Mt Peeley: Latest observations + resources

[CannondaleKid]

Ok... I'm the one who thought this would be a great idea, so I guess it's time to put up or shut up.

As the weather merges into winter-like conditions in the search area up-to-date information is critical to creating the best-prepared, safest and most efficient search plans in the ongoing search for GPS Joe. With that in mind, we seek as current information as possible and as frequently as possible, so if an opportunity arises with little notice we can better prepare.

Please: If you visit/hike in the Mt Peeley area, take a few moments to observe the conditions listed below and report your findings in this thread when you return home.
Temperature: Estimated low and high temperatures experienced and at what times
Precipitation: Rain, snow, estimated amount, accumulation
Trail condition: Is there any snow or ice on the trail
Off-trail conditions: Is the vegetation dry, wet, covered with snow, etc.? (No need to actually GO off trail)
Road condition: Was the road to the TH dry, wet, muddy, snowy, icy?

Note: Some information is better than none so if you are driving by on AZ 87, take a glance over at Mt Peeley, take note of what you see and report what you can.

RESOURCES:
Also, please use this thread to provide information as to when and how you might be able to assist in upcoming searches.
Days/dates you may be available to assist (we know there will be fluidity)
Your general physical condition/stamina/etc. (Rate on scale, 5 as top condition, 1 as "I'll monitor the radios from the trail")
Search area preferences (light vegetation, thick vegetation, areas with exposure, etc.)
Special skills: Rappelling, etc.

With that information close-at-hand, when an opportunity arises where a number of searchers are available and the weather & road conditions cooperate, we can have a coordinated effort.

Thank you! Your efforts are appreciated!

[Grasshopper]

Mt Peeley: Latest observations + resources

New postby CannondaleKid » Dec 29 2010 7:39 am
Ok... I'm the one who thought this would be a great idea, so I guess it's time to put up or shut up.

I was kind-of wondering how you planned to set this up and this should work :thanx:

I do suggest we try to keep comments on this separate GPSjoe search thread dedicated as you suggest to only Mount Peeley "Observation Conditions + Resources" and continue as necessary to post on our main GPSjoe Missing Hiker thread- http://www.hikearizona.com/dex2/viewtop ... 040#p65040 for many who will be following this main thread more actively.

when an opportunity arises where a number of searchers are available and the weather & road conditions cooperate, we can have a coordinated effort. Thank you! Your efforts are appreciated!

Your continuing ideas and search efforts for our GPSjoe are much appreciated.. Thank you all!

[Grasshopper]

Regarding our now arriving Arizona winter season for FR201 road access to the Peeley TH and to the Mormon Grove TH via FR25:
As many are aware approximately 1.2mls in from Hwy87 at the FR201 right turn, there is a gate that resides here (that can be closed and locked in winter conditions). Also, approximately 1.2mls up FR201 at it's intersection with FR25 (the left turn road to the Mormon Grove TH) is a second gate (that can be closed and locked in winter conditions) and which can impede any further driving up FR201.

Just FYI: some of us are now working behind the scenes to try and obtain from the responsible authority(s) who decides when "to close and to open" these two above noted gates. As of this posting we are still trying to determine who is that responsible authority. When we do find out, we will try to find a way to be "first informed" as to the impending closure and opening of these gates so as to be able to provide the most accurate FR201 and FR25 driving access to all via a posting on this forum thread.

[CannondaleKid]

we will try to find a way to be "first informed" as to the impending closure and opening of these gates so as to be able to provide the most accurate FR201 and FR25 driving access to all via a posting on this forum thread.

If we can get that info each time the gate(s) are opened/closed it would be VERY helpful!

I was just over to the Forest Service this morning to get a new Bulldog OHV pass and I didn't even think of asking about getting info like that. I guess at this age it's noticeably more often that brain takes a while to catch on.

[big_load]

What's worse than being blocked by a closed gate is going through an open gate and finding it closed on your return. I hope there is clear communication on gate control. Good luck and safe travels to the searchers.

[CannondaleKid]

By the looks of what the weather has already brought along with the 10-day forecast I doubt anyone will out there any time soon. At least I won't be... while I can probably dig up enough extra layers to stay warm, I'd rather not make the terrain where I plan on searching any harder than it already is with snow added on. Plus, with this blast of cold, wet air after yesterday's hike to Massacre Falls I was one hurtin' puppy... the arthritic joints ya know. Hurting or not, it won't stop me from hiking.

Anyway, whether it's days, a week, or two before Peeley is snow-free, if/when it is and you happen to be driving by on 87 and notice, please post that info here and maybe I'll be able to put something together and get out there before the next snow...

Hopefully we won't have to wait until spring.

[easytec]

I believe Jeff (?) is the ranger you should talk to about FR201


Tonto Basin Ranger District
28079 N. Az Highway 188
Roosevelt, Arizona 85545
(928) 467-3200

[Grasshopper]

by SUN_HIKER » Jan 03 2011 7:12 am
This message from the Sheriff's Office:
Just FYI a 65 year old man in a jeep slid off the mountain in that area today and was air lifted out with life threatening injuries. I think he was on the 25A road. If the FS hasn't closed 201 yet I'm sure they will. Please remind the folks going up there to search to be very cautious.

