Monthly Archives: December 2016

Welcome 2017 with sober driving

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PHOENIX — Toast away this New Year’s. Just don’t get behind the wheel toasted.

Continuing its tradition of holiday-themed safety campaigns, starting today ADOT’s highway message boards are encouraging you to make smart decisions when it comes to getting around on a long weekend that many associate with imbibing.

Channeling Christopher Walken’s eternally awesome Saturday Night Live skit as record producer Bruce Dickinson (yes, the Bruce Dickinson), the first message says:

WE’VE GOT A FEVER
& THE ONLY CURE IS
SOBER DRIVERS

(Yes, Bruce Dickson said PRESCRIPTION, but that doesn’t play well with message boards limited to 18 characters per line.)

Look for new messages each day throughout the weekend.

It should go without saying, but driving under the influence, already a factor in many fatal crashes, is an especially big concern over New Year’s weekend.

In 2015, Arizona saw seven people die in crashes over New Year’s weekend. Alcohol was a factor in four of those fatalities.

As you ring in 2017, please designate a driver, take a cab, catch the bus or light rail (if you take public transportation, Bruce Dickinson would want you to explore the space) – whatever it takes to not get behind the wheel impaired.

Each of these options is a sure way to not have to fear the reaper.

When a snowstorm hits, safest choice is waiting it out

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PHOENIX — ADOT has nearly 200 snowplows and 400 certified drivers stationed around the state to address snow and ice. But as Christmas weekend showed—especially on Interstate 40 from Flagstaff west to Ash Fork and on Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff—a snowstorm can be so intense that travel becomes unsafe quickly.

This is why drivers should monitor conditions before leaving and be prepared to delay travel until snowplows can do their work. A few inches of snow fell per hour at the height of last weekend’s storm, causing crashes and slide-offs and resulting in long closures because of the time required to get vehicles cleared and lanes open again.

In addition to watching National Weather Service forecasts for Flagstaff, Williams or any area you are planning to travel, be sure to check az511.gov or call 511 for the latest road conditions. ADOT’s Twitter account (@ArizonaDOT) is a good source of information and interaction.

Accident on I-40 at exit 163 in Williams. Photo courtesy of Williams Fire Department.

A 28-car pile up occurred at the 163 exit of I-40 in Williams on Christmas Eve keeping many stuck for up to eight-hours. If you drive faster, you may not get through the snow faster. You may not get through at all. When it rains it can be just as dangerous overnight as the temperature drops and ice builds up on the roadways.

Because snowstorms can result in sudden closures sometimes lasting for hours, ADOT offers tips at azdot.gov/KnowSnow that include packing an emergency kit with blankets, warm clothing, snacks and water and keeping your gas tank half to three-quarters full at all times. It is also good to have a charged cellphone, but some areas do not have cellphone service. A radio transmitter, such as the FRS/GMRS radios, Citizens Band or amateur radio equipment is also a good idea.

But the safest option when snow is falling is not being on road unless it’s absolutely necessary.

During the storm, white cars were observed driving in the snow without lights making them difficult to see. Turn your lights ON during a storm, whether rain or snow, no matter the color of your vehicle if you feel you must drive at all. You need to make yourself as visible as possible.

Photo courtesy of the Williams Fire Department

With another storm forecast for New Year’s weekend, recent experience reinforces the value of waiting until roads are plowed and ready for traffic. If there’s any question about whether it’s a good idea to go, you’d probably do well to wait.

When highways are plowed and ready for traffic, many drivers may be heading uphill to play in the snow. If you’re among them, be sure to leave prepared, as New Year’s usually is an especially busy weekend at snow-play areas, especially along US 180 outside of Flagstaff, resulting in long lines of traffic at day’s end.

Those heading to snow-play sites along US 180 may want to consider making an earlier start home, as on busy days traffic builds toward Flagstaff throughout the afternoon. When they reach Flagstaff, drivers taking Interstate 17 south can save time by following a marked alternate route to Interstate 40 at Butler Avenue, via Switzer Canyon Road and Route 66, and then heading west to I-17. A map of this route, as well as locations of snow-play sites, is available at FlagstaffArizona.org (follow the Winter Snow Play link).

Projects on US 60, Interstate 15 highlight 2016 in Greater Arizona

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PHOENIX — Drivers have a wider, safer US 60 climbing east from Superior, a new bridge that will eliminate flooding closures on US 95 near Yuma and a rehabilitated Virgin River Bridge No. 6 on Interstate 15 thanks to just some of the Arizona Department of Transportation projects completed this year in Greater Arizona.

