The Umpqua National Forest in Oregon is informing its visitors of potentially hazardous conditions throughout the forest due to this past winter’s severe storms and downed trees which may have created potentially dangerous road and trail conditions.
“Due to the heavy snowfalls this February, many trails and roads are simply inaccessible,” Alice Carlton, Umpqua National Forest, Supervisor, said. “With the large number of downed trees and heavy snows, we are still working to assess the full impact to the forest.”
Currently the two most heavily impacted areas we have identified are located in the Cottage Grove and North Umpqua Ranger Districts. Barriers and barricades have been placed as warnings to the public of known hazardous roads and trails. The lack of a barricade or barrier should not be construed to mean an area is without hazards. Please be especially careful as there are many snags, downed trees and damage throughout the forest.
Should you encounter Forest Service work crews clearing roads or trails, please do not approach them as the work can be dangerous for both them and you. Also, under no circumstances should the general public cut, clear or remove any downed trees from the roads in these heavily affected areas as this can be extremely dangerous.
As usual when recreating in the forest it is important to be well prepared with emergency equipment, water and food. Always let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.
The Umpqua National Forest will release more information once it has had the opportunity to assess the work needing to be done. Continue to follow the forest’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/UmpquaNationalForest for the most up-to-date information available.
