Bowman Lake Road/FR 17/FR 14 — 05/11/12

[Carne_DelMuerto]

I drove up Bowman Lake Road on Friday, May 11 in Tahoe NF. I was able to drive 1.25 miles up FR 14 (Grouse Ridge Road) before I came to a snow patch I was uncomfortable crossing in my Subaru. I think a 4x4 with good clearance would have no trouble. On FR 17 (to Carr/Feeley Lakes) I was able to get 2 miles up the road before I had to stop. Again, a good 4x4 should be able to continue. I'd say that FR 17 will be completely melted out within 2 weeks if this weather pattern holds. Not sure about FR 14 as I've never been further up than Friday.

Snow on FR 17 — May 11, 2012

It's more than a full month ahead of the melt out from last year. Much less snow than at the end of June 2011.

Snow on FR 17 — June 29, 2011

[bxd]

Hey CDM, from the direction you came in, how was Bowman Lake Rd. itself? Was it washed-out or otherwise impassable? Just trying to gauge whether or not we can get up to the lake in the next couple weeks.

Thanks!

[Carne_DelMuerto]

Welcome to the forum, bxd. I drove from Hwy. 20 to Forest Road 17. There were absolutely no issues at all--not even any snow left on the side. I don't know the condition of the road past FR 17, but judging from what I saw, I'd say you don't have anything to worry about. It even appeared that a crew had already been through to deal with the deadfall and such.