The Superior National Forest (SNF) has issued an Emergency Forest Closure Order 09-09-24-05, June Storm Restrictions - restricting occupancy and use in affected areas across the Forest – effective June 24, 2024, at 12:01am until terminated or June 24, 2026, whichever occurs first.  Currently the SNF has 23 roads, 1 wilderness point of entry and no recreation sites included in Exhibit A - Restrictions List, to 09-09-024-05 Emergency Closure Order.  Maps are available in Exhibits B (overview map) & C (east & west zone maps). This is an on-going weather event and Exhibits A, B & C will be updated periodically, public notice will be made as updates are posted. (see links below to full Forest Closure page, and links for Exhibits A & B).

“Storm damage is extensive across the Forest and assessment are on-going across all three-million acres,” says Tom Hall, Forest Supervisor, Superior National Forest, “the safety of our visitors, residents and staff is our priority while we work to further identify damaged areas, clear affected areas, and fix the infrastructure that is damaged. This all may take a while, so we ask the public to be patient as we work to provide access back to the affected areas.”

These emergency restrictions are necessary for the public's health and safety due to storm damage and includes all roads, lands, waters, trails, portages, canoe routes, wilderness entry points, and recreation sites as shown in the Emergency Closure Order - Exhibit A. These emergency restrictions are until the adverse effects have been mitigated or eliminated and measures have been implemented to avoid future recurrence.

Travel Advisory - Visitors are encouraged to use extreme caution on canoe routes throughout the BWCAW and across the Superior NF. River and stream flows are fast moving with swift water and continue to rise in some locations; portages may be affected with flooding or more difficult to find. Stay within your skill levels and remain safe and flexible. If conditions exceed your group’s abilities, turn around and exit the area. Also, remember to always wear your life jacket. https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/floods

See link below for our '2024 June Storm' Flickr Album - please give photo credit to: USDA Forest Service, Superior National Forest, unless otherwise noted in file name.

On-going forest alerts and closures can be viewed on this web page with an interactive map: Superior National Forest - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov))