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Apache Sitegreaves National Forest Implements Temporary Emergency Closure Due To Possible Flash Flooding

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June 26, 2012

Majority of the Forest Remains OPEN, Small Area Closures In Effect

 

Springerville, AZ; June 26, 2012—Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests announces a temporary emergency closure for areas and roads within and around the Wallow Fire burned area to protect public health and safety from the impacts of possible flooding during monsoon season. The closure will go into effect on Monday, July 2 at 12:01 pm and will remain in place until the threat of flash flooding decreases, hopefully by mid-August.

 

“Health and safety of the visiting public and our employees is our number one priority.  With monsoon rains on the way, precautionary measures are needed,” announced Apache-Sitgreaves Forest Supervisor Jim Zornes.  “Despite these small closures, the majority of the Forest is open for the public’s enjoyment,” added Zornes.

 

Areas and roads to be closed include:

 

East Fork Area

  • Aspen Campground
  • Buffalo Crossing Campground
  • Deer Creek Campground
  • Diamond Rock Campground
  • Horse Springs Campground
  • Raccoon Campground

 

West Fork Area

  • West Fork Dispersed Campground

 

Blue River Area

  • Blue Crossing Campground

 

Little Colorado Area

  • South Fork Campground

 

Forest Roads

  • Forest Service Road 81 (Auger      Canyon Road)
  • Forest Service Road 276

 

Areas downstream of the Wallow Fire burned area are now more vulnerable to flash flooding and debris flows—ash, sand, silt, rocks and woody material.  Rainfall that is normally absorbed can run off extremely quickly because soils and vegetation have been burned.  Severely burned soils can be as water repellent as pavement.

 

Residents and visitors are responsible for their own safety.  Look up, look down, and look around!   Be prepared to move to higher ground when it starts to rain. The sky may be clear where you are, but rain falling upstream will move downstream faster than usual.