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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Plan for landslides, washouts on national forest roads

Rockfall and landslides block the Selway River Road in Idaho. (U.S. Forest Service)
Rockfall and landslides block the Selway River Road in Idaho. (U.S. Forest Service)

OUTDOOR TRAVEL -- Hikers, anglers, mushroomers, hunters and other visitors to public lands this spring should be extra wary of the possibility of roads blocked by landslides, downfall, rockfall, washouts and flooding.

The BLM and national forests in Idaho and Washington are posting advisories to road restrictions and closures on a weekly basis as the snow recedes and reports come in from early season visitors.

After a record wet winter, the landscape is squishy and moving.  Keep this in mind:

  • Call land managers in advance to check on any reports of road closures or restrictions near your destination.
  • Let somebody responsible know where you're going and when you expect to return. Unexpected landslides are a higher probability this time of year and they could block your vehicle from exiting a road system and leave you stranded.

“The saturated ground is causing slides and falling trees in many places, but please be especially cautious in areas recently impacted by fire," said Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest Supervisor Cheryl Probert . "Damaged soil and dead or dying trees can be especially susceptible to the current wet conditions.”



Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

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