Be Prepared for Winter Conditions on the Coconino National Forest

For Immediate Release

Date: December 7, 2007

Contact: Coconino National Forest 928-527-3600

Flagstaff, AZ— Winter weather is here with cold, wet, snowy conditions dominating much of the Coconino National Forest.  The Forest Service is taking several measures to provide for the safety of winter visitors and protect forest resources. 

• Road Closures – Many forest roads are seasonally closed due to wet or snowy conditions, especially in higher elevations. More road closures may be necessary. Watch for posted closure signs, call one of our offices, or check our website listed below. Drivers are reminded to avoid driving on saturated surfaces to prevent road damage, soil erosion and getting stuck. A partial list of roads closed to motorized access include: Lockett Meadow Road 552, Schultz Pass Road 420, Elden Springs Road 556, Freidlein Prairie Road 522, Hart Prairie Road 151 (except for residents), Elden Lookout Road 557, Forest Road 245 (to Lava River Cave), Forest Road 418 (north side of San Francisco Peaks) and Forest Road 794.

• Seasonal Motorized Vehicle Closures - Two areas off of Highway 180 are subject to a “Seasonal Motorized Wheeled Vehicle Closure” from December 1 – March 31.  These areas are closed to wheeled vehicles.  The Wing Mountain Vehicle Closure encompasses the cross-country ski trails, the snowplay area, and includes Forest Roads 222, 519, 519A and 222B beyond Wing Mountain parking area.  The Flagstaff Nordic Center Vehicle Closure includes the trail system and Forest Road 151E.  These seasonal closures are implemented in order to provide managed winter recreation areas.

• Pre-Season Snowbowl Road Closure - Snowbowl Road is closed on weekends when winter road conditions exist and the ski area is not open.  Arizona Snowbowl is responsible for all snowplow and cinder operations on Snowbowl Road, but does not plow on weekends when they are closed.

• Wing Mountain Snowplay Area – Located 10 miles northwest of Flagstaff off of Highway 180 on Forest Road 222B, this site might be open this weekend if enough snow falls. The cost per vehicle is $10.  This site is managed by Recreation Resource Management under a Temporary Special Use Permit with services including parking management, snowplowing, restrooms, and trash receptacles. For conditions at Wing Mountain call 928-226-0493 or visit http://www.snowplayaz.com/ 

Backcountry Travel on the San Francisco Peaks - Winter recreationists who plan on snowshoeing or skiing in backcountry areas should think “preparedness.”  The most important aspect of preparedness is to provide someone with detailed trip plans, including exact locations and expected trip length.  Winter backcountry travel into the Kachina Peaks Wilderness from Arizona Snowbowl requires a free annual backcountry permit.  Backcountry permits are available in Flagstaff at the Peaks Ranger Station, 5075 N. Highway 89, and the Coconino National Forest Supervisor’s Office, 1824 S Thompson St.  Permits will also be available at Arizona Snowbowl’s Agassiz Lodge weekend mornings when the ski area opens.

For more information, contact the Coconino National Forest: Supervisor’s Office, 928-527-3600 or visit www.coconinoforest.us