The Lassen National Forest is issuing a Safety Advisory to all National Forest users. A succession of strong storms across the state from January through April caused extensive damage to National Forest System roads, trails and infrastructure. All national forests in California have experienced some level of storm damage.
Forest visitors are asked to be cautious and careful when out driving in the national forest, as they will likely encounter a wide range of driving conditions well into spring. Many forest roads, especially those in higher elevations, are inaccessible due to ice and snow. Downed trees blocking access and soft saturated roads in lower elevation areas create conditions where vehicles can easily become stuck.
In response to the storm damage, Lassen National Forest employees are in the process of conducting initial damage assessments. Access issues resulting from road damage and snow conditions limit their ability to quickly complete the assessment.
“As the snow melts and conditions improve in the months ahead, we anticipate finding additional storm damage both on trails and roads.” Said Lassen National Forest Engineer Heather Blevins, who is coordinating the forest damage assessment efforts. “We want to take every precaution to ensure public safety.”
The impacts from the storm damage will also affect forest programs, services, and public access. Impacts will include loss of access to tree mortality mitigation projects, timber sales, communication sites, private property, and recreation areas.
The Forest Service recommends that forest visitors call the nearest Ranger Station to obtain the most current forest road and recreation area access conditions. Contact your local Forest Service Office to report damaged roads and trails. As a reminder, Zone V on the Eagle Lake Ranger District remains closed for all woodcutting.
• Eagle Lake Ranger District –(530) 257-4188
• Almanor Ranger District- (530) 258-2141
• Hat Creek Ranger District (530) 336-5521
Repairing road damage is extremely costly and strains our diminishing budgets. Visitors out exploring the National Forest are asked to exercise good judgement while driving the forest roads. In some instances, drivers could be liable and cited by law enforcement if they create resource damage.
