Alerts
In addition to closures, prohibitions and fire restrictions, this list includes a snapshot of significant known issues across Carson National Forest. However, the forest is 1.5 million acres and some issues may not be known for severeal weeks or even months in less visisted areas. To report an issue, contact forest staff.
For general conditions by season, vist the Current Conditions.
Forest Alerts
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Early Fall Prescribed Fires Planned
Carson National Forest fire managers will potentially move forward with several prescribed fires in the first half of fall 2025.
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Current Wildfire Activity
A list of any current and recent wildfires. -
Transmission Line Fuels Clearance in Taos Canyon
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association is currently conducting fuels mitigation work to reduce the risk of wildfires within its right-of-way for a 115kV transmission line that spans Forest Service land between Black Lake, N.M., and Taos.
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Flash Flooding Potential
With heavy rainfall forecasted, visitors should be aware of the potential for flash floods, especially in areas around and downstream of the 2022 Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon burn scar, such as in Mora County.
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Agua Piedra Barrier Free Trail Flooding
Flooding caused by a beaver dam is covering the south end of the trail. Visitors with mobility devices may find it difficult to turn around.
The fishing piers remain accessible.
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Douglas-Fir Tussock Moth Outbreak
Recently browned trees to the south of Taos, N.M., are the result of an outbreak of Douglas-fir tussock moths, which are currently in their larval (caterpillar) stage.
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Current Fire Restrictions and Related Prohibitions
Fire managers will enact temporary fire restrictions at times of heightened fire danger to complement regional orders and national prohibitions.
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Closure of Forest Road 17
Forest Roads 17 is currently closed for maintenance work.
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Placer Fork Trail Flooding
A beaver dam has caused flooding on the Placer Fork Trail (#72), just east of its junction with the Columbine Canyon Trail (#71). Visitors report it is not safely passable.
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Capulin Trail and Related Road Access Closed to Vehicles
The Capulin Trail (#494), as well as a portion of Forest Road 10AA, is temporarily closed to vehicles (motorcycles, ATVs and e-bikes, classes 1-3).
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Brush Piles Along Highway 150 and Wheeler Peak Trail (#90)
Piles from forest thinning last year are visible throughout the Highway 150 corridor, including from campgrounds and trailheads, between the forest boundary and Taos Ski Valley. -
Occupancy and Use
Covers stay limits, alcoholic beverages, parking and public nudity. -
Significant Deadfall on Trails: Comales, Midnight, Sawmill Trails
Travel is not recommended on the following trails or trail segments due to blowdown from a severe windstorm in Dec. 2021. Trail crews continue work through the backlog:
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Fawn Lakes Drained
Heavy spring runoff in 2019 broke the dam and damaged the sidewalk, pullouts and pier. Forest staff are working with partners to identify funding and options for the future of fishing in this area.
The adjacent campground remains open for the spring and summer seasons.