The U.S. Forest Service is reminding Utah residents to be careful and have fun this holiday weekend. Spokeswoman Kathy-Jo Pollock with Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest says Memorial Day weekend is the kick-off for the summer season and traditionally a very busy weekend at campgrounds and picnic areas in the National Forests across Utah.
"Most campgrounds are now open throughout the state," she notes in a press statement. "Some higher-elevation campgrounds, roads, and trails will remain closed due to snow and extremely wet muddy conditions."
The Forest Service says rivers, streams and creeks are running very high and fast and pose serious safety risks.
"Please be careful and keep a watchful eye on children and pets while recreating in these areas," she added.
You can check the status of campgrounds and picnic at Forest Service sites here.
Pollock says when hiking, always carry extra water, food and a coat, just in case you get stuck on the mountain for the night or in case the weather turns bad. Always, let someone know where you are hiking and approximately what time you will return and don’t hike alone.