Mudslides force closure of Warm Springs

Access to canyon closed west of Ketchum

By :GREGORY FOLEY

County and federal officials have closed Warm Springs Road west of Ketchum after persistent rain caused more landslides in the area.

Kurt Nelson, district ranger for the Sawtooth National Forest, said at least one mudslide off the hills above the road prompted the closure earlier today. He said road crews are expected to reach the scene at approximately 4 p.m. to assess the situation and determine when the road might be reopened. The road is closed from where the pavement ends, about four miles outside of Ketchum, into Warm Springs canyon.

A flash flood watch remains in effect for Blaine County through late tonight.

The affected area was made susceptible to mudslides by the Castle Rock Fire, which burned more than 48,000 acres near Ketchum in 2007. Landslides closed the road in the canyon for several days at the beginning of the month.