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Sierra National Forest

Flood Watch issued July 20 at 12:17PM PDT until July 21 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV

12:17 PM — July 21st, 12:30 AM

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible due to thunderstorms. * WHERE...Portions of east central California, including the following area, Mono County and western Nevada, including the following area, Mineral and Southern Lyon Counties. * WHEN...From Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of creeks, streams, urban areas, burn scars, and areas near steep terrain. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Deeper monsoonal moisture combined with daytime heating will produce scattered thunderstorms each afternoon and evening through Tuesday. Slower moving storms could redevelop over similar areas, increasing the risk for heavy rainfall capable of producing flash flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Flood Watch issued July 20 at 12:17PM PDT until July 20 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV

12:17 PM — July 21st, 12:30 AM

* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible due to thunderstorms. * WHERE...Portions of east central California, including the following area, Mono County and western Nevada, including the following area, Mineral and Southern Lyon Counties. * WHEN...From Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of creeks, streams, urban areas, burn scars, and areas near steep terrain. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Deeper monsoonal moisture combined with daytime heating will produce scattered thunderstorms each afternoon and evening through Tuesday. Slower moving storms could redevelop over similar areas, increasing the risk for heavy rainfall capable of producing flash flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

Overview

Sierra National Forest is open and accessible across most of its 1.3 million acres spanning Fresno, Madera, and Mariposa counties in the central Sierra Nevada. The forest has recently reopened the vast majority of areas affected by the 2025 Garnet Fire (over 99% of the fire area reopened on October 31, 2025), though visitors should exercise caution as significant post-fire hazards remain including unstable slopes, hazard trees, and damaged roads—particularly during inclement weather and high winds. Several specific locations remain closed: Black Rock Road/11S12 (bridge damage), Black Rock Campground, Sawmill Flats Campground, and Ross Crossing camping area. Fire restrictions were lifted on October 11, 2025. Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoias is scheduled to reopen January 1, 2026, after extensive fuels reduction treatments. The Mammoth Pool boat launch remains closed for rehabilitation work. Active forest orders include occupancy limitations for extended stays (Order 05-15-00-25-20), wilderness use restrictions, wilderness campfire restrictions in the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wildernesses, and bear-proof food storage requirements at all developed recreation sites. The forest emphasizes proper bear safety, checking weather conditions before visits, and being prepared for limited cell service in backcountry areas.

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