Thunderstorms to keep Lone Pine Campground and Whitney Portal Road Closed Starting 6/28

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Inyo NF:

Due to the threat of thunderstorms over the next few days, the Inyo National Forest, in consultation with the Inyo County Sheriff's Office, will keep the Lone Pine Campground and Whitney Portal Road closed. According to the National Weather Service, thunderstorms are predicted beginning Monday afternoon through Thursday with an increasing chance of heavier rains on Thursday.

Heavy rainfall from thunderstorms falling on a steep, burned over slope may cause flash flooding and debris flows. The Lone Pine Campground lies directly below one of these slopes and is in a danger zone should such heavy rains fall over the Inyo Creek Fire burn area.

For additional information on the impacts of this potential event and for updated closure information, please contact: Inyo Creek Fire incident contact Colleen Pennington at (760) 878-8465 or stop in to the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center in Lone Pine 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily to speak with staff from Inyo National Forest.

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Inyo NF:

Last night's lightning activity ignited 13 new fires on the Inyo National Forest, 9 of which are already contained thanks to the swift response of firefighters from the Inyo National Forest and our cooperators. As the area dries and warms new fire starts will likely be discovered. These "lightning holdovers" can be discovered several days and up to a week after a storm.

Please be aware of thunderstorm activity if you are visiting the forest. Storms are predicted throughout the week.

Here is the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) forecast for Mammoth Lakes: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php...

Here is the forecast for the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest area: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php...

And here are some lightning safety tips to be aware of: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-befo ... /lightning