Be alert and check weather, road and trail conditions before you travel to the Forest

HELENA, Mont. (May 19, 2020) – The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest reminds the public to be alert and check the weather, road and trail conditions before going out to the forest. Forecasters are predicting a stormy week with heavy rains this combined with warmer weather at higher elevations has primed remaining snowpack for melt and release.

Anyone planning on recreating on area waterways should maintain awareness and use an abundance of caution when in or near the water according to the National Weather Service, Great Falls MT. This storm has the potential to result in a significant increase in runoff and flooding especially along the Rocky Mountain Front region and mountains in Central Montana like the Big Belts and the Little Belts through the end of the week.

"Even small draws that rarely run water have the potential to carry flow this week," according to Forest Watershed and Aquatics Program Manager, Scott Nagel. If you are around any waterways including rivers, streams, creeks and draws make sure you keep an eye out for quickly rising flows. Be aware that even an inch of rain can severely impact mountain roads and trail conditions.

Before you travel, please check on road and trail conditions at your local National Forest office and get the latest weather information and warnings at http://www.weather.gov.

For more tips before you travel visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go.

Follow us on Facebook @HLCNF and Twitter @LewisandClarkNF. To learn more about the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/hlcnf.