Flagstaff is one of the premier ski destinations in America, boasting snowy environs on the San Francisco Peaks that offer snow play and skiing options from passive to extreme.
Flagstaff does not anticipate receiving any new snowfall in the forecast. For more information about Arizona Snowbowl snow conditions, visit its website.
Temperatures
Flagstaff sits at 6,910 feet and averages 20-30 degrees cooler than Phoenix, offering four distinct seasons and often experiencing year-round snow on its San Francisco Peaks – making this unique climate an attractive spot for skiers and snowboarders alike.
The Arizona Nordic Village is the premier cross-country skiing location in northern Arizona, nestled into a “snow pocket” at the foot of San Francisco Peaks amidst towering aspens and pine trees of Coconino National Forest. Boasting over 40 miles of groomed trails perfect for beginner to expert skiers alike.
Breezy conditions prevail, and temperatures reach near 69F with SW winds gusting between 10-15 mph.
Even with Arizona experiencing recent snowfall, no winter storm warnings have been issued; nonetheless, residents should remain inside, cover outdoor plants with plastic sheets, and bring pets indoors as soon as possible.
Flagstaff maintains over 700 lane miles, 8 alley miles, 131 bike lanes, 270 sidewalks and 42 miles of fountains, utility trenches and sidewalks (FUTS). To ensure all roads remain accessible to both residents and visitors, there is a priority system in place that assigns desired time frames for each area. In addition, 2,600 miles of equipment are dedicated to plowing snow – for up-to-date information regarding road closures visit Flagstaff’s snow and ice operations website.
Wind
Flagstaff Nordic Center, nestled within Coconino National Forest, is one of Arizona’s premier cross-country skiing destinations. Boasting 40 kilometers of groomed trails suitable for skiers of all ages and abilities – including a free learn-to-ski program – Flagstaff Nordic Center provides one of Arizona’s premier cross-country skiing experiences, boasting 40 kilometers of groomed tracks as well as its Arizona Nordic Village for lunch or snacks while taking in stunning northern Arizona scenery.
Daytime winds tend to be moderate; however, at night they become increasingly gusty as air is forced upward by the steep lee slope of the San Francisco Peaks and then cools as it ascends; moisture-laden air often condenses into lenticular clouds as it travels higher; as this occurs it results in unexpectedly strong gusts upwind of these mountains, often reaching speeds between 25-30 mph in some locations.
Flagstaff is known for being sunny year-round, making the weather ideal for outdoor recreation and exploration. Wind is typically stronger in winter and spring; then again in late summer as weather patterns shift; its peak windiest period typically lasts from January through April when average wind speeds hit almost 7 3 miles per hour on average.
Flagstaff city plowing operations cover an approximate 700 mile-wide street network, 131 miles of sidewalk, 42 miles of bike lanes and 27,000 driveways; multiple passes are made by snowplows to clear all streets from snow. Their snow operations policy provides clear priorities and timeframes for plowing streets.
Snowfall
Snowfall in many areas of Arizona – including Flagstaff – has been heavy and prolonged over recent weeks, providing drought relief in many places.
Heavy snowfall this winter has caused numerous road closures across Arizona, particularly in northwestern Arizona. Many schools were closed on Wednesday due to snow and Northern Arizona University’s mountain campus was negatively impacted. At its height, 12 highways were affected.
Munds Park and Kachina Village reported 24-30 inches by morning; Flagstaff Pulliam Airport recorded 140.1 inches in all, marking its second-highest annual snowfall total ever in Flagstaff.
Although not ideal for motorists, extra snowfall has proven invaluable to local ski resorts. Flagstaff Nordic Center boasts 40 kilometers of groomed trails and provides lessons for beginner skiers – ideal for novice skiers! Situated within Coconino National Forest provides an idyllic atmosphere for skiing enthusiasts to experience its peaceful environment.
Recent snowfall has not ended the decade-long drought in Northern Arizona; however, it does replenish runoff in its high country regions and will reduce wildfire season on Mogollon Rim by helping replenish water runoff. Furthermore, watching this transformation via Flagstaff weather webcam allows viewers to witness it first-hand from summer green to winter white; when snow covers trees and shrubs in front while mountains stretch in the distance.
Weather
Flagstaff offers four distinct seasons at its elevation of 7,000 feet above sea level. Visitors to this city will discover ecosystems spanning pinon-juniper studded plateaus, high desert and green alpine forest; mild summer temperatures with spectacular golden fall colors as well as cold, snowy winters can all be expected here.
This Flagstaff weather chart displays average daily high and low temperatures by month, along with sunrise/sunset times. These charts also give an overall snapshot of climate in Flagstaff such as humidity, cloud cover and precipitation levels.
Flagstaff is an attractive outdoor enthusiast destination due to its proximity to national parks and Northern Arizona University sports teams, as well as being home to one of the premier cross-country skiing facilities – Flagstaff Nordic Center in Coconino National Forest which offers over 40 kilometers of groomed trails.
Tourism scores favor sunny, rainless days with temperatures between 65degF and 80degF, providing ideal conditions for general outdoor tourist activities. Peak season for these activities typically falls from mid June through late August with peak scores often occurring in the second week of July.
The growing season is defined by temperature bands spanning from below freezing to above 95degF, with yellow representing an average temperature for the year and blue and brown representing 25th, 75th, 10th & 90th percentile bands respectively. Gray represents percentage of time spent outside this season.
