Challis Bridge recreation site closed temporarily because of flooding

The Challis Bridge Recreation Site is being temporarily closed because of flooding conditions at the site because of ice jams along the Salmon River. The Bureau of Land Management announced that the highly popular site would be closed Thursday.

The BLM says that a combination of very cold air and strong winds created dangerously low wind chill value and froze the water on the Salmon River resulting in ice jams.

The Challis BLM Field Office had to close the site temporarily in 2014 at the request of the Sheriff’s Department when weather conditions were similar and numerous vehicles got stuck and had to be towed out after they broke through the unstable ice that covers this recreation area. “Deep pockets of air and water, under fragile ice, can be quite treacherous. Out of concern for public safety, we think it is best to close this area until conditions improve,” said Jason Oles, Challis Recreation Planner.

An ice jam refers to a build-up of ice that blocks the river’s flow causing the water upstream to slow down and rise higher. The rising water floods surrounding areas when the water level exceeds the channel or levee height. Flooding can also occur when a jam fails or breaks apart, rapidly releasing upstream water and creating a situation similar to a flash flood downstream (Idaho Office of Emergency Management). Cold temperatures make this a real safety concern if people are stuck along the river without help. The area will be signed closed until future notice.

For more information on this closure or for general information, please contact the BLM in Challis at 208-879-6200.