Lassen Volcanic National Park Opens Road to Devastated Area

Date: March 30, 2007
Contact: Mary G. Martin, 530-595-4444 ext. 5101

Lassen Volcanic National Park Opens Road to Devastated Area

Lassen Volcanic National Park has opened the main park road to the Devastated Area as of noon today. The popular area is ten miles into the park from the North Entrance at Highway 44/89. “The Devastated Area provides opportunities to enjoy scenic vistas, hiking, cross country skiing and snow playing activities. There will be limited facilities available for visitors this early in the seasons and the road may be closed periodically during lingering spring snow storms,” stated Park Superintendent Mary G. Martin.

The main road through Lassen Volcanic National Park closes in the winter due to heavy snow accumulation. The trans-park route goes from Highway 44/89 in the North to Highway 36 in the South. The park road is incrementally opened each spring. Once the road to the Devastated Area is open the road crew begins clearing the road on the south side of the park.

Snow removal operations began in the Manzanita Lake area on March 14 and will, weather permitting, begin at the Southwest Entrance during the first week of April. Snow depth in the Lake Helen area is approximately 120 inches. The snowfall in the Southwest Area of the park to date has been approximately 194 inches where typically there would have been over 400 inches at this time. April still could bring significant snowfall. Current information about road opening and weather conditions are available at the park website www.nps.gov/lavo.

Visitors should still be prepared for possible winter conditions as mountain weather can change quickly. It is best to dress in layers so you may adjust for changing weather conditions and bring vehicle chains, blankets, food, water, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Snow players, snowboarders and cross country skiers should stay clear of snowplows working in these areas (both upslope and down slope), as equipment operators may be unable to see or hear them.

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