Inyo National Forest

Current Conditions

PUBLIC SERVICE ADVISORIES

December 9, 2009

Winter has arrived in the Inyo National Forest with many seasonal road closures and deep snow in the high country.  Most of the trailheads are now only accessible by ski or snowshoe travel.  Only a handful of Inyo National Forest Campgrounds are open but several choices do remain, mostly in the Owens Valley.  Travelers are cautioned to be prepared for winter travel, conditions can change rapidly this time of the year.

The various ranger stations can provide useful information on campgrounds and current conditions: Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center – (760) 924-5500; White Mountain Ranger Station (Bishop) - (760) 873-2500; Interagency Visitor Center (Lone Pine) - (760) 876-6222.

AVALANCHE CENTER & ADVISORY

For current avalanche information, please visit the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center's website at: http://www.esavalanche.org/

BOTTOM LINE - 2/3/10

The avalanche danger rating for the Rock Creek and Bishop Creek areas is LOW with areas of MODERATE avalanche danger in wind scoured terrain above 8,000 feet on north to east facing slopes.

The avalanche danger rating for the Mammoth and June Mountain areas is estimated to be LOW. Avalanche conditions are generally safe. Watch for unstable snow in steep rocky terrain.

This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur. ... More>>>

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FIRES, EMERGENCIES, ALERTS AND RESTRICTIONS

There are no fires on the Inyo Forest at this time. For information on fires throughout the nation's forest, please visit http://www.inciweb.org

RECREATION REPORTS & INFORMATION

Looking for the most current information on conditions? Look no further - the recreation reports are back! Please give us some feedback regarding these reports. We'd like to know what you think!

Mammoth Ranger District

Mono Lake Ranger District & Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area

Mt. Whitney Ranger District

White Mountain Ranger District

FIRE INFORMATION LINKS

The California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CDF) posts major fire incidents and current status of these fires as well as links to more information. Also see Region 5's Fire incident page for Forest Service specific fires. Check out the latest and most detailed fire weather forecast for the Inyo National Forest and surrounding desert areas at The National Weather Service's Fire Weather Page. Our own Fire and Aviation page provides forest-wide information.

HIGHWAY CONDITIONS

California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) manages and maintains state highways running through and around Inyo National Forest. Use the following links to access current highway conditions on the CalTrans website:

• Highway 395
• Highway 168
• Highway 120
• Highway 6
• Highway 158
• Highway 203