Lasen Volcanic National Park Road Opening Work

April 11
With low snow depths and additional help from Cal-trans, road clearing has commenced rather quick. Clearing operations began from Manzanita Lake on March 24 with an opening to Devastated Area shortly after. Road clearing beyond Devastated Area is continuing and plows have reached Kings Creek. From the southwest entrance, road clearing began April 2, after a storm brought 3 feet of much needed fresh snow. In just a week's time, plows have reached Lake Helen; the 10 to 12 feet of snow there will slow the plows somewhat. There is not yet an anticipated road opening date; many more preparations will need to be accomplished prior to road opening.

If you will be walking or bike riding the plowed sections, plese keep in mind a few safety notes:

• Watch for plow operators, make sure they see you before approaching
• Watch for falling rocks; as snow melts from the slopes, rocks come loose and tumble nto the road.
• Stay clear of berms created by the plows, they can be unstable.
• Ice on the cleared road can be present especially in the morning.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/12/2014 01:01PM by eeek.

April 25

Mother Nature has delivered a surprise spring snowstorm overnight. At the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, approximately 8 inches of new snow fell, and the road remains closed at the Visitor Center. Currently, the park road at the northwest entrance is closed at the Loomis Ranger Station, 1 mile inside the park. Our plows will need to re-clear the roadway to the Devastated Area (10 miles), and it may be several days for the road to reopen to traffic. Road clearing operations will resume April 28th.

Despite this small setback, the main park road is expected to open before Memorial Day weekend, weather permitting. As the snow disappears, visitors interested in traveling the main park road by foot or bicycle should expect significant rock rubble and icy patches on the road surface. You may call the Visitor Center at 530-595-4480 for updated conditions.