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.

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.