Arizona Emergency Information Network

Coconino County Storm Updates:
Warming Stations Remain Open as More Snow Expected

The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting more snow and wind for Coconino County through Sunday night and possibly into next week.

Thursday all day - Friday morning:

• Above the 4,000-foot elevation level, 8-12 inches of snow is forecast with winds of 15-25 mph and wind gusts of 35-45 mph causing blowing snow, low visibility, and hazardous driving conditions.
• Friday afternoon – Saturday evening:
  There will be a brief break on Friday afternoon and Saturday before another winter storm arrives on Saturday night.
• Saturday night through Sunday afternoon:
  Another strong storm is forecast with 2-5 inches of snow at elevations of 4,500-6,000 feet and 5-10 inches above 6,000 feet.

Warming Stations
Some Arizona Public Service (APS) customers in Coconino County remain without power as of Thursday morning due to the continuing storm. The APS power outage map and information is available online at www.aps.com.

The American Red Cross is operating two warming stations today:
Munds Park Community Church
17670 S Munds Ranch Rd, Munds Park

Sinagua Middle School
3950 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff

Snacks and water are provided. People needing to use the station may bring a bag or backpack of personal items. Pets are allowed only with dog kennels or cat carriers; owners must provide pet food. Residents are asked to check on elderly or disabled neighbors to be sure they are safe.

Road Conditions

Coconino County Public Works crews continue to plow county roads 24/7. Drivers are advised to avoid travel in Northern Arizona due to road closures, icy conditions, and limited visibility from blowing snow.

The seven-mile stretch of Lake Mary Road, between the north and south entrances of Mormon Lake remains closed due to high winds and drifting snow. Traffic along Lake Mary Road continues to detour along the West Side Mormon Lake Road, which loops Mormon Lake and goes through Mormon Lake Village. Stoneman Lake Road also remains closed. Both roads will remain closed until weather conditions allow for the County to safely reopen them. Roads in Kendrick Park are currently not passable.

For information regarding roads maintained by the county, please call Public Works at (928) 679-8300 during business hours (7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.).

With many Arizona Public Service (APS) customers in Coconino County without power due to high winds and downed trees, the American Red Cross has opened a warming station in Flagstaff at Sinagua Middle School, 3950 E Butler Ave in Flagstaff.

People needing to utilize the station may bring a bag or backpack of personal items; pets are allowed only with dog kennels or cat carriers, and owners must provide pet food.

The American Red Cross will have snacks and water on site. Residents are also asked to check on elderly or disabled neighbors to be sure they are safe and accounted for.

APS power outage information is available online at www.aps.com including outage maps.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has confirmed three storm systems starting Tuesday night through Sunday in Coconino County, with possibly more storms next week.

The NWS is warning of treacherous driving conditions overnight Tuesday through 11 p.m. on Wednesday. Snow accumulations will be extreme with wind gusts of 60-70 mph, sustained winds of 40-50 mph, and intense cross winds. Visibility may be one-half mile at times and there may be possible white outs.

Travelers outside of Northern Arizona are advised to avoid driving on highways and interstates towards Flagstaff and surrounding communities as there may be long closures. Now is not the time for snow play in Coconino County.

For those that must travel, please be sure to carry an adequate emergency car kit.

Ready.gov has storm preparation information in many languages.

National Weather Service maps and advisories
Arizona Department of Transportation maps and traffic webcams

7-Mile Stretch of Lake Mary Road Closed in Advance

The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting three to four Winter storm systems to affect much of Coconino County from Tuesday night through Sunday. These systems are predicted be more impactful than recent storms in Northern Arizona.

The first system is predicted to begin tonight and bring heavy snowfall accumulations of 6 inches in lower elevations of Coconino County and upwards of 8 - 12 inches in Flagstaff, Williams, Forest Lakes, and the Kaibab Plateau by Thursday morning. Snow showers are expected to continue Thursday through Sunday.  

Extreme winds are forecast for late Tuesday night through Wednesday with speeds of up to 60 mph and possible white-out conditions. Temperatures will be in the single digits and possibly below zero with wind chill. NWS has a high-wind warning map with speed forecasts throughout the county.

