Drought is certainly a concern but visitors to the forest must also remember the possibility of flooding and landslides caused by rainfall. Ashley National Forest experienced multiple landslides last week over the evening of July 22nd when landslides “impacted infrastructure within the Rock Creek and Lake Fork drainages of Ashley National Forest. Both events were caused by rain in the East Fork Fire burn area. There were no injuries.” Mudslides also covered much of Moon Lake Campground as runoff flowed into the lake. The impacted campsites were cleared and visitors are urged to use caution. The road leading to Upper Stillwater Reservoir was also impacted by flowing debris. Forest Road 134 was temporarily impassable. Ashley National Forest asks all to use caution as the monsoon weather pattern increases issues in the burn terrain. “Instability is expected to continue in the post-fire area, so please be careful,” shares Ashely National Forest. “Burnt areas also present other risks such as hazard trees, ash/soot inhalation, and debris.”
