San Bernardino National Forest  

NOTICE Winter Conditions

You may encounter sudden weather changes, snow, ice and flooding on roads, trails and in backcountry areas of the Southern California National Forests (Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres and San Bernardino).

Winter visits to the National Forests can be fun –
But know about the unique hazards that exist when recreating at this time of year!

Check with local ranger stations for information. Find ranger station locations and numbers on our Need More Information web page. Use the service we offer here which links you to all the forest web sites at Check Current Conditions.

Be Prepared

1. Check on current and predicted conditions Before You Go!

2. Notify friends or family of your itinerary, and re-notify them if you change your itinerary.

3. Do not travel alone!

4. Listen to weather forecasts - Conditions can change during your visit.

5. Be Prepared. Review this check list of essential items:

   • Carry snow chains or tire traction devices at all times when traveling in the mountains during winter weather conditions.

   • Be prepared to spend the night - Carry a blanket, spare clothing, energy snacks and some drinking water in your vehicle.

   • Bring sunglasses, sun block, gloves, hats and other protective items. Don’t forget to bring important prescription medications, in case you are delayed for a while.

   • Bring a cell phone and keep it charged in your vehicle. While many mountain areas do not have cell service, some areas do.

6. Make sure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition before traveling. Keep your gas tank near full as possible. Auto service opportunities can be infrequent in some mountain areas.

7. Make sure you carry a First Aid Kit and flashlight.

Winter Safety Tips & Mountain Etiquette

Snow play

Sledding and tobogganing are great fun! Select safe locations for these activities, well away from roads and highways and without nearby obstructions like rocks and trees. Many visitors are injured every year when playing in the snow.

Throwing snowballs is a traditional play activity. Please be careful. An “ice-ball” in the face can ruin the outing, not to mention someone’s eyesight! Throwing snowballs at motor vehicles is against the law. The Highway Patrol, County Sheriffs and Forest Officers will cite violators.

Driving & Parking

Space along mountain roads and highways is limited on high use “snow play days”:

• Park your vehicle in a safe location and do not double or triple park (blocking in others). Personnel at Ranger Stations and local businesses can recommend safe areas to park and play.

• Never park in front of closed gates, they may be needed for emergency access, and you could be cited or have your vehicle towed away.

• Do not park in restricted or No Parking areas. These are posted for the safety of all travelers.

• When installing tire chains or traction devices, park in a safe location well off the roadway. Never stop in traffic lanes for these purposes, you may cause other motorists to lose control when they spot your vehicle blocking lanes.

• If you are involved in a traffic accident, try to immediately drive your vehicle to the roadside, but only if safe to do so. Getting the obstructing vehicles off the roadway may prevent the accident from getting worse, involving other vehicles. Immediately call 911, or ask other travelers to call 911 for you from the nearest phone.

Dangers!

• Stay Away from ice covered lakes and streams. Over the past decade several forest visitors have fallen through thin ice and drown. Be extremely careful when walking on ice covered or slippery surfaces like parking areas and trails and especially steep slopes. One slip could result in a serious injury.

• Some visitors bring portable heating devices on their mountain visit, like gas and charcoal barbeque grills. These are permissible if fire precautions are “low”. Always check ahead. Important – Never use a portable heating device like a charcoal barbeque in an enclosed space like a vehicle, trailer, or building. These devices give off carbon monoxide, a gas that accumulates and can cause suffocation. Use these devices only in well-ventilated areas outdoors.

• Winter weather conditions in the mountains can be extreme! An inadequately clothed person can get hypothermia (low internal body temperature). Hypothermia can be deadly – learn to recognize the early symptoms. Keep warm and dry.

• Sometimes too much rain is the problem rather than snow. Never proceed to drive or hike into areas where fast-moving water is covering roads or crossing trails. Avoid areas with slides and falling rock.

Remember to display good land use ethics at all times. Never abandon trash or other materials in the forest. The Adventure Pass program has provided many new facilities and services like additional restrooms and trash receptacles. Place your disposable items in the proper facility, or take it back home with you! Help keep your forests looking clean and beautiful…

Additional Back Country Precautions

WINTER MOUNTAINEERING TRAINING & SKILLS ARE CRITICAL!

• Be prepared to spend the night and never travel alone.

• Be aware of local weather forecasts.

• Be aware of and able to recognize potential avalanche conditions.

• Be properly equipped, including:

  • Cold weather clothing & spare socks.

  • Adequate, high-traction footwear. Carry crampons with ten or more points, not the instep type.

  • Helmet and ice axe; maps and compass; consider carrying a GPS unit.

  • Carry food, water, matches, flashlight and First Aid kit