Storms prompt Tonto National Forest closures

PHOENIX (January 21, 2010) – This week’s storm activites have prompted the closure of several roads and recreation sites on the Tonto National Forest including North Lake, Horseshoe Dam, Seven Springs, Needle Rock and Bartlett Dam roads on the Cave Creek Ranger district, and Butcher Jones, Coon Bluff, and Granite Reef recreation sites on the Mesa Ranger district.

According to Mesa District Ranger Art Wirtz, a number of other recreation sites along the Lower Salt River are being monitored for possible closure as waters rise due to this week’s extreme storm activity.

The Payson and Pleasant Valley ranger district administrative offices were closed earlier today due to hazardous driving conditions, highway closures, and power outages caused by winter storms along the Mogollon Rim.

Forest officials caution visitors that this week’s unusual weather activity is causing flooding along rivers, streams, washes and roads throughout the forest and is impacting both land and water resources.

“Debris deposits on the roads and wash-outs in places have been caused by the extreme weather this week,” stated Cave Creek district spokesperson Tammy Pike. “Some roads are simply not passable right now. There is also an increased amount of debris on lakes due to flooding so we urge increased boater caution.”

“Rising lake levels at Bartlett and Roosevelt lakes make underwater obstructions difficult to identify. Navigational aids will have to be repositioned as weather and lake levels permit,” observed Delvin Lopez, Public Services Group Leader.

“When we have this kind of extreme weather activity,” concludes Pike, “it’s always advisable for visitors to be extra alert to swiftly changing conditions that affect the land, the water, the roads and the trails. Once the storms pass, a number of challenges will remain, including not only debris removal and repair of washed-out roads, but removing other hazards such as uprooted trees.”

For more information, visit the Tonto’s web site, www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto, or call the Cave Creek Ranger District office at 480-595-3300, or the Mesa Ranger District office at 480-610-3300.