The snow survey results are in. Unfortunately it is going to be a dry season when it comes to water. The Kings River Basin is at 44% of normal for this time of year. It was very much the same last season. If we don’t get anymore rain or snow going forward, expect conditions to be similar to last season if not worse. Plan accordingly!
All but one snow survey result is in for the Kings River Basin. Unfortunately it is another month of not looking so good regarding our snow. The Kings River is sitting at 46% of normal for this time of year. Many people are hoping for a “Mircale March” to improve the snow pack for the April 1 survey. This week is projected to be in the 70’s, so that is not good for our snow. As you know though weather can change rather quickly and can surprise us. Here’s hoping for a better March.
Happy New Year everyone! I hope you made the best of 2020 as much as you possibly could. The 2021 “hiking season” will soon be upon us. As such with a new year comes many new things in various parts of our lives. In respect to the website, there is a new way to communicate using Tapatalk’s forums. I have created a group there called Southern Sierra Wilderness.
The forums will be a new way for the community here to engage. By default the forums are closed to public viewing, meaning you need to join. Membership is completely free and there are several options for you to choose from in order to gain access. I believe it will also be a way for users to better share their adventures and photos of their trips, ask for advice, and general communications about the wilderness. I hope you find it helpful and I look forward to interacting with everyone.
Ready to get started? Simply click the link below to join in! Hope to chat with you soon.
Forums -> Southern Sierra Wilderness via Tapatalk.
PORTERVILLE, Calif, May 8, 2020 – The Sequoia National Forest will enact fire restrictions prohibiting campfires, stove fires, welding, or smoking on all public lands managed by the Forest below 5,000 ft. The restrictions starting Saturday, May 9, are due to a heavy grass fuel load, drying conditions, and established high wildland fire danger.
The Forest is continuing to experience tree mortality, affecting approximately 600,000 acres of forest land. “These conditions coupled with late winter precipitation have resulted in a heavy grass fuel load,” said Forest Supervisor, Teresa Benson. “The restrictions are deemed necessary to protect public safety and prevent human-caused wildfires.”
Effective May 9, and until further notice, the following restrictions are in effect below 5,000 ft:
- No Campfires or Stove Fires. As a reminder, all developed campgrounds are closed under the Regional Order.
- Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are not exempt from the prohibitions but are allowed to use portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves using pressurized gas, liquid fuel, or propane.
- No Smoking is permitted, except within an enclosed vehicle.
- Operating an internal combustion engine off of properly designated roads or trails and welding are all strictly prohibited during the fire restriction period.
- Fireworks, exploding targets, tracer rounds, and other incendiary ammunition or devices are not allowed in the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument at any time. This includes sparklers or safe and sane fireworks.
Human-caused fires can be prevented. One less spark can mean one less wildfire. Do your part to prevent wildfires. To learn more, visit www.preventwildfireca.org/one-less-spark-one-less-wildfire.
Know Before You Go! For additional information regarding fire restrictions, please contact your local Ranger Station Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm or email SM.FS.SequoiaNF@usda.gov for current information.
- Kern River Ranger District 760-549-9533
- Western Divide Ranger District 559-920-0460
- Hume Lake Ranger District 559-791-5758
- Supervisor’s Office 559-920-1588
Stay informed, follow our webpage at www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia, Facebook at #SequoiaNF, Twitter at @sequoiaforest or SequoiaNF OnCell app.
Forest Service extends closure of most developed recreation sites in California through May 15
PORTERVILLE, Calif., – The USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region, announced that most developed recreation sites will remain closed through May 15. Regional Order No. 20-03 is available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd731223.pdf
The order does not close trails, trailheads, and general forest areas; these areas remain accessible for public use. Information on individual recreation sites and opportunities are available from local National Forests.
Outdoor recreation can be beneficial to mental and physical health but must be practiced safely. In light of the statewide shelter-in-place order issued by the Governor of California, we continue to ask visitors to recreate locally.
If you do plan on visiting the National Forest please be aware that:
If an area is crowded, please search for a less occupied location. Closing any site for any reason is not an action we take lightly, but protecting our visitors and employees remains our highest priority. We are working with our state and local partners to determine the best path forward to safely reopen closed sites.
Please call your local Ranger Station Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm or email SM.FS.SequoiaNF@usda.gov for current SQNF information.
Kern River Ranger District 760-549-9533
Western Divide Ranger District 559-920-0460
Hume Lake Ranger District 559-791-5758
Supervisor’s Office 559-920-1588
Stay informed, follow our webpage at www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia, Facebook at #SequoiaNF, Twitter at @sequoiaforest or SequoiaNF OnCell app.
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our national forests safe and healthy for everyone’s use.
The COVID-19 issue has sure disrupted a lot of things locally. One of those areas are the snow surveys. The State of California uses their own employees as well as federal and private to complete the surveys up and down the Sierra Nevada. Early reports show the snow pack for the Kings River is around 46% of normal for this time of year. However, like many parts of the Sierra Nevada, the snow surveys not fully complete. The 3rd of each month is the last day for the survey. This then means the results could be posted that same day, but by the 4th at the latest.
If some of the early snow surveys are any indication, we will be around 46% of normal for the month of April. March’s storms were a nice boost as many areas were projecting almost 10% less if March remained a “dry” month. If additional reports to trickle in, there will be another update to follow. Stay tuned!
The snow results are in for the March 1 survey. We are sitting at 41% of normal for the Kings River Basin. Last year around this time we were approximately 168% of normal. Maybe a “Miracle March” will happen? Time will tell.
Snow survey results are nearing completion for the Kings River Basin. Tomorrow is the last reporting day and likely not to vary too much from what is currently being reported now. The snow pack is currently setting at 72% of normal for this time of year. We shall see what the two wettest months (February and March) bring to the Sierra Nevada.
Post from the Sequoia National Forest to all visitors.
Poodle-dog bush can cause severe irritation to the skin if touched, akin to poison oak or poison ivy. It can raise blisters lasting as long as two weeks or more. The plant is covered in sticky hairs, which can dislodge easily and can be passed on to hikers who touch it or brush up against it. The swelling, rash and itching appear twelve hours to two days after contact. Use caution and avoid this plant.
It is found in nearly all habitat types that have recently burned including conifer forests, chaparral, oak woodland and riparian areas. Poodle-dog bush is frequently found along trails.
Wear long sleeves and pants if you plan to visit the Sequoia National Forest within previously fire burned areas. This plant was recently found in the Converse Basin area on the Hume Lake Ranger District. Historically, it has been discovered in areas burned by wildfire which is happening more across the Forest and in Giant Sequoia National Monument. Notes are as follows:
– This native California shrub grows at elevations from 300 to 7,500 feet. It can grow almost 10 feet tall, and has purple bell-shaped flowers.
– It is a perennial, woody shrub with long shiny leaves. It emits an unpleasant, slightly pungent odor.
June 1 is National Trails Day. A perfect time to get outside and make a difference on a trail. If you are interested, make sure to check out the link below to find an spot near you. If there isn’t one nearby, but you want to start an event there is information on how to do so. Go and help a trail!
Monarch Wilderness 