As one of the snowiest cities in America, Flagstaff experiences plenty of winter weather each year. But just how much did it snow this year?
National Weather Service’s Bellemont Office saw 146.7 inches from July 1 to Wednesday – second only to 1948-1949 when 153.9 was measured there in one year.
1. December – January
Flagstaff has already outpaced its record seasonal snowfall total set back in 2022-23, based on National Weather Service office in Bellemont’s reports that 146.7 inches have fallen since July 1 – this amounts to the highest seasonal amount ever. Flagstaff Pulliam Airport also experienced significant snowfall; over this same time frame 140 inches were recorded as being collected since record keeping started at this site 101 years ago.
Northern Arizona has experienced incredible powder days thanks to the winter storms, delighting skiers. However, commuters and local residents were burdened by massive traffic jams caused by shut down highways around the region. Luckily, this week’s forecast calls for relief from wintry conditions.
On average, Flagstaff receives approximately 96 inches of snow annually, with most of it falling during January and February. Snowfall usually begins as early as October, and usually continues into May; Flagstaff generally experiences at least six blizzards annually with major accumulation storms depositing 10 or more inches in one day, often occurring more frequently.
Flagstaff’s snowfall records date back to 1951, but 2019 proved most impressive when an unprecedented 35.9 inches fell in one day – breaking the old mark set back in 1949!
2. February – March
Flagstaff, Arizona is an exceptional place to call home or visit, boasting an idyllic four-season climate of plenty of sunshine in summer and cold temperatures during winter storms that often drop an inch or more of snow each time they hit.
The 2022-23 meteorological winter has been one of the snowiest ever experienced by Flagstaff since records began in the late 1800s, according to National Weather Service Flagstaff. The city currently ranks fifth for highest snowfall since records started being kept in 1873.
This winter has been particularly difficult for northern Arizona, particularly Flagstaff. Within just the first three months of this season, more than 10 inches of snow had fallen, as well as record winds and low temperatures resulting in travel challenges for many people.
On Wednesday night, an epic winter storm struck northern Arizona – it was one of the largest ever seen this year – leaving several feet of snowfall behind and shutting roads down; many motorists and truckers found themselves trapped for several hours until their roads could reopen.
The storm also led to power outages for thousands of homes and businesses, creating havoc for emergency crews as they worked tirelessly to clear and repair snow-covered highways – including SR-87 between Payson and Winslow as well as several national parks and monuments that were affected.
National Weather Service Flagstaff office in Bellemont has recorded 140.1 inches of snow since record keeping began in 1948-49 – the second-highest total since record keeping started. Had this week’s winter storm come a day or two earlier, it would have overtaken 2009-2010’s previous record set during that season.
3. April – May
Flagstaff typically experiences reduced snowfall between April and May as the city prepares to welcome summer. A typical day sees 14% chance of precipitation with temperatures typically ranging between 55 degF to 63 degF; these temperatures rarely fall below 42 or surpass 73degF – this weather pattern should become familiar during spring and summer!
Flagstaff’s snowfall can vary considerably year to year due to factors like El Nino. Seasonal snow loads have ranged from 11.2 inches in 1933-34 up to 210 inches in 1972-73 – however, on average Flagstaff receives approximately 96 inches each winter.
This winter has brought much-needed snowfall to north Arizona and its higher elevations, including the Grand Canyon. These winter storms have helped reduce drought conditions while making travel in this area simpler.
While heavy snowfall cannot completely alleviate drought conditions, it will help lower forest fire risk until monsoon rains arrive in late July/early August and make skiing and other recreational activities easier in the area.
Flagstaff is an ideal location to live or visit if you appreciate four distinct seasons: Summers are warm and sunny while winters can bring cold and snowfall; monsoon rains arrive late summer/fall adding their own distinct beauty. Visitors will easily find something fun to do year-round!
