Flash Flooding Buries Picnic Area
Written by Andrew-Rossi on July 17, 2017
Flash flooding has buried a recreation area on the South Fork.
The BLM Bobcat–Houlihan Recreation Area, located 28 miles southwest of Cody along the South Fork Highway, became buried in up to 8 inches of mud and debris by a flash flood and culvert failure in an irrigation ditch.
Although the area remains open to the public because the dried mud is able to support vehicle traffic, BLM officials say that even small amounts of rain will make the area impassable. Those parking on dried mud in the morning could return from a hike to find vehicles mired in mud after a short rain shower.
The areas affected by the flooding include County Road 6EH southwest of the bridge, the entire parking area, the access trail to the picnic area, the picnic area itself, and the access trail leading to the South Fork. Road work to replace some culverts along County Road 6EH is needed and is anticipated to begin soon.
