Salmon and Lemhi river ice jams close two BLM recreation sites

Ice jams have forced the Salmon Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management to close portions of the Shoup Bridge Recreation Site and Morgan Bar Campground. Parts of both areas are underwater because of major ice jams along the Salmon and Lemhi Rivers.
“These areas are very popular, but the weather has resulted in dangerous conditions,” said James Townley, SFO Recreation Planner. “Due to weather conditions and the potential for flooding, we might have to temporary close additional sites along the Salmon River to protect public health and safety.” Additional recreation sites that may be impacted due to ice jams include Kilpatrick, 11 Mile, 8 Mile, and Tower Rock. The recreation sites will re-open as soon as water levels and weather conditions improve. The areas will be signed as closed until further notice. Seasonal and winter closures are already in effect on some other trails and roads on public lands. Ice jams form when ice builds up and blocks the river’s flow. That causes upstream water to slow down and rise higher. The rising water then floods surrounding areas. Flooding can also occur when a jam fails or breaks apart, rapidly releasing upstream water and creating a situation similar to a flash flood.