(KAMIAH, ID) On the evening of Wednesday, July 24, severe thunderstorms occurred in North-Central Idaho. This extreme weather was marked by high wind, which impacted many parts of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.
The storms were particularly severe in the Lochsa River Corridor. Quick responses by the U.S. Forest Service Fire Crews, Idaho State Police, and the Idaho Transportation Department resulted in the clearing of slides and tree fall on Highway 12, but wind throw from trees and weakened branches have altered safety conditions at campgrounds on the Highway 12 corridor. The high-country ridge top roads are potentially impacted as well due to especially severe winds at higher elevations, which may have impacted travel conditions to many areas of the forests
Currently, the Lolo Pass Visitor Center is closed until power is restored and Wendover and Whitehouse campgrounds are closed until further notice due to significant hazard trees. We are still assessing the situation on the ground and are recommending that recreationists planning to visit campgrounds on the Lochsa Corridor this weekend postpone their plans until we have fully assessed.
Fenn Ranger Station lost power but it has since been restored with the help of Idaho County Light and Power. Several trees were down blocking the road yesterday evening, but Fenn Fire has cleared Selway Road (FSR 223) all the way to Race Creek campground. Central Zone Developed Recreation staff are checking Campgrounds. Moose Creek Historic Ranger Station has some large tress down and some facility damage. The Selway River Trail (#4) is expected to have many down trees and may not be passable for some time. Similarly, there are downed trees on trails in the Red River Ranger district and recreators should exercise caution.
We will keep you updated as conditions change. High winds may still have additional impacts going forward.
