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Duluth, Minn., June 23, 2024—The Superior National Forest staff has identified pockets of moderate to high severity wind-damaged vegetation resulting from recent storm activity on the eastern side of the Forest on the Gunflint and Tofte Districts.
No new closures from these blowdown areas are in effect; however, visitors should be aware that many areas are not yet cleared and should expect inaccessible or difficult travel conditions impacting recreational activities. Thus, in addition to water-impacted roads, trails, boat access, and campsites, these areas with blowdown require visitors to remember to keep safety at the forefront, and to stay within your knowledge and skills to ensure a safe experience, as conditions may change.
Blowdown Areas
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The Border Route Trail, BWCAW Entry Points 81-83-Border Route Trail). This area has 10–15-acre pockets from Gunflint Lake heading east.
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Areas north of Greenwood Lake, adjacent to the BWCAW, contains pockets of blow down approximately 10-25 acres in size. Areas are scattered and mostly away from portages.
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Inside the BWCAW, north and east of the Gunflint Trail, significant pockets of blow down are located in the Rose Lake area east towards Mountain Lake.
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The Tofte Ranger District has up-to 50-acre of blow down along the Sawbill Trail and Kawishiwi Lake areas. Windy Lake, Clearwater, and Clara Lake areas also have blowdown acres.
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Temperance River corridor has a lot of pockets of blow down. Currently tree fall is not blocking river access or across the trail, but conditions could change.
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The Lost Lake Road area has 10–20-acre blown down patches.
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The Timber-Frear ATV Trail on the Tofte Ranger District has been heavily impacted with blow down.
BWCAW Entry Point Update
All visitors at BWCAW entry points that were blocked in by road washouts have been escorted out. BWCAW entry points reopening today:
- South Hegman Lake Entry Point #77
- Angleworm Lake Entry Point #20 and Angleworm Trail Entry Point #21
- Stuart River Entry Point #19
See attached map for a current list of BWCAW entry point closures.
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
Superior NF Flickr Storm Album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/superiornationalforest/albums/72177720318087605
Information on Lake County flooding: https://www.co.lake.mn.us/soil-and-water-conservation-district/disaster-and-flood-assistance/
Information on St. Louis County flooding: https://www.stlouiscountymn.gov/residents/damage-reporting-information
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