Arizona Roads

[paulhastings]

I am not familiar with driving in Arizona. I am considering a drive through Flagstaff and Sedona in the next week or two. If I go during what seems to be a clear weather pattern will I encounter anything unusual. Does Arizona salt the roads or use gravel like California. If gravel is used does anyone know the condition of these roads like pot holes or if there will be lots of gravel lying around. The weather shows it snowing there in the next few day's. I am also looking at the map and highwy 60 looks like it could be fun. Any help from the locals would be appreciated.

[LBC111]

Gravel?? I'm not sure what Arizona uses, but CA definitely does not use gravel.. don't know any state that does. But they do use sand on CA mountain roads and passes.

[paulhastings]

Ok, sand... Let's call it very large grains of sand!

[Andrikos]

US89 is jawdropping in the Summer.
I'm not sure how pretty the route would be in the winter but definitely don't miss it...

http://maps.yahoo.com/#mvt=m&lat=35....q2=sedona%2Caz

[nvrblu]

Arizona uses volcanic cinder on ice/snow. There were volcanos active about 700-800 years ago near Flagstaff that left huge cinder cones.

I drove 89A this time of year a few years ago. It was snowing a little bit but roads were dry. The part between Prescott and Jerome is a lot of fun. The section between Sedona and Flagstaff is very nice, but tame compared to the Jerome section.

[paulhastings]

How long would you say that volcanic cinder sticks around on the roads after a snowfall? In otherwords will the road be clean a week after a snowfall?

[mopho]

I drove those roads last month (through Sedona, Jerome, Prescott) and there was snow at higher elevations. The roads were clear of snow, but were sandy, wet, and muddy in some places.
I wouldn't expect the roads to be clean after this weeks snow storm

[paulhastings]

Thank you! That's what I needed to find out.

[nvrblu]

Originally Posted by paulhastings

How long would you say that volcanic cinder sticks around on the roads after a snowfall? In otherwords will the road be clean a week after a snowfall?

Cinders lay on the road for a long time. It takes heavy rain and/or a lot of traffic to clear it off. Pieces are usually 1/8 inch or smaller. It is a relatively lightweight stone but quite abrasive.

Snow is in the forecast for Sunday through most of next week for Flagstaff and surrounding area, including Prescott. I would not drive my Elise in that area until warmer, sunnier days return.

[paulhastings]

What about if I stay on the major highway's of 40 and 17 towards Phoenix? Give about a week for the snow to clear. Will these major highway's stay clean?

[2006PolarBlueElise]

Originally Posted by paulhastings

What about if I stay on the major highway's of 40 and 17 towards Phoenix? Give about a week for the snow to clear. Will these major highway's stay clean?

There shouldn't be any problems with any of the roads near Phoenix... except maybe for the rain that is here today... and the Superbowl that will be hosted here next Sunday!

[paulhastings]

I am not so concerned about the Phoenix area but, if I arrive from the north through Flagstaff. If I stay on the major highway's 40 and 17 will I have issues as mentioned above with mud and so forth? Anyone on LT from the Flagstaff area?

[nvrblu]

Try looking at http://nws.noaa.gov/ for latest weather information. It's currently snowing in Flagstaff. With an elevation of about 7000 ft., the snow on I-40 in that area can cause traffic problems and closures (or require chains).

[mopho]

My father lives up there and he said today that the twisty roads are in pretty bad condition with lots of rocks, debris, mud, etc.