AHSAHKA, Idaho – Vehicles access to Bruces Eddy recreation area, located on the shoreline of Dworshak Reservoir in Ahsahka, Idaho, is temporarily closed because of extremely hazardous road conditions, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) officials at the Dworshak Natural Resources Management Office announced, today.
Overnight freezing rain creating slick road conditions, prompted park rangers to close ‘A’ Road. They also strongly recommend vehicles be equipped with chains on their tires when traveling on the steep-sloped View Point Road, leading to and from the Dworshak Visitor Center and Big Eddy marina, boat ramp and day-use area.
Corps park rangers encourage visitors to enjoy the many unique recreation opportunities that winter weather offers along the river, while also staying safe. Here are a few tips about water-related winter recreation:
Check weather forecasts and keep an eye on what the weather’s actually doing while you’re out on the rivers and reservoirs.
Be aware that boat ramps usually are not cleared of snow and ice. Ramps may be open when you get there, but become unusable because of floating ice that blocks a ramp or the ramps become too slick for a vehicle to pull a boat out.
Ice on the rivers -- There is no safe ice! Conditions on the Snake and Clearwater rivers can be unpredictable. Please, don’t risk your safety by venturing onto thin ice.
Boating -- Always wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Have a float plan which includes telling someone what area of the river you are going and what time you plan to be off the water.
All winter outdoor-recreation enthusiasts should dress warmly and stay dry to help avoid cold-weather health hazards. For more tips on cold-weather health safety, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/duringstorm/outdoorsafety.html.
To find a Corps-managed recreation area near you, check out the Walla Walla District’s website at http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/.
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Release no. 17-007