More is on the way in 2017, including widening the last section of State Route 260 between Interstate 17 and Cottonwood, and starting work on a bridge carrying State Route 347 over railroad tracks in Maricopa.

After months of regularly scheduled blasting closures, those using US 60 between Superior and Globe now have an eastbound passing lane on the grade between Oak Flat and Devil’s Canyon (mileposts 230 to 232). Other improvements along this stretch include a wider shoulder at Devil’s Canyon and bridge improvements at Waterfall Canyon near milepost 229. The projects also removed overhanging rocks that have posed the danger of rock falling during heavy rain.

This work was part of $65 million in US 60 improvements that also include ongoing work to convert the last remaining two-lane roadway segment between Phoenix and Superior into four-lane divided highway (mileposts 222-227 just west of Superior) and a project that installed LED lighting in the Queen Creek Tunnel at milepost 228.

Along I-15 in far northwestern Arizona, ADOT completed a $27 million rehabilitation of Virgin River Bridge No. 6 that replaced girders, decks and railings and widened the roadway at the bridge. This was the centerpiece of $50 million in upgrades that also included paving all 29 miles of I-15 in Arizona and repairing the decks of three other bridges in the Virgin River Gorge corridor.

Until late 2016, flash floods could cause closures of US 95 at Fortuna Wash near Yuma – no small problem considering that the wash lies between the city and Yuma County’s largest employer, Yuma Proving Ground. Today, motorists using this key trade route between the U.S. and Mexico cross Fortuna Wash on a $9.3 million, 600-foot bridge. Final work on the bridge and this stretch of US 95 will continue until spring.

Among other highlights in Greater Arizona, ADOT completed a major project to improve mobility and safety along US 89 through the Navajo Nation community of Cameron north of Flagstaff. The $36.7 million project replaced two bridges over the Little Colorado River, widened four miles of highway, added a roundabout at the junction with State Route 64, and installed sidewalks and underpasses.

On State Route 89 between Chino Valley and Interstate 40, ADOT completed a new $14.4 million bridge at Hell Canyon featuring 12-foot lanes and 10-foot shoulders to better accommodate oversize loads and commercial vehicles. Replacing a now-dismantled bridge built in 1954 that no longer met state and federal design standards for larger and heavier vehicles, the new structure is 665 feet long and has four spans to carry the load.

In spring 2017, work is to begin on a project widening nine miles of SR 260 (mileposts 209-218) to modern four-lane divided highway from Interstate 17 west to Thousand Trails Road. This $62 million project also will install seven roundabouts at major cross streets.

Late in 2017, ADOT plans to begin work on a $55 million project in Maricopa that will realign SR 347 between Desert Cedars Drive and Hathaway Avenue and create a bridge carrying the highway over Union Pacific railroad tracks where dozens of trains pass each day. A $15 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant and a $15 million local contribution have helped ADOT move forward sooner on this project than originally planned.

Behnke Sentenced on Child Pornography Related Charges

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FLAGSTAFF — On December 20, 2016, 30 year-old Leroy Behnke was sentenced in Coconino County Superior Court Division 5 for charges related to child pornography. Behnke took a plea deal for one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and one count of Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor for possession and distribution of child pornography. He was sentenced to 17 years in DOC, with lifetime probation and lifetime sex offender registration on his release.

On May 12, 2015 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Agents contacted Coconino County Sheriff’s Detectives regarding the possession and distribution of child pornography by an adult male who lived in the greater Flagstaff area. According to the FBI agents they developed information that caused them to believe that Leroy Behnke of Flagstaff was in possession of numerous images depicting young children and infants engaged in various sexual acts. They further believed that Behnke had obtained the images from several online chat rooms and then distributed the images to other online users.

On May 21, 2015 Coconino County Sheriff’s Detectives, Deputies and FBI Agents served a search warrant on Behnke’s place of residence while he was at home. During the service of the search warrant, Behnke’s laptop computer was seized and he was interviewed by a Sheriff’s Detective and FBI agent. During the interview Behnke made statements that implicated him in numerous counts of possessing and exchanging child pornography images online. At that time, Behnke was arrested on 10 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Distribution and transported to the Coconino County Detention Facility where he was incarcerated.

This case is an example of the cooperative efforts between local and federal agencies in investigation, arrest and prosecution of suspects and criminal acts.

