Flagstaff residents could finally enjoy some relief from record-setting winter storms that have hit them hard this winter and helped reduce drought conditions in their area.
Measuring snowfall can be an inexact science. To simplify their calculations, meteorologists in Flagstaff use an innovative technique.
1. Fifteen inches
Arizona has seen some historic winter storms recently that have helped alleviate drought conditions while creating havoc across some roadways in Arizona – leading to some highway closures as a result of recent snowfalls.
Flagstaff has already broken its snowfall record this year with 146.7 inches reported by the National Weather Service office in Bellemont; easily surpassing 2009-2010’s 115.4 inch total!
On Wednesday night, a blizzard that swept across northern Arizona left behind up to two feet of snow in some locations and caused widespread power outages across the region. Schools – including Northern Arizona University’s mountain campus in Flagstaff – also closed for protection.
As temperatures are expected to warm this weekend, snow could return later this week according to the National Weather Service Flagstaff office. Snow is a key economic contributor in north-central Arizona as it allows locals to participate in outdoor activities.
Winter weather has proven beneficial to northern Arizona’s ski resorts, attracting record visitor numbers and increasing revenue. Furthermore, snow-related events have taken place throughout northern Arizona this season – not just skiing!
2. Thirty-five inches
Flagstaff was hit hard by Wednesday night’s winter storm, leaving 12 highways closed at its height and leading into this weekend buried with snow. Now the list has shrunk significantly and northern Arizona should get an respite.
The city plow crew has been hard at work keeping roads open, using city equipment to make multiple passes along first-priority routes that include major hills, railroad crossings, shaded areas and problem spots. Plows also apply cinders – an anti-icing agent used as an effective antifreeze alternative – in these areas to prevent ice build-up and improve surface travel conditions.
People have been calling and asking how much snow there is on the ground, with each area reporting different amounts – Munds Park has reported 24-30 inches while Kachina Village reported up to 24.5 inches.
Record-setting snowfall has done wonders to alleviate drought conditions and ensure residents can have a comfortable winter, though it remains prudent not to travel without four-wheel drive vehicle in high country areas. When leaving home, take steps such as covering plants with plastic and wrapping pipes with insulation tape before venturing out – additionally it would be prudent to bring pets indoors to protect them from extreme cold areas.
3. Forty-eight inches
Flagstaff in northern Arizona is no stranger to snowfall; but this year has broken all records for this area. According to the National Weather Service Office in Bellemont, it has been one of the snowiest years ever recorded in Flagstaff with 140.1 inches recorded as of March 2019. Only 153.9 inches fell during 1948-1949!
Heavy snowfall has resulted in road and school closures across the region, including Northern Arizona University’s mountain campus which was shut down for an entire day. Furthermore, several airports have closed, while parts of Arizona remain under flood advisory status.
Flagstaff offers an abundance of outdoor activities. Situated at 7000 feet above sea level, Flagstaff makes for an ideal winter sports and outdoor enthusiasts destination. In 1989 it was named an International Dark Sky City by NASA.
With an annual snowfall average of 108.8 inches, Flagstaff is an ideal destination for skiers and snowboarders. Additionally, its many hiking trails and vibrant autumn colors draw in tourists looking for adventure. Furthermore, its temperate weather also facilitates camping, biking and rafting activities; spring and fall months offer milder temperatures with smaller crowds to visit this gem of Arizona.
4. Fifty-one inches
Flagstaff has recently been hit by two snowstorms that have blanketed it over recent weeks, providing skiers at Arizona Ski Bowl with incredible powder days and making this winter one of the greatest on record. However, this unprecedented accumulation is creating havoc with road systems around Flagstaff and has resulted in multiple traffic incidents as people try to navigate through its accumulations.
Understanding how much snowfall Flagstaff receives annually can help you plan accordingly for travels to and from the area. This page offers monthly and yearly counts of the number of days it typically snows in Flagstaff along with total accumulation totals, heavy storms/deep snowfall events that occur there and when one should expect their first/last snowfalls of each season.
Flagstaff typically experiences heavy snowfall between early December and late February. On average, an average year yields 103.6 inches of snow, though these figures can fluctuate considerably from year to year.
Flagstaff typically experiences its wet season from July 7 to September 10, averaging 10.9 days each month on average. Outside this period, however, weather remains dry and sunny until late summer monsoon rains arrive to bring thunderstorms with it.
