12/30/14 – With a storm predicted to impact many areas throughout Northeastern Arizona we have compiled some information for you regarding snow removal operations. Many areas operate under very similar plans with some variances. If you have further questions about the snow removal plan make sure to contact your jurisdiction for more information.

POLICY:

1. Apache County Roads Department road maintenance crews will begin snow removal operations and/or cindering when four (4) inches or more has accumulated on the local roadways.

2. Priority for snow removal and/or cindering is:

a. Major County Maintained arterial roads and school bus routes.

b. Minor collector roads.

c. Residential Roads designated and maintained by the county.

d. Primitive Roads designated and maintained by the county.

3. Priorities a thru c will be completed so that all roadways will be cleared with an initial pass, and open prior to beginning on Priority d.

4. In emergency situations the Sheriff’s Office may contact the Road Yard Supervisor so they can coordinate movement of emergency vehicles (ambulance, fire trucks, etc.)

5. It is the purpose of the initial pass to open roadways so as to permit responsible traffic flow. It is impossible to plow without leaving a windrow (which may affect) driveway entrances. The County does not have the equipment or manpower to address these windrows in the initial phases of snow removal. Hence the removal of the windrows will be addressed during the clean-up phase of the operation (generally within 24-48 hours after the storm has passed) on County Maintained roads only.

6. Driveway snow clearing is the responsibility of the resident. *

7. Illegal head walls that have been constructed on pipe culverts without a county Right-of-Way use permit are the responsibility of the resident.

8. Exceptions to this policy may be made by the Board of Supervisors or the Public Works director in situations where Public Health Safety and Welfare will be more readily assured by such an exception.

9. Roads that are not on the Board of Supervisor approved list of Roads eligible for maintenance will not be plowed. In the event the winter storm is declared a county emergency off system roads will only be cleared in conjunction with requests by the Sheriff’s Office.

10. In the event a road is closed to substantial snow accumulations the foreman will notify the County Engineer and other affected parties such as the Sheriff’s Office, U. S. Forest Service, Fire Departments etc. Furthermore a log of the closure will be kept in the responsible Road Yard. The Log will contain all measures taken to ensure the road was cleared of any persons before the closure, and the means used to effect the closure.

12/30/14 – With a storm predicted to impact many areas throughout Northeastern Arizona we have compiled some information for you regarding snow removal operations. Many areas operate under very similar plans with some variances. If you have further questions about the snow removal plan make sure to contact your jurisdiction for more information.

For further information for some jurisdictions click the link that will take you to their policy.

City of Show Low 

Town of Pinetop-Lakeside

Navajo County

As always, if you have a police, fire or medical emergency call 911. The responders will contact appropriate personnel to facilitate snow removal as quickly as possible to get help to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question – What is the biggest obstacle for snow removal?

Answer- The biggest problem is vehicles parked in the roadway. When vehicles are parked on the roadway, it forces crews to go around cars which can potentially leave some vehicles snowed in and the road partially cleared.   In some cases crews cannot clear the road at all.

 Question – What happens when you have a significantly large snowfall? Do you have other resources that you can call?  Are their things that local citizens can do to help?

 Answer-In the event we have a snow event that is declared an emergency by the State of Arizona, Navajo County would work with  the State to procure additional help, which could include local contractors.  However, without a declaration by the State, Navajo County will maximize the resources and personnel available to be as productive as possible. The County will work around the clock to clear roads.  It may surprise you to know that the night shift is the most productive time to clear the roads as there is less traffic on the roads. Finally, if there is significant snowfall, we advise the citizens to stay home and keep the roads clear of traffic.

Question – In the course of snow removal if a mailbox is damaged does Navajo County fix or replace it?

Answer-Navajo County will fix the damage if the mailbox was in good condition before the snow event and if it was located outside of the roadway.  Call the Show Low Road Yard at 928-532-6080 extension ‘0’ to report a damaged mailbox.

12/30/14 – A Winter Storm Warning and Winter Storm Watch are in effect for much of Northern Arizona from Wednesday morning through late Thursday afternoon for significant snow accumulations above 3500 feet elevation.

Widespread snow will increase from west to east across Northern Arizona on Wednesday. The heaviest snowfall will continue through Wednesday evening tapering off to snow showers by Thursday morning.

This is a very cold system and most areas of Northern and Central Arizona will see snowfall from this event. Expect snow levels falling to the valley floors by Wednesday night. Storm total accumulations will range from 2 to 6 inches between 3500 to 5000 feet and 6 to 14 inches above 5000 feet. Locally higher amounts will fall in areas nearest the Mogollon Rim and elevations above 8500 feet.

Plan accordingly, dangerous winter driving conditions will impact all of Northern Arizona on New Years Eve and New Years Day. Be sure to check your supplies for expiration and quantities, make sure that your vehicle also has a ready kit stocked in case you must travel.