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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Snow blocks some mountain roads

Snow is still plugging mountain roads and Forest Service crews are just working their way through projects left by the ravages of winter.

The basic rule: Check websites or call ahead to the national forest ranger districts or other agencies for any updates on road and trail conditions before making solid plans for a trip.

For example:

• Two popular trails and one road are temporarily closed west of Winthrop, Washington. The West Fork Methow and Cutthroat trails were both damaged by avalanches over the winter and Harts Pass Road, a gateway to the Pasayten Wilderness, is impassable because of storm damage. Trees, logs, brush and other debris were left behind by avalanches, blocking portions of both trails. Contact: Methow Valley Ranger District at (509) 996-4000.

• Marble Creek Road in the St. Joe Ranger District will present travelers this summer with road delays ranging from 30 minutes to an hour because of Potlatch Corporation logging operations. The work will begin in mid-June and is expected to continue until September. Work will begin near the 2-mile marker of Marble Creek Road 321 in mid-June and will move to the 3.5-mile marker in mid-July. Contact: St. Joe Ranger District (208) 245-2531.