Flagstaff is one of Arizona’s top winter destinations. Winter visitors enjoy various winter activities including skiing, snowshoeing and playing at Wing Mountain Play Area.
Flagstaff has experienced a record winter so far this season. According to the National Weather Service, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport has seen over 146.7 inches of snow accumulation this winter season.
1. How much snow is on the ground?
Snowfall in Flagstaff varies significantly month to month and year to year, and this page presents monthly and yearly data regarding how often it snows as well as total monthly accumulation of total snowfall for each month.
At present, it’s snowing in northern Arizona and is forecasted to continue through this weekend. Some locations could experience up to 18 inches during this winter storm, and The National Weather Service has issued warnings of potential icy roads due to this snowy conditions.
The recent winter storm that lashed the state’s high country resulted in a new snow record for Flagstaff area. According to weather service’s office in Bellemont, 146.7 inches had fallen between July 2018 and Wednesday – surpassing previous mark set during 1948-49 season.
Flagstaff is a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts who are fond of skiing and snowboarding, particularly in wintertime. Situated at the base of San Francisco Peaks with an average annual snowfall exceeding 100 inches annually.
The first snowfall of each winter generally falls in November or December, and usually ceases in April. Heavy snowstorms that dump 10 or more inches occur approximately six times annually while most days with snowfall only add a few inches at most.
2. What is the snow depth?
Flagstaff snow depth depends on several factors including temperature, wind, and how much snow has fallen. As deeper snowfall accumulates more heavily it becomes heavier – creating drifts and making visibility difficult if measured incorrectly; measurements should be taken at least twice per day in safe locations to prevent obstruction or burial by snow drifts.
Current snowfall is anticipated to last through Friday morning, moving across southern Coconino County and Mogollon Rim in western Arizona where deepest accumulation will take place, but will linger on higher elevations as well.
At the height of the storm, several roads were closed; Northern Arizona University (NAU) announced its campus would be closing once again and the City of Flagstaff Public Works crews began plowing hundreds of miles of streets using a priority system designed to protect residents, visitors and motorists alike.
Northern Arizona winters are unlike any other. Boasting four distinct seasons and being much cooler than Phoenix due to its elevation, northern Arizona boasts four unique weather systems and temperatures than can vary widely from week-to-week. Weather should clear over the weekend and into Monday; however more snow could fall soon enough.
3. What is the snowfall rate?
Flagstaff sees about 81 inches of snow annually, making it an excellent destination for skiing and outdoor recreation. There is also an appealing restaurant scene and multiple hotels here – making Flagstaff an excellent retirement location with warm summers but cold winters.
Flagstaff experiences its highest rainfall during Autumn with 29% of its yearly precipitation falling during this season; summer brings only 17%. Furthermore, Flagstaff boasts lower percentage of sunny days than average US cities at only 205 each year.
Flagstaff offers sunny and pleasant temperatures throughout most of the year, but temperatures can drop significantly in winter and monsoon seasons – increasing forest fire risk until cooler temperatures and rain arrive with autumn’s arrival.
Flagstaff sits 7000′ above sea level, so the air here can be thin. However, many find breathing more challenging due to poor health or being older; nevertheless it remains an attractive city with top-of-the-line schools and safe neighborhoods; additionally it boasts an outstanding library and senior center to meet retiree needs.
4. What is the snow loading rate?
With winter still at full strength in northern Arizona, homeowners are facing the elements head on – in particular snow accumulation on their roofs. To this effect, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for Flagstaff area; 12-18 inches are expected by Thursday morning.
Snowfall in the high country has been above average throughout January, with some areas reporting record totals. January 2019 ranks third most snowy since records began being kept back in 1898, according to Bo Svoma of Salt River Project and his meteorologist colleagues. Bo says this increased precipitation is helping refill reservoirs across the region and recharge underground aquifers which provide drinking water to residents living there.
Flagstaff weather can differ considerably from that in Phoenix or Tucson due to its higher elevation and significantly cooler temperatures, with average temperature differences being 20-30 degrees less in any given time of year between Phoenix and Flagstaff.
Flagstaff Mountain Resort, one of the city’s premier ski resorts and snow parks, can be found on Mount Humphreys on its western slope overlooking San Francisco Peaks and boasting 777 acres and eight lifts with snowmaking capabilities that enable it to open from November until April each season.
