Flagstaff typically experiences heavy snowfall from November through February.
Flagstaff experiences wet days that include rain or snowfall in some form or another; tourism scores favor clear days without rain for outdoor tourist activities.
October
Northern Arizona experienced its inaugural snowfall of the season early this week, providing residents with their first taste of winter. According to ABC15, snow flakes first hit Flagstaff and surrounding areas Sunday morning and some still remain Monday morning, brought by a cold front that moved through.
Though this weather won’t last, it serves as a timely reminder that winter travel is fast approaching in our region.
Flagstaff is one of the snowiest big cities in America, with an annual snowfall average of 101.7 inches – reaching an all-time peak during 1972-73 with 210 inches recorded! The city was recognized as an official World Snowbird Capital that year!
At an elevation of 7,000 feet, the city offers ecosystems ranging from pinon-juniper studded plateaus and high desert to green alpine forest. Due to the higher altitude, winter temperatures can become extremely chilly; when visiting, be sure to wear layers and bring along an appropriate jacket for extra warmth. Being outdoors at this higher altitude can cause fatigue and shortness of breath so it is also vitally important to drink plenty of water and apply sunscreen regularly for optimal enjoyment.
November
Flagstaff typically experiences its first snowfall of winter during November. Light dusting or several inches are likely, while major blizzards are rare. On average, snow falls for an estimated total of 6.1 days each winter season.
The Arizona Snowbowl, approximately seven miles north of downtown Flagstaff, enjoys an average annual snowfall of 260 inches (6,604 millimetres). This popular resort provides skiing, snowboarding and tubing experiences across an extensive network of slopes suitable for every skill level and offers access to higher elevations through lifts.
Flagstaff experiences significant temperatures drops in December and heaviest snowfall of the year in this month. City equipment plows 700 lane miles, 8 alley miles, 131 bike lanes, 42 miles of FUTS routes and 27,000 driveways around Flagstaff; this task is managed through its Snow Operations Policy which sets priorities and time frames for plowing routes throughout Flagstaff.
Heavy snowstorms may drop ten inches or more of snow in one day on only two or three occasions each year. Such events usually involve strong winds and icy roads, placing children and older adults at greater risk of falling while walking or driving in these conditions. Furthermore, snow amplifies the sun’s harmful UV rays further increasing exposure risk.
December
Flagstaff boasts the distinction of being one of Arizona’s snowiest cities and is fully prepared for its frigid winter conditions. There’s a ski resort here and Northern Arizona University hosts classes in the snow every year on their mountain campus; plus there are some lovely hiking trails abound that run alongside ponderosa pine ridgelines for scenic hiking experiences.
Winter brings cold temperatures, as well as heavy snowfall. On average, the city sees 7.4 days of snowfall annually during December – also featuring its shortest daylight period at nine hours and 48 minutes per day.
Recent heavy snowfall has resulted in school closures in the area and several highway closures on Wednesday; however, conditions should begin to improve by Friday morning. Furthermore, power outages were reported across the state; residents were warned to remain indoors in case temperatures drop further; outdoor plants and pipes should also be covered up to avoid freezing temperatures.
While Phoenix receives much of the press for its winter climate, snow can also be found throughout Arizona during this season, including Sedona and Payson. Furthermore, snowfall is frequent at Grand Canyon as well as many iconic red rock formations around Arizona which often become covered with a blanket of white snow during these months.
January
Flagstaff, Arizona has experienced an unusually cold and snowy winter this year – in fact 2022-23 is already the fifth snowiest season on record in Flagstaff! And with yet another storm bringing more precipitation this week, that mark may even come closer to being broken.
Flagstaff stands apart from most areas in Arizona due to its higher elevation and four distinct seasons, often being 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than Phoenix during any given month. This cool climate draws people in from far and wide; making Flagstaff an increasingly popular tourist spot.
Flagstaff usually sees its first light snowfall of the fall season in October, followed by several light accumulations in November. After that, snow continues to accumulate through December until it finally melts away by April – short yet enjoyable skiing season for avid enthusiasts!
Arizona Snowbowl, situated seven miles from downtown, is one of the oldest ski areas in America, opening in 1938 and boasting an elaborate snowmaking system for guaranteed snow coverage from mid-November through mid-April. Its total area spans 777 acres with eight lifts for skiing enthusiasts of all skill levels. It offers terrain suited to different skiing abilities ranging from advanced beginners to expert. It boasts total of 777 acres and 8 lifts. The Arizona Snowbowl also features state-of-the-art snowmaking capabilities to guarantee snowmaking conditions between mid November through mid April; one of its attractions is Coconino National Forest where Coconino National Forest is found. Here lies one of its oldest ski areas that opened back then – opening around 1938 as one of their oldest.
