Backcountry

Yellowstone National Park Boating Regulations Motorized Boating Non-Motorized Boating Boating Safety & AIS Inspections Yellowstone National Park offers a variety of boating experiences. Boating in Yellowstone is a memorable experience and a great way to see a different part of the park, but boating in Yellowstone is not without its risks. This brochure has been prepared to assist you in planning ahead and preparing for your boating experience, to help you make your trip as safe as possible and to help you minimize your impact on resources so that Yellowstone can be enjoyed by future generations. Contents Boat Registration & Permit 1 When permitted Required Equipment 2 Where permitted Recommended Equipment 4 Prohibitions 6 Additional Regulations 6 Boating Safety 8 Boating is allowed from the Saturday before Memorial Day through the first Sunday in November. Motorized boats are allowed only on Lewis Lake and Yellowstone Lake. Boat launches are located at Bridge Bay Marina and Grant Village on Yellowstone Lake and on the south end of Lewis Lake near the Lewis Lake Campground. Canoes, kayaks, paddle boards and other non-motorized boats are permitted on all park lakes except Sylvan Lake, Eleanor Lake, Twin Lakes, and Beach Springs Lagoon. All park rivers are closed to boating except for the section of the Lewis River between Lewis Lake and Shoshone Lake, were only non-motorized boating is permitted. Float tubes are considered non-motorized boats and subject to the same regulations. Water-skiing, jet skis and related activities are not allowed on any park waters. Invasive Species 14 Yellowstone Lake 15 Lewis Lake & Shoshone Lake 19 Boat Registration & Permit Norris West Yellowstone All motorized watercraft must be registered in the state of principle use. Registration numbers must be displayed on your watercraft in accordance with US Coast Guard (USCG) regulations. Additionally, all watercraft, including float tubes, must obtain a Yellowstone National Park Boat Permit. Motorized boat permits and non-motorized boat permits (including float tubes) are available in a 7-day denomination or as an annual permit. Contact the Backcountry Office for current pricing. All boats, including float tubes, will need to be inspected for Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). If the boat leaves Yellowstone after it has been inspected, the boat will need to be re-inspected before relaunching. Northeast Entrance o o Mammoth Tower oCanyon Motorized, non-motorized boat , and float tube permits available at this location. O Only float tube Bridge Bay Marina o permits available at this location Old Faithful Grant Bechler o South Entrance Where to Obtain Boat Permits and AIS Inspections Motorized and Non-motorized boats: Snake River Ranger Station, Bridge Bay Ranger Station, Grant Village Visitor Center’s Backcountry Office. Float Tubes: Canyon Visitor Education Center’s Backcountry Office, Albright Visitor Center’s Backcountry Office, Old Faithful Backcountry Office, Bechler Ranger Station, Northeast Entrance, as well as all other locations where boat permits are sold. Place the Boat Permit and AIS stickers on the port (left) side of the watercraft, approximately one foot forward of the stern (back). On a float tube or stand up paddle board, the permit may be attached directly to the float tube / board or attached via a metal wicket available from the issuing station. 1 Required Equipment In addition to obtaining a Yellowstone Boat Permit you must have the following checked (p) items as required by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG): p Personal Flotation Device (PFD) – 2 all vessels must have a US Coast Guard approved, wearable PFD (Type I, II, III, or V) for each person on board. Additionally, boats 16 feet and longer (except kayaks /canoes) are required to have at least one immediately accessible throwable (type IV) PFD. Look on the tag of the PFD to determine type and if it is USCG approved. Each PFD must be: • in good condition. Insure that all zippers, straps and buckles are in working order and can be fastened securely. The PFD must be free from holes or tears which could affect performance. PFD’s made with KAPOC should be carefully inspected to insure that the flotation chambers have not ruptured. • readily accessible. Wearable PFD’s must be readily accessible. You must be able to put them on in a reasonable amount of time in an emergency. Children 12 or younger must wear a USCG approved Type I, II, or III PFD when aboard a vessel which is underway, except while inside an enclosed cabin. Though, not required for ages 13 and older, a PFD should be worn at all times when the vessel is underway. In a true emergency you may not have time to locate and properly put on a PFD. A wearable PFD can save your life, but only if you wear it. Type V PFDs must be worn at all times. • appropriate size for the intended user. A properly sized PFD fits comfortably snug and does not come above the neck or below the waist. Select a PFD based on your planned activities, and the water conditions you expect to encounter. Check the fit of the PFD – Raise your arms over your head and have someone lift the PFD straight up from the shoulders. The PFD should stay in place. If the PFD comes off, or if the chest area of the PFD touches your