Local news- Press Release
Searchlight, Nevada - Mount Charleston Roads amp Ski Area Reopen to the Public After Recent Winter Storms 09 February 2024 ( news )
Searchlight, , state Nevada ( By Press Release office)
Feb 09,2024
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This weekend , winter recreation enthusiasts will again be able to enjoy snow play in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area , or Mt . Charleston as it is known by locals . Due to the recent winter storm this week , area roads , Lee Canyon Ski Resort , and the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway have been closed for public and employee safety . As of Thursday , Feb . 8 , total snow accumulation in Kyle Canyon is around 33 inches and Lee Canyon is around 39 inches .
Both the Lee Canyon Ski Resort and Spring Mountain Recreation Area staff are diligently working to reopen areas by plowing developed recreation area parking lots and mitigating hazards as able . Lee Canyon Ski Resort and the Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway will reopen today .
“When the area reopens to visitors , it is also important the public is aware that there continues to be a risk of avalanche activity on the mountain , especially in backcountry areas , ” said Fire Chief Jason Douglas , who oversees the Mount Charleston Fire Protection District . “If you enjoy recreating in the backcountry areas , we encourage you to be extremely cautious and for more information on how to do it safely visit the National Avalanche Center at
http://www . avalanche . org/
. ”
Before heading to the SMNRA , visit the Go Mt . Charleston’s snow season web page at
https://www . gomtcharleston . com/snow - season/and in Spanish at
https://www . gomtcharleston . com/nieve - en - spring - mountains/to plan your winter visit . Condition updates and safety tips also are posted at
https://www . facebook . com/GoMtCharlestonor
https://twitter . com/GoMtCharleston
.
For current weather conditions , visitors can check the National Weather Service website at:
https://mtcharlestonweather . com/or view one of the following webcams:
The Mount Charleston Weather Webcam
(
https://mtcharlestonweather . com/webcam/
) faces towards Nevada State Route 156 ( Lee Canyon Road ) , which is helpful to see snow play traffic .
The Lee Canyon Resort Webcam
https://www . leecanyonlv . com/webcams/shows various angles of the slopes and lodge area .
It is important to check driving conditions , chain requirements , and road closures before traveling to the SMNRA . Check real - time information by calling 511 within Nevada or visit
www . nvroads . com
.
For public safety , it is also best to wait to drive up the mountain until after a snowstorm and roads have time to be plowed
.
The popularity of Lee and Kyle Canyons during the winter season can bring thousands of cars to the area , especially on weekends , holidays , and school breaks .
It is best to be there before 9 a . m . on these days , or you may have to wait to go up the mountain if traffic is too congested . Weekdays and non - holiday times may provide fewer crowds and better access . Go early , be patient , and abide by traffic laws .
Also , consider carpooling with friends and family to the mountainand
NOTusing ride share services ( e . g . Uber or Lift ) , because limited cell service and traffic may not allow for pickup for return rides .
The Lee Canyon Ski Resort is the largest winter activity area on the mountain and offers skiing and other winter activities for daily and annual fees . Information about the ski resort , facility availability , and parking information is available at: www . leecanyonlv . com . Ski resort visitors are reminded to purchase their tickets in advance , and have the receipts printed or downloaded onto their phones to show law enforcement officers who are monitoring traffic .
During the winter months , the Lee Canyon Ski Resort manages the McWilliams Campground , Old Mill Picnic Area , Sawmill Trailhead , and Foxtail Snow Play Area in Lee Canyon . The Old Mill Picnic Area is generally open on weekends and holidays . When there is at least 12 inches of snow , the Foxtail area is also open on weekends and holidays . It is best to check the website at
www . leecanyonlv . comfor details .
