USFS NEWS RELEASES

We are now on a mailing list to receive news releases from the Forest Service when prescribed burns or projects are planned that may temporarily close roads and/or trails. We'll try to get these notices placed here so our members can plan accordingly.
 

Since plans can change, in part due to weather conditions, the information here may not be accurate. For the most up-to-date information, contact the ranger station direct. Here are the local district office phone numbers:       

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June 15, 2011
MANY FOREST ROADS STILL CLOSED DUE TO RECORD SNOWPACK. (This posting has been abbreviated for this website.) Today marks the traditional opening of many roads on the Bitterroot National Forest, but not this year.  Due to the record snowpack still in the mountains in Montana and Idaho, many higher-elevation roads and areas (7,500+ foot level) that would traditionally be opening to the public, are still buried in feet of snow.
     Because of all the snow and wet conditions across the Forest, visitors are being advised to use caution and contact specific Ranger Districts before entering the Forest to get the latest information on roads, closures, flooded trails and campgrounds. 
    “Just because your favorite hiking trail or road is normally open this time of year, you should not assume it will be that way this year,” said Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor Julie King.  “This is not a normal year.  We are about a month behind schedule and some of our road crews are reporting 12-foot snow drifts where would normally see 1-2 feet of snow this time of year.” 
    Due to all the recent rains and moisture from melting snow on top of already saturated soils, many roads and trails at lower-elevations are muddy and extremely slippery.  Motorists are advised to stay off soft and muddy roads as they are unsafe and can easily be damaged, leading to expensive repairs.

     All current Forest closures and other impacts from flooding can be found on the Bitterroot National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/bitteroot.  For the latest weather information including current stream forecasts and flood potential visit the National Weather Service website at www.wrh.noaa.gov/mso.