Sonora, CA…The Stanislaus National Forest will close roads and day-use areas on Groveland and Summit districts that are at high risk for landslides or flooding due to the forecasted weather conditions next week.

On Groveland Ranger District, Cherry Borrow Pit, Lumsden Road and Preston Falls Trailhead will be closed Friday.

“We’re closing these areas because they are prone to landslides or flooding during rain events,” said Jim Junette, Groveland District Ranger. “We want to be sure visitors don’t get caught on the wrong side of a landslide or flash flood, since the area is expecting as much as seven inches of rain next week.”

Junette said the areas will reopen as quickly as possible, but it will depend on whether they experience problems. “We don’t have a specific reopening date and won’t have one until we can get in and assess whether they have been impacted by the weather.”

On Summit Ranger District, the Tri-Dam Project will close the north gate of Beardsley Dam just before the spillway, for the rest of the winter season. According to Tri-Dam Project officials, they are removing the bridge across the spillway due to the forecasted extreme flow estimates. Access to the China Flat Day Use area could be limited until late May or early June, depending when they can re-install the bridge.

Contact your local Ranger District office for current information on roads and conditions before traveling on the Forest.

Stanislaus NF Supervisor’s Office: 209-532-3671

Calaveras Ranger District: 209-795-1381

Groveland Ranger District 209-962-7825

Mi-Wok Ranger District at 209-586-3234

Summit Ranger District at 209-965-3434.