"High water from Gold Fork Arm is covering the roadway and posing a public safety hazard for vehicle traffic in that area," said Warren Sedlacek, Reclamation Natural Resource Specialist.

In addition, water quality is of concern to Reclamation. Vehicles driving across the road way stir up sediments and release nutrients into the water column. Based upon this concern, the local citizen's Water Advisory Group and the Technical Advisory Group recommended the seasonal closure of this road.

Sedlacek said this portion of highway is usually covered with water from the Gold Fork Arm, but that the new gates are a recent feature to the landscape.

"When the water elevation is below the bridge of the Old State Highway the gates will be unlocked to allow for vehicle traffic," said Sedlacek.

Lake Cascade is located on the North Fork of the Payette River near Cascade, Idaho.