nose, then the PFD is too big or loose and needs to be secured. If you cannot secure straps or zip the PFD, then it is too small. Also, test the PFD for buoyancy by making sure the PFD keeps your chin above water and you can breathe easily; if your mouth is not well above water get a new PFD with more buoyancy. A PFD can save your life, but only if you wear it. p Sound Producing Device – A sound device is required for all boats to signal your position in reduced visibility and for navigation to signal your intentions to other vessels. The human voice is not acceptable under USCG regulations. An air horn or whistle is recommended. p Required Lights – Running lights / navigational lights are required to be displayed at night and when in or near areas of reduced visibility. When underway from sunset to sunrise, every motor boat shall carry and exhibit lights prescribed for the applicable class of motorboat by your state or the USCG. Anchored boats must exhibit a white anchor light except when anchored at designated anchor sites on Yellowstone Lake (5L8, 5L9, 7L5, 7L6, 7M1, 7M4, 7M5, 7F1 & 7F2). Non-motorized boats are required to have a light (headlamp / flashlight for night paddling or during periods of reduced visibility. p Flame Arrestors – Required only on inboard engines to prevent backfire. Not required for outboard motors. Unless the motor is very old it should have been equipped with flame arrestors when manufactured. p Fire Extinguishers – USCG approved fire extinguishers are required on boats with inboard engines, enclosed compartments, or permanent fuel tanks. Boats under 26 feet must have one Class B-I fire extinguisher. Boats 26 feet and over must have one Class B-II fire extinguisher or two Class B-I fire extinguishers. Labels should read “Marine Type USCG” and specify class and size. Fire extinguishers should be inspected monthly to make sure they are in working order. p Ventilation – All boats built after August 1, 1980 which use gasoline for electrical generation, mechanical power or propulsion are required to be equipped with a ventilation system. A natural ventilation system is required for each compartment in a boat that: 1) contains a permanently installed gasoline engine; 2) has openings between it and a compartment that requires ventilation; 3) contains a permanently installed fuel tank and an electrical compartment. Class B fire extinguishers are designed to extinguish flammable liquids such as gasoline, and propane. 3 Recommended Equipment Oars/paddles – Motor boats should be equipped with oars or paddles for emergency propulsion. Canoes/kayaks should carry a backup paddle in case a primary paddle is lost or broken. 4 Bailing device – All vessels should carry a suitable manual bailing device such as a bucket/milk jug or hand pump. Even if the boat has a bilge pump or automatic bailing device, a manual backup device could be vital if these devices don’t work. For canoes and kayaks, a bailing device is indispensable in the event of capsizing or if your boat is taking on water. VHF Marine Band Radio and/or Cell Phone – A marine radio is useful for receiving storm warnings and in an emergency for contacting other boats, NPS boat patrol, or the Bridge Bay Marina. A cell phone may also be Scope 7:1 helpful in an emergency situation. 30 x However, cell phones and marine 7= 210 band radios have limited range foot line and are affected by topography and may not work everywhere, especially in the arms of Yellowstone Lake. Anchor/line – An anchor and line attached to the bow can be used to keep a boat stationary and to keep it from blow- Total Depth = 30 feet Depth of water 28 feet + 2 feet above water emergency. As most devices expire after 3 years, be sure to check the expiration date. ing out from or into shore. An anchor which can be set is required for boats anchoring overnight. To properly anchor your boat we recommend at least 210 feet of line - enough for a 7:1 scope in 30 feet of water. Visual Distress Signals –We recommend you carry a variety of devices such as flares, smoke signal, or electric distress signal suitable for both day and night use to signal your position in the event of an Compass/GPS unit, maps – and the knowledge of how to use them. Survival gear in dry bags – even if you are only on a day trip, having a blanket or sleeping bag, fire starter and matches stored in a dry bag could be life saving if, in an emergency, you capsize and / or have to spend the night out. Additional equipment for paddlers: Waste Receptacle – All vessels should have a waste receptacle aboard. Dispose of trash in garbage cans or dumpsters at launch locations. Do not put trash into pit toilets. Draining, dumping, or discharging wastes or refuse, including human waste, into the waters from any vessel is prohibited. Wet Suit or Paddling Jacket – can help keep you warm and reduce chances of hypothermia if you capsize in Yellowstone’s cold waters. They must be appropriate for the water & air temperatures you will encounter. As a general rule, if air + water temperatures are less than 120° F. then you should wear cold weather exposure gear (wet suit, foul weather gear, etc). Paddle Float – indispensable for kayaks to assist in solo reentry of the vessel in case of capsize. Throw Rope – useful to reach capsized boaters. Waterproof Gear Bags/Flotation Bags – Waterproof gear bags increase flotation and keep clothing and gear dry. Plastic garbage bags may help keep equipment dry, but are not suitable for flotation. Inspections – Any park ranger may at any time stop or board any vessel to examine for Aquatic Invasive species, documents, licenses, and /or permits relating to the operation of the vessel and to inspect such vessels to determine compliance with park regulations including boat safety and fishing regulations. 