Some roads and recreation areas remain inaccessible for travel at high elevations in the San Juan National Forest as a result of the active avalanche season, late-season snow and wet conditions.
In a news release Thursday, the U.S. Forest Service warned backcountry enthusiasts that those conditions can lead to debris movement through waterways, culverts and across trails. They can also cause high-water runoff.
Dead trees also remain a danger because dead trees, whether it be from beetle-kill or a wildfire, can fall at any time.
Denise Alonzo, acting public affairs officer for the Forest Service, said campers should look up at nearby trees before deciding on a place to pitch a tent. People should not camp or park near dead or discolored trees. People should also stay away from these trees during strong winds.
Campgrounds at higher elevations remain under snow, a reality the Forest Service expects until mid-July.
These roads will likely remain inaccessible until the snow melts because they will not be plowed.
Wilderness travelers can expect challenges with finding routes, swift creek crossings, icy passes and debris blocking trails.
Areas affected by the numerous wildfires last year, such as Hermosa Creek, Burro and Plateau areas, reopened earlier this month, but some trails may be impassable because of burn-area hazards, such as falling trees, unstable soil and debris flows. Bicycles and motorized vehicles are required to stay on designated trails in the Hermosa Creek Watershed Special Management Area.
The Forest Service reminds those going into the San Juan National Forest that entry into burned areas is at their own risk.
Saturated soils have the potential to turn roads and other thruways into landslides or cause the roads to slump. If slides have crossed a road, or the road is eroded, people should be prepared to turn around.
Those driving on dirt roads should not go around closed gates, Alonzo said.
“We don’t want to have people go in until the roads are dry and they’re not going to cause more damage by driving on those wet, muddy roads,” Alonzo said.
This could cause damage to resources.
The Forest Service plans to monitor conditions of the affected areas and will have updates available to the public.
Before traveling into the forest, the Ranger District suggests people either call (877) 444-6777 or check the website at www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan for current campground, road and trail information.
Conditions and openings are updated weekly on the website.
bmandile@durangoherald.com
