The 30-mile Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway traverses avalanche-prone slopes with up to 2,000 foot drops and can hold a snowpack up to 40 feet deep. Snow clearing operations usually begin in March or April and continues for about two months before the highway is entirely open. Road Clearing Operator Log 2024Road clearing operations every year begin in March or April.
Directions for Travel Around the ParkIt is possible to travel around the park around both the east and west sides of the park to access the northwest or southwest entrances when the park highway is closed through traffic due to snow.Travel Around the West Side of the ParkThis route is the shortest route around the park. This windy road is not recommended for RVs and trailers. Average travel time is one hour and 45 minutes and 71 Miles . View directions in Google Maps.
Travel Around the East Side of the ParkThis route is slightly longer than the west route, however it has fewer curves and is appropriate for RVs and trailers. Average travel time is two hours and 106 Miles. View directions on Google Maps.
When Will the Highway Open to Through Traffic?Road crews begin clearing snow from the park highway in March or April, depending on snow depth and weather forecasts. It is not possible to predict when the highway will open to through traffic, because weather and other delays can affect the clearing process significantly. A chart below provides opening and closing dates of the park highway since 1980. The park may plow snow from Butte Lake, Warner Valley, or Juniper Lake roads, depending on the spring snow depth. The paved sections of Warner Valley and Juniper Lake roads are maintained by Plumas County and are usually not plowed. Snow clearing operations occur in the following order:
What's the Delay?Clearing the park highway is no quick or easy undertaking! Snow accumulates on the 30-mile park highway throughout the winter season (typically November through April). Snow depth can reach up to 30 feet at the highest elevations, with drifts occasionally reach as high as 40 feet. The road clearing process can take up to three months due to numerous factors including:
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See how park road crews clear snow from the park highway in a two-month long process each spring. Road Opening and *Closing Dates - 1980 to Present* Closing date may not reflect when the road first closed due to snowfall. The first season snowfall may temporarily close the road.
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Last updated: March 21, 2024