Heavy snowfall this month in the Cascades will delay the opening of some higher elevation campgrounds in the Deschutes National Forest.

The snow is causing a delay in annual preseason safety inspections, maintenance and repairs, as well as hazard tree removal within U.S. Forest Service campgrounds.

April 22, the start of the fishing season, typically coincides with the opening of campgrounds in the Crane Prairie and Wickiup Reservoir areas. These areas are now tentatively scheduled to open on April 29. Additional storm activity could further delay the opening of campgrounds.

This week the Forest Service will be working to clear snow from the Sunset Cove Boat Ramp and Day Use Area to provide fishing access to Odell Lake by Friday.

Early season camping is now available at the year-round campgrounds in the Metolius Basin, these include Allen Springs, Camp Sherman, Pine Rest and Lower Bridge campgrounds on the Sisters Ranger District.