Although spring has officially arrived, unpredictable weather is creating variable conditions across the Seeley Lake Ranger District. Large amounts of snow remain at high elevations, while lower elevations may be experiencing spring melt. Melting snow and ice creates soft roadbeds and poses challenges and risks to driving out on the Forest. The District is asking the visiting public to avoid driving on roads that are wet. Traveling on soft roadbeds can lead to expensive repairs, longer-term closures to fix problems and potentially vehicles becoming stuck. Besides roads, there are a few other considerations to make before heading out on a spring Forest adventure.
Here are a few tips for Forest users in the spring months:
1. Please continue to adhere to Motor Vehicle Use Map regulations across the District; wheeled vehicle use of roads typically begins around May first.
2. Avoid driving on wet roads.
3. Weather is unpredictable; know before you go! Pack for all weather situations when going out into the Forest.
4. When hiking, be prepared for icy and snowy trail conditions.
5. Over the winter, weather and movement from snow and ice may have caused trees and other debris to fall over trails. You can help us by letting the Ranger District know where downed trees are located, so we know where to send our trail crews!
6. Be aware that animals are beginning to stir and there will be a lot of wildlife activity in the coming months. Please practice wildlife awareness and when out on the Forest, store food properly so as not to attract hungry wildlife.
7. Visit the Forest website for Alerts and Closure information before you head out on your adventure.
“Spring weather can be unpredictable,” stated Quinn Carver, District Ranger. “We are asking folks to use good judgment while roads and trails dry out over the coming months. Help us keep these roads in good condition heading into another summer season.”
This spring, the District will be fixing the deep wash area created on the Clearwater Loop Road last fall. The public will be notified when the work will begin and can expect road closure for a day or two while crews fix the road.
Stay connected with Seeley Lake Ranger District by calling 406-677-2233, send an email through Lolo homepage https://www.fs.usda.gov/lolo/, follow on social media from Facebook @LoloNationalForest and Twitter @LoloNF
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