Rock slide closes FS road on Ochoco National Forest

Ochoco National Forest managers have temporarily closed a section of Forest Road 58 near the South Fork of the John Day River on the Paulina Ranger District while they mitigate a rock slide brought on by recent snowmelt and wet soil conditions, officials said Thursday.

Forest Service employees discovered the rock slide earlier this week and determined the potential for more large rocks to slide down a steep grade into the roadway.

The site is located in the southeast corner of the Ochoco National Forest, close to the forest boundary with Prineville BLM. This time of year, the road is frequently used by turkey and bear hunters, wildflower viewers and local traffic.

The road section has been signed and flagged, officials said.

Forest employees are working on a plan to mitigate the rock slide and will reopen the road as soon as possible, but it will likely remain closed through this weekend.