The Coconino County Public Works Department may close a seven-mile portion of Lake Mary Road, also known as Forest Highway 3 (FH3), depending on snowfall accumulation and high winds Wednesday.
The pending closure is being planned based on current snow accumulation forecasts in a Winter Storm Warning issued Tuesday by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Flagstaff.
The FH3 closure would extend from the north entrance of Mormon Lake (near the scenic overlook) to the south entrance of Mormon Lake. In the event of a closure, signage will be placed to detour traffic along the West Side Mormon Lake Road, which loops the lake and goes through Mormon Lake Village. This section of Lake Mary Road would be closed until further notice.
The FH3 closure would be implemented in an effort to ensure the safety of drivers due to expected snow and drifting snow caused by wind. When drifting occurs, visibility becomes limited and there is an increased difficulty for county snowplow operators to keep the road clear.
Public Works will monitor the storm and notify the public, the Sheriff’s Office and local emergency officials if conditions warrant closing this section of FH3. If the road is closed, its reopening would depend on post-storm conditions.
On Tuesday, the NWS issued a Winter Storm Warning for the western half of Coconino County from 1 a.m. Wednesday to 5 p.m. Thursday.
Forecasters are calling for 6 to 15 inches of snowfall above 5,000 feet and 2 to 6 inches below 5,000 feet, along with high wind gusts. Snowfall is expected to be heavy at times, which could reduce visibility and snow on the roadways. County Public Works crews will be deployed to keep county roadways open and passable.
As a reminder, County Ordinance 86-6 prohibits motorists from parking on county roadways between Nov. 1 and April 1 on a 24-hour basis. Residents are asked to park their vehicles five to 10 feet from the roadway to allow ample room for snowplows to pass.
(MORE) Page 2 Motorists are reminded to travel safely and that accumulated snowfall can create hazardous conditions, including low visibility. For questions about snow removal operations and related road conditions, please contact the following:
Motorists are reminded to travel safely and that accumulated snowfall can create hazardous conditions, including low visibility. For questions about snow removal operations and related road conditions, please contact the following:
_Coconino County: For county maintained roads, please call Public Works at 928-679-8300 during normal business hours (7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.). Although Public Works will be closed New Year’s Day, County snow removal crews will be working throughout the holiday.
_City of Flagstaff: Please call either 928-213-2175 or 928-774-1605 during normal business hours.
_Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT): For highway road conditions, please call 5-1-1 or visit ADOT’s online Traffic Operations Center at www.az511.gov.
_Emergencies: To report snow-related road emergencies, please call 9-1-1.
Be prepared and always have on hand:
_Three days of non-perishable food and water (one gallon per day per family member)
_First aid kit and extra supply of medication
_Personal hygiene supplies, extra clothing, footwear, gloves, blankets, sleeping bags
_Extra food for pets and livestock
_Flashlight, extra batteries, candles and a battery operated radio
_Alternate heat source (kerosene, wood, etc.)
_full propane tank (if applicable)
_Extra set of car keys, cash, credit cards
_Snow shovels
_An emergency plan for the entire family
Vehicle preparedness tips:
_Winterize your vehicle (antifreeze, wipers, battery, snow tires)
_Carry an emergency kit consisting of tire chains or cables, blankets, tow strap, jumper cables, flashlight, water, first aid kit, ice scraper, extra clothing, and appropriate tools
_Keep the gas tank at least half full
_When traveling, let someone know your intended route and expected time of arrival
_Extra blanket and food.
Contact:
Nathan Gonzalez
Public Information Officer
Phone: 928-679-7172
Cell: 928-699-1726
ngonzalez@coconino.az.gov