Snowfall in Flagstaff is not unusual, but this year’s storms have put a major dent into its record books. At Flagstaff Pulliam Airport alone, up to 140 inches have fallen since October 2018; which would rank second only to that seen during 1948-49 season.
Measuring snow can be an exacting process that’s often unreliable due to its tendency to compact as it settles.
January
On Friday January 22nd and through Tuesday January 26th, several winter storms crossed northern Arizona bringing more snowfall as well as some inches of precipitation to the area.
As storms moved forward, more highways opened due to snow. Flagstaff’s streets department used 18 plows to clear Flagstaff’s major roadways so mail, fuel trucks, and school buses could continue operating as usual.
On average, January in Flagstaff experiences 6.1 days of snowfall with an accumulation of 4.65″.
February
It’s evident this winter has been far snowier than expected, according to data compiled by the National Weather Service Flagstaff office, making this meteorological winter one of the five snowiest since records began being kept back in 1880s.
Flagstaff experiences wet days (rain or snow) on an annual and monthly average basis according to weather data collected at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport.
Flagstaff, Arizona stands as one of the snowiest cities in America. Heavy snowfall blankets the city from early December until late February each winter.
March
On Wednesday, a snowy storm rolled through northern Arizona, shutting down schools and creating traffic jams on Interstate 40 that caused delays of several hours.
This winter has been especially harsh on the National Weather Service Flagstaff office in Bellemont, where snowfall totaled 146.7 inches between July and March; that amount ranks second only to that achieved between 1948-49 and 1948-50. And Flagstaff Pulliam Airport saw similar accumulation.
Flagstaff typically experiences rain or snow on wet days; the number of mixed days varies throughout the year.
April
Last week’s winter storm in Arizona created an idyllic mountain scene, but also created heavy snowfall and hazardous driving conditions.
Humidity levels fluctuate significantly in Flagstaff throughout the year. December typically experiences its highest humidity level while June sees its lowest.
May
A powerful winter storm that hit northern Arizona overnight and Thursday pushed this year’s snow load near the top of Flagstaff history, according to climateology data. As previously noted by climate scientists, the 2022-2023 season has already set new records.
On a typical May day, there is a 8% chance of rain or snow, and 0.32 inches of precipitation usually accumulates. City equipment plows over 700 lane miles, 8 miles of alleys and 27,000 driveways using strict priorities to determine which streets will be plowing first.
June
Flagstaff enjoys pleasant year-round temperatures with an average perceived humidity level, yet humidity levels vary substantially throughout the year.
Flagstaff snowfall typically starts between October and December, with its final storm occurring usually sometime around May.
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport snowfall statistics provide monthly and yearly counts, including total accumulated snowfall amounts. Winter storms have helped alleviate drought conditions across northern Arizona while creating travel nightmares on local highways.
July
Flagstaff is a winter wonderland, featuring heavy snowfall throughout the season and in particular during this coldest month of the year when snowfall reaches its peak levels.
Snowfall in Flagstaff has eased drought conditions in northwestern Arizona. Unfortunately, some highways remain closed due to inclement weather.
The wet season runs for 2.1 months from July 7 to September 10. This period consists of days when rain or snow falls and how much precipitation accumulates each day; January is typically the snowiest month.
August
Flagstaff has experienced one of its most remarkable winters in recent memory. This 2022 to 2023 season ranks near the top in terms of snowfall.
Arizona’s snowfall has led to incredible conditions at nearby ski resorts, leading to unforgettable powder days that have locals desperate to hit the slopes.
Flagstaff experiences its clearest weather of the year during September, when rainfall is 84% less than other months. Learn more about its weather here.
September
Even though September may still be here, the National Weather Service has tweeted out photos from Sunrise Park Resort which display winter wonderland-esque scenes.
National Weather Service officials don’t need reminding that 2016 has been an incredible year for snowfall totals in Flagstaff. At its Bellemont office alone, this season has already eclipsed even that of July 1-March 1 1948-49 at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport!
At an elevation of 7,000 feet, this city is surrounded by diverse ecosystems ranging from pinon-juniper studded plateaus and green alpine forest to barren tundra. When spending time outside here, make sure to drink lots of water and wear sunscreen!
October
Flagstaff sits 7,000+ feet above sea level, which means when it rains down in Phoenix it usually snows here – one reason it has earned itself the moniker “One of Arizona’s Snowiest Cities.”
Recently, Flagstaff received its annual dusting of snowfall. Arizona Snowbowl even saw some fresh powder falling! Listen in to learn how you can play in it like a local! We offer plenty of helpful advice.