Reservations accepted for annual Game and Fish Commission Awards Banquet

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Commission will recognize 17 people during the 2016 Commission Awards event, which will commend national/state/local leaders, wildlife advocates, and volunteers for their work to support the state’s wildlife.

The event will be held on Saturday, January 14, at the Arizona Grand Resort at 8000 S. Arizona Grand Parkway in Phoenix. Reservations are being accepted for $65 per person to attend the event, which begins with a social hour and live music at 5 p.m., and will be followed by dinner and the awards presentation at 6 p.m.

The banquet recognizes Arizonans who have contributed significantly to the conservation of the state’s wildlife, its outdoor heritage and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Those to be honored this year include:

  • Award of Excellence: Sonoran Sky Elementary
  • Youth Environmentalist of the Year: Matteo Bailloux
  • Outdoor Writer of the Year: Jim and Carol Allen, Western Outdoor Times
  • Media of the Year: Arizona Antelope Foundation
  • Conservation Organization of the Year: Mule Deer Foundation
  • Conservationist of the Year: Jim Lawrence
  • Natural Resource Professional of the Year: Gloria Tom
  • Volunteer of the Year: Robbie Love
  • Educator of the Year: Karen Klein
  • Mentor of the Year: Steve Sams
  • Advocate of the Year – State: Arizona Sen. Gail Griffin
  • Advocate of the Year – Federal: Don McDowell
  • Business Partner of the Year: Linda Morgan, Yuma Visitors Bureau
  • Buck Appleby Hunter Education Instructor of the Year: Bobby Goitia
  • Wildlife Habitat Steward of the Year: Bill Cordasco
  • North American Model Commissioners Award: Celeste Cook

The first Commission Awards event was held in January 1991 and since then, 361 people have been recognized for their dedicated work toward securing Arizona’s wildlife for generations to come.

To make a reservation, use the RSVP form located on the Department website at www.azgfd.com/agency/commission/awards or contact Lynn Roe at (623) 236-7332 or e-mail lroe@azgfd.gov.

Wolf pup introduced into foster pack in 2014 gives birth to wild-born young

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A Mexican wolf walks through the snow. A recent genetic test of a male wolf revealed that it is the offspring of a previous wolf pup placed into a foster pack in 2014.

PHOENIX — Biologists with the Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team (IFT) recently learned a fostered wolf pup introduced to a pack in 2014 has produced a wild offspring of her own.

In a critical breakthrough in Mexican wolf management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently reported that a genetic test of male 1561 revealed that it is the offspring of male 1293 and female 1346. The female was one of two pups fostered into the den of the Dark Canyon Pack in New Mexico in 2014.

“We now have proof that a fostered pup not only survived to adulthood, but that it is reproducing and contributing genetically important young into the wild,” said Jim deVos, assistant director of wildlife management for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “This is fantastic news for the program and demonstrates that fostering Mexican wolves so they grow up wild is effective and provides a critical step forward for wolf recovery.”

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission and department support this fostering technique that introduces very young pups from captivity and places them into a wild-born litter of the same age. The pups are then raised in the wild rather than captivity.

Critics of the commission’s decision to restrict releases in Arizona solely to fostering pups argued that until these pups reproduce there would be no genetic rescue.

“One of the key challenges to recovery of the Mexican wolf is long-term genetic management given that all Mexican wolves alive today originated from a founder population of only seven animals,” deVos said. “This approach has been used in genetic management of other species but until this month was unproven for Mexican wolves,” said deVos.

The Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Project is a collaborative effort of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Game and Fish Department, White Mountain Apache Tribe, USDA Forest Service, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service – Wildlife Services, and several participating counties in Arizona.

Rock-fall cleanup continues on State Route 89 south of Prescott

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PRESCOTT —The Arizona Department of Transportation is resuming work to clean up a portion of State Route 89 impacted Tuesday by a rock fall.

SR 89 will be narrowed to one lane through 5 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 28) at milepost 304, approximately five miles south of Prescott.

Motorists can expect delays of up to 15 minutes and should allow extra time to reach their destinations. A flagging operation will be in place with clearly marked detour signage.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

For the most current information about highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except while driving. For more information about this repair, please call Tricia Lewis, senior community relations officer, 928.606.2420 or email tlewis@azdot.gov.

New fishing regulations to take effect January 1

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Some new fishing regulations will take effect beginning Jan 1. Be sure to look for the full 2017-18 Arizona Game and Fish Department fishing regulations online around the first of the year. Also, the new fishing regulations booklet will be available at all AZGFD offices and license dealers in early January.

