Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest urges caution and patience as snow melts
information released by USFS Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Every spring as snow starts to recede in the lower elevation areas people get excited and think that all areas of the forest are snow-free, which isn’t the case.
Recreationists can expect to encounter some bare spots in the snow as it slowly melts, so winters recreationists need to be careful as rocks, tree tops, and branches will be poking out of the snow as it melts.
Snow groomers are saying the groomed trail conditions are rougher and bumpy even immediately after grooming occurs. This is due to the frequent thawing and freezing and the warmer limited snowpack. They have also seen water and flowing streams that are partially covered by snow, so take care where you ride your snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe as you don’t want to fall through the snow into the water.
Although it might be tempting to drive up forest roads, remember, wheeled vehicles are NOT allowed on any of the groomed trails system.
Something else to keep in mind, sno-park parking may become limited as the snow melts out and access to the snow moves further up in elevation.
We are getting a lot of questions from folks asking about roads, campgrounds, and trails. These areas are generally still under snow (or muddy if lower elevation) in March, and don’t dry up until April. Please refrain from driving on muddy roads which causes a lot of damage to the roadbed.
Campgrounds don’t usually open until Memorial Day weekend, and trails become available as the snow melts. The only snow-free hikes right now would be in the low elevation areas or on south-facing slopes.
We are asking folks to continue to have patience and let forest trails and roads dry out and firm up before attempting to use them.
Follow up info: For those interested in the forest order prohibiting 4-wheeled vehicle use on groomed routes, see the info at this link https://www.fs.usda.gov/…/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd869159.pdf