County snowplows and graders are being staged to begin plowing County roads as soon as snow begins.

Supplies for Power Outages

Coconino County Emergency Management requests the public prepare immediately for possible power outages due to high winds.

• Stock up on non-perishable foods, baby formula, pet supplies, and medications.
• Be sure to have a battery-operated radio, flashlights, extra batteries, and a back-up phone charger.
• Do not use propane stoves or grills indoors for heat or cooking; this is an extreme danger for carbon dioxide poisoning.
• Check the APS outage map for current conditions or to report a power interruption.

Roads and Interstates

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Coconino County Public Works Department has closed a seven-mile stretch of Lake Mary Road, also known as Forest Highway 3 (FH-3), due to upcoming high winds and drifting snow from a large snowstorm that is forecast to impact the region starting tonight. During this closure traffic will detour along the West Side Mormon Lake Road, which loops Mormon Lake and goes through Mormon Lake Village. 

Travel is expected to be especially dangerous this week due to snow and high winds. There will likely be road and interstate closures, travel to and from Coconino County for recreation is not recommended.

For information regarding County maintained roads, please call Public Works at 928-679- 8300 during business hours (7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.).

Warming Shelters

Coconino County Emergency Management in partnership with the American Red Cross is preparing emergency warming shelters. Locations will be determined and announced when/if the shelters are needed.

Coconino County Storm Information
www.bit.ly/CoconinoSnowInfo
@CoconinoCounty
@coconinoem
facebook.com/CoconinoCounty

Sign up for Coconino County Emergency Alerts at www.coconino.az.gov/ready.

Arizona Department of Transportation
www.azdot.gov
@ArizonaDOT
facebook.com/AZDOT

National Weather Service Updates
www.weather.gov/fgz
@NWSFlagstaff
facebook.com/NWSFlagstaff

Extreme conditions forecast, slow down on icy or wet highways

As additional winter storms are forecast to bring powerful statewide winds as well as blizzard conditions in the high country this week, the Arizona Department of Transportation is recommending drivers delay highway travel until conditions have improved.

The National Weather Service is forecasting whiteout conditions at times in northern and eastern Arizona this week. Strong winds in excess of 50 mph will create hazards for drivers of high profile vehicles. 

Drivers who choose to travel during this week’s storms should be prepared to spend extended time on the road in extreme winter conditions. You should avoid traveling in winter weather to avoid situations where highways are impassable for long periods of time. Tracking the forecast and packing an emergency travel kit before traveling are among ADOT’s safety recommendations.

Meanwhile, drivers in lower-elevation locations also should plan for high winds, possible rain and wet roadways. All drivers should be prepared to slow down if and when conditions are diminished.

Safer conditions will exist in upper-elevation areas once ADOT’s team of snowplow operators has time to clear snow and ice from highways. Here are winter and wet weather safety recommendations:

• Slow down and leave extra room: Adjust your speed to conditions. Slowing down and leaving space between your vehicle and vehicles ahead of you on icy or wet roads can prevent crashes or keep your vehicle from skidding when conditions are slippery.
• Stay up to date on weather and highway conditions: In addition to following National Weather Service forecasts (weather.gov/fgz/WinterWeather), drivers can visit ADOT’s Traveler Information site at az511.gov, download the AZ511 app or call 511 for highway conditions.
• Leave prepared: Dress for cold weather if traveling into the high country. Bring extra clothes and gloves as part of an emergency prep kit in case you need to stop along a highway. Be sure your cellphone is charged and pack extra drinking water, food and prescription medications (in case you encounter delays).
• Other items for an emergency kit: Blankets, flashlight, ice scraper, small shovel, container with sand or kitty litter for tire traction if your vehicle is stuck in icy conditions. ADOT has a complete list of items at azdot.gov/KnowSnow (look for “Must haves for every vehicle”).
• Tire Chains: Drivers also should anticipate that, depending on the severity of winter storm conditions, chains and/or four-wheel drive vehicle capability are likely to be recommended on some highways impacted by snow or ice.

