ELKO - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Elko District Office is urging the public to take extra caution when traveling on public lands due to the recent storms that have brought heavy rains to the area.
These heavy rains have caused flooding in some areas of the District washing away public roads previously in good condition.
"As we identify washouts, we focus our repair work initially on those that pose a safety hazard and those that block access," said Tom Warren, operations manager. "If you encounter washouts that pose a safety hazard, please do what you can to mark the road to warn fellow drivers."
Known washed out roads are from the CCC road in Ruby Valley east to Spruce area and Ibapah then north to Blue Lakes, Leppy Hills, Signboard area, Rock Springs, Texas Canyon, Canyon Ranch and Cottonwood Creek west of Jackpot. There is also a washout on the Antelope Creek Road near Rossi Mine.
Roads will be tracked and repaired depending on severity and availability of personnel.
Some safety measures to be taken when traveling outside improved areas:
• Try not to travel alone.
• Always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.
• Always travel with a first aid kit and supplies should you become stranded.
• Make sure you have a spare tire.
• Research your route prior to travel - Do not rely solely on a GPS device.
• Don't drive over a road if there is running water. You can't always see what the water has done to the road surface.
• Vegetation on two-track roads can hide wash outs and ruts.
• Before crossing a drainage, no matter how small, make sure you can see there are no wash outs or holes - 30 seconds of looking in advance can save hours digging yourself out.
Travelers can call the BLM office, (775) 753-0200, prior to travel to check for updates.[[In-content Ad]]
