FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — At 12:30 p.m. today Coconino County Public Works crews reopened a seven-mile stretch of Lake Mary Road about 35 miles southeast of Flagstaff that was closed February 6 due to a series of winter storms that dropped approximately three feet of snow in the area. Stoneman Lake Road, which also was closed due to the storms, was also reopened.
Lake Mary Road, which is also known as Forest Highway 3 (FH3), was closed from the north entrance of Mormon Lake (near the scenic overlook) to the south entrance of Mormon Lake. During the closure, traffic on Lake Mary Road was detoured along Mormon Lake Road, which loops along the west side of Mormon Lake and goes through Mormon Lake Village.
The closures were implemented in the interest of public safety due to high winds and drifting snow that created hazardous, whiteout driving conditions. When these conditions occur, there is an increased difficulty for snowplow operators to keep roads clear of snow. The closures also freed up Public Works’ snow removal and ice control teams to keep other County-maintained roads open and passable during the snowstorms.
The County would like to thank the traveling public for their patience during these closures. Although Lake Mary Road and Stoneman Lake Road have reopened, motorists are asked to travel with caution as some areas may still be icy or muddy.
Perkinsville Road, which also was closed on February 6 due to the snowstorms, will remain closed until weather conditions permit and County resources can be allocated to safely reopen the road.