Soft roads in Flathead forest prompt closures, load limits

Warmer weather, snowmelt and spring rains are creating soft road surfaces and spring "breakup" conditions on many Flathead National Forest roads, prompting ranger districts to temporarily close roads or impose load limits.

In the next few months, road managers will check conditions and close roads or assign load limits, depending on conditions.

"We really need the public to respect the spring breakup restrictions," said Ken Meckel, a road engineer with the Flathead forest. "They are important to protect the road surface and ensure that the road drainage works properly."

Updated information is available at local ranger stations by calling Hungry Horse/Glacier View at 387-3800, Tally Lake at 863-5400, and Swan Lake at 837-7500.