MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – This week’s forecast of wet weather for northern California provides an opportunity for Mendocino National Forest officials to remind visitors that temporary wet weather trail closures may go into effect when 2 inches of precipitation fall on the forest within 24 hours.

The wet weather off-highway vehicle, or OHV, trail closures restrict the use of OHV trails when conditions are too wet to sustain use without causing soil loss, impacts to water quality, damage to trail tread and threats to public safety.

These temporary closures will remain in place until no measurable precipitation is recorded within 48 consecutive hours.

By issuing these closures as precipitation events occur, the forest is able to protect both the trails and resources during and after the storms and to allow for drying time prior to resuming use.

The restrictions may be implemented anytime from Nov. 25, 2019 to June, 2020.

Trail users can check the precipitation data on this information source before traveling to the forest: https://tinyurl.com/vzgrvn4 .

Look at MNF02 Portable (Howard Mill) rain gauge on the Upper Lake Ranger District and MNF03 Portable (Fouts Springs) on the Grindstone Ranger District.

If Howard Mill rain gauge is inoperable, the Konocti location will be used for the Upper Lake Ranger District.

Closure information will also be posted on the forest website, Facebook and Twitter: @MendocinoNF.

The restrictions prohibit the use of motor vehicles on National Forest System trails within the Upper Lake and Grindstone ranger districts on the Mendocino National Forest pursuant to 36 CFR 261.55(b).

Mendocino National Forest offices will close for the Thanksgiving holiday Nov. 28 and will resume regular business hours at 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 29.