Chris
June 18th, 2010, 11:21 PM
Fort Collins, Colo. (June 18, 2010) – Recent storms have wreaked havoc on many roads on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District (CLRD) of the Roosevelt National Forest, but some are opening up this weekend.
During a typical year, many of the roads on CLRD are open by now, except some at higher elevations. This year, however, rains have damaged many roads. Crews are working hard to get as many open to visitors as possible.
Since last weekend’s storms, two roads have opened this week. West White Pine and Dadd Gulch/Salt Cabin are now open, but be aware that more wet weather could change conditions on these roads at any time.
Additional roads are expected to open later today, including Johnny Park/Button Rock, Moody Hill, and Crystal Mountain. Tomorrow crews hope to get Storm Mountain, Pierson Park and Hell Canyon roads open as well.
Some of the district’s most popular roads will remain closed until repairs can be completed. For example, damage on the very popular Kelly Flats Road includes a four foot drop off where the road was washed away. For both public safety and natural resource concerns it must be repaired before being opened.
The public should also be cautious due to falling tree hazards. All of this recent moisture has loosened roots, causing an increased hazard to travelers, especially on windy days. Heavy rains could also require any opened road to be closed at any time. Always check for the latest status.
For information on CLRD roads, please call Visitor Information Services at 970-295-6700 or check online at www.fs.usda.gov/arp and click on the Road Status link on the right-hand side and then the Canyon Lakes link.
During a typical year, many of the roads on CLRD are open by now, except some at higher elevations. This year, however, rains have damaged many roads. Crews are working hard to get as many open to visitors as possible.
Since last weekend’s storms, two roads have opened this week. West White Pine and Dadd Gulch/Salt Cabin are now open, but be aware that more wet weather could change conditions on these roads at any time.
Additional roads are expected to open later today, including Johnny Park/Button Rock, Moody Hill, and Crystal Mountain. Tomorrow crews hope to get Storm Mountain, Pierson Park and Hell Canyon roads open as well.
Some of the district’s most popular roads will remain closed until repairs can be completed. For example, damage on the very popular Kelly Flats Road includes a four foot drop off where the road was washed away. For both public safety and natural resource concerns it must be repaired before being opened.
The public should also be cautious due to falling tree hazards. All of this recent moisture has loosened roots, causing an increased hazard to travelers, especially on windy days. Heavy rains could also require any opened road to be closed at any time. Always check for the latest status.
For information on CLRD roads, please call Visitor Information Services at 970-295-6700 or check online at www.fs.usda.gov/arp and click on the Road Status link on the right-hand side and then the Canyon Lakes link.