Hazard Trees
An ongoing alert for heightened danger from falling dead trees remains in effect in many areas of the National Forests. There are over 100 million trees killed or weakened by drought and bark beetles that are a falling hazard. Please be cautious when visiting National Forests, especially in the southern and central Sierra Nevada, where mortality has been highest. Trees can fall anywhere at any time. Be vigilant of possible hazards and remember the Watch Out tips (PDF version 1092 KB).
• Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid dense patches of dead trees. Trees can fall without warning.
• Stay out of the forest when there are strong winds that could blow trees down. If you are already in the forest when the winds pick up, head to a clearing out of reach of potential falling trees.
• Pitch tents and park vehicles in areas where they will not be hit if trees fall.
• When driving in remote areas of the forest, park close to a main road rather than on a spur or one-way section; if trees fall across the road, you could become trapped.
• Bring an ax or a chainsaw to remove fallen trees from roads if you do become trapped.
• Do not rely solely on cell phones for safety as many areas of the National Forest have no cell phone coverage.
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