ADOT and law enforcement agencies again remind travelers not to stop next to highways, including I-17, US 180, SR 87 and SR 260, to play in the snow. Doing so is unsafe and drivers face a citation from law enforcement. People should instead go to established snow play areas. Parking along highway shoulders for snow play is not allowed, since that can block areas that emergency response vehicles may need to use.  

Drivers also can look for messages on ADOT’s statewide network of electronic signs. ADOT’s Twitter feed (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook page (facebook.com/AZDOT) also provide information and answers about highway conditions.

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Updated Maps Show Flood Risks Have Changed

On September 21, 2022, Coconino County announced that updated digital flood hazard maps for the portion of Oak Creek Canyon in Coconino County would become effective March 21, 2023. The flood maps are known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). They show the extent to which areas recently re-mapped in Coconino County’s portion of Oak Creek Canyon are at risk for flooding. These flood maps are used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements. They replace maps that were based on studies more than 30 years old. Note that the flood maps for the portion of Oak Creek Canyon in Yavapai County are still being finalized.

Residents and business owners can use the maps to obtain reliable information about their current flood risk on a property-by-property basis. The maps also provide flood zone and elevation data. This helps community planners, engineers, builders, and others decide where and how new structures, developments, and remodeling projects should be built. Information about the mapping project and how to view the final maps can be found at www.coconino.az.gov/FEMAFloodplainRemapping. A virtual online Flood Risk Open House meeting is also being held.

“Flooding is an increasingly frequent and costly problem throughout this part of Arizona. It is not just in high-risk areas,” said Lucinda Andreani, Deputy County Manager and Coconino County Flood Control District Administrator. “Having more accurate and easily accessible maps is an important step in understanding the risk. This helps guide residents in taking steps to mitigate the risk and insure against it.”

The maps were developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in partnership with Coconino County, Yavapai County, and Sedona. The process included an extensive, multi-year review of the changes brought about by environmental, land use, and other forces. It used state-of-the-art aerial mapping and risk modeling techniques, new scientific data and a comprehensive pre-release review.

In reviewing the maps, some property owners in Oak Creek Canyon will find that their risk is higher or lower than they thought. If the risk level for a property changes, then requirements for flood insurance and building standards can change as well. FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program has a cost-saving rating option to help reduce the cost of flood insurance. This applies to property owners whose properties’ flood risk has gone from moderate-low risk to high-risk (e.g., flood Zone X to Zone A).

An online virtual flood risk open house has been scheduled. This allows Oak Creek Canyon residents and business owners in Coconino County and Sedona to hear how to view the new maps. They will learn how properties may be affected. Steps will be shared that they can take to protect their investment:

Oak Creek Canyon (Coconino County) Virtual Flood Risk Open House
March 1, 2023
6:30-7:30 pm
For online sign-in details, visit:
www.coconino.az.gov/FEMAFloodplainRemapping   

More information about the open house is available at the project website: www.coconino.az.gov/FEMAFloodplainRemapping. For those unable to attend, a live stream recording will be made and posted on this website. Individuals with general questions about the local map update efforts can also call the Flood Control District at 928-679-8300 during business hours or email [email protected]. For information about flood insurance, contact your local insurance agent or visit www.FloodSmart.gov.

 

 

Forest Visitors Asked to Stay Off Senator Hwy 

The Prescott National Forest reminds visitors that the Forest does not remove snow or plow roads during winter months. Recent storms produced significant accumulation across Yavapai County, catching travelers off guard. This resulted in vehicles becoming stuck, being stranded, or sliding off the road. Considering these events, the Forest Service urges travelers to exercise caution when traveling on Forest Service Roads (FSR) during times when snow and inclement weather are possible. 

Continued winter weather conditions have made many roads across the forest impassable. Snow has made sections of the Senator Hwy (FSR-52) impassable. We ask forest visitors to stay off Senator Hwy (FSR-52) from the Mayer/Goodwin Junction on County Road 177 north to Poland Junction Road (FSR 261).  We recommend that visitors traveling to Crown King use County Road 178. 

Please keep in mind that many areas of the forest have little to no cell coverage for emergency calls. We encourage visitors to be prepared and check local and extended weather forecasts before traveling. 

