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Salmon-Challis National Forest

Flash Flood Watch issued September 19 at 3:09AM MDT until September 19 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

3:09 AM — 3:15 PM

* WHAT...Flash flooding and debris flows caused by excessive rainfall continue to be possible over the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes Burn Scars. * WHERE...A portion of southwest Montana, including the following area, Northwest Beaverhead County. * WHEN...Through this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Heavy rainfall over the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes Burn Scars is expected up to and during the period of the watch. Residents near the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes Burn Scars should prepare for potential debris flow. Be sure to stay up to date with information from local authorities. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding of low-lying areas, urbanized street flooding, and debris flows in and near recent wildfire burn scars. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Additional precipitation today may contribute to flooding and debris flows in some drainages near the Bobcat Lakes and Sand Creek burn scars. - Some locations that may experience flash flooding include... Areas near the Sand Creek and Bobcat Lakes Burn Scars, including portions of the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

Weed Free Hay Order 04-2021-03

Prohibited by this order: Possessing, storing, or transporting non-pelletized hay, straw, or mulch in the Intermountain Region, unless it is certified as weed free by the state where the product originated.

Fireworks and Spark Arrestor Order 04-2021-01

Prohibited by this order: Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR §261.52(t)Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order as described…

Overview

The Salmon-Challis National Forest covers over 4.3 million acres in east-central Idaho and is currently open for year-round recreation. The forest features the 1.3 million-acre Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, the Jim McClure-Jerry Peak Wilderness, Idaho's highest peak (Borah Peak at 12,662 feet), and the Wild & Scenic Salmon River and Middle Fork of the Salmon River. As of the latest updates, there are no major forest-wide closures, though specific localized closures are in effect: Forest Road #40303 (Capehorn Burrow Road) is closed through August 29, 2025, and Stoddard Bridge construction closure through July 31, 2025. Winter access is typical for the season—many forest roads are snow-covered and impassable without snowmobiles or skis. The forest offers 26 developed campgrounds with over 260 sites plus extensive dispersed camping opportunities. River floating season runs June-September, with shoulder seasons requiring cold weather preparation and winter (December-March) significantly limiting floating opportunities. Fire restrictions are not currently in place, though prescribed burns may occur periodically. For winter recreation, cross-country skiing is available at Williams Creek Summit. Four Rivers permits (Main Salmon, Middle Fork, Payette, Hells Canyon) require advance lottery applications and are highly sought after. Road construction delays are expected along Salmon River Road and Boundary/Dagger Creek areas (FR #579 & #568) during 2025.

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