Flagstaff is well known for receiving heavy snowfall. Situated approximately 120 miles north of Phoenix at an elevation of 7,000 feet, Flagstaff can receive more than 100 inches in a winter season.
The snowfall load for 2022-2023 ranks amongst the heaviest ever recorded; fortunately, however, winter should finally be subsiding this weekend.
1. The Airport
Flagstaff should experience relief from snowy conditions as the weekend draws near, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service for northern Arizona. Expect cool and dry conditions after several winter storms hit the state – including one record-setting storm event – including one earlier this month.
Within days, snow accumulation in northern Arizona had reached 30 inches – enough to close an interstate highway and cause major traffic congestion throughout the area. Furthermore, weather-related cancellations at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport occurred due to wind gusts, snow accumulations, visibility restrictions and airline policies as well as pilot discretion.
Cold fronts could bring snow back, though according to NWS forecasts a quick improvement of conditions as soon as one passes.
At Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, the length of time when clouds cover the sky varies significantly year to year. September to July marks a particularly dry period – rain alone or mixed with snow is common; and there are usually an increased number of snow days during January and February.
2. The City
Flagstaff, Arizona is an all-season town that offers excellent mountain biking trails, skiing slopes and outdoor rock climbing opportunities. Additionally, Flagstaff boasts numerous attractions like Lowell Observatory and Grand Canyon National Park for tourists to experience its four distinct seasons.
Flagstaff stands out from other areas in Arizona by boasting year-round temperatures 20-30 degrees lower. Snow usually begins falling around November and can stay on the San Francisco Peaks into June – providing an idyllic respite from Arizona’s harsh desert landscapes nearby.
This winter has already set records. A recent storm propelled Flagstaff’s seasonal snowfall total past that set by 1948-49; from July 1 through March 1 the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport reported 146.7 inches, topping out 2009-10’s previous mark of 115.4 inches.
With so much snow on the ground, traffic and road conditions have become treacherous, leading to multiple crashes and delays on Interstate 40. Due to these weather conditions, schools have also had to cancel classes; Coconino Community College and Northern Arizona University’s Flagstaff campus both announced two-hour delays for Thursday morning classes at their respective campuses – this marks the first time ever that any NAU campus had to postpone classes! NAU is a public research and teaching university based out of Flagstaff in Arizona United States.
3. Forest Lakes
Flagstaff lies at an elevation of over 7000 feet, so its air is often thinner. If you suffer from respiratory conditions or are otherwise not in great physical shape, living here could make breathing harder than expected – however if you love being outside then Flagstaff could be an incredible place to reside!
Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff’s neighboring ski resort has experienced exceptional conditions due to the recent winter storm. Receiving over 61.4 inches of snow this month alone – marking it one of the snowiest Januarys on record!
As winter snowfall continues to cause travel disruptions in Flagstaff and Williams, it is wise to call Arizona Department of Transportation’s winter information hotline at 1-844-256-SNOW in order to gain up-to-date travel advice.
As Northern Arizona experiences heavy amounts of snow this week, it is crucial that drivers act responsibly on the roads. According to Arizona Department of Public Safety regulations, drivers should slow down, use caution when passing other vehicles and be wary of snow-covered roads as being extremely hazardous – speeding is one of the leading causes of fatal accidents in Arizona! Check 12News+ for local breaking news, weather reports and more!
4. Williams
Flagstaff and surrounding communities were hit hard with snowfall from a winter storm that began January 17th, setting records that have broken all previous years in terms of snow accumulation. A snow plow crew has been working nonstop to clear roads but some streets remain hazardous or closed altogether. Many have taken advantage of it to ski and snowboard around Flagstaff; however it’s advised against driving on these icy roads.
National Weather Service meteorologist Benjamin Peterson reported the heaviest snow was seen between elevations 5,000 and 6,500 feet. Snowfall accumulation reached two feet in some locations and helped relieve drought-stricken regions like Flagstaff and Williams, home of Canyon Coaster Adventure Park.
This popular attraction draws tourists from all over the world and features an assortment of winter activities. Riders of the Canyon Coaster – a gravity-powered coaster open to both children and adults – are among many other winter attractions at this park, which also hosts several other attractions, including Grand Canyon Railway and Northern Arizona Historical Museum (housed in an exquisite building from 1926 filled with historical artifacts that is free to enter) located between San Francisco Street and Leroux Streets in Flagstaff.
