Northern Arizona was covered with snow during a winter storm, leading to significant travel delays for many people.
Corey Nichols had no desire to leave Flagstaff. As an engineer in charge of snowmaking at Snowbowl ski resort, which relies heavily on real snow accumulation for its success, his job required heavy layers of the white stuff in order to function.
Temperatures
Flagstaff boasts an ideal climate, featuring hot and dry summers, cool and wet autumns, and cold winters. Thanks to its mountainous environment, snowfall is abundant here – making Flagstaff an increasingly popular skiing destination. Additionally, this city features many trees for scenic beauty.
Flagstaff typically experiences temperatures around 67 degrees Fahrenheit (around 21 Celsius), which are considerably cooler than Phoenix due to the elevation difference – approximately 7,000 feet higher up! As such, Flagstaff tends to get much less sun and experience much colder winters compared to Phoenix as well as more snowfall.
Flagstaff residents can often expect snowfall during December, with an average snowfall totaling 27 inches on average. But that can vary widely year to year: in some years more than 34.3 inches can fall; other years it might only total 9.3 inches.
Flagstaff also experiences windier seasons of the year with average hourly winds exceeding 7.3 miles per hour, typically from January 30 to July 2. After this windiest period is complete, calmer times typically follow from August 10 through September 10.
Weather
Flagstaff is located in north-central Arizona at an elevation of 6,900 feet amidst ponderosa pine forest, making it an ideal four-season destination. With average daytime temperatures averaging 45 degrees Fahrenheit during winter days and 80 during summer days, its high elevation climate offers comfortable wintertime daytime temperatures. Average annual precipitation totals 22 inches with nearly half falling as snow.
Northern Arizona was hit hard this week by two winter storms bringing heavy snowfall, with both systems producing rain-and-snow mixes before more intense snowfall from their second system hit higher elevations mainly NAU had closed some roads to plowing and Salt River Project has crews plowing the major highways in their wake.
Flagstaff typically experiences snowfall from early December to late February. As one of the snowiest cities in America, it often sees accumulation early. Flagstaff boasts an effective snow removal system which ensures roadways remain clear for travel.
For about two and a half months during the wetter season (lasting about two and a half months), chances of rain on any given day increase by 22%; it rains more frequently in August than any other month and there are 83.4 rainy days yearly, most commonly seen between autumn and spring (36%) or 67% combined rain/snowfall (40%).
Snowfall
Flagstaff stands out among Arizona cities by experiencing four distinct seasons with significantly cooler average temperatures due to its higher altitude. This makes Flagstaff ideal for winter activities like skiing and snowboarding.
Over the course of February 21-22, a severe winter storm dumped several inches of snow over northern Arizona, creating travel difficulties and forcing many highways to close down. Many national parks and monuments were also shut down, including Petrified Forest National Park, Montezuma Castle National Monument and Tuzigoot National Monument.
Snowfall caused havoc for locals and tourists alike. Some areas received two to three feet of snow while other only saw an inch or two. This covered up many vehicles belonging to those visiting and caused significant delays for travelers.
Flagstaff is one of the snowiest cities in America. Receiving an average annual snowfall of 100 inches, Flagstaff also features an award-winning ski resort where some of the finest powder can be found.
2022-23 has been an extraordinary year of snowfall for Flagstaff, breaking its previous record set during 1948-49 by 115.4 inches recorded from July to March time frame. As such, 2022-23 ranks third highest since 1898 since records started being kept.
Winter Activities
Flagstaff offers something spectacular for every winter activity imaginable – from skiing and snowboarding to peaceful pine tree hikes – the snow provides the ideal setting. There’s something here for everyone, no matter their interest.
Schools around the area often enjoy taking advantage of snow days by having “snow days.” Students tend to get excited for an excuse to play outside in the snowy conditions and make the most of this unique weather phenomenon.
Flagstaff residents take great pride in protecting and enjoying their city’s snow as it plays an integral part of its economy. Snowfall helps protect iconic ponderosa pine forests while, when melting, replenishes rivers and reservoirs. Due to this importance of snow in Flagstaff life, its protection is one of their greatest priorities.
December is typically when New York City experiences its coldest temperatures and highest snowfall, accumulating an average of 6.3 snowfall days each month to form up to one foot in depth of snow accumulation.
Flagstaff residents looking for something fun to do when it snows should head for Arizona Snowbowl, an award-winning ski resort known for its incredible powder and facilities. However, this venue can get quite busy, if you prefer experiencing Flagstaff without crowds then consider trying Arizona Nordic Village instead.
Skiing enthusiasts of all levels will appreciate this incredible ski center, offering groomed trails in an idyllic ponderosa pine setting and boasting groomed trails suitable for beginners through experts alike. An alternative to more widely promoted Snowbowl, you are guaranteed an incredible time here!
