Wet Weather and Muddy Road Conditions Persist on Thunder Basin National Grassland: Travel Caution Advised

Press Release in PDF Format

(DOUGLAS, Wyo.) June 11, 2015 – Heavy rains are expected over the next few days on the already-saturated Thunder Basin National Grassland (TBNG), and subsequently, the National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the area.

Road conditions on the TBNG remain poor, after severe storms caused flooding and road washouts last week. Continued wet weather has not allowed conditions to improve much and the potential exists for additional damage to take place with this forecasted storm.

Visitors should be aware of the flooding potential, the overall poor condition of many roads, heavy equipment on the roads, and stream crossings along the Cheyenne River and Antelope Creek which are not advisable to cross due to high water. All travelers should prepare for wet and exceedingly muddy conditions on the TBNG.

Please contact the U.S. Forest Service District Office in Douglas if you are planning to travel in either area for the most up-to-date information. The District may be reached by phone at (307) 358-4690 or stop by at 2250 East Richards Street in Douglas between 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The central portion of the TBNG has been the hardest hit, with many areas remaining inaccessible. The Douglas Ranger District continues to work on re-establishing accessibility on the TBNG, with a primary focus on artery roads, such as Steckley Road (Forest Road 942), which is a main east-west route.

The District is advising to consider all roads un-travelable until dry up has occurred and then proceed with extreme caution.  Specific closures and reports:

·         Forest Road 942, Steckley Road - Antelope Creek crossing east to Rochelle Hills Road

·         Forest Road 973, Phillips RD - Antelope Creek crossing to Macky County Road

·         Forest Road 933, Rochelle Hills Road – Damage north of Fiddleback Crossing, Cheyenne River

·         Forest Road 937, Keyton Road

·         Forest Road 938, Frog Creek Road

·         Forest Road 947, Woody Creek Road

·         Forest Road 958, East Bill Road – poor driving conditions

·         Forest Road 959, Bobcat Creek Road – poor driving conditions

Major damage exists on many roads with some culverts washed out. Culvert washouts have left a dirt arch on the road base, which is not capable of supporting a vehicle. Other potential hazards include cut banks close to roads and all drainage crossings.

Situation updates will be posted on the following website, http://fs.usda.gov/mbr, or you can follow the MBRTB on Twitter, @MBRNFsTBNG.