Recent weather conditions covered the road to Steptoe Butte State Park in large snow drifts and ice, forcing officials to close the park.

Audra Sims, Blue Mountain Area manager, said the road will remain closed until it is passable, which should take at least a couple of days.

They closed the park based on the Whitman County Sheriff department’s recommendation, after three vehicles got stuck over the weekend, Sims said.

She said park employees will first work to open the lower parking lot and picnic area to allow skiers and snowshoers access to the butte. But because the road up to the summit is traditionally unmaintained, they do not have the ability to clear it.

Reporting by Dan Doucet