Forest roads closing for winter season

The Deschutes National Forest plans to close Forest Service Road 16, which provides access to Three Creek Lake, and Forest Service Road 370 to wheeled motor vehicle traffic on Wednesday, November 13. Road 370 provides access to Broken Top.

The roads are closed to provide for public safety, minimize resource damage, and preserve the snowpack as these routes transition to winter recreation. Forest managers said Forest Service roads across the Deschutes National Forest are not plowed or maintained for winter driving access and visitors recreating on the Forest should be prepared for winter driving conditions.

Some tips for those enjoying winter recreation on public lands:

• Plan the trip — check the weather, bring plenty of warm clothes, enough water for everyone for 3 days, emergency food, tire chains, shovel, flashlight, flares and/or something to start a fire with, camp saw or hatchet, and a cold weather sleeping bag or blankets.

• Have a full tank of gas, and be prepared for changing conditions. Let someone know the dates you will be gone.

• If the snow on the road is three inches or greater, turn around; conditions are not likely to improve ahead.

• Do not count on technology — GPS devices can steer drivers onto impassable roads, and cell phone service can be inconsistent.

• Pay attention to weather conditions, including increased winds and snowfall, to ensure plenty of time to safely head back home.

For more information visit fs.usda.gov/deschutes or follow the National Forest on X/Twitter @DesNatlForest or on Facebook.