Snow removal and plowing are not performed during winter months. Plowing snow on native or aggregate surfaced roads can result in damage due to increased traffic on wet roads. Plowing can encourage travel during unsafe road conditions resulting in costly damage from the inevitable ruts left behind. As the snow melts and warmer weather arrives, roads will become wet, muddy, and dangerous. To avoid damage to vehicles and road systems, the Forest encourages visitors to use caution and whenever possible not drive native or aggregate surfaced roads during snow melt and runoff. 

 For more information, please contact the Bradshaw/Chino Ranger District at 928-443-8000.

 Stay up to date on Prescott National Forest news by checking the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter.

 

The Pima County Health Department working with the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center have released the following guidance for any person who believes they may have been exposed to the toxic fumes associated with a hazardous materials spill on Interstate 10 Feb. 14. 

The hazmat incident is ongoing as state and local emergency response agencies work to clean up the spill and remediate the accident scene. 

The spill was nitric acid. Concentrated nitric acid is also called fuming red nitric acid and releases a gas, nitrogen dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide is a slightly irritant gas that with prolonged exposure especially in a confined space with the source of nitrogen dioxide, can cause delayed lung complications up to 24 hours after exposure. 

Pima County Health Department and Poison Control are recommending that individuals who may have been in contact with the gas for more than 15 minutes assess themselves for exposure risk.

If an individual has met that 15 minute or more exposure within a mile of the incident and developed respiratory difficulties or new symptoms (wheezing, shortness of breath; difficulty breathing, exacerbations of COPD or asthma) they should seek medical evaluation. It is possible that individuals who lived within a mile of the exposure and sheltered in place but were using air exchange that pulled air from the outside may have met this threshold. 

People who drove through or past the accident and chemical plume should not have met this threshold. 

If exposed, people may have delayed onset of symptoms, up to 12-24 hours later.  

Any respiratory difficulties or symptoms (wheezing, shortness of breath) should be evaluated by your doctor, or at an urgent care center or emergency room. 

Go to www.pima.gov/acidspill for more information about how to determine if you have symptoms related to this incident. 

For up to date information about the accident and its status overall, go to the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s Information Page, https://www.azdps.gov/news/ims/92

Consider delaying travel, slow down if driving in winter conditions

As Arizona’s high country prepares for snow this week, drivers should focus on safe driving – including slowing down, if they are traveling on highways where winter weather is creating potentially hazardous conditions.

That’s the safety message from the Arizona Department of Transportation as storms are expected to create snow packed and icy conditions on a number of highways. Drivers should avoid traveling in winter weather and consider delaying trips until after storms have passed and conditions have improved.

Drivers in lower-elevation locations should plan for possible rain and wet roadways and be prepared to slow down and leave more following distance behind other vehicles.

Safer conditions will exist in upper elevation areas once ADOT’s team of snowplow operators has time to clear snow and ice from highways. Here are additional winter and wet weather safety recommendations:

Stay up to date on weather and highway conditions: In addition to following National Weather Service forecasts (weather.gov/fgz/WinterWeather), drivers can visit ADOT’s Traveler Information site at az511.gov or call 511 for highway conditions.

Leave prepared: Dress for cold weather if traveling into the high country. Bring extra clothes and gloves as part of an emergency prep kit in case you need to stop along a highway. Be sure your cellphone is charged and pack extra drinking water, food and prescription medications (in case you encounter delays).

Other items for an emergency kit: Blankets, flashlight, ice scraper, small shovel, container with sand or kitty litter for tire traction if your vehicle is stuck in icy conditions. ADOT has a complete list of items at azdot.gov/KnowSnow (look for “Must haves for every vehicle”).

Tire Chains: Drivers also should anticipate that, depending on the severity of winter storm conditions, chains and/or four-wheel drive vehicle capability are likely to be recommended on some highways impacted by snow or ice.

ADOT and law enforcement agencies again remind travelers not to stop next to highways, including I-17, US 180, SR 87, SR 260, to play in the snow. Doing so is unsafe. People should instead go to established snow play areas. Parking along highway shoulders for snow play is not allowed, since that can block areas that emergency response vehicles may need to use.  

