Butte Meadows Hillsliders Snowmobile Club: Feb 28, 2010

Butte Meadows Hillsliders Snowmobile Club

After December 25th of each year ALL Winter Routes and Trails in the Lassen National Forest are closed to All types of Wheeled Vehicles. It is at the implementation of this Closure and the Closure of the Jonesville Gate --Humboldt Road, that our responsibilities begin. The Butte Meadows Hillsliders Snowmobile Club is responsible for maintaining wheeled vehicle access to a section of Humboldt Road above Butte Meadows leading to the Snowmobile Park's main Trailhead at Jonesville--about five miles to be exact. Please be advised: four wheel drive with snow tires and/or carrying chains is required on this section of road. We are also responsible for keeping the Park's main trailhead clear and for grooming all snowmobile Routes and Trails into the Lassen National Forest. We are as well responsible for maintaining a state of the art Warming Hut Complex located in the high country half way between Jonesville and Chester. Our responsibilities continue well into the Spring of each year. We invite you to check the Membership Area of this page to learn more about us and the advantages of becoming a member. Following please find our Head Groomer's webpage containing information about Weather, Trailheads, Maps, Emergency Services, Flightcare, CNSA, Area Food and Lodging and of course grooming reports with pictures detailing each days grooming. ALL snowmobilers are welcome in the Jonesville Snowmobile Area and upon visiting we think you will agree the Lassen National Forest is an unbelievable place, especially during the Winter months. Be SAFE and always ride in control!

INFORMATION AND GROOMING REPORTS

You will find Butte Meadows Hillslider groomers, grooming well over 70 miles of snowmobile trails in the Jonesville Snowmobile Area of the Lassen National Forest. Our grooming season begins (snow willing) when the gate on Humboldt road at the Jonesville Snowmobile Park (N 40^06.845 & W 121^28.700) ((4970')) is closed by the Butte County Public Works Department, usually in conjuction with the Lassen National Forest's annual closing of all Routes and Trails to WHEELED Vehicles every December 26th.

----Current Status:

All trails and snowmobile routes in the Lassen National Forest are now CLOSED to Wheeled Vehicles including ATVs.

Grooming for the 2011-2012 snow year has begun and will continue until late Spring. (snow willing!)

Current Status of Jonesville gate = CLOSED UNTIL LATE SPRING!

Other Items of Interest:
---Special note: A California SnoPark permit is NOT required to use this area and there are no parking fees at the main Trailhead at Jonesville.

----Warming Hut Complex:
Special Note: You will find a state of the art "Warming Hut Complex" Click Here for a brief tour located about half way between the Jonesville Trailhead and State Highways 89 and 36 in the Chester area -- Elevation 6500 feet.

----Wheeled Vehicle Closure Details:
The Forest reminds Forest Visitors: All Routes and Trails within the Lassen National Forest are CLOSED to wheeled vehicles including All Terrain Vehicles (ATV's) beginning December 26th each year. In 2010, the Forest added 275 more miles of seasonally restricted roads to protect resources and enhance visitor safety. Wet weather softens the ground and roadbeds, which can lead to damage by wheeled vehicles. The ruts created by wheeled vehicles in the snow can also result in hazardous conditions for snowmobilers and skiers. Violation of the closure areas, roads and trails is not only dangerous, but can be costly as well. The punishment for violating this order can be up to $5000 for an individual, $10000 for an organization and/or imprisonment for up to six months. Violators could also bear the cost associated with repairing damage as well as responsibility for any injuries caused. Visitors are also reminded that in designated wilderness areas the use of any motorized vehicle is prohibited.

The recently published Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) has all the information and may be picked up at Forest Service Offices or use the LASSEN'S link in the right column of this page.

IN SUMMARY: Wheeled vehicles of any type should expect the road closures beyond the gate at the Jonesville Snowmobile Park and all Winter restricted roads/trails and areas of the LASSEN NATIONAL FOREST to be enforced by one or more of the following agencies: Butte County Sheriff, Plumas County Sheriff and Forest Service Law Enforcement Personnel.

-----During the Winter season Snowmobilers please Use Caution:
Well groomed trails can be EXTREMELY DANGEROUS when SPEED and ICE are combined. Please discuss this with the members of your party. Additionally the FOREST would like to remind riders: Frozen mornings make for some icy riding conditions. Keep your speeds down and always ride in control, never ride alone, and wear a helmet.

Groomers can be out most days weather and snow conditions allow, with Saturdays usually being the exception. Most days Posts are begun in early morning then updated and pics added upon our return in the evening. We carry maps of the area and do not mind stopping to meet you and answer questions. You may also communicate with the Head Groomer by leaving a comment on the latest post.