The winter storm that recently struck northern Arizona dumped many inches of fresh snowfall; some areas near Flagstaff received over 24 inches in addition to previous accumulation.
Flagstaff Pulliam airport has experienced 140.1 inches so far this season – the second-highest total since record keeping began 101 years ago!
Last Thursday’s snowstorm set an all-time single day snowfall record of 31 inches set back in 1915.
October
Flagstaff in October experiences temperatures ranging from 70 degF to 42degF on average, providing a pleasant atmosphere to be outdoors in. But it is essential that one wears appropriate clothing due to unpredictable weather; on an average day there is a 9% chance it may rain or snow and an amount of 0.39 inches (0.8mm).
Flagstaff is known for its legacy of welcoming hospitality and interstellar discoveries, making this mountain town stand out. Route 66 still runs through downtown where self-guided tours offer insight into public murals and street signs hidden secrets; or visit Lowell Observatory to celebrate Pluto’s discovery with an annual festival!
Flagstaff is designed with cyclists in mind, boasting 117 miles of bike lanes covering 58% of major streets. Visit Campbell Mesa Trail System for a scenic ride among ponderosa pine and Mount Eldon or rent one from Absolute Bikes; just don’t forget to pack plenty of water and snacks as these trails may prove challenging due to elevation change.
November
November brings colder temperatures and the start of snowfall to Flagstaff. This time of year is ideal for taking advantage of Flagstaff’s winter wonderland – just remember to layer up and pack warm clothing; an average annual snowfall for November stands at 23.6 inches.
Flagstaff’s climate is determined by four distinct seasons and its elevation of 6,910 feet (2,106 meters). As such, it tends to remain much cooler than Phoenix and Tucson at any given time during the year.
Within an urban area lies an impressive diversity of ecosystems, spanning pinon-juniper studded plateaus and high desert terrain through green alpine forest to barren tundra – each region having different weather patterns that may drastically shift between them. As such, weather conditions can fluctuate significantly from area to area within the city itself.
Due to this factor, temperatures in the city can range between mild and extremely cold; however, seasonal variation in sunlight levels remains minimal.
Flagstaff experiences almost no days that qualify as muggy throughout November, remaining near zero percent. Humidity measures how saturated the air is with moisture and can significantly impact how cool or hot a place feels; unlike temperature changes that may vary rapidly throughout the day, dew point shifts more gradually – meaning a day with high dew point will still feel muggy even though its temperature might remain lower.
December
Flagstaff is an ideal location for those who appreciate all four seasons, offering stunning mountain scenery and top ski resorts such as Vail. Additionally, winter brings ideal conditions for outdoor activities like sledding – Foxglenn Park and Thorpe Park offer numerous sledding hills; additionally there’s the Flagstaff Snow Park that features activities suitable for people of all ages.
Flagstaff typically experiences an average monthly snowfall between 2 and 3.7 inches, though this amount varies greatly year to year, with certain years seeing much more accumulation than others; peak accumulation typically occurs during January and February months.
Snowfall in these months can reach six inches or deeper, leading to major traffic disruption on the roads and necessitating preparation for these storms. It’s essential that we be ready for these weather events.
Flagstaff’s snowfall total is determined by multiple factors, including air temperature and moisture content. To gather data for snow calculations, Flagstaff uses its weather station at the Airport with various sensors collecting data that is then utilized by National Weather Service’s website.
January
Winter storms that dumped tons of snow across northern Arizona this week set new records in towns where precipitation can often be scarce. They provided some drought relief as well as kickstarting Arizona Snowbowl’s ski season in style; yet all that precipitation did cause driving conditions to become more hazardous and some roofs to collapse under its weight.
This weekend’s storm system is expected to bring more snowfall as it sweeps across the region, with accumulation likely being greater at higher elevations. Snowbowl remains open, and skiers and snowboarders alike are looking forward to having access to quality powder early in the season. Unfortunately, however, driving has become more challenging as well as possible avalanches occurring backcountry of San Francisco Peaks.
Flagstaff has seen record amounts of snow this month, making this January one of the snowiest ever. According to the National Weather Service, Flagstaff has amassed 61.4 inches – which places it fourth on a list of snowiest Januaries ever, behind only 1949’s 104.8 inch total and 1975’s 88.1 inch accumulation totals.
