Granite County Current News

On the Beaverhead-Deerlodge

Record snowpack and heavy rains throughout southwest Montana has increased the potential for flooding and poor road conditions throughout the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and downstream communities. Snowpack still remains well above average in many areas.

High water, flood damage, and saturated soils may create hazardous conditions. Visitors to the forest should exercise caution and remain vigilant for the potential of damaged roads and trails, dangerously high water, impassable stream fords, and down trees or trees which may fall without warning due to saturated soils. The potential for abnormally high runoff from melting snow remains across the Forest.

Most roads have become soft and when vehicles travel these roads potential damage occurs. Many campgrounds and trails are located near streams and rivers that are at or near flood stage. Visitors should be extremely cautious around fast moving water especially at creek crossings. Hazardous conditions can develop very quickly from rapidly rising waters.

Roads and trails that are passable early in the day may become unsafe in the afternoon as rivers and creeks rise due to increased snowmelt. Forest visitors will encounter many roads that are blocked by snow and muddy conditions at lower elevations. Motorists are advised to stay away from soft and muddy roads, as this is unsafe and can easily damage the roadbed, leading to expensive repairs to roads and vehicles.

Forest crews have been surveying the forest to identify hazardous conditions and damage to resources. Visitors are encouraged to report damaged roads, plugged culverts and fallen trees across roadways to their local Forest Service office. The flooding situation and road conditions throughout the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF are changing rapidly. Additional closures, of campgrounds and roads are expected and will be posted on this page and updated as needed. Due to rapidly changing conditions, it is important to contact the local Forest Service office for the most current information before traveling into the forest. Visitors are encouraged to travel only where needed in the forest until conditions improve. For updated conditions and closure information, go online to: www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf

Here are the current closures and conditions on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Pintler Ranger District

Cable Campground- closed due to unstable soils and trees that have fallen.
Rainbow Bay Picnic Area- closed due to unstable soils and trees that have fallen.
Warm Springs Campground-closed due to flooding.
Gird Creek Road #8402-closed from intersection with Road #78489 to end of road due
to mudslide.
NOTE: Skalkaho Highway 38 is closed at the 20 mile marker.
 

RIVER RUNNERS ON ROCK CREEK (and everywhere else too)

Be Alert to River Debris and Changing Conditions

High, cold water and dynamic river conditions are prompting Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials to remind anglers and floaters to exercise extreme caution if heading out on or near western Montana rivers.

“All area rivers have extremely swift currents and are carrying an increased amount of logs, tree limbs and other debris right now,” said Chet Crowser, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Region 2 River Recreation Manager. “Some of the debris can be submerged beneath the surface of the water where they are out of view, and the water conditions are so cold and variable right now that you should think twice before launching a boat and scout ahead for river conditions.”
FWP and the US Forest Service Missoula Ranger District staff point to a debris jam across most of the width of Rock Creek near river-mile 27 (upstream of the microburst site) and another near river mile 30 (near the Hogback) that are creating dangerous situations for boaters. This area of Rock Creek has many braided channels and a history of debris and log jams that pose hazards to boaters.

This current safety concern on Rock Creek is just one example of many dangerous conditions and log jams that are present on rivers this spring. Logs and other river debris can overturn boats and trap gear and boaters beneath the water.

Crowser said boaters should not assume a river is the same as it was during a previous trip. What may be a debris-free stretch of river one day could have a dangerous log jam the next.

When in doubt, always scout ahead.
“Logs and other debris are a natural component of our waterways, and conditions change so fast that there is no way to know where all the current hazards are,” said Mack Long, FWP Region 2 Supervisor. “What we can do, however, is remind boaters to be aware of the increased risks and ways to stay safe this time of year.”

Here are some tips for navigating the dangers of high water:
• Redirect your water recreation to lakes and ponds until high water subsides;
• If you do go, don’t boat alone;
• Make sure someone on shore knows where you plan to put in, take out, and when you plan to return;
• If the water is in a stage you wouldn’t choose to swim in, then don’t launch your boat either;
• And, if you do launch, wear a well-fitted life vest and, in rough waters, a helmet.
• Anyone attempting to float a river during high water should be sure to have the proper clothing and equipment. Boaters should be prepared in case an accident occurs, and everyone in the party should be aware of the conditions and trained in how to respond to high water and emergency situations.

For more on boating safety go to the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov on the Recreation page and choose “Stay Safe Outdoors.”