5 Prohibitions The following are prohibited in Yellowstone National Park: • Private vessels which exceed 40 feet in 6 length. • Watercraft equipped with sealed internal ballast tanks. • Operating a vessel that exceeds a noise level of 82 decibels measured at a distance of 85 feet from the vessel. • Weapons, other than legally permitted firearms, traps, or chain saws. • Jet skis, personal watercraft, airboats, submersibles and similar vessels. • Towing water skiers, wakeboards, parasails or performing similar activities. • Overnight anchoring or beaching of boats without a backcountry permit. • Draining, dumping, or discharging wastes or refuse, including human waste, into the waters from any vessel. • Operating a vessel in excess of 45 mph. • Operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol, intoxicants or drugs. • Failing to observe restrictions established by a regulatory marker. • Operating a vessel in excess of 5 mph (approximately 1,000 - 1,100 RPMs) within marinas, boat launch areas, and the arms of Yellowstone Lake or within 100 feet of a swimmer or diver’s marker. • Operating a vessel in a reckless or negligent manner, or in a manner which endangers or is likely to endanger any other person or property. • Operating a motorized vessel while any person is riding on the gunwales, transom, or on the decking over the bow, except when the vessel is being maneuvered for anchoring, mooring or casting off moorings. • Operating in any commercial capacity within the park, unless written authorization has been granted by the Superintendent. • Using trailers to launch or recover vessels at a site other than a designated boat launch ramp. • Overloading a boat. Additional Regulations Operator age – You must be at least 16 years of age to operate a power-driven vessel unsupervised. People age 12-15 may operate a power-driven vessel under direct supervision of an adult age 18 or older. Pets – Pets are allowed on motor boats when traveling on Yellowstone Lake and Lewis Lake, but must be of appropriate size for the size of the boat. Pets are not allowed on boats for overnight trips or on shore except at boat launch areas. Generators – Generators may not be brought ashore. Self-contained motor boats staying overnight at a backcountry campsite should obey quiet hours and not operate generators or boat motors between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. Fishing Permit Required – Yellowstone National Park Fishing Permits are required and are available at backcoun- try offices, visitor centers, Yellowstone General Stores, and local businesses in the outlying communities. Refer to park fishing regulations for details and make sure you understand creel limits, tackle restrictions, and fish cleaning in bear country. Backcountry Permit – Camping or sleeping on your boat requires a backcountry permit and is allowed only at designated sites and anchorages. Backcountry permits for parties travelling by boat may be obtained at the following locations: • Snake River Ranger Station • Grant Village Backcountry Office • Bridge Bay Ranger Station Permits are generally available between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day. If you need to get an early start you should plan on picking up your permit the day before you wish to start. Reservations for backcountry campsites may be made in advance for a fee. Contact the Central Backcountry Office for additional information on advanced reservations and off season office hours. Food Storage – Whether picnicking, camping onshore at a designated campsite, or leaving your boat unattended to fish or day-hike, you must follow proper backcountry food storage regulations to minimize the opportunity for bears and other wildlife to obtain human food. All food and odorous items must be properly hung or secured in an approved bear resistant food container. Do not leave food in the open or in a cooler on your boat at any time when no one is in direct attendance. All backcountry campsites have a food pole or metal storage box. Items which are hung must be at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from the tree trunk. You will need a minimum of 35 feet of rope or more if you have multiple containers and / or coolers. If your boat is self-contained and you are staying on your boat at one of the anchor or dock sites, then you must securely store your food below deck. 7 Food stored properly on a food pole Boating Safety 8 low 60’s (degrees Fahrenheit) in August. Even when the water temperature in Yellowstone’s lakes is at its highest your survival time, if immersed, is limited. You are operationally and legally responsible for your safety and the safety of your passengers. Don’t take your safety for granted and don’t count on someone else to save you. Many recreational boaters assume they