Forest Service, Ski Bluewood work to keep road open for final day of season

By Griffin Beach on Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories

DAYTON – After high waters cut into the roadside embankment, Umatilla National Forest and Ski Bluewood worked together to maintain one lane access to the ski area.

The road was reopened on Mar. 20 and plans are currently being developed to stabilize the second lane, but no time frame on that work was given. Ski Bluewood stayed open through the weekend, and will open again Saturday for their final day of the season.

Forest Service Road 47 at the Tucannon Fish Hatchery sustained much more significant damage and remains completely closed.

Officials ask visitors to the forest to remain out of closed areas and use caution when traveling through as conditions can quickly change at this time of year.

Photo of damaged area taken from Umatilla National Forest Facebook