Forest Service Press Release
While spring is a beautiful time of year to get outdoors and visit the Manti-La Sal National Forest, the Forest Service is concerned that snowmelt from this year’s record snowfall may bring about landslides and flooding in low-lying areas.
This winter, southeast Utah received well over 200% of its average snowfall. This is great news for drought recovery, but water from melting snow can accumulate in the ground, resulting in unstable terrain or flooding.
Landslides can appear as debris flows, slides and rockfalls. Overflow of water in ponds/lakes or excessive flow in rivers/streams can quickly accumulate, flooding nearby recreational areas.
“Landslides are common natural hazards in Utah. They often occur without warning and can result in destructive, costly outcomes. Your safety is important; if you see a landslide, stay away as the slope may experience additional failures for hours or days afterwards,” said Forest Supervisor Andrew Orlemann. “If flooding occurs, relocate to higher ground and report it. Beware of fast-moving streams/rivers as humans and animals can be quickly swept downstream.”
The public is asked to report any road/trail damage and flood concerns to their closest Ranger District Office. If calling about road/facilities damage, please provide this helpful information:
- Ranger District
- County
- Forest Service road or trail number
- Location or directions (e.g. mileage from the start of the road/trail or intersection)
- If possible, map or GPS coordinates
- Description of damage (culvert out, flooding, ruts, slide, washout, etc.)
- Name, telephone number and email of person reporting damage (in case Ranger District has additional questions.)
- Provide any cell phone photos (one photo showing scale of the damage, if possible)
Forest visitors should also use defensive driving techniques while on dry Forest Service roads during this time of year. This includes adjusting speed to current weather and road conditions. Stay alert for the unexpected hazards, including other vehicles, livestock, rocks, fallen trees, flood waters, road washouts, etc.
For current road conditions on the Manti-La Sal National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/detail/mantilasal/home/?cid=fseprd620617
For more information on the Manti-La Sal National Forest, visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/mantilasal and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mantilasalnationalforest or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ml_nf