A Fabulous Flurry

The storm lasted less than two hours in the Angeles National Forest at the 5,000 foot level, but it left four or more inches of snow laying heavy on everything.

The amount of snow to fall at higher elevations will likely exceed four inches, but even if it did, the week will warm again by Thursday, and this snow will be but a memory soon. Some areas of the angeles are close to one hundred inches below average in precipitation since the current drought cycle began. Streams and creeks that once flowed throughout the year or at least throughout the spring have dried. Unless the spring and summer bring truly monsoonal rains, this will be another dry year in the forest.

Temperatures are expected to reach the high sixties in the Angeles by Saturday; perfect weather of the opening of the recreation season.

The USFS Chilao Visitors' Center, in the heart of the Angeles National Forest, and Chilao School, are celebrating the official opening of the 2016 recreation season with events at both locations on Saturday, April 2.

The USFS Chilao Visitors' Center has a new display of work by local artists as well as a geology lecture and nature hike, live animal display, new exhibits and a touchable wildlife display on loan to the Visitors' Center by the non profit group Redbird, which owns and operates Chilao School.

Less than two miles from the Visitors' Center in the campground loop, Chilao School is hosting Bear and Butterfly, celebrating the Black Bear and Monarch Butterfly from the Native American cultural and spiritual perspective and the scientific/biological understanding. Live monarchs will be on display; the gathering will open with Native American ceremonial songs and a number of presenters will be sharing their knowledge and passion for these creatures throughout the day. There will also be artwork for sale and possibly butterfly-friendly plants from Hahamongna Native Plant Nursery if the all-volunteer nursery staff is able to come. Potluck style lunch and refreshments. The event is free; donations are always appreciated.

Directions to Chilao Visitors' Center and Chilao School:

We are located in the heart of the Angeles
National Forest, just off of Highway 2 in Chilao Campground.
Do Not rely on GPS or Google to reach Chilao School - we are off the grid.
From the 210 freeway in La Canada, take Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2 North)
26 miles to Chilao Campground at mile marker 49.69. Turn left into campground and follow the Redbird/Chilao School signs.

From the Antelope Valley exit the 14 freeway at Angeles Forest Highway, turn left onto Angeles Forest Highway and proceed to Upper Big Tujunga Canyon where you will turn left (the only way you can turn) and drive 9 miles to Angeles Crest Highway. Turn left (look carefully for cross traffic) and proceed another 7 miles to Chilao Campground/Chilao Road and follow signs through the campground to Chilao School.

Also, forest use areas opening for the season on April 1:

1) Manzanita Campground
2) Horse Flats Campground
3) Coulter, Bandido, & Meadow Group Campgrounds
4) 3N17 between the Angeles Crest Christian Camp and the Alder
Saddle gate