Ashley National Forest is advising against venturing into the high country of the Forest, including attempts at the Highline Trail or accessing lakes for recreation. “The Highline Trail in May is considered impassable, unless one has serious experience in wet snow drifts in excess of five feet deep and below-freezing conditions above treeline,” shares the Forest announcement. “The lakes/reservoirs that are relatively close in the high country (East Park, Oaks Park) still have snow drifts a few feet deep on the roads leading to them, and have required responses from our law enforcement personnel for rescues. Areas further up on the Red Cloud Loop and deeper into the Forest are still impassable with deeper snowdrifts. There is more inclement weather in the forecast, so wet and wintery conditions will likely persist for a few more weeks. If your car doesn’t have high clearance or appropriate tires to handle wintery conditions, don’t venture out through snow and mud… Despite it being 80° in the communities around the High Uintas and Ashley National Forest, it is only just getting above 50° up there, making roads very muddy and icy as they thaw (and refreeze nightly),” shares the announcement. “Know your limits, and we’ll continue to keep you updated on conditions and gates in the high country as we move into the summer. Give us a call if you’re unsure of conditions and considerations where you’re going.”
