Snow Brings Forest Road Closures

It's time for the start of over-the-snow recreation in the Ashely National Forest, and rangers based in Vernal have already closed roads to autos and trucks for the safety of those skiing or using snowmobiles. One exception to the usual set of areas available: the Red Cloud Loop Road between Iron Springs and Kaler Hollow is closed to all motorized travel due to the Brush Creek Bridge bing out. That bridge, which was 18-feet wide, was torn out this year and is set to be replaced with a 30-foot wide bridge next year. Right now, there's a hole with 15 to 25 foot vertical banks where the bridge used to be, in the location where bridge abutments will be poured next spring. Officials also say the west end of the Flaming Gorge Ranger District is now closed to wheeled traffic and open to over-the-snow access. Gates are closed at Birch Creek and Sheep Creek Park on Forest Road 221. The Deep Creek area is also closed to wheeled vehicle, but open for over-the-snow access.