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Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Red Flag Warning issued August 13 at 3:11AM PDT until August 13 at 8:00AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA

3:11 AM — 8:00 AM

A weather system continues to move through the area Thursday, bringing scattered showers and thunderstorms to the region. Lightning strikes will have the potential to start new wildfires, and gusty and erratic outflow winds could cause dangerous conditions around new and existing wildfires. * Affected Area: Northern and Central Idaho Panhandle (Zone 101), Selkirk Mountains of Northeast Washington (Zone 700) and Foothills of Northeast Washington (Zone 701). * Thunderstorms: Scattered showers and thunderstorms through early Thursday morning. * Outflow Winds: Gusty outflow winds up to 30 mph. * Impacts: Lightning strikes will have the potential to start new fires, and gusty and erratic outflow winds could cause dangerous conditions around new and existing wildfires.

Red Flag Warning issued August 12 at 1:20PM MDT until August 14 at 6:00AM MDT by NWS Boise ID

August 12th, 12:20 PM — 9:30 AM

...MONSOON MOISTURE WILL BRING SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS THURSDAY... A push of monsoon moisture will bring scattered thunderstorms to the region Thursday afternoon through Friday morning. Lingering dry surface air will limit the rainfall amounts on Thursday, increasing concern for lightning ignitions. The National Weather Service in Boise has issued a Red Flag Warning for lightning, which is in effect from 3 PM MDT /2 PM PDT/ Thursday to 6 AM MDT /5 AM PDT/ Friday. The Fire Weather Watch is no longer in effect. * AFFECTED AREA...In Idaho, Fire Weather Zones 400 Northern Boise BLM, 401 Western Payette National Forest, 402 Eastern Payette National Forest, 403 Northern Boise National Forest, 420 Treasure Valley BLM, 421 Southern Boise/Western Sawtooth NF, including the Camas Prairie, 423 Owyhee Mountains, 424 Western Twin Falls BLM and 426 Southern Highlands. In Oregon, Fire Weather Zone 672 Southern Grasslands. * TIMING...From 3 PM MDT /2 PM PDT/ Thursday to 6 AM MDT /5 AM PDT/ Friday. * THUNDERSTORMS...Scattered coverage with abundant lightning. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusty erratic winds up to 40 mph. * IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended.

Air Quality Alert issued August 12 at 11:56AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA

August 12th, 11:56 AM — 12:00 PM

An Air Quality Advisory has been issued by the following agencies: Nez Perce Tribe The Air Quality Advisory issued for the Nez Perce Reservation remains in effect. Wildfire smoke may move in and out of the area depending on fire and wind activity; some areas may be more impacted than others. The advisory has been lifted for areas outside of the Nez Perce Reservation in Lewis and Nez Perce counties.

Overview

The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests encompass 4 million acres of diverse terrain in north-central Idaho, ranging from the rugged canyons of the Salmon River to moist cedar forests and rolling Palouse uplands. The forests are currently open with fire danger rated as Very High. Recent alerts include a closure of Fish Creek Campground, Pavilion, and surrounding roads (FSR 4600 and FSR 221) due to windstorm damage and hazardous snags as of December 19, 2025. Seasonal winter restrictions are in effect at the Lolo Pass Winter Recreation Area for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and dog use. The forests are known for cold, snowy winters (with snow depths of 1-10 feet) and hot, dry summers, offering extensive winter recreation including over 350 miles of groomed trails near Elk City. A new Land Management Plan was finalized in January 2025 after a comprehensive planning process. The forests contain four wilderness areas and provide diverse recreation opportunities year-round. Water quality issues were noted at Laird Park Campground in summer 2025. Always check current conditions before visiting as weather can be extreme and variable, especially at higher elevations.

Campgrounds

Adams Ranger Station Apgar Campground Aquarius Campground Aquarius Campground And Purple Beach Group Site Austin Ridge Lookout Bald Mountain Lookout Bimerick Creek Camp Boyd Creek Campground Bridge Creek Campground Bungalow Camp Castle Butte Lookout Castle Creek Campground Cayuse Landing Camp Cedars Campground Clark Mountain Camp Cold Springs Peak Cabin Corral Creek Campground Crooked River Crooked River Campground #4 Ditch Creek Campground Dixie Meadow Campground Dog Creek Camp Elk Creek Campground Elk Creek Pavilion Elk Summit Campground FRENCH GULCH Fawn Creek Camp Fish Creek Group Use

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