[Grasshopper]

by Grasshopper » Dec 29 2010 10:43 am
Regarding our now arriving Arizona winter season for FR201 road access to the Peeley TH and to the Mormon Grove TH via FR25:
As many are aware approximately 1.2mls in from Hwy87 at the FR201 right turn, there is a gate that resides here (that can be closed and locked in winter conditions). Also, approximately 1.2mls up FR201 at it's intersection with FR25 (the left turn road to the Mormon Grove TH) is a second gate (that can be closed and locked in winter conditions) and which can impede any further driving up FR201.

Just FYI: some of us are now working behind the scenes to try and obtain from the responsible authority(s) who decides when "to close and to open" these two above noted gates. As of this posting we are still trying to determine who is that responsible authority. When we do find out, we will try to find a way to be "first informed" as to the impending closure and opening of these gates so as to be able to provide the most accurate FR201 and FR25 driving access to all via a posting on this forum thread.

Over the past few days I have learned that the "Tonto Basin Ranger District" (928-467-3200) and the "Mesa Ranger District" (480-610-3300) have shared Forest Service responsibility for the Peeley TH/Trails and roads FR201 and FR25 access to the Peeley and Mormon Grove THs. This Tonto Basin Ranger Stationoffice who has responsibility for the Peeley TH/Trails stated that the above noted gates for FR201 and FR25 access have usually not been closed and locked in winter conditions. To further confirm this I have attempted via phone since Mon-1/3 to make contact with one of the recommended Mesa Ranger District responsible rangers. To date, after leaving a detailed voice mail message I have not received a call back to confirm. If anyone has an "in" into the workings of the Mesa Ranger District and would like to give it a try, to obtain a confirmation to Tonto Basin's understanding it would certainly be very good news for us related to ongoing FR201 and FR25 winter access.

[CannondaleKid]

Thanks for the info Hank!

I live within a mile of the Mesa District station on Ingram and will try to get by there tomorrow and see what I can find out in person. I'll post what I can find out.

[chumley]

It's possible that the ranger doesnt want to confirm that information for fear that it will be posted in a public forum on the Internet and subsequently may result in attracting irresponsible yahoos to the area in winter weather, which would likely result in injury and/or additional work for the rangers.

Obviously that is not our purpose for wanting the information but I've encountered the "no reply" technique before with regards to permitted camping areas.

Also, I recall a photo posted quite a while back in the other thread showing a snow covered road with some pretty good tire tracks/ruts indicating vehicular traffic in deep snow. This photo would support the theory that the road is not closed in the winter (or at least not at the first sign of snow)

[Grasshopper]

by chumley » Jan 05 2011 7:35 pm
It's possible that the ranger doesnt want to confirm that information for fear that it will be posted in a public forum on the Internet and subsequently may result in attracting irresponsible yahoos to the area in winter weather, which would likely result in injury and/or additional work for the rangers.

Good point! I did five minor edits to my post update ;)

[easytec]

I've been going into the area even after heavy snow for the past couple years and all gates have been open but there is usually a bunch of blown down, burned out trees on road, particularly on the north side of the upper elevations after big storms like we had last week that prevent you from driving all the way to Peely TH. When I talked to the Tonto ranger a few winters ago I was told that the road only gets closed when sections have been washed away (after heavy rain or a fast snow melt) and create a roll over hazard. The gate has not been closed the last two winters, that I know of, but there were some iffy looking spots in the road when I was out there in early Dec. I plan to go to Peely TH this weekend and will report back on conditions.

[CannondaleKid]

I stopped by the Mesa District Forest Service station this morning and got a chance to ask a few questions.

Because there is some shared responsibility between Tonto Basin Ranger District and Mesa Ranger District for those roads, there probably always will be some gray area. That said, it seems the the primary responsibility for the Peeley TH (and FR201)is under the Tonto Basin District so any information I received may not be completely accurate. Nothing is definitive, but the gist of what I heard was:
1. The gates on the roads are likely to be closed if/when road conditions are too extreme and would put motorists at unreasonable risk. Like washouts, etc.
2. As long as it is relevant and not tattered it should be fine to post the search information request on the large board at Peeley TH.

[Tough_Boots]

it seems to me like searching in the area might be useless right now. Last I looked, the snow level is at about 5500. I might hike Mt. Ord tomorrow to see the snow and I'll do my best to get pictures of the Peeley/Sheep area from up there.

[CannondaleKid]

it seems to me like searching in the area might be useless right now. Last I looked, the snow level is at about 5500.

Yes, as long as there is snow, I agree.

I'll do my best to get pictures of the Peeley/Sheep area from up there.

Great!

[Dschur]

We still have 6 inches of snow and ice in Payson (too dark in morning and evening to see up the hill right now). Just as a reference anyway....

[Tough_Boots]

I hiked Mt. Ord today and there was a quite a bit more snow up there than it looks like from a distance and it might be a good reference. The snow is heavy from above 4,800 ft and has a pretty full coverage of everything except for a few isolated spots receiving lots of sun. We were up to our calves in snow quite often. Below 4800, it starts getting patchy and looks to be melting pretty quick. There was a big visual difference in our ascent and descent. Another thing to worry about is that there are quite a few icy spots where snow has melted and froze again probably a few times over. I took some pictures of the Peeley/Sheep area from Ord and will post them in the next couple hours in my triplog.

[easytec]

Gate was open today but TH was not reachable in my 4x4 due to deep snow (~12”), ice, and mud on the north side of each hill above ~5000ft.

[CannondaleKid]

@easytec Thanks! I appreciate the info... looks like it will be some time before we'll regain access. And if there's more snow, we may be talking months.