Spring Snow Brings Great Fun, Delays Opening Some Park Facilities

Date: May 19, 2006
Contact: Karen Haner, 530-595-4444 ext. 530

May 19, 2006 For Immediate Release
Karen J. Haner [phone], ext. 5130

Spring Snow Brings Great Fun, Delays Opening Some Park Facilities

Park Superintendent Mary G. Martin announced that due to heavier than average spring snow, some park facilities will open later than normal this year. This year’s snow survey for May revealed that at the Lake Helen survey site there was over 275 inches of snow which is 170% of normal.

This Memorial Day weekend visitors will be able to drive to some attractions within the park. Visitors can drive one mile past the Southwest Entrance to Sulfur Works or ten miles from the Manzanita Lake Entrance to the Devastated Area. Along the road visitors will find snow up to 10 feet high. “The Memorial Day weekend will be a great opportunity for visitors to avoid the heat of the valley and to come play in the wonderful spring snow,” stated Superintendent Martin. For those who enjoy a good bike ride the road has been plowed past Sulfur Works and visitors are welcome to explore the area. Visitors are also welcome to bring their sleds and enjoy the snow in the warmth of the spring sun. Before participating in any activity be sure to stop at an entrance station or park headquarters to get information on the current conditions in the park and safety information.

The Manzanita Lake Campground, Camper Services Store and Loomis Museum will be open for the Memorial Day weekend. Crags campground will also be open for dry camping. For an adventure, the Southwest campground will be open for camping on five to ten feet of snow. The Butte Lake, Juniper Lake and Warner Valley roads will remain closed due to snow.

Butte Lake Campground is scheduled to open June 16. The Juniper and Summit Lake Campgrounds are anticipated to open July 14. All anticipated opening dates are weather and snow permitting. “Late spring snow will cause the campgrounds to open later than normal this year. Park staff remain committed to opening the campgrounds as soon as possible,” commented Martin. For the most current information on the progress of the road opening and current campground status please visit www.nps.gov/lavo .

For more information, please contact the park at [phone] or for TDD at [phone], Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. -NPS-