As winter eases its grip on National Forest lands in Okanogan County, visitors are cautioned to take extra care planning outings. Over the weekend multiple washouts, rockslides and debris flows were reported on Forest Service system roads and some trails.

On the Methow Valley Ranger District, a debris flow was reported across FS Road 4420 and South Summit road is temporarily impassable due to rockfall. The Twisp River Trail also had a section that washed out.

On the Tonasket Ranger District FS Road 3575-120 northeast of Chesaw was blocked by a small slide.

Betsy Peterson, Recreation Staff Officer for the Tonasket Ranger District said, “It’s a good idea to check with the District offices before an outing and be prepared to encounter the unexpected.”

In addition to the road washouts and debris flows, there have been at least three vehicles reportedly pulled from the mud in the last week, causing costly damage to both roads and vehicles.

The Forest Service appreciates hearing from forest visitors about road and trail conditions. To report a problem or to get information about road and trail conditions visit the forest website @ www.fs.fed.us