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Eldorado 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, Greater Lake Tahoe Area and western Nevada, including the following areas, Greater Lake Tahoe Area and Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area. * 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 Tuesday afternoon and evening. 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

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.

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