Warning: Falling trees

Forest Service officials are warning hikers to be wary of the possibility of falling dead trees on forest trails. With higher winds kicking up as winter approaches, thousands of fire- and insect-killed trees may pose a hazard to hikers.

Despite the fact that most trails were cleared of downed trees over the course of the summer, the trees are continuing to fall. As the dead trees rot and deteriorate, the rate of falling windblown trees will likely accelerate as time goes on and, the more the wind blows, the more the danger will present itself.

Late last month, Forest Service Trails Specialist Chris Sabo issued a first-hand report on the hazards of falling trees:

"While working in the Suttle Lake area today under gusty winds," he said, "I heard a medium-sized tree fall not too far off."

The incident prompted Sabo to remind forest users of the hazard.

"You may want to consider avoiding areas with high numbers of dead trees, during windy conditions especially," Sabo said.

He pointed out that the trees may fall suddenly and without warning.

In a related matter, Sabo also announced that portions of Road 370, which heads south from the Three Creek Lake area would be closed through Friday of last week. The road closure was for drainage maintenance and removal of dead, hazardous trees from the roadside.

Sabo also noted that road access to the trail system will be affected as seasonal snowfall picks up. He expects that many higher and mid-elevation roads will be closed in November. For example, while Road 370 will be reopened after the scheduled maintenance closure, it could be closed for the season - with little or no notice - by as few as six to eight inches of snow.