Bridger-Teton National Forest will delay opening some roads
Public asked to stay off wet roads and trails until they dry out
by Bridger-Teton National Forest
May 10, 2011
Winter closure restrictions will end on Monday, May 16, 2011 on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. However, the lingering snow and wet conditions will delay the opening of many Forest roads and trails to motor vehicle use. Additionally, mountain bicyclists and horse riders are being asked to not use trails until they dry out. Many roads and trails are still covered with a few feet of snow.
Roads and trails are very vulnerable to damage during spring melt out. In fact, the majority of damage to Forest roads and trails occurs in the spring when soils are saturated. With limited budgets, damage occurring now may not be able to be repaired leaving roads and trails in poor condition throughout the summer. Forest personnel have been out in the field checking conditions and will be placing barriers and signs on roads and trails that are not ready yet. The Upper Gros Ventre Road, Curtis Canyon, and Shadow Mountain are just a few examples of roads that may be closed to wheeled vehicles until they dry out a bit or the snow recedes. Limited vehicle travel may be encountered on the Gros Ventre and Granite Creek road for residents who need access to private property. Minimizing our impact now will ensure the roads and trails are in the best possible shape when summer arrives.
Forest Service personnel will be checking conditions regularly and will open roads and trails as soon as conditions permit. Jackson District Ranger Dale Deiter said people can help out by reporting road and trail conditions they encounter while recreating on the Forest. "I recognize that the closures will cause some inconvenience but by giving roads and trails more time to dry out now, conditions will be better for everyone later".
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