PLACERVILLE, CA January 7, 2017 – Forest officials are recommending visitors Stay Home and Stay Safe. With the incoming storm, forest conditions are expected to be hazardous all over the forest. The National Weather Service is predicting 10 to 15 inches of precipitation in the mountains this weekend with additional storms following. As this is a warmer storm, snow elevation levels are expected to be high which will most likely result in the rain melting a large portion of our current snow pack compounding water runoff and soil saturation concerns. The forest is at risk for flooding, landslides, road washouts, rolling rocks, and falling trees from saturated soils.
 “Normally, I would be inviting visitors to come here and enjoy some winter fun but with this weather prediction the public should closely monitor weather conditions and stay home and stay safe.” said Laurence Crabtree, Eldorado National Forest Supervisor. “We are expecting dangerous forest conditions and do not recommend people risk their lives or the safety of their families.”
Crews will be closing gates, temporarily blocking roads, and posting caution signs in the higher risk areas; such as, the King Fire area but the entire forest is considered hazardous.  This storm event has as much potential as the 1997 flood which caused extensive damage to forest roads, Highway 50, and other natural resources.
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National Weather Service Flood Safety Tips
  • Turn Around, Don’t Drown
  • Have an alternate travel route plan and an emergency preparedness kit.
  • Stay tuned to local TV/radio for weather updates.
  • Avoid driving through flooded roadways.
  • Do not drive around a barricade. Barricades are there for your protection.
  • Be especially cautious driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.