NEWS RELEASES
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved and first published through KATU's website.
After a Ski Patrol volunteer at Crater Lake National Park witnessed a group snowmobilers in the Crater Lake Caldera, Crater Lake National Park took to their Facebook page to spread awareness about the illegal activity. Crater Lake National Park Officials said the group's action is a federal misdemeanor that can leave violators subject to a $5,000 fine or 6 months imprisonment. Entering the caldera, which is the empty cauldron shaped crater, is extremely dangerous even for the most skilled hikers and snowboarders.KATU writer, Sammy Shaktah, relays in their article, "The National Park's administration notes on their Facebook page that every year visitors intentionally or accidentally enter the caldera off-trail and many times fall and get injured." Within the caldera, snow and rocks are highly unstable and can often cause rockslides and avalanches, according to the national park. Additionally, thin layers of snow called cornices, can build around the edge of the rim and break under a person's weight.To read more on Crater Lake National Park issue, click here.