Drivers also can look for messages on ADOT’s statewide network of electronic signs. ADOT’s Twitter feed (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook page (facebook.com/AZDOT) also provide information and answers about highway conditions.

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Next week the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management in conjunction with Arizona State Parks and Trails begin a two-day pile burn project at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood. During the day, smoke off the project may be visible to the City of Cottonwood and immediate communities. Project managers expect
the smoke to settle into the Verde River overnight near Cottonwood down to Camp Verde. The project takes place within the state park, but will not affect park visitors.

The piles are approximately five acres and the result of leftover debris from continual fuels work conducted by Arizona State Parks and Trails to reduce wildfire risk within the park and nearby residences. Pile burning is an effective and efficient tool to reduce that leftover debris and helps further safeguard the area. Ignitions begin the morning of Tuesday, February 14, with project completion expected by Wednesday. Prescribed burns are always dependent upon weather conditions and resource availability. Burns will be cancelled or rescheduled if conditions do not allow for safe burning.

DFFM assists Arizona State Parks and Trails by providing them with hand crews and additional resources qualified in prescribed fire. Over the last few months, the agency has conducted several pile burns at Tonto Natural Bridge, Lost Dutchman, Roper Lake, and Picacho Peak State Parks.

All burns, regardless of pile or broadcast, must have approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality prior to beginning ignitions. Notifications will be made before the start of ignitions on the agency’s social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and Nextdoor.

For more information, contact Tiffany Davila at 602-540-1036 or by email at [email protected]

The Alpine Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests is planning to proceed with prescribed pile burning within the Alpine Burn Pit. The designated burn pit is about 3 miles southeast from the town Alpine, AZ on County Road 2104. The project area boundary is east of County Road 2104. The burn is expected to last one day, February 8th, depending on weather conditions.

Smoke will be a consideration in the vicinity of the prescribed burn depending on the weather and caution should be used when traveling in the area. Though the burn is planned for one day, smoke may continue to be visible for days after. Information on air quality and active prescribed burns can be found on Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s webpage: https://azdeq.gov/. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures.

Our land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health, including reducing forest fuels and using prescribed fire on the landscape. Prescribed fires provide habitat diversity, recycles plant nutrients into the soil, and encourages new growth for various plants used by wildlife and livestock. They also reduce forest surface fuels which lessens the threat of large-scale wildfire impacts on private lands and communities.

The public can obtain additional information by calling the Alpine Ranger District at (928) 339-5000.

Stay up to date on forest news at our website https://www.fs.usda.gov/asnf, on Twitter @A_SNFs and on facebook.com/apachesitgreavesnfs.

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To decrease the risk of future wildfires and protect cultural and natural resources, fire managers with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Arizona Strip District plan to burn slash debris piles located in the Mt. Trumbull area. The treatments located 30 miles south of Fredonia, Arizona will take place along the BLM 1768 Road, south of County Road 5 and Potato Valley. Burning may occur over multiple days between February through March 2023.

To ensure public safety, BLM fire fighters will ignite the piles when weather conditions are conducive to burning. They will remain on scene to monitor public and resource safety. Visitors to this region of the Arizona Strip may see some light smoke during the burn operation. Smoke emissions will be managed in accordance with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality regulations.

No local road closures are expected but public access may be restricted during ignition and periods of active fire to ensure public safety. Signs will be posted to notify the public.

Funding for this prescribed burn came from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021. The legislation provides funds for fuel treatments to help reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and benefit neighboring communities.

Follow @BLM Arizona on Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr

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The Tonto National Forest is implementing a new mastication project on the Payson Ranger District, Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023.

The Keger Mastication project, northeast of Geronimo Estates will treat 209 acres using mastication on both sides of Control Road (Forest Road 64) from Forest Road 440 to Forest Road 438 and Forest Road 1170.

Mastication equipment will be used to shred brush, juniper and understory pine tree species to reduce ladder fuels that have the potential to spread fire from treetop to treetop, also known as a crown fire. In addition to thinning vegetation, these treatments will improve the watersheds of Bray and Weber Creeks. Mastication operations are expected to last until early March 2023.

Motorists are urged to drive with caution when traveling in the area and the public should stay clear of the project worksite due to the potential of hazardous flying debris.

