As of April 26, some facilities and campgrounds in the Los Padres National Forest remained inaccessible due to high water levels in the Santa Ynez River (pictured here) and flood damage to roads. According to the Santa Barbara Ranger District, late-season storms have caused water levels to rise above what’s considered safe for an average passenger vehicle to cross. Crews also haven’t yet been able to repair damage along the Romero Camuesa Road, which provides vehicle access to Middle Santa Ynez, P-Bar Flats, Rock Camp, Upper Caliente, and Mono Campgrounds in the Upper Santa Ynez recreational area, which includes Big Caliente Hot Springs. Ranger district officials said the areas will be reopened once water levels drop and road maintenance is completed.
This article appears in Apr 28 – May 5, 2011.