Check road conditions before heading out on backroads

“The Arrowhead Trail was closed Friday due to multiple areas of water running over the road,” said Maintenance Supervisor Josh Dix. “Those waters have subsided without major damage, and crews are out making repairs.”

Dix added that water is now over the road at McFarland Lake near 3330 Arrowhead Trail. Passage is not feasible for most vehicles, and the road may become impassable if the lake continues to rise.

Irish Creek Forestry Road remains closed by the MN Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) due to a recurring washout. Highway department crews will continue their efforts to provide daily access for local residents.

A large number of Forest Service and MN DNR roads throughout Cook County are flooding or washed out. Repair work has to wait until the waters recede in some areas.

A list of closures/problem areas of which WTIP is aware is below, but travelers in all areas should be aware of possible washouts.

-Greenwood Road at the intersection with Shoe Lake Road

-Esther Lake Road – Closed due to a major washout on Beaver Dam Creek

-Otter Lake Road – Closed with multiple culverts washed out

-Moose Valley Road (CR 71) at Carlson Creek, under water again after last night’s rain

-North Gunflint Lake Road, under water at the Cross River Bridge

-A portion of Little Ollie Road is under water and washing out. It may be passable with an ATV/UTV if neccessary

-Trestle Pine Rd off the Ball Club Rd

-Parent Lake Road near the Cook/Lake county line is likely impassable by passenger vehicles

If you are out on the roads and notice an unsafe area, please contact the Cook County Law Enforcement Center so they can notify the appropriate authorities. Call 218-387-3030.