The effects of these treatments will cause the project area to shift to a state of “low” fire hazard, with conditions conducive to the reintroduction of low severity fire which is more natural to improving forest health and reduces the risk of wildfires to surrounding communities. 

For the latest news and information about the Tonto National Forest, follow along on Facebook @TontoNationalForest or Twitter @TontoForest.

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Fire managers on the Bradshaw Ranger District plan to take advantage of the moisture received over the last few days as they look to burn debris piles in and around the Prescott Basin. Ignitions are planned to start today Wednesday, February 1, 2023, and continue through Tuesday, February 28, 2023, as favorable weather conditions allow. Fire managers expect smoke impacts to be light and visible from multiple locations including Prescott, Chino Valley and surrounding areas. Pile burning helps to reduce hazardous fuels in the wildland urban interface and increases ecosystem and community resilience.

In the interest of safety, forest visitors are reminded to obey all traffic signs and use caution when traveling in the vicinity of prescribed burns as firefighters and fire-related traffic will be in the area.

The purpose of this project is to reduce hazardous fuels following thinning and fuelwood removal. Reducing hazardous fuels will help reduce the threat of high-severity, high-intensity wildfire to the public, adjacent private property, and communities. Burning of debris left over from brush crush and thinning projects requires moisture in the surrounding vegetation and typically produces much lighter smoke than broadcast burning.

All prescribed fire activity is dependent on the availability of personnel and equipment, weather, fuels, conditions that minimize smoke impacts as much as possible, and approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (www.azdeq.gov).

Messages will be posted on social media when managed fires are ignited on the Prescott National Forest:

• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PrescottNF/
• Twitter https://twitter.com/PrescottNF

For fire information please call (928) 925-1111; or stay up to date on Prescott National Forest news by checking the Prescott NF website and following us on Facebook and Twitter.

 

As another winter weather system moves across Arizona this week, drivers should be prepared for potentially hazardous conditions on some state highways in the high country and wet roadways elsewhere.

The Arizona Department of Transportation encourages motorists to stay up to date on forecasts from the National Weather Service and plan their travel accordingly. That includes delaying travel when highways are snow packed or icy.

Drivers in lower-elevation locations should plan for possible rain and wet roadways and be prepared to slow down.

Safer conditions will exist in upper elevation areas once ADOT snowplow crews have a chance to clear snow and ice from highways impacted by any winter storms. Here are some winter and wet weather safety recommendations:

• Slow down and leave extra room: Adjust your speed to conditions. Slowing down and leaving space between your vehicle and vehicles ahead of you on icy or wet roads can prevent crashes or keep your vehicle from skidding when conditions are slippery.
• Leave prepared: Dress for cold weather if traveling into the high country. Bring extra clothes and gloves as part of an emergency prep kit in case you need to stop along a highway. Be sure your cellphone is charged and pack extra drinking water, food and prescription medications (in case you encounter delays).
• Other items for an emergency kit: Blankets, flashlight, ice scraper, small shovel, container with sand or kitty litter for tire traction if your vehicle is stuck in icy conditions. ADOT has a complete list of items at azdot.gov/KnowSnow (look for “Must haves for every vehicle”).
• Tire Chains: Drivers also should anticipate that, depending on the severity of winter storm conditions, chains and/or four-wheel drive vehicle capability are likely to be recommended on some highways impacted by snow or ice.

ADOT and law enforcement agencies remind travelers not to stop next to highways, including I-17, US 180, SR 87, SR 260 or others, to play in the snow. Doing so is unsafe. People should instead go to established snow play areas. Parking along highway shoulders for snow play is not allowed, since that can block areas that emergency response vehicles may need to use.  

In addition to following National Weather Service forecasts (weather.gov/fgz/WinterWeather), drivers can visit ADOT’s Traveler Information site at az511.gov or call 511 for highway conditions. Pay attention to messages on ADOT’s network of electronic signs. ADOT’s Twitter feed (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook page (facebook.com/AZDOT) also provide information and answers about highway conditions.

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Next week the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management begins a one-day pile burn operation on State Trust Land in Pinal County in an effort to reduce both fuel loading in the area and wildfire risk.

