Forest Warning To Visitors

Sonora, CA — The wintry weather heading into the Mother Lode has Stanislaus Forest Officials cautioning visitors to watch out for rapidly changing weather conditions that could create hazards, especially in the Rim Fire burn areas.

The strong winds and flooding are the main concerns especially in the Rim Fire and El Portal Fire burn areas as damaged trees could topple and there could be mud or rock slides.

“It’s important for visitors to realize that a flash flood can happen even if it is not raining where a person is standing,” says Mary Moore, Forest Hydrologist.  “Further upstream it could be raining really hard.  It’s particularly important to not walk or drive through a flooded area as that’s where serious accidents usually occur.”

Forest Officials say crews have worked to put in culverts, acres of mulching and water bars, but the danger still exists.