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Safety First
- Please be aware of these alerts and notices because many unexpected situations can present difficult challenges for forest visitors.
- Be well informed and prepared for your next visit to the forest.
- Before venturing out, contact the nearest Forest Service office for recent information on alerts, advisories, notices and closures.
- To report an emergency, please call 911.
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Sierra Avalanche Center
Recreationists should always check avalanche advisories and weather conditions before heading into the backcountry.
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Winter Safety
Knowledge of the area, weather, route, and the limitations of your body and equipment - plus a little common sense - can help ensure safe and enjoyable outings.
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Bear Canisters
Hard-sided bear canisters are required for overnight visits to Desolation Wilderness and bear-resistant containers are required in all other areas.
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Daily Burn Status
View the Daily Burn Status for woodcutting and contractors including the Activity Levels, Burn Day Status, Fire Danger Adjective Rating and Indices.
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Fire Restrictions
National Forest System lands in the Lake Tahoe Basin are under year-round campfire restrictions. Visit the Fire Restrictions webpage to learn more.
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Forest Orders
Forest Orders protect the natural environment, ensure the health and safety of visitors, and promote a pleasant and rewarding outdoor recreation experience.
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Fire Danger Rating
Learn about daily fire danger rating adjectives of Low, Moderate, High, Very High, and Extreme.
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Red Flag Warnings
Red Flag Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service when conditions signal an increase in wildfire danger.
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Bubonic Plague
Bubonic Plague is naturally occurring in the Sierra Nevada. Visitors should always take precautions when visiting areas where active plague has been found.
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Harmful Algae
Harmful Algae may be present in recreation areas. For resources, safety tips, FAQs, local bloom reports and to report possible blooms, visit the State of California portal.
Conditions
Danger Tree Information
Tree mortality levels have substantially increased in forests in California over the past decade due to ongoing drought. Learn how the USDA Forest Service is responding to Tree Mortality in California.
Public Notices
Forest Orders
Regional Foresters and Forest Supervisors may issue orders that will close or restrict the use of certain areas if the need arises. Such orders will be posted so that visitors to the National Forest can reasonably be expected to be familiar with them. Copies of the orders will be available in the offices of Forest Supervisors and District Rangers.
Regulations for Forest Users
As a visitor to the National Forests, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forests and the natural environment, to ensure the health and safety of visitors, and to promote a pleasant and rewarding outdoor recreation experience for all visitors.