Water had to be trucked in over the weekend to supply campers with safe water after the water reservoir failed at Little Beaver, Running Deer, and Red Feather campgrounds.
Plumas National Forest Recreation and Lands Program Manager Erika Brenzovich said the old water system installed in the 50s and 60s had been significantly impacted by the drought and added the bountiful snowpack was a glimpse of hope that the system would function for the season yet more serious problems lay ahead. The forest service is working with facility engineers to resolve the issues.
The Plumas forest service says Little Beaver, Running Deer, and Red Feather campgrounds are not closed but have shifted to first-come, first-served for the rest of the season. Adding that reservations made through September 7 will be honored, but new reservations will not be accepted.
Recreation managers are working on identifying solutions for the sites through Labor Day weekend, including bringing in portable toilets. However, following the long weekend, the three campgrounds will be closed for the season.
The forest service strongly advises that you pack enough drinking water when recreating at any facilities in the Plumas National Forest as there remain issues with other water systems across the Forest.
