MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Late spring storms brought much-needed precipitation to Northern California but left many recreation areas inaccessible for the Memorial Day weekend.

The snow level was last reported around 6,300 feet.

Forest Highway 7 (from Willows to Covelo) is closed by snow east of Mendocino Pass.

However, it’s not all gloom and doom and snow pack. Lake Pillsbury resort and campgrounds on the Upper Lake Ranger District are open for the season. Middle Creek campground on the Upper Lake district and Eel River campground on the Covelo district are also open.

On the Grindstone Ranger District, visitors can explore Thomes Gorge and camp in various dispersed campgrounds including Sugarfoot and Kingsley Glade. Plaskett Meadows and Masterson campgrounds are still under snow.

Visitors are encouraged to check with local offices for more information about current conditions before traveling to the forest. Remember that the Ranch fire area on the southern end of the forest remains closed to the public. The closure includes the M10 Road, Letts Lake and the OHV trail system.

Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility at all times. Campfire permits are required for the use of campfires, charcoal fires or portable gas stoves outside designated recreation sites. Permits are available online at http://www.preventwildfireca.org/ .

Remember to follow these campfire guidelines:

· Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of five feet in all directions.
· Make a fire only if you have a shovel and sufficient water to put it out.
· Have a responsible person in attendance at all times.
· Never leave your campfire unattended.
· Never build a campfire on a windy day.
· To make sure your campfire is out, drown with water and stir with dirt, making sure all burned materials are extinguished. Feel with your hand to make sure it’s out cold.
· Every campfire will be put dead out before leaving it.

Please plan ahead and properly prepare for your trip. Known road conditions can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mendocino/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=FSEPRD628534 .

Watch for other problems such as downed trees and rock slides. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Remember that cell phone coverage is unreliable in many parts of the forest. Be aware that weather can change very quickly and plan accordingly.

Mendocino National Forest offices will be closed Monday, May 27, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday and the Stonyford work center will be closed Tuesday, May 28.

For more information, check the forest website https://www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino , Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MendocinoNF/ , Twitter @MendocinoNF or call 530-934-3316.