In one of the stories, Kati did say they had had to get out and move rocks off the road.
I'm still surprised there weren't any other people around in the daytime, as I had been so hopeful when I heard that it's an area where they cut Christmas trees.
Perhaps the commercial tree-cutters had already been there and wrapped up their early deliveries and any locals or "public" who might come and cut their trees just hadn't started making that trek yet. A bad "in-between" time.
From what I know, people can get a permit to cut a Christmas tree just for personal use. I don't think any commercial tree cutters are allowed to cut in state or National forest. It is a very remote area. After this, the state or county should mark the road as impassible in winter with signs on the road and on maps.
If Mr. Kim isn't found alive, this is a horrible tragedy that could have easily been prevented.
And since the Kims are from out of state, how would they have known the dangers of the road?