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Winter and spring storms have caused extensive damage to roads on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Hazardous conditions exist on many forest roads. Roads and road shoulders are unstable due to saturated soil and can easily give way, downed trees and debris slides are blocking road access, and culverts may be plugged causing running water on roadways and deep ruts on driving surfaces.
Driving or weaving around hazards is unsafe - if one hazard exists there will be more.
“We haven’t discovered all the damage yet,” said Jonathan Heyl, Gifford Pinchot National Forest Engineer. “As the snow melts and conditions improve in the months ahead, we anticipate finding additional storm damage.”
“We want to take every precaution to ensure public safety and are asking visitors to use extreme caution when driving on forest roads,” said Gina Owens, Gifford Pinchot National Forest Supervisor. “Before heading to the forest, please contact the nearest Forest Service office for the most current conditions for roads and recreation areas.”
Forest crews are working to clear and repair miles of roads and trails, clean road culverts, and clear debris slides. “With so much damage across the forest work will continue throughout the year. We’re asking for visitor understanding and patience as we work to make roads safe again for travel” said Heyl.
If forest visitors come across road, trail, and campground damage please contact a Forest Service office and provide the trail or road and milepost number, and where the damage is located. Information can also be submitted to r6_gp_forest@fs.fed.us. Latest road and recreation information, forest alerts, and notices and forest contact information can be found at: www.fs.usda.gov/giffordpinchot.
Source: Gifford Pinchot National Forest