Washout leads to road, campground closures

For public safety, the Medicine Bow National Forest is temporarily closing Forest Service Roads 225 and 496, and part of the Ryan Park Campground.

These facilities are located on the Brush Creek-Hayden Ranger District. Runoff from last winter’s above-average snowpack has washed out these roads at stream crossings near Ryan Park and Hog Park Reservoir, making both roads impassable.

High water over a stream crossing near Quimby Park has also made Forest Road 415 temporarily impassable. Although currently open and passable by high-clearance vehicles, there is at least one minor washout on the Cedar Pass Road (Forest Road 261) that is being assessed for possible closure.

While the upper loop of the Ryan Park Campground is expected to be open by July 1, the impacted road segments will be closed until further notice. Crews will attempt to restore culvert function and repair the impacted road segments as soon as safely feasible.

In addition to heeding these closures, the Forest Service offers the following reminders to help recreationists avoid being exposed or trapped by high water.

Travelers should be aware of their surroundings and not attempt to cross any roads that appear to be threatened by high water. Extra care should be taken while traveling at night or during low light conditions.

Snowmelt and runoff will be prolonged this year, which will extend the risk for culvert and road failures well into summer. Forest visitors should be aware that additional road and trail closures may become necessary.

For the latest closure information or to report damage to culverts, bridges or roads, the public should contact to the Brush Creek-Hayden Ranger District in Saratoga at 307-326-5258.