Eldorado National Forest

Fire Weather Watch issued October 8 at 11:40AM PDT until October 10 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV

October 8th, 11:40 AM — 2:00 PM

* AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 274 Southern Mono County, 420 Northern Sierra Front including Carson City, Douglas, Storey, Southern Washoe, Western Lyon, and Far Southern Lassen Counties, 421 Southern Sierra Front including Alpine, Northern Mono, Southern Lyon, and Western Mineral Counties, 423 West Humboldt Basin in Pershing County, and 429 Lahontan Basin including Churchill and Eastern Mineral Counties. * TIMING...From Saturday morning through Saturday evening. * WINDS...Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts 35 to 45 mph. * RELATIVE HUMIDITY...Minimum Humidity between 14 to 22 percent. * DURATION...3 to 6 hours. * IMPACTS...The combination of gusty winds and prolonged dry conditions, even in areas where humidity may not be as low, can cause fires to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.

Lake Wind Advisory issued October 8 at 11:45AM PDT until October 10 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV

October 8th, 11:45 AM — 2:00 PM

* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph. Waves 2 to 3 feet on Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake. * WHERE...Greater Lake Tahoe Area, Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area, and Western Nevada Basin and Range including Pyramid Lake. * WHEN...From 5 AM to 11 PM PDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds and rough waves on area lakes will create hazardous conditions for small craft.

Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited

Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…

Overview

Eldorado National Forest is open and accessible, spanning elevations from 1,500 to 10,000 feet across the Sierra Nevada west of Lake Tahoe. Fire restrictions are currently not in effect, allowing wood, charcoal, and gas fires with proper permits (campfire permits not required in developed campgrounds). Key current conditions: Loon Lake Campground and Trailhead is closed for the season for reconstruction, though the boat ramp remained open for day use through Labor Day before closing for construction. Trash service in the Crystal Basin area ended October 20, 2025 for winter—pack out all trash. Bear-proof containers are mandatory for food storage in Desolation Wilderness. Seasonal closures and restrictions apply to the wilderness areas (Desolation and Mokelumne) including year-round campfire prohibitions and specific camping/occupancy restrictions along the PCT corridor. The forest offers 400 miles of trails, abundant fishing lakes and streams, and easy access via Highways 50 and 88 from Sacramento and the Bay Area. Be prepared for sudden weather changes due to elevation variations.

Community Posts

No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!