Springerville, AZ; December 29, 2014—Arizona State Highways 261 and 273 along with Forest Service roads 409, 112 and 87 that access Highway 273 will be closed beginning December 30, 2014. Access to the Big Lake, Crescent Lake or Mexican Hay Lake areas via Highway 273 and 261 will be closed by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), and will remain closed until spring.  The normal closure dates for Hwy. 261 & 273 is December 31, but in anticipation of the upcoming winter storm, ADOT is closing a day early.

“We want to remind visitors to the Springerville Ranger District, ADOT will be closing Highway 273 from the Forest/Reservation boundary to Crescent Lake, and Highway 261 from Mexican Hay Lake to Crescent Lake,” Marcia Pfleiderer, Springerville District Ranger stated.

Forest Service roads are open at this time but may be impassable, depending on weather and road conditions. The U.S. Forest Service does not maintain roads during the winter months.  ADOT will not be snowplowing State Highway 261 and State Highway 273. Both of these highways are classified as secondary highways since they do not have the volume of traffic other main highways have in the area.

Reminder before hunting or recreating, please let someone know the route you are planning to take, the time you left and when you are expected to return.  Weather conditions can change rapidly, be prepared with a survival kit including extra food and water. We want your visit to the forest to be a memorable and positive one!

Additional information can be found on ADOT’s “Know Snow” Webpage at www.azdot.gov/KnowSnow.  Drivers are also encouraged to call 5-1-1 or log on to ADOT’s Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov for the latest highway conditions around the state.

12/29/14 – NWS Flagstaff Weather Briefing
(Cold Winter Storm on Wednesday, Thursday)

Overview
A very cold airmass and cut-off low will develop over the Southwest, and bring a significant winter storm to the Northland Wednesday and Thursday. The most significant period of snowfall will be from Wednesday through early Thursday.
This will be the first significant winter storm for many areas of Northern Arizona, and the impacts of the event will be magnified by the busy travel period of the New Year’s Holiday, and the unusually low snow levels.

The cut-off nature of the storm also adds some uncertainty in the timing of the event…but there is greater certainty in the overall impacts (low snow levels, snow amounts). Elevations above 5000’ will see at least 5-12” of snow, with elevations between 3500’ and 5000’ expecting 2-6”. Expect snow and snow impacts to drop to the valley floors by Thursday morning.

Stay tuned to our most current forecasts on our web page (weather.gov/flagstaff). Specific forecast details and impacts will evolve with time.

Timing: Snow should begin across Yavapai and western Coconino Counties by Wednesday morning…and spread to Apache and Navajo Counties (and the eastern Rim and White Mountains) by Wednesday afternoon. The period of greatest accumulations is currently anticipated to be from noon on Wednesday through early Thursday. Snow showers, some locally heavy, will continue Thursday afternoon.

Specific Snowfall Forecasts by noon Thursday:
Flagstaff: 6-12” (Locally higher amounts)
Prescott: 3-7” (6-12” in the Bradshaws)
Page: 2-4”
Heber / Overgaard: 5-10”
Window Rock: 4-8”
Verde Valley: 1-4”
Payson: 3-7”
White Mountains: 5-10” (Locally higher amounts)

12/29/14 – A major winter storm will impact the region by early Wednesday and Thursday. This storm will bring accumulating snow to much of the region with the highest amounts likely along and south of the Mogollon Rim.

Many areas will see some snowfall from this event even down to the valley floors as snow levels will plummet Wednesday night. However, the most significant accumulations will be found above 5000 feet.

Many areas will see 4 to 8 inches above 5000 feet with locations along and south of the Mogollon Rim seeing a foot or more. This snow will be falling in a very cold airmass and the water content of the snow will be low. This will cause areas of blowing and drifting snow with low visibilities.

Expect dangerous driving conditions for the New Years Holiday.