Winter Safety

A young girl and a man ride in a sled.
Sled with caution. Sledding is the number one cause of visitor injury in the winter season.
 
 

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 (530) 595-4480 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.
 
 
 
A man skis past another man holding a beacon out toward him
Are You Beeping?

Be Avalanche Aware

Visitors who plan to travel oversnow in Lassen Volcanic should be avalanche aware, carry avalanche gear, and know how to use it.

 

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.
 
A woman and young boy stand with a yellow sled in a snowy mountain landscape.
Snowplay in the Southwest Area

Enjoy the steep slopes and sweeping vistas in the snow-covered Southwest Area.

Two women on snowshoes walk across the shore of a snow-covered lake backed by volcanic peaks.
Snowplay in the Manzanita Lake Area

Enjoy snowplay on the gentle slopes near scenic lakes in the Manzanita Lake Area.

Last updated: March 10, 2021

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 100
Mineral, CA 96063

Phone:

530 595-4480

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