Got this notice from the US Forest Service, about keeping safe if you want to go to the snow:
Arcadia, Calif. – Winter conditions have set in throughout the upper elevations of the San Gabriel Mountains, luring city dwellers to experience the snow firsthand. While some desert areas have received relatively little rainfall, the high country of the Angeles National Forest has received over 25 inches of snow since Sunday. As a result, the Fire Danger is able to be lowered 2 levels from “Very High” to “Moderate” effective Friday, Dec. 19, 2008.
The “Moderate” fire danger level is the second in a six-level, graduated fire danger rating system. A variety of factors determine the level, including the moisture in vegetation, weather conditions and nationwide firefighting equipment and personnel needs.
The “Moderate” fire danger level is the second in a six-level, graduated fire danger rating system. A variety of factors determine the level, including the moisture in vegetation, weather conditions and nationwide firefighting equipment and personnel needs.
“Know before you go” to play in the snow, by calling a Forest Service office to check on the latest conditions for your destination. Following a few winter safety guidelines will help ensure a safe trip to the mountains. Maintain a longer following distance while driving on slick or snow-covered roads and carry tire chains, as they may be required. Also, dress warm and carry extra food and water in case you are stranded. Keep in mind, cell phone coverage is very limited in the San Gabriel Mountains.
If you choose to sled or toboggan, be extremely cautious. Pick a safe location, well away from roads, large rocks and trees. Also, don’t sled or tube in unfamiliar terrain, as drifts can conceal steep cliffs and other drop-offs. Zip your car keys up in a pocket. If they’re dropped in the snow, you’re in for a long day. Developed snow play areas are available at resorts near Wrightwood and in the San Bernardino National Forest.
Open campfires will still be permitted in developed campgrounds only. Gas, jellied or propane-type camp stoves are permitted in campgrounds and trail camps and in backcountry areas with a valid California Campfire Permit. Spark arrestors (required year-round) should be checked to make sure they are in good working order on all off-road vehicles, chain saws and other equipment with internal combustion engines.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) posts current road condition information for the Angeles Crest Highway (State Route 2) at 1-800-427-7623. Closures on the Angeles Forest Hwy are posted on the Los Angeles County website at www.ladpw.org/mpm/roadclosure.
For more information about winter recreation on the Angeles National Forest, contact the Forest Service office nearest your destination:
Angeles National Forest Supervisor’s Office (M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) (626) 574-1613
· Arcadia
Los Angeles River Ranger District (M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) (818) 899-1900
· Los Angeles / San Fernando Valley
San Gabriel River Ranger District (M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) (626) 335-1251
· Glendora / San Gabriel Valley
Santa Clara-Mojave Rivers Ranger District (M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) (661) 296-9710
· Santa Clarita / Acton
Clear Creek Information Center (Sat. & Sun. 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) (626) 821-6764
· Angeles Crest Highway
Mount Baldy Visitor Center (Daily 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) (909) 982-2829
· Mt. Baldy Village
San Gabriel Canyon Gateway Center (Daily 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) (626) 969-1012
· Azusa / San Gabriel Canyon
Big Pines Information Center (Fri-Sun 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) (760) 249-3504
· Wrightwood area
Grassy Hollow Visitor Center (Fri-Sun 10:00 am to 4:00 pm) (626) 821-6737
· Wrightwood, west of Big Pines
Note: All U.S. Forest Service offices will be closed on Christmas Day- Dec. 25, December 26 and Jan. 1, 2009- New Year’s Day.
