Bitterroot National Forest

1801 N. 1st Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-7100 NEWS RELEASE

__________________________________________________________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tod McKay Public Affairs Officer (406) 363-7122 (406) 531-1130 - CELL tgmckay@fs.fed.us June 15, 2011 MANY FOREST ROADS STILL CLOSED DUE TO RECORD SNOWPACK Hamilton, MT. 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. Forest Visitor Safety Reminders: o Plan to encounter many roads & trails still blocked by snow that would normally be open this time of year. o Hazardous conditions can develop very quickly from rapidly rising waters. Roads and trails passable early in the day may become unsafe in the afternoon as rivers and creeks rise due to melting snow. o Be prepared for minor road damage at numerous, widely scattered locations across the Forest. Areas must dry out before crews can make repairs. If you are driving on a muddy road that ruts easily or there is running water on the road, turn around! o Drive defensively and watch out for soft roads and shoulders and fallen trees and rocks. o Notify your local Ranger District at the numbers below if you see any flooding, plugged culverts, downed trees or road damage.

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. For those whose homes are affected by floods, the Montana Departments of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) have compiled a list of tips for dealing with flood conditions at at www.deq.mt.gov Bitterroot National Forest District Offices: Sula Ranger District, (406) 821-3201 West Fork Ranger District, (406) 821-3269 Darby Ranger District, (406) 821-3913 Stevensville Ranger District, (406) 777-5461 ###