WINTER WEATHER CREATES HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS ON PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST

While the recent snows have not piled up in the city of Prescott, it's a different story in the Prescott National Forest.

Visitors are reminded that the Forest does not remove snow or plow roads during winter months.  Recent storms produced significant accumulation across Yavapai County, catching many travelers off guard.  This has resulted in vehicles sliding off the road and becoming stuck, stranding their occupants. Considering these events, the Forest Service urges travelers to exercise caution when traveling on Forest Service Roads (FSR’S) during times when snow and inclement weather are possible.

Continued winter weather conditions have made many roads across the forest impassable, including sections of the Senator Hwy (FSR-52).  Forest officials are asking visitors to stay off Senator Hwy from the Mayer/Goodwin Junction on County Road 177 north to Poland Junction Road (FSR 261).  It is recommended that visitors traveling to Crown King use County Road 178.

Also keep in mind that many areas of the forest have little to no cell coverage for emergency calls. visitors are encouraged to be prepared and check local extended weather forecasts before traveling.