I just got a bulletin from the Angeles National Forest, warning weekend travelers of some pretty intense-sounding winter storm conditions.

Some areas in the High San Gabriels currently have snowpack of more than 40 inches, with even some lower elevations having more than a foot of the white stuff — and obviously, more predicted for the weekend. If you’re headed out to the mountains this weekend, be sure to be prepared — on all accounts. Have the proper layers of clothing, take tire chains in your car, be on the lookout for black ice and slow traffic, and be prepared for some areas to be closed due to the threat of avalanches.

As is usually the case, the best way to find out what the conditions are in your target area is by calling the rangers stationed there. Here’s a list of the ranger stations, their phone numbers, and hours of operation:

Forest Supervisor’s Office* – Arcadia, (M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) 626-574-1613
Los Angeles River Ranger District* (M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) 818-899-1900
Clear Creek Information Station* (Sat & Sun 8:00 am-4:30 pm) 626-821-6764
San Gabriel River Ranger District* (M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) 626-335-1251
San Gabriel Canyon Gateway Center (Daily 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) 626-969-1012
Mount Baldy Visitor Center (Daily 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) 909-982-2829
Santa Clara-Mojave Rivers Ranger District* (M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) 661-296-9710
Big Pines Information Station (F-Sun. 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) 760-249-3504
Grassy Hollow Visitor Center (F-Sun 10:00 am to 4:00 pm)
* These offices will be closed on President’s Day, February 16, 2009.

If you do manage to get out there this weekend, stay safe, stay warm, enjoy, and send me some pictures!

Snow Stairs

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by Casey Schreiner

Founder and Editor of Modern Hiker, Author of "Day Hiking Los Angeles." "Discovering Griffith Park," and "Cloud Spotting." Walking Meditator, Native Plant Enthusiast.