Soft snow bogs down mountain drivers

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office today warned mountain travelers to be wary of unplowed mountain roads after an unspecified number of travelers got trapped in snow softened by warm weather. Sgt. Ryan Higgins in a news release that numerous vehicles got stuck in the past two days. He said that U.S. Forest Service barricades were opened on forest roads, luring unsuspecting and unprepared drivers into what became traps for them. “Although travel into the backcountry is no longer restricted at this time, the sheriff’s office is urging the use of common sense and backcountry preparedness if you are to attempt travel into these areas,” Higgins said in the news release. Shaded areas still have plenty of snow at higher elevations, he said. He urged mountain travelers to pack tire chains, a heavy-duty shovel, a cellphone, a GPS device and extra food, water and clothing. Snow boots and blankets are advised, along with a flashlight and plenty of fuel. Fire starters would also be smart. “Most importantly, tell someone where you are going and when you will return,” he said. Earlier this week, snowcat workers at Mount Spokane were getting bogged down in soft snow caused by mild temperatures.