Snowpack And Cold Temperatures Delay Openings
Release Date: May 26, 2011
Contact(s): Tammy Williams 970-295-6693 or John Bustos 970-295-6674
Granby, Colo. – Sulphur Ranger District of the Arapaho National Forest will likely delay the opening of some campgrounds, roads and trails because of record and near-record snow pack measurements in Grand County.
Recent cold, wet weather has delayed the normal snow-melt and runoff that would allow roads, trails and campgrounds to be safe enough for public use. Several campgrounds in the Sulphur Ranger District will be open for Memorial Day weekend, but, due to snow, some campgrounds will remain closed until the snow melts and hazard trees can be safely removed by Forest Service crews.
Most roads on the District remain closed due to snow. Once snow melts on Forest Service roads, crews will be sent in to remove any trees that have fallen onto the roads. This work has been performed annually since the bark beetle epidemic began. The Forest Service is closely monitoring the changing conditions and will open campgrounds and roads as soon as conditions allow. In the meantime, visitors are encouraged to call Sulphur Ranger District Visitor Information Office at 970-887-4100 or visit the web at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/srdrecreation to get the latest information about openings and conditions in the National Forest.