Here are the changes:

  • Reduce the daily trout bag limit to five at the Colorado River from Lake Mead to California-Nevada boundary (including Lake Mohave and Willow Beach).
  • Reduce the daily bag limits to two bass, minimum size 13 inches; and 4 catfish in any combination at Whitehorse Lake.
  • Change the season and daily bag limit from Glen Canyon Dam to the Paria Riffle to two rainbow trout; artificial fly and lure only; barbless hooks only.
  • Close the Kino Environmental Restoration Project to fishing. The Kino Environmental Restoration Project is in Tucson (Pima County).
  • Change the daily trout bag limit to two, any species combination at Frye Mesa Reservoir.
  • Allow the use of fathead minnows caught on site to be used as bait at Riggs Flat Lake.
  • Create a year-round bow-and-arrow season for catfish at Apache, Canyon and Saguaro lakes, with a special regulation daily bag limit of five catfish in any combination.
  • Catch and release regulations for largemouth bass at Pena Blanca Lake and Dankworth Pond will have sunset and will no longer be in effect. The statewide limit of six bass will apply.

For more fishing information, visit the AZGFD fishing page, or the Fish AZ blog.

Keep Weather-Aware & Equipment-Prepared

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FLAGSTAFF — With nationwide attention on the recent rescue of the Klein family and questions generated from the public, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and its Search and Rescue Unit would like to take this opportunity to remind people about being prepared before winter travel. Each year, the Sheriff’s Office responds to countless calls from motorists who have become stranded or stuck on impassable roads because they were following “alternate routes” listed on technology devices and map apps. Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe weather, traffic accidents or a wrong turn could become life threatening. A short drive can turn into an emergency if you are unprepared. Keep Weather-Aware & Equipment-Prepared!

• Know before you go – Be aware of existing and impending weather conditions, and check weather and road reports frequently. If extreme winter weather is predicted during the duration of your trip, cancel it. Research alternative routes. Be prepared to stay overnight if weather changes or travel is delayed. Contact places you are planning to visit to confirm hours of operation and accessibility. For hikers, remember that in the winter, trails that are typically fairly easy to follow in the spring, summer, and fall are often covered in snow making following the trail difficult to impossible.

• Leave Detailed Trip Plans with a Trusted Person – The plan should include times and dates of departure and return. It should also include when you will arrive at certain checkpoints, even if no contact is established, it will assist searchers in locating you should you need their assistance. If trip plans change, it is important to notify the people with whom the trip plan was left so that this information can be shared with search and rescue teams if necessary.

• Don’t Rely on Phones & Map Apps – There are many places where cellular services or coverage still DO NOT exist. A cell phone does not guarantee your safety. Have the appropriate navigation equipment and knowledge of how to use that equipment. Do your research before following map app directions and realize that just because a route is listed does not mean it is passable.

• Accept Responsibility for Yourself – Emergency responders may not be immediately available and may take several hours before they can respond. If your location is unknown to emergency responders, it can take hours or even days before someone finds you. Resources such as helicopters and other specialty equipment are not guaranteed to be able to respond. Have emergency and survival gear with you. Become self-reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.

• Stay Together – Turn back and come the way you came if possible, or stay put. If you have prepared with appropriate winter weather gear and shared your trip plans, it is safer to stay put than to expose yourself to the elements or unknown terrain. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can affect your ability to survive.

• Be prepared for cold weather and winter driving conditions – Have a full tank of gas, chains, flashlight, blankets and other emergency items. Always fill your gasoline tank before entering open country, even for a short distance. If you leave your vehicle running to provide heat make sure the tail pipe is properly vented and clear of snow or any other debris. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is silent and deadly.

Clothing Tips: Dress warmly in layered clothing. Layers allow you to easily adjust your clothes to regulate body moisture and temperature. Three types of layers are considered normal: a liner layer against your skin (long-johns), an insulation layer (fleece), and a water- and wind-proof outer shell. Cotton loses its insulating qualities when it gets wet, whether it is from rain or sweat. Cotton also takes a long time to dry out. Wool or synthetic materials are much better suited for cold weather conditions. Boots should have a waterproof outer shell such as oiled leather or plastic. Hiking boots alone are usually not adequate in deep snow conditions for extended periods. Protect from heat loss through your` head by wearing a warm stocking cap or other winter hat. Make sure socks and gloves do not fit so tight that they constrict the blood flow which keeps your hands or feet from warming up. Pack plenty of extra clothing in case you the clothes you are wearing become wet. Hiking clothing or footwear that gets wet not only makes movement more difficult, it also can contribute to hypothermia and other cold related injuries or illness.

