4/13/16 – The National Weather Service has forecast a Pacific low and cold front which will approach Arizona from the northwest bringing strong southwest winds with gusts in the 30 to 40 MPH. Winds will generally decrease overnight but will remain gusty northeast of high terrain.

On Friday a cold front is forecast to sweep across northern Arizona. Strong southwest winds with gusts in the 35 to 45 MPH range are expected to develop ahead of the front mainly impacting southern Navajo and Apache counties. Snow levels are forecast to lower throughout the day on Friday with snow possible down to 6000 feet by late Friday night. Driving could become hazardous Friday night into Saturday morning for elevations above 6000 feet. Good chances for showers remain in the forecast on Saturday.

Sunday through Tuesday, at least slight chances for showers remain in the forecast on Sunday and Monday. Dry conditions are forecast across northern Arizona on Tuesday.

U.S. Forest Service
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
30 S Chiricahua Drive
Springerville, AZ 85938

News Release
Media Contact: Iris Estes
928-333-6280
iestes@fs.fed.us
Prescribed burning continues on Springerville Ranger District

Springerville, AZ, April 12, 2016;–For Immediate Release — The Springerville Ranger District on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests is planning to continue prescribed fire operations as soon as tomorrow. The district plans to burn approximately 400 acres on the Garris JPB Unit, which is adjacent to Red Cabin Ranch and five miles southeast of Vernon.
Smoke will be visible from Round Valley, Arizona State Highway 260, and U.S. Highway 60. The burn is to enhance wildlife habitat and watershed conditions while promoting forest health and protecting communities from the effects of future high severity wildfire. The goal of the burn is to reduce activity fuels created from previously thinned, juniper encroached meadows. This prescribed fire is in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Habitat Partnership Committee, Mule Deer Foundation, and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Implementation of smoke management actions near smoke sensitive areas such as towns and outlying residential areas. Smoke should disperse to the east during operations and settle into local drainages overnight. Precautions will be taken to minimize the adverse effects of smoke on the local communities. Motorists are advised to drive safely when approaching areas where prescribed fire activities may limit visibility and hinder fire personnel operations.
All prescribed burns are approved through the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) before ignition begins. Although smoke from the 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, consider staying indoors if possible. You can check the status for air quality at your location: https://nmtracking.org/en/environ_exposure/fire-and-smoke/
Questions or concerns contact Cary Stock, Springerville Ranger District Assistant Fire Management Officer at (928) 333-6351. Also, check out the ASNFs website: www.fs.usda.gov/asnf

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Today & Tuesday: Lingering low pressure and moisture across the region will lead to a chance of showers and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly over the higher terrain.
Thursday: Gusty southwest winds are expected ahead of the next storm system. Wind speeds of 20-30 mph with gusts over 40 mph will be possible, mainly from the Mogollon Rim northward.
Friday & Saturday: Low pressure entering the state from the northwest is forecast to bring colder temperatures and a chance of rain and snow. Snow levels could fall to around 6000 feet. There is still significant uncertainty with the strength and track of the low and it is too early to tell precipitation/snow amounts. Please check weather.gov/flagstaff often for updates!