Nash or Stacy Vallie (307) 344-2015
----------------------------------------------------
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK NEWS RELEASE
----------------------------------------------------
Yellowstone Trails Reopen After Damaged Tower Removed
Trails leading to the top of a mountain near Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone have reopened after successful removal of a damaged radio tower.
The 40-foot tower was originally erected as part of the park’s two-way radio system. A broken support wire was discovered on an inspection trip earlier this month. This caused the unused tower to buckle in the middle.
There were concerns that high winds could cause the weakened tower to fall and strike an individual at the summit, a small communications building housing a cellular telephone installation and two FM radio translators, or snap the power line providing electric service to the cell and radio transmitters.
While snowshoe and cross country ski access on the Bunsen Peak Loop Road was never disrupted, the trails leading to the summit used by more adventurous winter enthusiasts were temporarily closed on March 10.
Park staff and contractors took advantage of good weather conditions Friday. It took about two hours by snowshoe to ascend to the 8564 foot peak. The damaged tower was safely lowered to the ground and cut into pieces for removal once the snow melts.
Changing spring weather means trail conditions in the park can change quickly. 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 -
