UPDATE:  Forest Services says days later that upper pool was not filled with silt, just the lower pools.

HIKING -- News about this spring's huge runoff and flooding got personal to hikers this week with news that silt has filled pools at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs in the Lochsa River drainage of Idaho.

"The upper (largest) hot spring pool at Jerry Johnson recreation site, located along Highway 12 on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, was completely filled with silt and debris from heavy rains and high runoff," the Forest Service reports this morning.

Some forests around the region also have reported bridge washouts or closures including one main access across the Salmon River into the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.

But the Jerry Johnson hot springs situation sends a chill up the spine of hikers who long to trek in 1 to 5 miles to enjoy three enhanced natural pools on Warm Spring Creek.

"While visitors are obviously anxious to resume soaking, we ask that you allow natural hydraulics in the area to settle so forest staff can determine if this event affected the location and/or flow of the geothermal springs," Forest officials say in a release.  "After spring flows level off, the site will be assessed to determine what management is appropriate.

"Please help protect the integrity of this special place and allow natural processes to proceed by not disturbing the ground or digging holes in the debris.  There is no guarantee you’ll find a “hot” spot where one previously existed, particularly while ground saturation is high.  Damaging natural features can result in a fine of $250 (36 CFR 261.9(a)).

Hikers willing to volunteer to assist with future site maintenance can contact the Kooskia Ranger Station, (208) 926-4274.

• The Jerry Johnson Hot Springs trailhead parking lot is about 25 miles west of Lolo Pass at the Warm Springs Pack Bridge between Mile Markers 152 and 153 on the north side of Highway 12.