Snowy weather in higher elevations is known to attract recreationists from all over the Phoenix Valley. Travelers and locals alike should study up and be prepared before heading into potentially hazardous conditions.
Prescott National Forest urges visitors to refrain from traveling on wet or snowy roads to minimize the likelihood of needing emergency rescue services and to prevent road damage.
While many gated roads are closed during the winter season, others that technically remain open are in bad condition due to recent storms. While using these roads is not illegal, vehicles can easily cause damage – a misdemeanor – or become stuck.
With some areas experiencing up to two feet of snow and more expected in the upcoming week, travel conditions are hazardous, and ill-prepared travelers risk becoming stranded, as has already occurred. Cell phone reception is unreliable, and assistance may be delayed by hours or even days.
The recent Forest Service alert says, “Roads within the Forest are generally primitive, narrow, and receive only limited winter maintenance in a few locations. Turnaround areas may be unavailable or hazardous due to ice, deep snow, and saturated soil conditions. Additionally, damage to forest resources could result in a Class B Misdemeanor with a possible penalty of up to $5,000 and/or six months imprisonment.”
Use extreme caution when searching for trails and parks in winter-affected places. Never go around road closure blockades and know when to go back, either on the trail or on the road, when surfaces are too snowy, wet, or muddy.
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