Alerts & Notices

There are forests in Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota that are experiencing bark beetle epidemics at a historically unprecedented scale.

The Regional Bark Beetle Information web site shares information and links about the beetles, the epidemics, the forest mortality, and resulting impacts.

 Watch For Falling Trees

Guidelines to help you avoid risk:

• Avoid dense patches of trees.  They can fall without warning.

• Stay out of the forest when there are strong winds.  If you are in the forest and the winds kick up, head to a clearing out of reach of any trees.

• Place campers and tents in areas where they will not be hit by a falling tree.

• When driving in remote areas of the forest, park close to a main road rather than on a spur or one-way section.  If trees fall across the road you may be trapped.

• Bring an axe or chainsaw to remove fallen trees if you become trapped.

• Do not rely on cell phones for safety.  There is no coverage in many areas of the forest.

Alerts

• Glenwood Canyon Bike Path Is Now Open

  Date(s): Mar 24, 2012

  GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — The Colorado Department of Transportation reopened the 13-mile-long Glenwood Canyon bike path Friday, including a fully repaired two-mile stretch that was damaged in spring flooding last season.
  
  Much of the popular path was closed last season due to extensive damage between the Shoshone Power Plant and the Hanging Lake trailhead caused by the extremely high runoff.
   

  The canyon path will be closed the day before any forecasted winter storms through the early spring season. If a storm does not develop, CDOT will reopen the path depending upon long-range weather forecasts, Brown said.  Users can check CDOT's traveler information website at www.cotrip.org for trail closure information.
• Spring trail closures on the Holy Cross Ranger District

  Date(s): Dec 1, 2011 - Jul 1, 2012

  Every spring on the Holy Cross Ranger District of the White River National Forest, there are several trail closures that may alter hikers' plans. Click here to see a press release about these closures.

   

  To see a list of other trail, road, and campground condition reports for the Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District, click here.

• Watch Out! Beetle-killed and green trees are falling.

  Date(s): Dec 3, 2010

  There are forests in Colorado, Wyoming, and South Dakota that are experiencing bark beetle epidemics at a historically unprecedented scale.

  The Regional Bark Beetle Information web site shares information and links about the beetles, the epidemics, the forest mortality, and resulting impacts.

• Hazard Tree Felling Along Roads and Trails on Dillon RD for 2012 Summer Season

  Date(s): May 17, 2012 - Sep 30, 2012

  The summer season has started early this year with the low snow-pack. Crews have started cutting hazardous trees along roads and trails across the District. They will be working throughout the summer. Please check the Alert page for updates on where the crews are working as well as any delays that can be expected. Please contact the Dillon RD Office at 970.468.5400 for any questions.
   

• Crews Performing Hazard Tree Mitigation on Dillon District

  Date(s): May 17, 2012 - Jun 15, 2012

  Crews are currently cutting hazardous trees along the following trails and roads on the Dillon District: Spruce Creek Trail (FDT #58), McCullough Gulch Trail (FDT #851), Quandary Mountain Trail (FDT #47), Colorado Trail (FDT #2108.3) from Tiger Road to Georgia Pass, West Ridge Trail (FDT #176.1), South Fork of the Swan (Georgia Pass) Road (FDR #355), Middle Fork of the Swan Road (FDR #6), and Rock Island Road (#355W1.B). Crews can be expected on more roads and trails later in season. Delays can be expected. Please follow directions of crews. Contact Dillon Ranger District Office at 970.468.5400 for questions.
   

• Colorado Trail Re-Opened in Summit County

  Date(s): Aug 8, 2011

  Dates: August 8, 2011

  The Colorado Trail (#2108.3) has re-opened after being closed to the public for hazard tree removal. The section between the North Fork of the Swan and CO Highway 9 on the Dillon Ranger District was closed to address safety concerns for trail users traveling through the work site. The contractor has completed the work ahead of schedule, which has allowed the Forest Service to re-open the trail 4 days early. If you have any questions, please contact the Dillon Ranger District Office at 970.468.5400.
   

• Don't Let Dogs Harass Wildlife!

  Date(s): Feb 9, 2011

  Colorado Division of Wildlife offices are receiving reports of dogs chasing wildlife, especially deer, and the DOW reminds pet owners that it's their responsibility to keep their pets under control.  click here to see the full article

• Check Avalanche Conditions

  Date(s): Dec 28, 2010

  The Colorado Avalanche Information Center provides forecasts of avalanche conditions in the Colorado backcountry.  Visit the site to view backcountry forecasts and avalanche education resources.

  Understanding Avalanche Hazards May Save Your Life

  
  Characteristics of avalanche terrain:

  • slopes covered with wind-deposited snow   
  • slopes steeper than 30 degrees
  • slopes near or above treeline
  • clearings and areas with few trees

  Weather conditions that increase avalanche risk:

  • recent and heavy snow or rain
  • high winds
  • rapidly changing temperatures

  Most avalanches happen during or right after storms.

  Warning signs of avalanche danger:

  • previous avalanches in the area
  • hollow sounds or cracks in the snow

Closures

• Homestake Reservoir Maintenance Closure

  Date(s): Aug 25, 2011 - Dec 31, 2013

  Homestake Reservoir access closed due to maintenance on dam.

  Click here for press release from Homestake Water Project.

  Click here for closure order.

Public Notices

Emergency Cave Closures

The U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region has issued an emergency order closing caves and abandoned mines on national forests and national grasslands in Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas in response to the spread of White Nose Syndrome.

White River National Forest Special Orders

A list of all White River Special Orders including Regional Orders