SoCal Mountain Roads Covered In Snow, Ice: Rangers Advise Caution

IDYLLWILD, CA —Though some roadways are opening as of Friday morning, the San Bernardino National Forest rangers advised the public that some parts of the forest will be inaccessible for several weeks. Personnel are working to clear roads and make infrastructure repairs necessary following the recent winter storms that walloped the region.

"We are working to address public safety and to assess winter storm damages." Forest Supervisor Danelle Harrison said in a news conference Thursday. "Due to limited access and deteriorating conditions, it will be several weeks before the San Bernardino National Forest is fully operational."

Parts of the 660,000-acre forest have been heavily impacted by snowstorms that swept through last week and this week.

Portions of the forest already had snow packs in excess of four feet when fresh snow fell Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

In the Idyllwild-Pine Cove area, more than six inches of new snow fell Wednesday.

"With communities dealing with lack of power and lack of resources, visiting these mountain communities puts additional pressure on already scarce resources," Harrison said. "Unsafe road conditions due to snow and ice, as well as warming temps, have created hazardous driving conditions, to the point where many roads remain closed.

"If you have to travel to these communities, please be prepared with self-sustaining resources. If you find yourself stuck, there could be delays in receiving help."

Officials encouraged forest visitors to get information online from Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol and other relevant agencies to confirm conditions before attempting travel at higher elevations.

City News Service, Patch Editor Ashley Ludwig contributed to this report.