Due to damage caused by Hurricane Hilary in August 2023 , some recreation sites and roads on the SMNRA are closed for public safety . In Lee Canyon ( Nevada State Routes 156 ) , Upper & Lower Bristlecone Trails/Trailheads , Lower Bristlecone Road , and Mack’s Canyon Road and disperse camping area are closed . On Deer Creek Road ( Nevada State Routes 158 ) , Deer Creek Picnic Area is closed . In Kyle Canyon ( Nevada State Routes 157 ) , Cathedral Rock , Echo , Mary Jane , and Trail Canyons Trails/Trailheads are closed . For a map that shows the closed areas , please visit
https://bit . ly/SMNRAClosureMap
.
The Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway facilities and parking area at 2525 Kyle Canyon Road are open from 9 a . m . to 4 p . m . daily . The facility may be closed during weather events . For Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway updates , please visit:
https://www . facebook . com/GoMtCharlestonor
https://twitter . com/GoMtCharleston
.
Visitors are reminded to wear appropriate clothing for their planned activities and to not trespass on private property or closed areas .
Sledding is not recommended in areas where there is less than 12 inches of snow to avoid hidden hazards not properly covered in shallow snow . Trash should be carried home or placed in dumpsters or trashcans . Owners should also keep pets on a leash and clean up their waste .
When traveling to the SMNRA ,
start with a full tank of gas because there are no gas stations on the mountain . Always carry with you: tire chains , tow strap , cell phone , flashlight , ice scraper , jumper cables , snow shovel , blankets/sleeping bags , first aid kit , compass , maps , bag of sand/kitty litter for traction , spare batteries , non - perishable foods , and water .
To ensure timely emergency response and public safety during the popular winter months , the Nevada State Police Highway Patrol and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department monitor traffic congestion , available parking , and road conditions in Kyle and Lee Canyons and regulate access . Depending on conditions , delays and periodic road closures may occur on Nevada State Routes 156 ( Lee Canyon Road ) , 157 ( Kyle Canyon Road ) and 158 ( Deer Creek Road ) .
Law enforcement officials ask visitors to observe and comply with highway reader boards and flashing signs on U . S . Route 95 , and Nevada State Routes 156 ( Lee Canyon Road ) and 157 ( Kyle Canyon Road ) when they indicate that four - wheel drive and snow tires or tire chains are required to proceed up the mountain . Failure to comply will result in unsafe driving conditions and may result in accidents , stuck vehicles , and citations issued by law enforcement . For more detailed information on Nevada Department of Transportation’s traction and chain requirements , please visit:
https://bit . ly/NDOTTractionandChainRequirements
.
It is important to abide by all posted parking signs in both Kyle and Lee Canyons . Illegally parked vehicles may be fined and towed . In areas where roadside parking is permitted , ensure all tires are to the right of the white line to keep the travel lane clear for emergency vehicles . For more detailed information where parking is restricted , please visit:
https://bit . ly/SMNRASnowSeasonMap2023_2024
, which is in both English and Spanish .
In case of a roadway emergency , dial *NHP ( *647 ) in case of a roadway emergency or 911 to report a serious accident or injury . Since cell phone service is limited , public phones are located on Lee Canyon Road across from Lee Meadows , at the entrance to the Old Mill Picnic Area , and inside the Foxtail Snow Play Area . Local 702 and 911 calls from these phones are free .
For Mt . Charleston Winter Public Service Announcements , visit:
https://bit . ly/MtCharlestonWinterPSAEnglishor
https://bit . ly/MtCharlestonWinterPSASpanish
.
The Mt . Charleston Winter Alliance promotes public safety during the winter months when Kyle Canyon and Lee Canyon see large spikes in visitation . Agency partners include:
Clark County
,
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department ( Metro ) ,
Lee Canyon Ski Resort ,
Mount Charleston Fire Protection District
,
Mt . Charleston Lodge
,
National Weather Service
,
Nevada Department of Transportation ( NDOT )
,
Nevada Highway Patrol ( NHP )
,
U . S . Forest Service
, and the
Southern Nevada Conservancy
.
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Direct link to press release:
Click here .
