Visitors to the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area should be aware of the elevated risk of avalanche danger due to recent snowstorms.
Clark County has announced a voluntary evacuation notice for the Kyle and Lee Canyon areas of Mount Charleston due to the risk of avalanches from recent snowfall.
The Southern Nevada Chapter of the American Red Cross opened a shelter for Mount Charleston residents who may want to self-evacuate due to the avalanche risk on the mountain.
The shelter is located at the YMCA Centennial Hills Community Center at 6601 N. Buffalo Drive, near Deer Springs Way. Contact Frank Rutkowski with the Red Cross for more information: (702) 232-6604.
Additionally, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Clark County firefighters and others went door to door Wednesday morning to advise residents in Kyle and Lee canyons of the voluntary evacuation notice that has been issued.
Clark County officials issued a Declaration of Emergency for Mount Charleston due to the high avalanche risk. The declaration allows crews at Mt. Charleston to quickly receive additional resources should the need arise. It also allows officials to block entry into specific areas if need be.
A reported 58 inches has fallen at the Kyle Canyon Fire Station since Jan. 18.
The Lee Canyon Ski Area reports a depth of 108 inches of snow. Lee Canyon officials say the area hasn't seen snow like that in more than 10 years. Avalanche controls were conducted in the area the past few days.
But the weight of new snow atop an unsecured base, coupled with the area's steep terrain, could create spontaneous avalanches throughout the mountains.
Motorists can expect temporary closures along Nevada State Routes 156 (Lee Canyon Road), 157 (Kyle Canyon Road) and 158 (Deer Creek Road) to regulate safe access.
Visitors to the SMNRA should be aware of their surroundings and recreate in groomed areas.
The public should be aware that U.S. Forest Service managed facilities (including the visitor center, campgrounds, trailheads, and parking lots) may close based on changing weather conditions.
The Lee Canyon Ski Area remains open and for more information, click
here.
