FLAGSTAFF— Flagstaff today received a graphic demonstration climate change. While the Sun brightened up the San Francisco Peaks, it rained in Flagstaff proper.
A few lightning strikes were noticed, and this storm front appears to be moving towards Williams.
FLAGSTAFF — On June 11, 2015 at approximately 8:00 pm the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue responded to a report of six lost hikers on the San Francisco Peaks.
The hikers were part of a group of ten hikers from a Boy Scout Troop from Tucson, AZ. The group intended to hike up the Weatherford Trail from Schultz Tank and then descend the Humphreys Trail to cars that they had parked at the Snowbowl. Four members of the group completed the hike as planned but six members, including two adults and four juveniles, decided to turn around when they reached a snowfield on the north side of Agassiz Peak. That group intended to contour around Agassiz Peak and hike cross country to the Snowbowl and then down to the parking lot; however, they became disoriented to their location.
At approximately 8:30 pm the lost hikers were able to call 911 and their location was determined from the phone call. The group had come across the Kachina Trail about halfway between the trailhead at the Snowbowl and the intersection with the Weatherford Trail.
The group did not have any lights and had run out of food. They were not dressed for the weather they encountered and did not have a map or other navigation equipment other than their smart phones. The group stayed in place while Search and Rescue units hiked into their location and provided them with jackets, food, and head lamps. Search and Rescue then escorted them to the trailhead at Snowbowl where the rest of the party was waiting.
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue would like to remind hikers to be prepared when hiking in Northern Arizona. Weather can change rapidly in the mountains and snow may still be on some trails at higher elevations. Hikers should carry the “Ten Essentials” even on short day hikes in case of an emergency.
The “Ten Essentials” include Water, Food, Extra Warm Clothing, Map/Compass/GPS, Headlamp/Flashlight, First Aid Kit, Shelter Material, Fire Starting Kit or Backpacking Stove, Pocket Knife/Multi-tool, and Whistle/Signal Mirror.
Cell phones are good tools to have along but should not be relied upon in the wilderness where cell signals may not be available.
Hikers should always leave a detailed trip plan with trusted friends or family. Care should always be exercised when building a fire and it should be monitored and then put completely out when no longer needed.
FLAGSTAFF — Final paving work for the US 180 project will resume next week due to unseasonably cool and wet weather which halted paving. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will resume paving along a five-mile segment of US 180 from Schultz Pass to Bader roads (mileposts 219 – 224).
The paving work will occur daily, Monday (June 15) through Friday (June 19), between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
During paving operations, the two-lane roadway will be reduced to one lane. Pilot cars will allow for alternating travel and delays can be expected in both directions.
Motorists interested in traveling to the Grand Canyon National Park can use Interstate 40 to State Route 64 west of Flagstaff as an alternate route.
FLAGSTAFF — Lane restrictions to accommodate construction of connecting portion of the Flagstaff Urban Trail System
Beginning on Monday (June 15) travel on Country Club Drive at Interstate 40 (I-40) will be reduced to a single lane of travel in both directions as construction begins on a connecting segment of the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS). The FUTS construction will install a multi-use path adjacent to Country Club Drive and connect two existing parts of the FUTS on either side of the overpass.
The reduced lane restriction is scheduled to begin on Monday (June 15) at 6 a.m. and be in place continuously until early July while work is underway.
During construction of this portion of the FUTS, the westbound exit ramp and eastbound entrance ramp to I-40 will be maintained at all times. Access to adjacent properties will also be maintained at all times.
FLAGSTAFF — Travelers heading northbound on US 89 south of the Interstate 40 and Country Club Drive interchange in Flagstaff this Tuesday night (June 9) will encounter reduced lanes as Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) crews perform maintenance work in the area.
The maintenance work will occur on northbound US 89 at milepost 418, from 7 p.m. Tuesday (June 9) to 6 a.m. Wednesday, (June 10). Drivers are asked to use caution while in the work zone, be alert for ADOT maintenance crews, and observe lane closures and speed reductions while work is underway.
WILLIAMS — We can see by the ol’ Williams clock that Williams has moved into the 40% chance of rain forecast for this afternoon. The forecast for Flagstaff is about the same.
As of this writing, there is a 40% chance of rain this afternoon rising to 60% tonight. Flagstaff has a 50% chance this afternoon and 60% overnight. The chance of showers and thunderstorms hovers around 30% through Friday afternoon.
Ash Fork can also expect showers and thunderstorms throughout week with a 10% less chance as Williams.
FLAGSTAFF — Motorists headed to the Flagstaff Airport, Fort Tuthill County Park, and to SR 89A from I-17 will need to be aware of a traffic restriction that prevents travel across JW Powell Boulevard beginning early morning on Monday, June 8. This restriction will be in place continuously until early July while work is being performed at the tie-in and on the ramp for the new eastern roundabout.
Recommended detours as follows:
This phase of construction is part of a project begun June 2014 and will facilitate the flow of traffic through the area, and is designed to meet current and future traffic demand. This project is anticipated to be completed by late summer 2015.
ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel. Please allow additional time to accommodate for your destinations while the detours are in place.
Kelty tents (left) and Stansport tents (right) now available at Flag Military Surplus.
FLAGSTAFF — Summer is coming, but camping has already started around northern Arizona. If you need a tent, you might check out Flag Military Surplus (Facebook/Google+).
Flag Military Surplus has a lot of other military surplus items perfect for camping and hunting, such as mosquito netting, camouflage netting and sleeping bags. You have to be aware, of course, that they are a military surplus store so the stock changes.
Flag Military Surplus recently acquired a stock of used tents. They have Kelty and Stansport Tents for $39.95 and $19.95 respectively. We picked up one of each and a convenient spring rain assisted us in the test.
I do not know if the store has a “satisfaction guarantee” policy, but having dealt with the store in the past, the staff has worked hard to ensure my satisfaction. You might ask if you can set up the tent, for example, to make sure the one you choose is in good shape. These tents do not come with instructions, but if you cannot figure them out, you probably shouldn’t be playing with matches.
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FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Transportation is returning next week to continue application of the top layer of asphalt along a five-mile segment of US 180 from Schultz Pass to Bader roads (mileposts 219 – 224).
Due to expected rain and unseasonably cooler temperatures, the paving work had to be halted for the remainder of this week. Warmer weather is forecasted to move into Flagstaff next week which will allow paving to resume.
The finishing paving work will occur daily, Monday, June 8 through Friday, June 12, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
During paving operations, the two-lane roadway will be reduced to one lane. Pilot cars will allow for alternating travel and delays can be expected in both directions.
Motorists interested in traveling to the Grand Canyon National Park can use Interstate 40 to State Route 64 west of Flagstaff in Williams as an alternate route.
According to Flagscanner, other street repairs in Flagstaff from June 8 to 12 include:
Detours are expected for the above street repairs.
WILLIAMS — To the chagrin of those setting up for yard sales or trying to maintain the Route 66 Street Market, Williams is receiving another dose of rain to begin the weekend.
The forecast shows at 20% chance of scattered thunderstorms for Williams tomorrow and a 30% in Flagstaff. Tonight there is a 4)% and 50% chance respectively for the two cities.
The flowers around town seem happy to get a drink.