are safe because they’re in small boats, in shallow water, or because they’re good swimmers. Regardless of your level of experience – know your limits. Over 50 people have lost their lives on Yellowstone Lake, Lewis Lake and Shoshone Lake. Most of these deaths were preventable and are primarily a result of having improperly or overloaded boats, traveling far from shore, not wearing life jackets, not traveling with other group members, not being able to self-rescue, and making openwater crossings in windy weather. Sudden immersion in cold water can induce rapid, uncontrolled breathing, cardiac arrest, and other physical body conditions, which can result in drowning. Always wearing a PFD will help you survive in rapid immersion situations. Cold Water Survival Yellowstone’s lakes are high elevation, cold lakes. Water temperatures range from the mid-30’s in June to only the Getting out of the water is only the first step. It is important to get to shore and promptly remove all wet clothing (especially cotton) and rewarm your body. Put Hypothermia Hypothermia is the abnormal lowering of internal body temperature. Immersion in water speeds the loss of body heat and can lead to hypothermia. After 5 to 10 minutes in cold water your core body temperature drops, the brain becomes confused and disoriented, and your arms and legs become numb. Eventually, if you are unable to get out of the water you will lose consciousness and could die. on dry clothing, wear a hat, or get into a sleeping bag. Combat hypothermia by being prepared and planning ahead – Wear your PFD and avoid conditions which could swamp or capsize your boat. Travel close to shore. Practice and be prepared for self-rescue. Wear clothing appropriate for the conditions. Accidents & Reports Any vessel operator involved in an incident that results in property damage, injury, or death to any person or property must report the incident to a park ranger as soon as possible, or within 24 hours. Carrying Capacity / Overloading Overloaded boats are dangerous and illegal. While underway, no vessel shall carry more than a safe capacity of persons and /or total weight, taking into consideration water and weather conditions, hull configuration, and intended use. Do not exceed the load limits as listed on the “U.S. Coast Guard Maximum Capacities” information label or Capacity Plate found on all boats except sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and inflatables. Too many people and /or too much gear will cause the boat to become unstable. Always balance the load so that the boat maintains proper trim. Here are some things to remember when loading your boat: • Distribute the load evenly fore and aft and from side to side. • Keep the load low. • Keep passengers seated (do not stand up in a small boat). • Properly load gear to prevent shifting. In a canoe, improperly packed and fastened gear may contribute to sinking in case of capsize, but properly packed (using dry bags) and fastened gear may aid in flotation. Navigation, Rules of the Waterways The Statutory Rules of the Road enacted by Congress to prevent collision of vessels must be followed by all operators. Keep to the right when approaching another boat head-on or nearly so. Keep to the right in channels when safe and practicable. Motorized boats shall keep clear of non-motorized boats. Yield right-of-way to vessels you overtake or pass and vessels on your right side in crossing. Submerged Hazards Known hazards on Yellowstone Lake and Lewis Lake are identified on the maps on pages 17 and 21. On the lakes, hazards are marked with a Danger, Stay Away Buoy, but buoys may not always be in place especially early or late in the season. Watch for shallow spots anytime you are traveling close to shore. Stay alert for Hazard Buoy floating hazards, such as large logs, and report them to a ranger if possible. 9 An improperly loaded and unbalanced canoe. Wind & Weather Weather in Yellowstone can be unpredictable and can change rapidly. Check the local weather forecast before leaving the dock. NOAA weather radios can receive National Weather Service broadcasts of weather information specific to Yellowstone at frequency 162.450 MHz. Bridge Bay Marina will issue weather advisories and warnings over marine 10 band radio, but you should continually keep a “weather eye” to the sky looking for potential changes in the weather. In Yellowstone, even most sunny summer days will have afternoon winds, typically out of the southwest and it is not uncommon for thunderstorms with strong winds, high waves, and lightning to approach without warning. Waves of 3 to 4 feet are common in the central, eastern and northern sections of Yellowstone Lake, Lewis Lake and Shoshone Lake. The biggest safety threat of wind is in swamping or capsizing your boat and encountering a situation which could lead to hypothermia and drowning. Your best chances of avoiding rough water are to boat early or late in the day. Even so, you may still encounter large waves and dangerous conditions. Please consider these strategies for a safe trip on Yellowstone’s lakes: • Travel close to shore and in areas protected from wind. • Carefully plan itineraries to minimize or avoid open water crossings. • Avoid open water crossings if you lack the ability to perform a self-rescue or team-rescue. • Make