Seasonal road closures to take effect as weather changes
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., Jan. 18, 2018, For Immediate Release —
As winter weather conditions approach and the chance for snow increases, the Flagstaff Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest will be closing a number of forest roads beginning tomorrow for
the safety of visitors and to protect forest roads.
Each year the Forest implements seasonal road closures in order to protect the roads from damage and to keep people from getting stuck or stranded in
the middle of the forest during snow storms. Seasonal road closures on each district occur at different times each year and are dependent upon incoming weather and conditions of the roads.
The Red Rock Ranger District and Mogollon Rim Ranger District will temporarily close roads as weather dictates and reopen them year-round when and where
possible. Most roads on these two districts are open and will remain open until it’s necessary to close them due to the weather.
Winter recreationists are encouraged to “Know Before You Go” and take the time to learn about the conditions and closures in place before heading out,
by checking forest road conditions online at www.tinyurl.com/CocRoads.
Drivers are reminded to avoid driving on open roads that appear to be saturated in order to prevent road damage, soil erosion and getting stuck. As
well, be aware that even though a forest road might start on an open road in the desert, if it begins to climb in elevation the driver could encounter deep snow, four-wheel driving conditions and closed gates in other districts or neighboring national forests.
Some of the roads that people experience this drastic change in the winter months include roads such as Schnebly Hill Road, Forest Road 214, FR 618 and FR 229.
###
|
|
|
George F. Jozens
Deputy Public Affairs Officer
|
|
Forest Service
Coconino National Forest, Supervisors Office
|
|
p: 928-527-3412
gjozens@xxxxxxxxx
|
|
1924 S. Thompson St
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
www.fs.fed.us
  
|
|
Caring for the land and serving people
|
|
