Photo: SNF

From the Superior National Forest - July 25, 2024

On June 24th, the Superior National Forest (SNF) issued an Emergency Forest Closure Order 09-09-24-05, for June Storm Restrictions - restricting occupancy and use in several affected areas across the 3-million-acre National Forest.

Today, July 25th, 30 days after the storm the SNF has 25 roads closed. As the SNF can open roads, others are closed due to additional damage since the June 18 storm. Please note that Exhibit B – Closure Map is now the Alert Page interactive Map and will no longer be published as a separate map.

Summary of updates to Exhibit A, Forest Road Updates effective today, July 24, 2024:

• Gunflint Ranger District- no changes.
• LaCroix Ranger District - no changes.
• Laurentian Ranger District - closed FR 107J (Kane Lake Spur J) and FR 514 (Higgins Road) – 7/17/24
• Kawishiwi Ranger District -
• closed FR 1436A (Birch Lake Access spur) south of Intersection with Kasota Stone - 7/17/24,
• opened FR1027 (Big Lake) to high clearance vehicles, please note the boat ramp is currently covered in gravel and is still closed. This site is a shared access with the MN DNR (see photo above).
• Tofte Ranger District - opened FR102 (Snake Trail) at Highway 1/ FR102 junction), caution is noted as the road is still rough, but it is passable. 

The area continues to have an ongoing travel advisory due to:

• Area blow downs (see release June 23), inconsistent water flow in streams and rivers, as well as connected bodies of water. Please be aware of swift, cold water and stay within your skill level and the capabilities of those in your party.
• Roads across the Superior National Forest still have shoulder and infrastructure erosion that may not be readily apparent to the traveling public, we encourage situational awareness for personal safety. SNF Staff encourages the interested public to see all related storm updates on the Superior NFs website - www.fs.usda.gov/superior, see Alerts

Closure Daily Update Log:

• June 24 – Forest Emergency Order effective 12:01 am, at the time of release, the SNF had 23 roads, 1 wilderness entry point, and no recreation sites closed in Exhibit A.
• June 25 –the SNF had 25 roads, 2 wilderness entry points, and no recreation sites. The SNF added 3 roads, opened 1 road, and added an entry point.
• June 26- the SNF had 28 roads and 2 wilderness entry points closed.
• June 27- the SNF had 25 roads and 2 wilderness entry points closed.
• June 28- the SNF had 25 roads and 1 wilderness entry point.
• July 1- the SNF had 25 roads & reopened 1 wilderness entry point.
• July 3- the SNF had 22 roads closed and reopened 3.
• July 7- the SNF had 25 roads closed and reopened 0.
• July 10 – the SNF had 28 roads closed and 3 newly closed roads, with none reopened.

Forest Order Exhibits - The June Storm Restrictions Order Exhibit A has been updated. Exhibit B is now the Alert Page Interactive Map. Exhibit C is no longer in use.

Storm Photos - Available for public use at flickr.com/photos/superiornationalforest/albums

Public Notice of Updates - Please be reminded this is an ongoing weather event and Forest Order Exhibits will be updated periodically and public notice will be made as updates are posted. (see this link for map and other closures: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/superior/notices/?cid=FSEPRD1182857 ). 

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 by 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