Rains Wash Out Forest Roads

The Warren-Profile-Gap or Elk Summit Road on the east side of the Payette National Forest experienced major rain this spring and summer, resulting in the destruction of about three miles of road including two bridges across Elk Creek.

The washouts have left forest officials and Valley County residents without a route between Big Creek and Warren.

All vehicles, especially ones pulling trailers, are strongly discouraged from traveling any portion of the Elk Summit Road. There are no alternate routes that go through this part of the forest.

The Payette National Forest supervisor has requested emergency relief. The road qualifies for consideration because it is part of the Forest Development Road System, although it is under Valley County jurisdiction.

Payette National Forest engineer Charles Showers met with the Federal Highway Administration officials Sept. 20 to make the first review of the washout and gather facts so that the Highway Administration can determine if the road qualifies for funds.