Most Forest Roads above the rim Not Reopened

[Dschur]

Most Forest Roads Not Reopened YetFor Immediate Release

Date: April 1, 2010

Contact: Coconino Supervisor's Office - 928-527-3600





Flagstaff, AZ —Although the calendar says spring, much of the Coconino National Forest looks like winter. Most of the roads on the Coconino National Forest – those above the Mogollon Rim – are still snowy and muddy and remain closed.

Forest roads are closed during snowy weather because they are not designed and maintained for all weather traffic. As the weather warms, forest managers are evaluating road conditions on a daily basis. “In many cases, a road may look dry and solid just behind the gate, but in spots further down, there are still snowdrifts and mud,” says Brian Dykstra, Mogollon Rim District Ranger.

Wet road surfaces can’t support the weight of a vehicle. Driving on wet forest roads and driving off-road to avoid mud puddles, creates costly and often irreversible damage to soil and vegetation. More importantly, doing so is unsafe for forest users. “In addition to waiting for the snow to melt, winter storms caused lots of downed trees which must be cleared before the road can be safely passable,” according to Dykstra. “We appreciate drivers’ understanding and patience waiting for the roads to dry out.”

Most forest roads are still closed above the Mogollon Rim off of Highways 87, 89A, 89, 180, Lake Mary Road/Forest Highway 3 and Interstate 17. Most forest roads are open below the Rim in pinyon-juniper areas east of Flagstaff, and in the Sedona/Red Rock area. The Cinder Hills Off-Highway Vehicle Area north of Flagstaff is open but not suitable for passenger cars.

For updates on road conditions, check the Coconino National Forest website under “Current Conditions” or contact a Coconino National Forest Office.

Peaks/Mormon Lake Ranger Districts 928-526-0866
Mogollon Rim Ranger District 928-477-2255
Red Rock Ranger District 928-203-2900
Coconino NF Supervisor’s Office 928-527-3600

[Nighthiker]

Brother came back from Camping (Casita travel trailer) east of Payson and advised was not that muddy but some of the creeks had pretty good flows.

[base871]

I was at the area around tonto fish hatchery and all the dirt roads(including control road) were dry and in great shape.

[chumley]

I spoke with the Mogollon Rim Ranger Station today. They don't have an estimate yet for opening the Rim Road (FR300) or the numerous other dirt roads between Strawberry and Flagstaff ... which remain closed.

The best answer she could provide was "we're hoping for sometime between 2 and 4 weeks from now".

From that, I would guess that the weekend of May 1st is probably the target ... but not guaranteed.

There's still up to a foot of snow in some of the 7k elevations (Happy Jack, Baker Butte). There's still 3 FEET on the ground near Bear Canyon Lake (and presumably other areas in the 7500-8000ft range).

There are a few spots along the Rim Road that collect some mighty drifts, and are well shaded, so the snow there might not melt completely until Memorial Day. The FS won't open the roads if people will frequently get stuck or create new roads by driving around muddy ruts. It will be interesting to see when things open this year.

[Jim]

I think they will bulldoze snow off some of the roads, because they will need to access areas to prep for summer visitors and open things up for fire season. I don't expect Lockett Meadow Rd to be open for 4 weeks.

[chumley]

For Immediate Release
Date: April 16, 2010
Contact: Coconino Supervisor's Office - 928-527-3600

Flagstaff, AZ —Many roads across the Coconino National Forest remain closed due to muddy conditions from the snow and precipitation received over the last several months.
However, Forest Road 751, the road accessed from Highway 87 that leads to Blue Ridge Reservoir, is now open for motorists.
Below is a list of additional roads currently open on the forest:

FR 80, Rocky Park exit west, accessed from Interstate-17.
FR 82 at Winona, accessed from I-40.
FR 82E, Ashurst Lake Road, accessed from Lake Mary Road corridor.
FR 95, to East Clear Creek bridge and then closed beyond, accessed from Highway 87.
FR 125, Kinnikinnik access, accessed from Lake Mary Road corridor.
FR 126 at Twin Arrows, accessed from I-40.
FR 128 to Marshall Lake, accessed from I-40.
FR 417, accessed from Highway 89.
FR 514, accessed from Highway 180.
FR 523, accessed from Highway 180.
FR 9236, Crowley Pit area, accessed from Highway 180.

For updates on road conditions, check the Coconino National Forest website: http://www.coconinoforest.us. Navigate to “Current Conditions” and then to “Current District Info,” or contact a Coconino National Forest Office.

Peaks/Mormon Lake Ranger Districts 928-526-0866
Mogollon Rim Ranger District 928-477-2255
Red Rock Ranger District 928-203-2900
Coconino NF Supervisor’s Office 928-527-3600

[writelots]

I'm signed up for an ABC trip that is supposed to do the Deer Creek / Tapeats Loop next weekend... Something tells me that even if the roads are clear (which is very doubtful) that the trail would still be deep in snow. Our backup plan is Gran Gulch (which, to be honest, I'm pulling for! ) Looks like I'm gonna get another shot at that one!

To add to the chaos, the trip leader was in Europe this week on business. Now, he's stuck in London with no idea about when he'll be able to get back stateside. Ah, the drama!

[Al_HikesAZ]

I'm signed up for an ABC trip that is supposed to do the Deer Creek / Tapeats Loop next weekend... Something tells me that even if the roads are clear (which is very doubtful) that the trail would still be deep in snow. Our backup plan is Gran Gulch (which, to be honest, I'm pulling for! ) Looks like I'm gonna get another shot at that one!

I think we're steering this thread off-topic - From the Mogollon Rim to the North Rim - but that's never stopped us before.
Lots of snow this year on the Kaibab. The intel on the Bill Hall TH and the Indian Hollow TH is not promising. Check with the Ranger Station in Fredonia. Even if you get in the backway through the snow, slush and mud, you are likely to find blown down trees. Take a chainsaw and a big tow chain to clear the road. Those trails have south exposure and I would expect them to be in pretty good shape. If there's ice, the little downclimb on the Bill Hall Trail could be a little dicey - take rope to lower the packs and for a handline. The Indian Hollow TH may be easier to reach and the trail from there shouldn't be a problem - it's just longer. It's the roads through the forest to the TH that will be the problem. That's one of my favorite hikes and in many other years this is a perfect time for it - before it gets too hot. We went in on May 1, 2007 and it was toasty on the Colorado.

Our backup plan is Gran Gulch (which, to be honest, I'm pulling for! )

Reminds me of a clever saying I saw the other day

It's time for Plan B. We have a Plan B? No but if we did have one this would be the perfect time for it

[big_load]

Looks like I'm gonna get another shot at that one!

Lucky you! It's a no-lose proposition.