Notice from Yosemite

Found this posted on the PCT_List forum today; re-posting here:


From: Wilderness Reservations
<[email protected]>
Date: Thu, Apr 26, 2012 at 12:58 PM
Subject: Special Notice to Wilderness Users
To:



Attention backpackers,

An unprecedented wind storm on November 30, 2011 blew down thousands of trees and caused severe damage to trail systems throughout the Sierra Nevada mountains including sections of the Pacific Crest and John Muir Trails. Unusually heavy damage has been found in the Reds Meadow area.
The spring opening of Reds Meadow Road will likely be postponed. Trails around Reds Meadow, especially the John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails to the north and south of Devils Postpile National Monument are choked with trees. In some places, blow down lies 8-10 feet high across trails for an extended distance. Travel in these areas may be very difficult and take considerably more time. Be aware of potential hazards, difficult conditions, and lack of services in Reds Meadow Valley. Travelers in the area should be prepared for no services at Reds Meadow. If you plan on traveling in the Reds Meadow area in the early season, we recommended you consider altering your trip to a different area or a later date. If you still plan to hike in the area, we advise you bring additional food and supplies as there may be no services at Reds Meadow and you may have to spend extra days in the area.



The Yosemite Wilderness Office is unable to provide additional information at this time. Updates, including photos and trail maps of the area are provided by the Inyo National Forest on their website at www.fs.usda.gov/inyo or by calling (760) 873-2483 <tel:%28760%29%20873-2483> . Alerts about alternate trail routes and clean-up efforts will be posted on the website. The Pacific Crest Trail Association is also posting updates on http://pcta.org/planning/during_trip/current.asp as they receive information.

Specific trails affected include the Pacific Crest and John Muir Trails north and south of Devils Postpile, Upper Rush Creek on the PCT, Fish Creek, Mammoth Pass Trails into Reds, the River, High and Shadow Creek trails near Agnew Meadows. The trails in the Lake Basins including the Duck Pass trail have several blow downs and will require clearing prior to stock and recreational use to have complete access. In the Bishop area, the Piute Pass trail near North Lake was also affected.

Additionally, vast areas of the Golden Trout, John Muir, Ansel Adams, Hoover, Sequoia Kings and Yosemite Wildernesses have not been evaluated.
If hiking for extended periods of time in June or early July be prepared for similar blow down conditions and prepare accordingly.


Yosemite Wilderness Office