With temperatures beginning to rise, many visitors on National Forest roads are finding them damaged due to winter run-off. The U.S. Forest Service is warning visitors to keep an eye out for road damage when using their roads.

Officials with the U.S. Forest Service say crews are finding damage in a variety of areas, and they are addressing the issues as soon as possible. They are working on fixing what they can and may temporarily close some areas until repairs can be made.

Much can change over a long, wet winter and sometimes early-season road conditions are less than ideal.

Travelers in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests as well as the Thunder Basin National Grassland (MBRTB) are asked to use caution when on the roads.

Many roads in the area have sustained damage due to flash flooding. Some areas have washed out roads or blocked culverts.

“Much can change over a long, wet winter and sometimes early-season road conditions are less than ideal,” said acting Forest Supervisor Steve Kozel. “Public safety is always our foremost consideration, so we are asking Forest users to be especially aware of where they are, where they are going, and to take their time in getting there.”

Forest officials say that even though many campgrounds and recreation areas are open, access can be difficult. The U.S. Forest Service warns that ground conditions vary widely, but are overall soft, wet and muddy.

Current information can be found on the MBRTB web site or by contacting your local Ranger District.

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