ALERT: Evacuation Order Upgraded to “GO” for Elkhorn Hot Springs and Maverick Mountain Ski Area
ALERT: Go status reached. Effective immediately, the Beaverhead County Sheriff, in coordination with fire officials and local cooperators, moved evacuation status from “set” to “GO” for Elkhorn Hotsprings, and Maverick Mountain including all communities south to Shale Creek and Clark Creek on the north end of Grasshopper Valley. Critical fire weather continues on the Bobcat Lakes and Sand Creek Fires as they both move in a south and eastern track. Firefighters are prioritizing structure protection as additional firefighting resources continue to arrive.
Now is the time to leave in an orderly manner if you are in the impacted area. If you need assistance with evacuation and placement please leave a message with Beaverhead County Emergency Services at 406-683-3771.
What the “GO” Evacuation Level Means
Montana and many western states use a three-tier evacuation system — Ready, Set, Go — to communicate the urgency of a wildfire threat to residents and visitors. When an area is elevated to “GO,” it is not a suggestion. Emergency managers are telling you that the fire is an immediate threat to life and property, and that you need to leave now, without delay.
“Set” means a fire is near and conditions could quickly worsen — residents should be packed and prepared to leave on short notice. “GO” means that moment has arrived. Roads can close, winds can shift, and fire behavior can change faster than emergency services can respond. Do not wait to see flames or smoke before you leave. By that point, safe evacuation routes may already be compromised.
If you are camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, or recreating anywhere in the affected zone, treat this order as if it applies directly to you. Visitors unfamiliar with the terrain are at particular risk when fire conditions deteriorate rapidly.
Fires Driving the Evacuation: Bobcat Lakes and Sand Creek Fires
The evacuation order is being driven by two active fires — the Bobcat Lakes Fire and the Sand Creek Fire — both of which are tracking in a southward and eastward direction through the Pioneer Mountains and Grasshopper Valley corridor. This is some of southwestern Montana’s most rugged and remote terrain, and the combination of steep drainages, heavy timber, and cured grasses creates conditions where fire can move extremely fast.
Firefighting crews are actively working to protect structures in the area, and additional resources are being brought in. However, under “GO” conditions, the priority is life safety first. Residents and visitors cannot count on firefighters being able to intervene before a fire reaches a specific structure or road corridor.
Closures on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
An official closure is in place for National Forest System (NFS) area, roads, and trails in the Wise River Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in the area as defined. Forest Road 2420 (Steel Road). All Campgrounds (Pettengill, Fourth of July, Boulder Creek, Lodgepole, Willow) along the Forest Road 73 (Pioneer Scenic Byway), from Forest Service Road 186 (Pettengill Creek) to Forest Service Road 1299 (Lacy Creek Road), for approximately 7 miles, including any/all dispersed camping areas and turnouts (Maurice & Lacy View) along the above route, Forest Road 73 (Pioneer Scenic Byway). The Pioneer Scenic Byway is now closed from Sheep Creek to Grasshopper Overlook for public and firefighter safety.
These closures are legally enforceable. Entering a closed area during an active fire event puts not only yourself at risk, but also the firefighters who may have to divert resources to assist you. Violations can also result in significant fines. If you are unsure whether a specific road or trail is within the closure boundary, assume it is closed until you can confirm otherwise with the Wise River Ranger District or the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.
Weather and Fire Behavior
Persistent hot and dry conditions continue with very little overnight recovery. Firefighters are preparing for a slight chance of isolated dry thunderstorms that could bring gusty and erratic outflow winds Saturday with little chance of moisture. Critical fire behavior weather is expected to persist with hot, dry, gusty winds and unstable atmosphere.
Dry thunderstorms are particularly dangerous in wildfire situations. Unlike storms that bring substantial rain, these systems can produce lightning strikes that ignite new fires while delivering wind gusts that cause existing fires to spread erratically. The outflow winds from collapsing thunderstorm cells can push fire in unexpected directions with very little warning, which is precisely why emergency managers upgraded the evacuation status ahead of the weekend.
CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), (b), a closure is in effect for National Forest System (NFS) area, roads, and trails in the Wise River Ranger District, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in the area as defined. Forest Road 2420 (Steel Road). All Campgrounds (Pettengill, Fourth of July, Boulder Creek, Lodgepole, Willow) along the Forest Road 73 (Pioneer Scenic Byway), from Forest Service Road 186 (Pettengill Creek) to Forest Service Road 1299 (Lacy Creek Road), for approximately 7 miles, including any/all dispersed camping areas and turnouts (Maurice & Lacy View) along the above route, Forest Road 73 (Pioneer Scenic Byway). The Pioneer Scenic Byway is now closed from Sheep Creek to Grasshopper Overlook for public and firefighter safety.
What This Means for Hunters, Anglers, and Outdoor Recreationists
The Pioneer Mountains and Grasshopper Valley area is a beloved destination for southwestern Montana outdoor enthusiasts. Maverick Mountain draws skiers in winter, while Elkhorn Hot Springs is a year-round attraction. The surrounding Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest sees heavy use throughout the summer and into fall hunting season for elk, deer, and other big game species. The Wise River drainage and its tributaries are also well-regarded for fishing opportunities.
For hunters who have been scouting this area or have early-season archery plans in the Pioneer Mountains, these closures directly affect access. Even if hunting seasons are still weeks away, a fire of this size will alter the landscape for months to come. Burned areas can affect wildlife movement and distribution, potentially pushing animals out of traditional haunts and into adjacent drainages. Keep that in mind as you update your fall game plans.
Anglers fishing the Wise River or other streams in the affected corridor should stay out of the closure zone entirely and monitor conditions closely. Post-fire rainfall events can lead to significant debris flows and ash-laden runoff that temporarily degrades water quality in affected drainages. If and when the closures lift, use caution near stream banks that may be destabilized by fire.
Campfire and Fire Restriction Reminders
Even outside the formal closure area, fire restrictions are almost certainly in effect across much of southwestern Montana given current conditions. Before camping, check the current restriction level for the specific national forest, BLM, or state land you plan to use. Stage 1 and Stage 2 fire restrictions limit or prohibit campfires, smoking, and the use of certain equipment. Violating fire restrictions during extreme fire weather is a serious matter — and under these conditions, a single escaped campfire could have catastrophic consequences.
How to Stay Informed During an Active Fire Situation
Conditions on active wildfires change rapidly, sometimes hour by hour. Here are the best ways to stay current if you have interests or plans in the affected area:
- Beaverhead County Emergency Services: 406-683-3771 — Call or leave a message if you need evacuation assistance.
- InciWeb (inciweb.wildfire.gov): The national incident information system for wildfires. Search for the Bobcat Lakes or Sand Creek Fire for official updates, maps, and closure information.
- Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest: Check the forest’s official website and social media channels for updated closure orders and road information.
- Montana Disaster and Emergency Services (DES): Monitors and communicates emergency information statewide, including evacuation orders.
- Local radio: Southwestern Montana residents should monitor local AM/FM stations, which often carry emergency broadcasts when cellular service is unreliable in remote areas.
A Note on Elkhorn Hot Springs and Maverick Mountain
Elkhorn Hot Springs is one of Montana’s oldest and most iconic hot springs resorts, situated at roughly 7,000 feet elevation in the Pioneer Mountains. It has served visitors for generations and is a treasured piece of southwestern Montana’s outdoor culture. Maverick Mountain Ski Area, located nearby, is a small but beloved family ski hill known for uncrowded runs and a genuine Montana atmosphere.
Both destinations and the surrounding community face a serious threat from these fires. Firefighters are working hard to protect structures, but the most important thing right now is that people in the evacuation zone get out safely. Property can be rebuilt. Lives cannot be replaced.
Our thoughts are with the residents, property owners, and firefighters on the ground in Grasshopper Valley and the Pioneer Mountains. We will continue to update this post as new information becomes available.
Editor’s note: Corrected the ranger district for the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway closure area from ‘Wisdom’ to ‘Wise River’ Ranger District.
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