San Bernardino National Forest 

Winter Driving Conditions 2008 - 2009 "Know Before you Go"

Before You Go

• Winterize your Vehicle - Check your brakes, windshield wipers, exhaust system and heater/defroster to  make sure they are in good working condition.
   
• Antifreeze - Check your radiator fluid level and add antifreeze /coolant as needed.
   
• Wipers and windshield washer fluid - Wiper blades should be replaced, if needed.  Adding a winter formula windshield wiper fluid will help deice your windshield.
   
• Tires - Make sure your tires are properly inflated and that the tread is in good condition.
   
• Chains - Always carry chains.  They should be the correct size for your tires and in proper working order.  Chains must be installed on drive wheels, so you need to know if your vehicle has front or rear wheel drive.  Cable-type chains are acceptable, but they may not provide as much traction as traditional chains. (CalTrans Snow Chain Requirements - 57 kb PDF)
  

• Flashlight - with extra batteries, or a hand crank charger
   
• Cell Phone - with extra batteries or a hand crank charger
   
• Road Map & Forest Map if traveling off the state and county roads
   
• GPS Units help pinpoint your exact location in an emergency - with extra batteries
   
• Blankets, Extra Clothing, Water and Snacks - It is a good idea to take along water, food, warm blankets and extra clothing.  A lengthy delay will make you glad you have them.
   
• First aid kit - with pocket knife, brightly colored cloth to use as a flag, plastic bags (for sanitation) and necessary medications
   
• Spare Key - Many motorists have locked themselves out of their cars when stopping to install chains or play in the snow.
   
• Clean Dry Towel - to dry your hands after installing snow chains
   
• Gloves - Helpful to protect hands from the cold when installing chains, or when your outside in cold weather
   
• Ice Scraper/Deicer - To keep windows clear of snow / ice for improved visibility.
   
• Broom - a small broom or brush can be used to clear snow off your vehicle
   
• Shovel -  To free your vehicle should you get snowed in.
   
• Sand/Kitty Litter - Sand or Kitty Litter can help with traction should you get stuck in the snow
   
• Tow Strap -
a quality tow strap can help if you vehicle is stuck in the snow, and the sand does not work.
 

• Stay in the car - Do not leave the car to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. You may become disoriented and lost is blowing and drifting snow.
   
• Display a trouble sign - Hang a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna and raise the hood.
   
• Occasionally run engine to keep warm - Turn on the car's engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater when the car is running. Also, turn on the car's dome light when the car is running.
   
• Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning - Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.
   
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
   
• Do minor exercises to keep up circulation.
   
• Clap hands and move arms and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in one position for too long. If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping.
   
• For warmth, huddle together.
   
• Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for added insulation.
   
• Avoid overexertion - Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration.
   
• Wind Chill - "Wind chill" is a calculation of how cold it feels outside when the effects of temperature and wind speed are combined. A strong wind combined with a temperature of just below freezing can have the same effect as a still air temperature about 35 degrees colder.
   
• Winter Storm Watches and Warnings - A winter storm watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area. A winter storm warning indicates that severe winter weather conditions are definitely on the way.
   
• A blizzard warning means that large amounts of falling or blowing snow and sustained winds of at least 35 miles per hour are expected for several hours.
   
• Frostbite and Hypothermia - Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure that can permanently damage its victims. A loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, or nose and ear lobes are symptoms of frostbite.
   
• Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, frequent stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion.
   
• If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance. Warm the person's trunk first. Use your own body heat to help. Arms and legs should be warmed last because stimulation of the limbs can drive cold blood toward the heart and lead to heart failure. Put person in dry clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket.  Never give a frostbite or hypothermia victim something with caffeine in it (like coffee or tea) or alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster and hasten the effects the cold has on the body. Alcohol, a depressant, can slow the heart and also hasten the ill effects of cold body temperatures.
  

Check the weather and road conditions before you go

Public Transportation

Looking for an alternative to winter driving while visiting the mountain communities and resorts?  The Mountain Area Regional Transit Authority (MARTA) provides local and off the mountain bus service to the Big Bear Valley, Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline and San Bernardino.  MARTA also provides curb to curb service.  MARTA website

 

Safety While Enjoying Winter Sports

"Know Before You Go" - Call ahead to the local Ranger Station.

Winter weather conditions in the mountains can be extreme and change without notice. An inadequately clothed person can get hypothermia (low internal body temperature). Hypothermia can be deadly – learn to recognize the early symptoms. Keep warm and dry.

Stay Away from ice covered lakes and streams. Over the past decade several forest visitors have fallen through thin ice and drown. Be extremely careful when walking on ice covered or slippery surfaces like parking areas and trails and especially steep slopes. One slip could result in a serious injury.

If you plan to travel in the back country, be "Avalanche Aware" – Learn the basics at the Forest Service Avalanche Center.

Be courteous and remember that you are sharing public lands with other recreational users

Do not recreate on unauthorized areas or private property.

Bring along extra safety items such as extra clothing, blankets, water, flashlights, maps, and a cell phone.  Did your remember spare batteries?

Park your vehicle in a safe location and do not double or triple park (blocking in others).

Never park in front of closed gates, they may be needed for emergency access, and you could be cited or have your vehicle towed away.

Do not park in restricted or "No Parking" areas. These are posted for the safety of all travelers.

United States Forest Service - San Bernardino National Forest
Last Modified:  Wednesday, 17 December 2008 at 10:46:54 EST