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Flagstaff Arizona Winter Snow Play Advisory

Flagstaff Arizona I-17 highway sleet       photo by Brent Maupin c2012

Flagstaff Arizona I-17 highway sleet photo by Brent Maupin c2012

Flagstaff AZ (December 19, 2012) – As several Northern Arizona Snow Play Recreational Sites prepare to open this weekend, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Flagstaff Police Department are anticipating an influx of winter recreation enthusiasts.

As these recreational sites prepare to open, the snow play areas located along the Highway 180 corridor are expected to be busy – with several of the more popular areas possibly reaching capacity by 11:00 in the morning.

Of particular concern is congestion on Highway 180 north of Flagstaff, since several popular winter recreation sites including Arizona Snowbowl, Flagstaff Nordic Center and Wing Mountain Snow Play Area are located along this roadway.

If you are using the Highway 180 Corridor, expect the possibility of heavy traffic congestion and significant delays. In the event of heavy congestion, public safety agencies may offer alternative routes as you enter Flagstaff.

Consider alternative routes as viable options. On particularly busy days, the traffic congestion seems to be the heaviest from 4:00 p.m. until after 6:00 p.m. and winter enthusiasts may want to consider leaving early, to avoid some of the heavier traffic. Remember you want to have fun so exercise patience and courtesy.

View of San Francisco Peaks site of Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff

View of San Francisco Peaks site of Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff

Visitors who are traveling to and from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park may want to consider alternative routes that would allow them to avoid heavy traffic congestion and significant delays on Highway 180 during peak hours of use. Travelers to the South Rim may head west from Flagstaff on Interstate Highway 40 to State Route 64 just east of Williams AZ and North on 64 to the Grand Canyon.

When traveling in Northern Arizona motorist should be prepared for the possibility of Winter Driving Conditions.

Know before you go! Current information about where to go to play in the snow is available daily from the Flagstaff Visitor Center at 877-878-9377. A map of Winter Recreation sites in the Flagstaff-Coconino National Forest area is at http://flagstaffarizona.org/documents/WinterRec.map.pdf .

Be prepared for cold weather and winter driving conditions with a full tank of gas, chains, flashlight and other emergency items. Pack extra dry clothes, snacks, water and trash bags. Extra blankets, batteries and a first aid kit are smart ideas!

Do not overlook these practical safety tips – be prepared.

  • Be safe and aware.
  • Don’t park along the highway.
  • Look before you slide.
  • Watch out for hazards and other visitors.
  • Bike helmets are recommended for safe sledding.
  • Be patient. Highways through the Flagstaff area may be congested.
  • Leave no trace other than footprints and snowmen.
  • Take your trash with you.
  • Respect private property and other locations where snow play and sledding are not appropriate.

Enjoy our beautiful Arizona winter by being smart and safe.

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4 Comments

  1. Flagstaff Arizona Winter Snow Play Advisory – Slow down & pack heavy sedonaeye.com/flagstaff-ariz… 05:34 PM – 19 Dec 12 …. Retweeted by BW Arroyo Roble to To 114 followers. Keep the conversation going.

  2. Sedona Rouge says:

    Flagstaff Arizona Winter Snow Play Advisory – Slow down & pack heavy sedonaeye.com/flagstaff-ariz… 05:34 PM – 19 Dec 12 —- Retweeted by Sedona Rouge Hotel To 3885 followers.

  3. Senator highway is now OPEN for travel in both directions in the Groom Creek area

  4. I like Sedona and I love to hear all about it.

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