open water crossings when it’s calm, do so quickly, and don’t stop. • Pay attention to the wind direction and where it’s pushing you. • Wait out windy conditions – don’t • • • • risk your safety or the safety of your group. Use a big enough boat for your activity. Deep v-hull designs handle the best in rough water. Don’t overload your boat with people or gear. Place at least one experienced paddler in each boat and consider practicing capsize recovery techniques with all party members prior to your trip. Travel as a group – stay within audible range of other party members. What to do in severe weather and high waves: • Non-power boats should always travel close to shore and get out of the water. Be prepared to wait out storms on shore in a safe place. • Power boats, if possible, should head for the nearest shore that is safe to approach. • Reduce speed, but keep just enough power to maintain headway. • Put on PFDs if you’re not already wearing them. • Turn on running lights. • Head bow of boat into the waves at about a 45-degree angle. • Keep bilges free of water. • Seat passengers on bottom of boat near center line. • If your engine fails, trail a sea anchor on a line from the bow to keep the boat headed into the waves. A bucket will work as a sea anchor in an emergency. • Anchor the boat if necessary. There are several signs which may indicate approaching weather changes: • Weather changes usually come from the west and southwest. • Watch for cloud build up, especially rapid vertically rising clouds. • Watch for sudden drops in temperature and changes in wind direction or speed. • Continue to look for oncoming storms throughout the day. 11 12 Self Rescue The first step of self-rescue is prevention. Avoid the need for a rescue in the first place. Stay within your abilities and plan and practice self rescue before leaving for your trip. Don’t wait until you need to self-rescue to try one and don’t count on someone else to save you. If you tip over far from shore you’ll need to get back into your boat and bail out any water. Having help from others is much easier than getting in by yourself. Prudent paddlers always travel in groups, but because boaters can become separated by wind, waves or weather, self-rescue must be practiced. A variety of techniques exist to reenter kayaks and canoes, but they need to be practiced before you embark on a trip. If you fall overboard or capsize and are unable to reenter your boat: • Keep your PFD on and remain calm • Do not waste energy by thrashing about or trying to remove clothing or footwear. This leads to exhaustion and increases the loss of air that keeps you afloat. If you are close to shore you may be able to float on your back and paddle slowly to safety, but do not swim unless you are very close to shore and can do so quickly. Swimming pumps blood away from the core of your body and into your extremities which can shorten your survival time. • Minimize heat loss. If possible, cover your head and button clothing. Keep your head out of water and get as much of your body out of the water H.E.L.P. Position as possible. Fifty percent of body heat is lost from the head. Crawl onto the overturned boat if possible. If not, assume the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (H.E.L.P.) position or the Huddle Position if with others. Huddle Position Alcohol Alcohol is the number one contributor to boating-related accidents and deaths. Do not consume alcohol while boating. Boating under the influence is illegal. Carbon Monoxide Hazards Carbon Monoxide can be a “silent killer” on recreational vessels. Each year, boaters are injured or killed by carbon monoxide. Virtually all of the poisonings are preventable. Carbon monoxide is a by-product of combustion of carbon based material such as gasoline, propane, charcoal, or wood. Common sources aboard boats include main and auxiliary engines, generators, cooking ranges, space heaters, and water heaters. Cold and poorly tuned engines produce more carbon monoxide than warm properly tuned engines. Carbon monoxide can collect within a boat in a variety of ways. Exhaust leaks (the leading cause of death by carbon monoxide) can allow carbon monoxide to spread throughout the boat and into enclosed areas. Even properly vented exhaust can re-enter a boat if it’s moored too close to a dock or another boat, or if the exhaust is pushed back by prevailing winds. Exhaust can re-enter boats when cruising under certain conditions especially with canvas in place. Exhaust can also collect in enclosed spaces near the stern swim platform. What To Do To Stay Safe? • Schedule regular engine and exhaust system maintenance inspections by experienced and trained mechanics. • Keep forward facing hatches open to allow fresh air circulation in accommodation spaces, even in inclement weather. • Keep people clear of the boat’s rear deck area and swim platform while either the generator or engines are running. Always monitor the swimming area. • Do not confuse carbon monoxide poisoning with seasickness or intoxication. If someone on board complains of irritated eyes, headaches, nausea, weakness or dizziness, immediately move the person to fresh air, investigate the cause and take corrective action. Seek medical attention, if necessary. • Install a carbon monoxide detector in each accommodation space on your boat. Check the detectors periodically to be sure they are functioning properly. • If your carbon monoxide detector alarm sounds, immediately open windows and doors for ventilation and move people into fresh air. Seek medical attention if necessary. Turn off engines, generators, and any fuel burning appliances Don’t ignore the alarm, investigate the source of the problem and seek qualified help in fixing the problem. 