Winter recreation safety this Presidents Day Weekend

With Presidents Day weekend here, remember to plan ahead for this fee-free day! Ensure your vehicles are snow-ready and practice caution when enjoying winter recreation in California’s national forests.

Brush up on winter safety tips from Recreate Responsibly, and follow these tips for a safe, fun outing on snow and ice:

· Know Before You Go — Check the weather at your destination, road conditions, tire chain requirements, and potential closures. Avoid detours around roads or other closures. Alternative routes suggested by travel apps and online map services may not reflect the situation on the ground. You run the risk of getting lost or trapped. Instead, use Caltrans QuickMap.

· Be Prepared — Check tire pressures and tread. Top off windshield fluid. Carry tire chains, an ice scraper, an extra blanket, water, and provisions in your car if you get stuck roadside.

· Keep in Touch — Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Stick to your plan.

· Play It Safe — Know your limits. Slow down and choose lower-risk activities.

· Check Ski/Snowboard Conditions — Before traveling, check conditions and operating status before hitting the slopes. Keep in mind conditions might change fast. Please follow all safety guidelines. Use Ski California - Avalanche Safety for a refresher on mountain

· Be Cautious on Ice — Temperatures change daily. Areas that appear solid may quickly thaw and become impassible. Ice skating, fishing, or trekking on frozen lakes, ponds, rivers or reservoirs is not advised. Consider an indoor skating facility as a safer alternative.

· Be Avalanche Aware — Backcountry users should exercise extreme caution, travel in groups if possible, carry proper avalanche equipment, and check the avalanche report ahead of time. Helpful resources include Eastern Sierra Avalanche Forecast, Sierra Avalanche Center for Lake Tahoe area, and Mount Shasta Avalanche Center.