Shoshone National Forest May Close Campgrounds Due to Flooding
Written by Andrew-Rossi on June 15, 2022
Raging floodwaters in Montana are trickling into Shoshone National Forest, which may close some campgrounds and amenities in the near future for visitor safety.
The “high water event” that has closed Yellowstone National Park and drowned Red Lodge, Montana, is not over. Now, Shoshone National Forest is experiencing some of the floods that are ravaging the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
On Wednesday, June 15, Shoshone National Forest announced that sections of the park’s northern portion are experiencing flooding from precipitation, snowmelt, and runoff. The water is from the same events currently affecting Yellowstone National Park and the Custer-Gallatin National Forest.
Some campgrounds, roads, and trails in Shoshone National Forest may need to be closed for resource protection and public safety.
Visitors should plan and visit the Shoshone National Forest website (http://www.fs.usda.gov/shoshone) and Facebook page (US Forest Service – Shoshone National Forest) for updates on any areas that may be closed or impacted.
“We know that there are a lot of people who had planned trips to the Greater Yellowstone area and are now having to adjust itineraries because of closures,” said Wapiti, Clarks Fork, and Greybull District Ranger Casey McQuiston. “The Shoshone National Forest remains open to visitors and recreationists. Additionally, the Washakie and Wind River Ranger districts of the Shoshone National Forest have not been as impacted as the northern portion of the Shoshone, and there are wonderful recreational opportunities on that end of the Shoshone.”
Visitors’ patience is important and much appreciated as areas are assessed for impacts due to flooding.
As daily high temperatures continue to increase throughout the week, snowmelt and subsequent runoff could prolong and potentially exacerbate some of these conditions.
Temperatures are predicted to rise above 90 by Friday.
The Shoshone National Forest will continue to evaluate the situation and respond to changing conditions, getting associated information out to the public as soon as possible in Wapiti, Clarks Fork, and Greybull Ranger districts Office at 307.527.6921.
