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Duluth, Minn., June 22, 2024—The Superior National Forest (NF) continues to monitor and evaluate storm-impacted areas affected by the June 18, 2024, storm. Recently, wilderness rangers on the Gunflint Ranger District discovered what they decern as straight-line wind or tornado damage to vegetation in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) on a border route portage. Similarly, Superior NF staff discovered similar blown down vegetation on the Tofte Ranger District. To get a more accurate evaluation of wind damage, the Superior NF will be conducting a Beaver flight over portions of the Gunflint and Tofte Ranger Districts this morning to gauge further storm damage. Managers will access this information and any decisions to areas will be relayed in public messaging.
Superior NF staff continue to inspect National Forest System roads and BWCAW entry points for storm damage that pose public safety threats. Staff have been busy constructing road barriers to mark roads or road sections “closed” with barriers and signs until storm damage can be resolved for safe passage. For a full list of affected areas-please see our press release from June 20, 2024, at: Superior NF Storm-Impacted Press Release-June 20, 2024
Changes to the above press release from June 20, 2024, include:
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Moose River North Entry Point #16, portage is washed out and inaccessible from flooding. BWCAW permits have been cancelled through June 25, 2024, for this entry point.
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Mudro Lake Restricted Entry Point #22. Inaccessible due to a major washout on the Grassy Road. BWCAW permits have been cancelled through June 25, 2024, for this entry point.
The following crossed out National Forest System roads are now reopened (updated June 22, 2024):
LaCroix Ranger District (Northwest side of the Forest, St. Louis County)
- FR 200 (200 Road)
FR 464 (Moose Loop) FR 467 (Meander Lake Road)
Tofte Ranger District (Southeast side of the Forest, Lake and Cook Counties)
- FR 166 (600 Road)-due to timber closure
- FR 172 (Wanless Road)
- FR 174 (Dumbell Lake Road)
- FR 177 (Mitawan Lake Road)
FR 342 (Two Island Lake Road)FR 343 (Temperance River Road)-
FR 346 (Richie Lake Road)
- FR 358 (Hoist Lake Road)
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FR 369 (Trappers Lake Road)
- FR 373 (NW Road)
- FR 377 (Tomahawk Road)
- FR 912 (Victor Lake Road)
In addition to these National Forest System Roads, St. Louis County Roads-North Arm Road, Mud Creek Road, and Echo Trail (116) are now open. These two main roads are located north of Ely.
We continue to ask for the public’s patience over the next several days. Many BWCAW visitors have been calling district offices and wondering when entry points will be accessible again and, in some situations, we cannot exactly predict when this will occur. As entry points and roads become safely accessible, we will provide updated information.
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. Also, wear your life jacket.
June 20, 2024, Press release URL:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/superior/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1182247
Superior NF Flickr Storm Album: https://www.flickr.com/photos/superiornationalforest/albums/72177720318087605
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