Use caution if you are taking the family to cut a Christmas tree this weekend. Winter snows are exacerbating road damage caused by last summer’s monsoon rains.

“Some roads may be partially or even completely washed out because of melting snow. We’re asking people to pay special attention to road conditions and drive accordingly,” Larry Martin, BLM Ely Field Office civil engineering technician, said Thursday.

Martin said areas to watch out for include Blue Mass Scenic Area Road, Sawmill Canyon Road, Goshute Road and North Creek Road, west of the Geyser Ranch. He said these and other roads in the district were damaged already by last summer’s heavy rains, which – in some instances – washed away just-completed repairs.

Martin suggested that folks carry some extra food and water, blankets and a shovel in their car or truck, just in case their vehicle should get stuck.

“…And let a friend or family member know where you’re going and when you plan to return,” Martin said.

The BLM Ely District, with assistance from Lincoln and White Pine counties, maintains more than 2,600 miles of BLM roads in two-plus eastern Nevada counties. Funding is provided by the BLM Force Account, which this year alone helped repair and maintain more than 310 miles of roads in the northern portion of the district. Annually, the force account also supports fire rehabilitation efforts, spring developments and wildlife guzzlers, as well as general construction and maintenance, and more.