Olympic National Forest managers remind visitors to stay safe and be prepared for possible inclement weather conditions, as well as potentially slippery and narrow roads while enjoying the forest this holiday season and into the winter months.
Forest roads are not plowed or maintained during the winter and can be difficult for passenger vehicles to travel on. Heavy rain and snow in the mountains can lead to deep potholes, slick surfaces and icy conditions. Trees and branches may impede travel and dark and foggy days can lead to poor visibility.
Many mountainous roads can be narrow and have few turnouts.
“Winter is a great time to visit the Olympic National Forest, and by being aware of road and weather conditions, visitors can enjoy quality time outdoors and return home safely” forest supervisor Kelly Lawrence said. “It’s a good idea to know your limitations and your vehicle’s capability for handling adverse conditions.”
As families and friends head out to harvest a Christmas tree on the Forest or just spend some time outdoors, it’s a good opportunity to review safety protocol for foul weather.
Follow these tips for enjoying winter in the forest:
Plan your trip
Check the weather, bring plenty of warm clothes, plenty of water and some emergency food; vehicles should be equipped with a shovel, flashlight, tire chains, flares, camp saw or hatchet and blankets.
Tell a friend
Let someone know where you are headed and have a full tank of gas. Be prepared for changing conditions in the mountains. Technology may not work in many areas of the forest; cell coverage can be very spotty.
Be aware
Weather can change quickly in the mountains, pay attention to your surroundings.
Vehicle safety first
Stay on designated roads and when conditions become marginal, stop and turn back. Icy roads, falling trees and rock slides may hamper driving ability. Also, know your vehicle’s limitations for handling forest roads in the winter – such as ground clearance and traction abilities. Emergency vehicles and tow trucks may have difficulty reaching strand
For more information about the Olympic National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/main/olympic/home.
