The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising motorists that State Route 473 in the White Mountains will close for the winter on Thursday, Nov. 29.

The 10-mile-long state highway east of Pinetop-Lakeside, leading to the Hawley Lake recreational area, will remain closed until next spring.

ADOT closes SR 473 annually as part of the agency’s winter shutdown schedule due to significant amounts of snowfall the White Mountains typically receives.

With a winter storm predicted for the White Mountains this weekend, ADOT reminds motorists to be prepared when driving in the high country during the winter months.

From the National Weather Service, we have received the following information. Please see the attached maps for specific area information regarding wind speeds and snowfall accumulation amounts.

A storm system producing areas of rain, higher elevations snow and strong gusty winds/blowing dust will move across northern Arizona on Thursday and Friday. Snow levels will dip as low as the 5500 foot level on Friday with accumulating snow anticipated for many mountain locations. Winter driving conditions will be an issue with areas of blowing snow, low visibility and slick road conditions.  

Springerville, AZ- November, 27, 2018 – The Springerville Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests plan to continue with prescribed burn operations within the Wallow West Unit 1A area operation Wednesday, Nov 28, 2018; Township ,7N, Range 28 East to Township 6N, Range 28 East. Ignition is dependent on the weather. The remaining 1,000 acres is part of the burn block encompassing approximately 10,141 acres of which 9,000 acres have already been completed. The Wallow West Prescribed area project will help reduce fuels from the Wallow Fire.
Ignition is weather dependent. Once ignition occurs, crews will be on scene from ignition until there is no longer a threat of escape from the project boundaries. The burn may be canceled by fire managers if conditions become unfavorable.
All prescribed burns are approved through the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) before ignition begins. The ADEQ monitors air quality and determines whether or not it will be a good day for smoke dispersion. Although smoke from prescribed fire can still be noticeable, it is usually for a shorter time and considerably less smoke than wildfires produce. If you are sensitive to smoke or have respiratory problems, stay indoors if possible.
Questions or concerns contact the Springerville Ranger District at 928-333-6200 or visit the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest’s website at: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf.
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