Winter Safety

Sled with caution. Sledding is the number one cause of visitor injury in the winter season.

 

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Accessing the Park in Winter

Vehicle access in the park is limited to the Southwest and Manzanita Lake Areas in the snowy winter and spring seasons (usually December through April). Conditions can be very hazardous, especially when temperatures drop during the evening and early morning hours.

• During periods of heavy snowfall, Southwest Area plowing operations end at 1:30 pm.
• Visitors are strongly encouraged to exit the park behind the snowplow to avoid traveling through deep snowpack.
• The visitor information line recording at [phone] will list any temporary road or building closures, which may occur at anytime if conditions warrant.
• Learn more about driving in winter conditions on the California Department of Transportation website.

 

Play It Safe

Visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park in the winter/spring snow season involves risk. You can reduce your risk by being prepared in the following ways:

1. Plan for winter driving conditions including ice or snow hazards.
2. Be prepared for winter conditions at high elevation in a remote area.
3. Choose a route that is appropriate for your skill level and ability.
4. Practice avalanche safety if traveling beyond established routes or in steep terrain.

 

Winter Etiquette

Improve everyone's safety and enjoyment by adhering to the following winter etiquette recommendations:

• Do not walk on ski tracks. Footprints and snowshoe tracks create hazards that make skiing more difficult.
• Snowshoe parallel to the ski track. Using a separate track ensures snowshoers remain clear of downhill skiers.
• Yield to faster skiers or downhill traffic. Step to the side to allow skiers traveling downhill to safely pass. In all other cases, yield to those traveling uphill, as they are working harder and have the right of way.

 

Are You Beeping?

Be Avalanche Aware

Visitors who plan to travel beyond winter routes should be avalanche aware, carry avalanche gear, and know how to use it. Lassen does not provide an avalanche forecast for the park. Forecasts for neighboring areas are available from Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center and Sierra Avalanche Center (Lake Tahoe area). You can also check national avalanche conditions at Avalanche.org. View the Lassen Avalanche Awareness Guide (pdf, 511KB) and Lassen Avalanche Terrain Map (jpg, 3.3MB).

 

Be Prepared For Winter Conditions

Your safety is your responsibly. Be prepared for winter conditions, at high elevation, in a remote area. A few suggestions to reduce your risk:

• Carry waterproof gear
• Pack layers for warmth
• Be avalanche aware if traveling beyond established routes or in steep terrain
• Check the weather forest before you head out
• Tell someone where you are going and when you will return

Recreating in a Remote Area

• If you have an emergency call 911. If phone service is not available, contact a park employee, go to the Loomis Ranger Station, or use the emergency phone in the 24-hour vestibule of the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.
• There is no gas in the park between November and early May. Fill up your gas tank in a nearby town before entering the park.
• Cell service (AT&T and Verizon) is very limited in the park and surrounding areas. Free WiFi is available inside and immediately outside the visitor center.

 

Choose an Appropriate Activity/Route

The Manzanita Lake Area (5,800 elevation) consists of gentle slopes and scenic lakes, and offers the easiest routes for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the park. The Southwest Area offers steep slopes and sweeping vistas with increased danger of avalanches. This offers the best backcountry skiing and snowboarding terrain for those who practice avalanche awareness.

Go Sledding with Caution

• Sledding is the number one cause of visitor injury in the winter season.
• Icy conditions increase speed and risk.
• Select a slope appropriate for age and ability.
• Construction of jumps prohibited.