January Big Bear Lake trail conditions?

So what's the current condition?

 

COLD...high of 28 today lol. Tomorrow is supposed to be 40.

They were supposed to get snow this week on Wed/Thurs but we didn't end up getting any rain out here like we were supposed to, so I doubt they got any snow.

 

They're requiring chains per CalTrans.

 

Ah, sounds like they did get snow then. The forecast for today through the weekend says 0% chance, but it will be freezing at night and cold during the day so the snow should stick around.

I've been up there twice when they had chains required (once when the biggest snowstorm of the past 10 years went through, that was fun)...as long as you have 4x4 you don't have to have chains on. The rangers that were checking just wanted to make sure I had them inside the truck just in case.

 

Thanks!

 

Past Monday I hit up Silverwood Lake. Chains required and I ran into this. I'm sure Big Bear will have more.

 

There's chains on that tire?

 

No. Ment on the highway chains are required.

 

I've gone up to Bear while it was snowing (even dumping) and never needed chains. If there is snow with check points they always waived 4x4 vehicles through. Sucks you still have to wait in line. ONE TIME, they asked if I CARRIED a set of chains so now I carry them just in case.

Either way, snow wheeling in Big Bear is fun! I suggest always bring a buddy on any trail even fire roads. Some of those fire roads along the mountain sides get a lot of ice. Its freaky sliding towards the edge.

I ran Gold Mountain with two buddy's, no locker, but definitely used the skids and sliders and took awhile to find a proper line.