Forest Service Roads Remain Closed

SEELEY LAKE - Spring is here and everyone is eager to get out into the National Forests. Before you go, please be aware of road conditions and the increased potential to do harm to Forest roads...or get stuck. No roads on the Seeley Lake Ranger District will open May 1 due to the heavy snow load and soft road conditions.

 Every year, most damage to unpaved roads occurs in the fall and spring when rains and snow-melt cause road surfaces to soften. When vehicles drive on soft roads, they create wheel tracks and ruts which can hold and channel water and lead to erosion and sometimes road failure.

According to Chris Partyka, Lolo NF Environmental Coordinator, the Forest can experience damage to roadbeds in the spring, especially in areas with poor soils (high clay content or granitic soil) where people are trying to get out early to explore or gather firewood when road conditions are at their worst. This year, mushrooms may draw many people to areas that burned in 2017 where road conditions may especially be at risk to damage.

The Lolo National Forest typically issues a Closure Order each spring that identifies roads that are subject to short-term closure if necessary. The order allows for placement of temporary road barriers that can be moved as conditions change.

"We hope our public can be understanding so we can minimize damage to roads, identify remedial work to protect structures, and keep the public safe," wrote Seeley Lake District Ranger Rachel Feigley in an email. 

Forest visitors are asked to report road damage they find, or inadvertently cause, while driving this spring. Current road conditions are available by contacting the Seeley Lake Ranger District 677-2233.