Little Grass Valley Reservoir Road and Winter Driving: What Plumas County’s Official Closure List Says

LITTLE GRASS VALLEY, Plumas County — October 28, 2026. As temperatures fall in the Plumas National Forest, visitors planning to drive toward Little Grass Valley Reservoir should check official access conditions rather than assume that a summer route remains passable. Plumas County’s public winter-road table identifies Little Grass Valley Reservoir Road (County Road 514) as “Open to Dam” — but the table itself says it was last updated on March 24, 2026, at 3:30 p.m.

Does that mean the dam road is open today?

No current-day opening can be established from a March update. Snowfall, runoff, damaged pavement and seasonal maintenance can alter rural road access without much advance notice. The county warns that restrictions or closures may occur at any time of year. People traveling in October or November should confirm conditions through Plumas County Public Works before relying on the historic listing.

Why does the access road matter?

Little Grass Valley Reservoir is a popular Plumas National Forest recreation area for camping, fishing, hiking and lakeside trips. The U.S. Forest Service’s recreational area map identifies campgrounds, trails, boat-launch facilities, a fishing-access site and roads around the reservoir. Availability and operating seasons can vary among these facilities, especially as the Sierra Nevada winter approaches.

How to prepare

Before a day trip, verify road access, campground status, daylight, the weather forecast and whether winter traction equipment is required. Avoid entering closed roads or following a navigation app onto a road that is not maintained for snow travel. Pack food, water, warm clothing and an emergency contact plan for remote travel.

Official resources

Plumas County — Winter Road Closures and Road CR514; US Forest Service — Plumas National Forest recreation information; Caltrans QuickMap for state highways. The 2026 county table is a dated record, not a verified live forecast or a promise of open facilities.

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