Toll Mountain Campground southeast of Butte will temporarily close due to an earthen dam located three-quarters of a mile upstream of the campground that is at risk of failure. Spring runoff has caused rising waters to weaken the integrity of the dam. Predictions are for spring runoff to continue through the weekend as temperatures gradually rise and rain continues.
“We are taking precautions in order to keep visitors safe in the event the dam should fail,” said Butte District Ranger Dave Sabo. “We will be implementing an Emergency Closure Order for forest road #9319 until the threat of the dam failing has ceased.”
Officials from the Forest Service have reviewed the site and are developing both long and short term strategies to address the situation. Currently, the Forest Service is pumping water from the pond to draw down the water level. For more information contact the Butte Ranger District at (406) 494-2147.