Food & Water Tips: Keep yourself adequately nourished to provide fuel for hiking and for simply keeping your body warm. Food should be easy to prepare and tasty enough to be appetizing. Drink plenty of water even though you don’t think you are thirsty. Water is necessary for your body to generate heat. A good rule of thumb for checking hydration is the color of your urine. Urine will be light colored or clear if you are properly hydrated. Keep water bottles from freezing in your pack by putting them in a wool sock or insulated bottle cover.

Gear Tips: Even for short day hikes winter outdoor enthusiasts should carry survival equipment. Essential items include fire starting equipment, a light source and extra batteries, appropriate extra clothing, water, food, navigation equipment, pocket knife, shelter materials, sunglasses or goggles, a backcountry shovel, a backpacking stove and fuel and a small metal cup.

• Backcountry users: Be familiar with avalanche hazard recognition and carry the appropriate safety equipment including an avalanche beacon, avalanche probe, backcountry shovel and winter survival gear. Backcountry users should not travel alone and should leave a detailed trip plan with a trusted friend. Cell phones are valuable tools but should not be relied upon in backcountry locations since cell coverage may be marginal. It is incumbent on winter backcountry users to acquire training and knowledge about avalanche safety. More information is available from the Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center at www.kachinapeaks.org.

• Tips for Safe Snow Play: Be safe and aware. Don’t park along the highways to play in the snow. Watch out for hazards and other visitors. Be patient. Be a courteous driver. Roads may be congested. Leave no trace other than footprints and snowmen. Take your trash with you. Respect private property and other locations where snow play and sledding is not appropriate.

Here are a few links to some additional resources:

Winter Driving Safety Tips

https://www.weather.gov/wrn/getting_traction
http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/roadway-safety/winter-driving-tips/#.WGLPxFMrLcs
https://www.travelers.com/resources/auto/safe-driving/winter-driving-safety-tips.aspx

Winter Storm Preparedness & Winter Safety

National Park Service and US Forest Service websites for different areas often have messages specific to recreation safety:

https://www.nps.gov/index.htm
https://www.fs.fed.us/
http://www.nsc.org/learn/Pages/safety-events-winter-safety.aspx
http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm

Snow accumulations of up to 18-inches possible for Christmas

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WILLIAMS — The rain fell through the night and Williams was greeted by a thin veil of early morning fog to start the first day of winter. The rain is expected to continue through Friday turning to snow on Saturday. The current evaluation by NOAA is that Williams could be greeted by up to 18-inches of snow Christmas day. Snow may continue on Christmas with a possible half-inch of further accumulation during the day, clearing up by Sunday night.

Winds today will be up to 16-mph with gusts up to 24 dropping slightly overnight. Winds tomorrow will be up to 14-mph with gusts up to 21 building up to 21-mph winds Friday night. On Saturday winds are expected to remain up to 24-mph with gusts of 37-mph.

Christmas eve should be a great day for those with tickets on the Polar Express. A 90% chance of snow showers exists throughout the day. Seven- to eleven-inches of snow is possible by evening with another 3-to-7-inches possible overnight. Snow is possible Christmas day with a slight amount of accumulation. The snow will probably be a welcome sight for the reindeer at the Grand Canyon Deer Farm and the Wild Wonderland at Bearizona is a must see in the snow.Flagstaff can expect about the same weather with a slightly less snow accumulation over the same period. The new snow, however, should be great news for the skiers at the Snowbowl. They apparently are receiving snow already according to their web cam.

Ash Fork will be a player in the snow game with a possible 4-inches of snow over the same period. Winds will be about the same as Williams. Valle should receive about the same amount of snow as Ash Fork and about the same wind speeds.

The weather is still expected to clear up over Sunday night with temperatures returning to the mid-40s by Wednesday.

We continue to remind everyone to BE SAFE on the highways. Watch out for snow plows and slow down. Get off of the highway if you want to play in the snow. We highly recommend going to Flagstaff, Williams, Bellemont, Parks, Ash Fork, instead of taking an exit as you could get snowed in and stranded. Stopping at one of the safe cities and towns also offers the opportunity of hot coffee or cocoa to help you enjoy the experience.