On Tuesday, January 31, favorable weather conditions allow DFFM to conduct ignitions on the 36-acre, Lost Dutchman RX Burn located approximately four miles northeast of Apache Junction, off State Route 88 and Nodak Road, just south of the Goldfield Ghost Town.

DFFM’s project is adjacent to a similar project by the Bureau of Land Management. Last year, the two agencies collaborated to help reduce the hazardous fuel load within this area. These piles are the result of the leftover debris from those fuels projects. The overall planned objectives include, preserving the Sonoran Desert’s natural state, providing a fuel break to help in the containment of a wildfire, and ultimately safeguarding nearby residents and businesses.

Ignitions begin on Tuesday at 9:00 am with possible smoke impacts to SR 88 and the Lost Dutchman Ghost Town. All prescribed burning operations, whether pile or broadcast burns, are weather dependent and may be cancelled or rescheduled due to weather conditions or DFFM crew availability. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality must also approve projects before ignitions can begin.

DFFM will make notifications prior to ignitions on the agency’s social media channels, including Twitter, Facebook, and the Nextdoor platform.

Tonto National Forest fire officials are preparing to burn three piles on the Tonto Basin Ranger District, Monday, Jan. 30, 2023.

Fire specialists plan to move forward with burning three separate slash piles that were cancelled earlier this month. The three sites include: the Indian Point Community Green Waste site, Burnt Corral Campground (FS 49 Road and State Route 88) and the Crabtree Wash Pit near the Apache Lake Marina. Pile burns range from 1 acre to a quarter of an acre in size.

Smoke is anticipated to be moderate during ignitions and is expected to disperse by the late  afternoon with little impacts to State Routes 88 and 188, the community of Tonto Basin and the Apache Lake Marina Resort. Ignitions will be completed by noon. Nighttime smoke should be minimal and may impact the community of Tonto Basin, Punkin Center, and potentially the Apache Lake Marina Resort.

Experienced fire and fuels specialists on the Tonto National Forest build prescribed fire plans using the most up-to-date science and modeling along with their combined on the ground fire and fuels experience. Prescribed burning is key in treating landscapes to reduce the risk of destructive wildfire to the American people and to the public lands entrusted to Forest Service care.

Affected communities should remain aware of smoke advisories and conditions. Learn more about smoke impacts on the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality website.

For the latest news and information about the Tonto National Forest, follow along on Facebook @TontoNationalForest or Twitter @TontoForest.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is warning backcountry mountain travelers to be  alert for potential avalanche and other winter hazards on the San Francisco Peaks. Due to the recent heavy snowfall dangerous avalanche conditions may exist and may remain potentially hazardous for long periods. It is important for backcountry travelers to be aware that no avalanche control is conductedin the backcountry outside of the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Area boundary. Additionally, there is no regular patrol of the  backcountry. Once skiers or snowboarders leave the boundary of the Arizona Snowbowl, they are leaving the services of the Arizona Snowbowl and need to be prepared for the conditions they will encounter.

People venturing into mountainous terrain in the winter should carry avalanche rescue equipment such as a shovel, avalanche rescue beacon, avalanche probe, and winter survival gear including extra warm clothing, food and water, headlamp, map, compass, and GPS and be knowledgeable in the use of the equipment. Be prepared for travel and emergencies in the remote winter mountain environment where rescue is not immediate. Do not travel alone and leave a detailed trip plan with a responsible person.
Your best chance for survival in an avalanche is companion rescue. It is important to review recent weather reports and forecasts as well as driving conditions prior to and during your trip. Carrying a cell phone is recommended, however, it may not always work in backcountry locations and should not substitute for good judgment and preparation. It is recommended that people who use the mountain backcountry receive formal avalanche safety education and winter survival skills. Free avalanche
awareness clinics are offered by the Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center. More information about these clinics can be found at www.kachinapeaks.org.

Snow and other winter related emergencies are occurring throughout Coconino County which means that some resources may be committed on other calls and not available for immediate response. The Sheriff’s Office urges skiers and snowboarders who intend to enter the backcountry from the Arizona Snowbowl to carefully consider the consequences of that decision and determine if they have the training and equipment to safely conduct their intended activity.

