BONNERS FERRY — A mudslide lasting approximately two to three minutes covered a section of Westside Road, just inside the north border of the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge at 7:36 a.m.

Boundary County Road and Bridge crews arrived at 9:47 a.m. with equipment and began removing the mud and debris. The road is closed on the north side of the slide 3163 Westside Road. As of 1:45 pm, the mudslide at the 2.5 mile had been cleaned and the roadway is now open to travel.

Westside Road north of the slide is also dangerous, with part of the dirt road eroding away. There is flooding over the roadway just north of Copeland Road and near Elk Mountain Farms.

Joe Hafner, who drove through the area this morning, suggested that people do not drive this way unless necessary and to not attempt it without four-wheel drive.

Boundary County Emergency Manager Michael Meier emphasized the safety concerns with mudslides, eroding roads, and flooding. It is important people respect the barricades, as they are there for protection.

“Here in the county we are extremely concerned for the health and welfare of our citizens,” Meier said. “We would really like people to stay out of these areas. If you live on one of the barricaded roads, stop and talk to officials and ask them if it is safe to drive through.”

Information: Boundary County Road & Bridge, 208-267-3838