Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Wet Weather Trail Closures and Rain Gauges
Forest managers can temporarily close off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails when two inches of rainfall occur within a 24-hour period or if the soils become saturated after precipitation events. The wet weather OHV trail closures restrict the use of OHV trails when conditions are too wet to sustain use without causing soil loss, impacting water quality, damaging trail tread and putting public safety at risk.
Wet weather rain gauges are one source of data that forest managers use to determine wet weather trail closures. Forest managers also use weather forecasts and field observations to determine if soils are too saturated for trail use.
The forest’s website, social media and visitor services are the best source for the latest information on any closures.
How do I use wet weather rain gauges?
Forest officials monitor precipitation records using RAWS data and looking at the 24-hour estimated accumulated precipitation. Trail users can check the precipitation data online before traveling to the forest. You’ll need to specifically look at the RAWS dataset on the MesoWest website and select the gauges that the Mendocino National Forest uses to determine wet weather trail closures.
- For the Grindstone District, look at the Stonyford gauge.
- For the Upper Lake District, look at the Elk Mountain (Howard Mill) rain gauge. If the Howard Mill rain gauge is inoperable, then the Konocti gauge is used.
Note on time zones: The MesoWest website defaults to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). To view the data in the Pacific time zone, you’ll need to select “Change to Local Time,” located on the side menu.
How long do wet weather trail closures last?
Temporary wet weather trail closures remain in place until no measurable precipitation is recorded within 48 consecutive hours. By issuing these closures as precipitation events occur, forest officials provide for public safety, protect natural resources during and after storms and allow time for trails to dry out prior to resuming use.
How can I find out if there is a wet weather trail closure?
You can get information about wet weather trail closures from the Mendocino National Forest website, social media or by calling the office at 530-934-3316. You can also subscribe to the forest’s mailing list to get the latest updates in your email inbox.
Why is there a trail closure when there hasn’t been two inches of rain in 24 hours?
Some precipitation events may not hit two inches within 24 hours, however the soil can be saturated to the point that the trail system would be negatively impacted. In this situation forest officials could issue a temporary wet weather trail closure to protect the trail system and minimize damage to natural resources.