Low snow doesn’t mean low risk, according to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team. The team said it is concerned about the amount of people becoming stranded on mountain roads this season. Though many mountain roads are not gated during the winter, travel on them is s till dangerous, the Sheriff’s Office said. “This year’s unusually low snowfall has created a false sense of security,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a press release. “In a typical winter, many of these roads are clearly impassable just a short distance from the main road due to snow accumulation. This year, however, recreators are often able to travel several miles before realizing the road is no longer passable.” Vehicles are consistently becoming stuck, the Sheriff’s Office said, either through encountering impassable conditions or during attempts to turn around. Beyond the obvious safety risks, there is also a significant financial impact, the Sheriff’s Office said. Recovery frequently requires a company with a specialized recovery vehicle, with costs that can easily exceed $1,000 and often require payment before responding. The Summit County Sheriff’s Office said it encourages everyone to enjoy winter recreation responsibly by researching routes in advance, respecting seasonal conditions and staying on maintained roadways. “Responsible decision-making helps ensure the safety of recreators and reduces the risk to first responders who may be called upon to assist,” the Sheriff’s Office said. The post Summit County Search and Rescue: Take mountain roads seriously, even in a dry winter appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less