13 If you could see carbon monoxide accumulating around your boat it might look like this. Invasive Species 14 Aquatic Invasive Species Threaten Yellowstone Waters – Yellowstone’s world class fisheries are threatened by the introduction of aquatic invasive species. AIS and nonnative organisms are a major threat to aquatic resources, wildlife, visitor recreation, and infrastructure. Once established, AIS can cause irreparable harm and species extinction. AIS can drastically alter habitats and food webs, negatively affecting sport fish and food resources for native wildlife. Yellowstone’s There are few world class effective or inexpensive fisheries are means of conthreatened by trolling AIS and the introduction eradication is of aquatic usually imposinvasive species sible. Currently at least eight aquatic invasive species already exist in Yellowstone’s waters: New Zealand mud snail, red-rimmed melania, five nonnative fish, and whirling disease. The quagga mussel and Eurasian watermilfoil are two other aquatic invasive species that are quickly approaching the park and there are many others now in North America. Often so small they are difficult to see, aquatic invasive species are transported or “hitchhike” from one lake or stream to another within the water of a boat bilge or livewell, in mud and sand, and on plant fragments attached to boats, fishing equipment, or clothing. Prior to being issued a boat permit and launching into any of Yellowstone’s waters all watercrafts are required to be inspected for Aquatic Invasive Species. How you can help – Prevent further spread of these invaders by making sure all equipment is clean and free of destructive aquatic invasive species prior to entering the park and when moving from one lake or stream to another: • Prior to entering the park, clean your boat with high pressure hot water (120140 degrees F), including the bilge and livewell areas, and flush your engine cooling system. Leave drain plugs out during transport. • Thoroughly clean any mud, vegetation or debris from boats, trailers, fishing equipment, clothing and footwear before moving among different bodies of water. As of 2018 felt soled waders and boots are not permitted in Yellowstone. • Be sure to drain livewells prior to moving to a new lake or stream, and only clean fish in the same body of water in which they were caught. Do not move or dump water or organisms from one body of water into any other body of water. • Drying your boat and other equipment in the sun for at least five days after cleaning is also helpful since some species cannot survive out of water. See page one for boat permit and aquatic invasive species inspection locations. Yellowstone Lake Yellowstone Lake is the largest fresh water lake above 7,000 feet in the United States, and the second largest above 7,000 feet in the world. Its 136 square miles with 110 miles of shoreline provide an exceptional backcountry experience for motorized and non-motorized boaters. Launch Locations Boat ramps are located at Bridge Bay Marina and Grant Village. Only boats which can be carried (canoes/kayaks) may launch from Sedge Bay along the northeastern shore of Yellowstone Lake. Boats which can be carried may also launch from the parking area along Gull Point Drive for day trips only. The Bridge Bay Marina and Grant Village Launch Ramp Lagoon are No Wake Zones. At Bridge Bay Marina there are separate parking areas for day-users and overnight users. Please consult with the rangers at Bridge Bay for more information. Sailboats may use the boat ramps at Bridge Bay Marina and Grant Village. To access the main body of Yellowstone Lake from the Bridge Bay Marina, boaters must travel under a bridge where the road crosses the inlet to the marina bay. A sailboat with raised mast cannot make it under this bridge. Sailboats must navigate under the bridge with the mast down and step the mast while on the water. Once a sailboat has progressed under the bridge, there is a beach in a no wake zone that we recommend you use to step the mast. A retractable keel is helpful under these circumstances. Please check with the Bridge Bay Marina rangers for current water levels, and further details on how to safely get under way from Bridge Bay Marina. The boat ramp at Grant Village has no overhead obstructions and is generally steep enough that a sailboat with a keel of average depth can be launched with no problems. However, if lake levels are very low a boat with a non-retractable keel may encounter some difficulty. South, Southeast, & Flat Mountain Arm Regulations To maintain the wilderness character of the South, Southeast, and Flat Mountain Arms of Yellowstone Lake, travel restrictions have been enacted. Motorized craft are restricted to a wakeless (5 mph) speed south of the mouths of the South and Southeast Arms. The lower sections of the South, So