Forest Service road openings delayed in southwest Montana due to heavy snow

BOZEMAN, Mont — The Bozeman Ranger District is delaying opening multiple Forest Service roads because of heavy spring snow.

The Custer Gallatin National Forest says the Upper Hyalite area received almost 5 feet of snow since April 1.

Campgrounds and roads originally set to open May 16 remain closed.

The extended closures include Upper Hyalite, Olson Creek, Jackson Creek, Portal Creek and Moose Creek roads.

“Usually on May 16, when we open the gate, you can drive to the Grotto Trailhead, and the campgrounds usually open that day as well. I believe the last time that we didn't have everything open on May 16 was 2015,” Bozeman Ranger District recreation program manager Wendi Urie said.

Urie says the snow is melting fast, and they hope to open everything soon.