Winter Visits to Lassen Volcanic: Main Park Road Closed, No Gas in the Park, and Sledding Is the Top Winter Injury
Lassen Volcanic National Park, in northeastern California, becomes a remote, high-elevation winter park once the snow arrives. The National Park Service's winter safety page warns that the main park road and park roads are expected to be closed in winter, that no gas is available in the park during the season, that cell service is limited to none in much of the park, and that services are limited, so visitors should be prepared to self-rescue.
In winter, access is typically to the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center near the southwest entrance, reached by Highway 36, and to Loomis Plaza and the Manzanita Lake area near the northwest entrance, reached by Highways 44 and 89. Some highways may not be plowed consistently, and Highway 36 to the southwest entrance is maintained by the state transportation department. Free Wi-Fi is available near both visitor areas, and the park information line is (530) 595-6100.
Plowing schedules shape the day as well: during heavy snowfall, plowing in the southwest area ends at 1:30 p.m. and visitors must exit behind the snowplow, with the last plow typically leaving the southwest area at 2:30 p.m. Weather is unpredictable and icy roads add travel time, so the park advises checking forecasts and carrying a car emergency kit with a snow shovel, ice scraper, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, jumper cables, tow ropes, water and food.
The park is blunt about the top hazard: sledding is the number one cause of visitor injury in winter. It also urges visitors to watch for early signs of hypothermia and frostbite, noting that a body temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit requires immediate medical attention, and to dress in wool or synthetic layers rather than cotton. (Source: National Park Service)
Source: National Park Service
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：拉森火山国家公园冬季雪地救援演练场景。国家公园管理局图片。 / Photo: A winter rescue exercise in the snow at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Image from the National Park Service.
