This article sponsored by Goodwin’s Market and Mountain Top producers Realty
According to CHP scanner logs and social media posts by CalTrans District 8, Highway 38 has been reopened from Mentone to Big Bear. Chain restrictions exist and are currently at R2 restrictions.
Highway 38 was closed due to extensive avalanche and rock fall activity during the last winter storm. For a short time the highway experienced a full closure from top to bottom. On Friday February 22nd, CalTrans and the California Highway Patrol opened the lower portion of Highway 38 to allow residents with identification to access Angelus Oaks and Forest Falls.
During the time that Highway 38 was closed, Highway 18 from Green Valley Lake to Big Bear remained closed due to heavy road erosion from the Valentine’s Day storm of this month. This left Highway 18 from Lucerne Valley as the sole access route to Big Bear.
During the storm that raged on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, that portion of Highway 18 experienced intermittent closures and delays due to extensive vehicle accidents and spin outs during periods of heavy snow fall. CalTrans and the California Highway Patrol worked feverishly through the storm to keep the roadway open allowing residents and visitors to access the Big Bear Valley.
Residents and visitors are urged to carry chains at all times. Practicing safe driving habits while in snowbound areas will prevent accidents and help keep your family safe. All wheel drive and four wheel drive vehicles are required by law to carry chains at all times, even if highway conditions do not warrant the installation of those chains. That law is in effect and enforced during the months of November through May in the San Bernardino Mountains.
