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Salmon-Challis National Forest

Red Flag Warning issued August 9 at 9:37PM MDT until August 10 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Pocatello ID

9:37 PM — August 10th, 3:00 PM

The National Weather Service in Pocatello has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from 2 PM to 9 PM MDT Monday. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire weather zones 475 and 476. * WIND...West 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. * HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent. * IMPACTS...Wind reaching these speeds and humidity drier than 15 percent can result in rapid fire spread and extreme wildfire intensity.

Red Flag Warning issued August 9 at 9:37PM MDT until August 10 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Pocatello ID

9:37 PM — August 10th, 3:00 PM

The National Weather Service in Pocatello has issued a Red Flag Warning, which is in effect from 2 PM to 9 PM MDT Monday. * AFFECTED AREA...Fire weather zones 410 and 425. * WIND...West 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. * HUMIDITY...As low as 8 percent. * IMPACTS...Wind reaching these speeds and humidity drier than 15 percent can result in rapid fire spread and extreme wildfire intensity.

Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT

8:15 AM — August 10th, 9:00 AM

AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/10/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Malta and Missoula are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us

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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