Delay travel for safety and possible road and highway closures

The National Weather Service is forecasting two snowstorms in Northern Arizona. The first storm will be Saturday and Sunday, followed by a lull and then another substantial storm Monday and into Wednesday.

In areas above 6,500’ – such as Flagstaff and Williams – snowfall could reach 24” to 28”. Freezing temperatures and blowing winds of 25-45 mph will create more hazards.

Coconino County snowplows will be on duty 24/7 plowing priority roadways that lead to hospitals and schools, followed by major arterials, and then side streets.

Travel – Only if you must.

Those planning to travel, especially on Interstate 40 and Interstate 17 heading to Flagstaff, must make sure to be prepared for slow traffic and possible road closures.

• Check road conditions regularly at www.AZ511.com.
• Check updated weather forecasts at www.weather.gov/fgz.

Adjust your speed to conditions. Slowing down and leaving space between your vehicle and vehicles ahead of you on icy or wet roads can prevent crashes or keep your vehicle from skidding when conditions are slippery.

Travelers must not stop or park next to highways, including I-17, I-40, US 180, SR 260, or others, to play in the snow. Doing so is dangerous and can block areas that emergency response vehicles need to use.

Prepare Your Car

Winter storm conditions, chains and/or four-wheel drive vehicle capability are likely to be recommended on some highways impacted by snow or ice.

Have an emergency car kit packed and in your car. The Arizona Emergency Information Network has comprehensive go-kit lists for fire, flood, and snowstorms and an educational video in ASL and with captions.

The Arizona Department of Transportation has a “must have” list for every vehicle at www.azdot.gov/KnowSnow, including blankets, flashlight, ice scraper, small shovel, container with sand or kitty litter for tire traction if a vehicle becomes stuck in icy conditions.

Prepare Your Home

Residents – especially those in remote areas with limited road maintenance – should stock up on resources before the storm arrives. Along with many important household and health items, water, baby formula/food, animal food, and prescriptions are of particular importance.

Be prepared for potential power outages with generators and propane if needed. However, never use propane equipment inside for cooking or heating as it can be deadly.

Resources

Emergency Notifications from Coconino County
www.coconino.az.gov/ready

Coconino County Social Media
@CoconinoCounty

Coconino County Emergency Management
www.coconino.az.gov or @coconinoem

Arizona Department of Transportation
www.AZ511.com or @ArizonaDOT

National Weather Service
www.weather.gov/fgz or @NWSFlagstaff

Roads in the Kaibab National Forest are snowy, slushy, icy and, in some areas, completely impassable. Although most remain open, forest roads are not maintained for winter travel. The Forest Service is urging visitors to plan ahead, use good judgement, and exercise caution. 

Even a few inches of snow can obscure icy roads and soft shoulders where vehicles can become stuck. Snow drifts may be much deeper than they appear. Mud can also be deeper than expected and is just as likely to cause a vehicle to become stuck.

Road conditions can change rapidly. Roads that are frozen solid early in the morning can melt and be unsuitable to drive by midday. Winter storms can trigger unexpected rockslides that could turn a road from passable to impassible in a matter of minutes.

Many areas of the forest have little to no cell coverage for emergency calls. 

Remember that driving on wet and snowy roads can cause irreparable damage to the roadbeds, shoulders, and the surrounding area. Damaging natural resources is illegal and could result in fines and or jail time.

Know before you go. Monitor the weather forecast and contact the local ranger station for road conditions.

On the southern zone of the Kaibab National Forest around Williams and Tusayan, recent rains that fell on already melting snow has made most of the roads extremely slushy. On the North Kaibab Ranger District, which is higher elevation, snow drifts cover the roads. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) closed State Route 67 south of Jacob Lake to vehicle traffic on Dec. 1, 2022. During the winter, ADOT closes and does not clear snow from the route, which runs 43 miles between Highway 89A at Jacob Lake and the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

ADOT provides helpful tips on winter driving at azdot.gov/KnowSnow. Additional information for Kaibab National Forest can be found on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, the Kaibab NF website, or by calling the local ranger stations.

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