Recent winter storms brought plentiful amounts of snow to the White Mountains creating a prime time for winter recreation on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. There are plenty of activities to do in the winter to help squelch that cabin fever, but it’s imperative to be prepared and recreate responsibly.
Winter recreation preparation tips:
Planning a trip to play in the snow Sunday? Leave prepared for heavy traffic around popular snow-play sites and the potential for more winter weather to arrive as early as Sunday afternoon.
Highway conditions can deteriorate quickly during severe weather as snow accumulates and drivers struggle, and closures can happen suddenly and be prolonged.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Coconino National Forest are warning backcountry mountain travelers to be alert for potential avalanche hazards on the San Francisco Peaks. The existing snowpack, recent wind events, and a large amount of new snow could produce hazardous conditions in the backcountry. This includes side country area bordering Arizona Snowbowl Ski Area.
With back-to-back snowstorms bearing down on Arizona, know what you’re driving into before heading to the high country.
Highway conditions can deteriorate quickly during severe weather as snow accumulates and drivers struggle, and closures can happen suddenly and be prolonged. If enough snow falls, the Arizona Department of Transportation may close lesser-used highways while snowplows address busier routes.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Winter Storm Warning for Northern Arizona due to incoming snowstorms impacting the region.
The NWS is predicting a series of storms starting Thursday for elevations above 5500 feet. The series could bring over two feet of snow and continue until Monday evening with the most severe parts of the storm coming Friday night through Saturday.
Being prepared for an emergency makes good sense for everyone, and only takes a bit of preparation to ensure things go smoothly during a real disaster. The Phoenix Chapter of the American Red Cross says time spent on thinking things through will pay off immensely.
So, when something goes wrong during the winter season – say a sudden power outage at home or the family car breaks down on the highway – it’s all about preparation, which is the alternative to panic.
Snow in Arizona’s high country is a magnet for desert dwellers looking to ski, sled, make snowmen and have snowball fights.
Too often, however, a vehicle full of people heading to play in the snow winds up parked on the shoulder of a state highway or even Interstate 17 rather than pulled safely into a designated parking area well off the road. This creates a hazard for more than just the occupants.
Poor driving conditions, caused by a winter storm, have forced the closure of eastbound Interstate 40 at Ash Fork, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
The highway is closed at milepost 146. There is no estimate to reopen the highway and travelers should expect delays.
For the most current information about highway closures and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow us on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 5-1-1.
With Arizona experiencing another wave of snow in the high country this week, drivers should be prepared for what may be a busy winter-weather travel season on the state’s highways. The Arizona Departments of Transportation and Public Safety say drivers should plan ahead if their travels could include encounters with snow or ice.
Do you “Know Snow in Arizona?” If not, now is the time to get ready for the winter driving season.
As the first significant winter storm rolls into the state this weekend, delivering snow to high country areas, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT)has been getting ready to respond to keep motorists safe while clearing snow and ice from highways.
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