Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area now open to snowmobiling
The Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area (BWRA) on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest's Bridgeport Ranger District opened for snowmobiling starting at 12 a.m. Saturday.
After the recent snowfall, the BWRA meets the minimum requirement of 24 inches needed to open, with 26 inches measured at the California State Route 108 (SR 108) and Leavitt Lake Road junction.
The People's Gate Trailhead on California State Route 108 has zero feet of snow.
The continuous snow coverage elevation begins at approximately 8,600 feet. (aspect dependent)
Just above the Brownie Creek Gate, snow coverage is continuous but thin; expect to start off riding on pavement when snowmobiling from that location. Beyond Leavitt Lake to Sonora Pass, expect two to 3.5 feet. (aspect dependent)
"The BWRA snowpack should hold with cool temperatures at higher elevations," said Adrianne Thatcher, Recreation Staff Officer. "However, the weather forecast is not favorable for any additional snow in the near future.
"More snow is needed to build the base and create access along SR 108 and the lower portions of Leavitt Lake Road," she added. "When snow depths at the SR 108 and Leavitt Lake Road junction fall below 12 inches, the BWRA will close until sufficient coverage can be met."
United States Forest Service (USFS) officials remind winter recreationists to beware of obstacles when riding in areas of low snow depth.
Snowmobilers should avoid riding in Sardine Meadow, where closure signs are posted to protect sensitive/threatened species habitat.
U.S. Marine Corps winter training exercises also occur in the area throughout the season. Please watch out for these training operations and maintain a reasonable distance for safety.
A permit is required for each person entering the BWRA. Permits are free and can be obtained at several locations including: the People’s Gate Trailhead kiosk; the Bridgeport Ranger District Office, HC62, Box 1000 in Bridgeport, California; the Carson Ranger District Office, 536 South Carson Street in Carson City; or online at: www.bridgeportavalanchecenter.org
The Forest Service provides an avalanche beacon checker, mounted on a Forest Service trailer parked along California State Route 108 just west of People’s Gate. The beacon checker allows recreationists to check if their avalanche beacons are properly functioning.
Additionally, the Forest has set up a beacon practice area, providing an opportunity for visitors to use their probes to practice skills recovering activated emergency beacons.
For location, date, and times that practice areas will be open, check the Forest Service Bulletin Board at the People’s Gate Trailhead or visit the Bridgeport Avalanche Center website: http://bridgeportavalanchecenter.org/
These safety measures were provided thru California State Parks Off-Highway Vehicle Education Grants.
To find out about BWRA snow and avalanche conditions or to sign up for free snowmobile-specific 2018 avalanche awareness clinics, please visit the Bridgeport Avalanche Center’s website at: http://bridgeportavalanchecenter.org/
To help make the BWRA safer, the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest is looking for volunteers to collect and post snow observations to the Bridgeport Avalanche Center’s web site. If interested please contact Ryan Lewthwaite, Bridgeport Ranger District’s Winter Over-Snow Vehicle (OSV) Lead, at 760-932-5820 or rlewthwaite@fs.fed.us.
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