Forest roads coated with ice
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January 7, 2014 |
Despite the lack of snow at lower elevations,
many forest roads throughout north Idaho are
coated in a thick layer of ice, resulting in
multiple slide-offs and accidents. Forest
Service officials are urging members of the
public to avoid traveling on icy forest roads,
but if travel cannot be avoided, tire chains and
low speeds are strongly advised.
The weather’s recent freeze/thaw cycle has
melted snow on hillsides during the day, which
is re-freezing across forest roads at night.
During the weekend of January 4, 2014, multiple
accidents were reported due to vehicles sliding
off forest roads.
Some of the most common areas for accidents were
along the Bunco Road and Nettleton Gulch, where
even emergency vehicles and tow trucks
responding to slide-offs slid off the road.
Forest officials are monitoring the situation
and may temporarily close gates in areas where
large amounts of ice are present or areas with a
significant number of vehicle accidents.
Before traveling into the forest, members of the
public are encouraged to check weather forecasts
and local conditions. During winter months
chains and other safety equipment should always
be carried, and travelers should be prepared to
turn back based on conditions.
For more information on road conditions on the
Idaho Panhandle National Forest, visit
http://www.fs.usda.gov/ipnf. |
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