Mt. Charleston Winter Alliance Launches Winter Information Safety Resource

The Mt. Charleston Winter Alliance(MCWA) announces the launch of www.mtcharlestonwinter.com, a site that provides winter road conditions and weather updates along with safety tips and winter outdoor recreation information for visitors to the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area (SMNRA). The MCWA was created to promote and ensure public safety during the winter months when areas like Kyle Canyon and Lee Canyon see spikes in visitation.

The public awareness initiative also includes public service announcements in English and Spanish created by Clark County Television (CCTV). The MCWA is a collaborative effort between Clark County, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (Metro), Lee Canyon, the Mount Charleston Fire & Rescue District, Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) and U.S. Forest Service.

“The Mt. Charleston Winter Alliance’s goal is to ensure public safety and decrease the number of winter weather related road and recreation accidents,” said Clark County Commissioner Larry Brown, who represents the Mt. Charleston area and serves as chairman of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada. “Our organizations have joined together to ensure that our residents and guests enjoy the beauty of the Spring Mountains safely during the winter season.”

According to NHP, Lee and Kyle Canyons can see 25,000 cars during a holiday weekend when snow is present on the mountain. To ensure timely emergency response to the area and public safety, NHP monitors traffic congestion and road conditions in both canyons during the winter months and regulates access as needed.

​Road closures including Nevada State Routes 156 (Lee Canyon Rd.), 157 (Kyle Canyon Rd.) and 158 (Deer Creek Rd.) that provide access to ski and snow play areas in Lee Canyon and Kyle Canyon will be posted onwww.mtcharlestonwinter.com. Road condition information will be taken directly from NDOT’s website and visitors can also call 511 for information on road conditions and closures in Nevada.

“Traffic congestion during snowy days on the mountain can impede access of emergency vehicles including ambulances and snow plows, which jeopardizes public safety,” explains Loy Hixson, public information officer at NHP. “Therefore, this season as in past seasons, Nevada Highway Patrol will be monitoring visitor volume, road conditions, available parking, and regulating access to ensure safety.”

Tips for Winter Safety in the Spring Mountains

• Before heading to the Spring Mountains Recreation Area, please check driving conditions, chain requirements and road closures. For real-time road information, dial 511 within Nevada and 1-877-NV-ROADS (1-877-687-6237) outside of Nevada, or visit www.mtcharlestonwinter.com.
• When traveling to the mountain, start with a full tank of gas. There are no gas stations on site. Always carry with you: tire chains/tow strap, cell phone, flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cable, snow shovel, blanket/sleeping bag, first aid kit, compass, maps, bag of sand/kitty litter for traction, spare batteries, non-perishable foods and water.
• Dial *NHP (*647) in case of a roadway emergency or 911 to report a serious accident.
• Anticipate higher traffic volumes during weekends and holidays. Weekdays, early morning and non-holiday times may provide fewer crowds and better access. Go early, be patient and abide by traffic laws. You may have to wait to go up the mountain if traffic is too congested or conditions are unsafe.
• When parking off road, all wheels must be to the right of the white line to allow for emergency vehicles to pass. Illegally parked vehicles may be fined and towed. There is no roadside parking on Nevada State Route 156 between Lee Meadows and the Lee Canyon ski area. Roadside parking is also prohibited in Kyle Canyon past the intersection of Nevada State Routes 157 and 158.
• Wear appropriate outdoor clothing including layering light and warm clothing, gloves, hats, scarves and waterproof boots.
• Don’t sled in areas with less than 12 inches of snow, and avoid dangerous objects like trees and rocks. Use sleds that can steer rather than snow discs. Sled only where the bottom of the hill is away from vehicle traffic.
• Please help keep the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area beautiful for everyone to enjoy. Take trash home or put it in provided trashcans or dumpsters.

Snow Play Areas

•  Lee Canyon
  • Lee Canyon resort is best for skiing and is the largest snow play and recreation area.
  • Foxtail Picnic Area for sledding.
  • Lee Meadows for sledding/ (Crowded on weekends and parking is limited.)
  • Bristlecone Trail for snowshoeing.
  • Various pullouts on Deer Creek Road (Nevada State Route 158) and Lee Canyon Road (Nevada State Route 156) for touching snow.
  • Foxtail Day Use Area ($20 per car (up to four people); $5 per additional person in vehicle; $5 per person walk-in), Old Mill Picnic Area ($10 per car) and McWilliams Campground ($10 Day Use/$21 for single site; $38 for double site) are managed areas only opened as weather permits.
• Kyle Canyon (Limited snow play and parking areas)
  • Kyle Picnic Area ($10 Day Use) and Fletcher View Campground ($10 Day Use/$21 plus $8 Utility fee) are managed areas only opened as weather permits.

Mt. Charleston Winter Alliance Media Contacts:

• Veronica Kawka, veronica@forteprlv.com, o. 702.898.2547 c. 702.832.7368
• Stephanie Forte, steph@forteprlv.com, c. 702.596.9866

Additional Contacts:
Clark County

• Stacey Welling, stac@ClarkCountyNV.gov, 702.455.3201

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

• Office of Public Information, PIO@lvmpd.com, 702.828.4082

Lee Canyon

• Jim Seely, jseely@leecanyonlv.com, 702.371.9322

Nevada Highway Patrol

• Trooper Chelsea Stuenkel, cstuenkel@dps.state.nv.us, 702.469.3882

Nevada Department of Transportation

• Adrienne Packer, apacker@dot.state.nv.us, 702.385.6504

U.S. Forest Service

• Erica Hupp, ehupp@fs.fed.us, 775.355.5311
• Naaman Horn, nhorn@fs.fed.us, o. 702.515.5413