Phoenix (3TV/CBS 5) — If you thought northern Arizona had seen much more snowfall than it had in years past, you’d be right. New numbers from the National Weather Service Flagstaff show record-breaking snow cities such as Flagstaff, Williams and Show Low.
According to NWS Flagstaff, the highlands can still have snow in May, so the numbers aren’t official yet. However, between October 1, 2022 and he April 15, 2023, Flagstaff recorded just over 163 inches of snow accumulation compared to an average of 87 inches. Williams also saw a staggering figure of just under 140 inches on his average, more than double his 63.3 inches. At Show Low, he also had more than 61 inches of snow, more than three times as much as his normal 19 inches.
Unexpected winter weather also affected the Grand Canyon. With just under 228 inches of snow, the North Rim was the second most snowfall. The record was set in 1978-79 at 305 inches. Hikers will have to wait before they want to visit the north side of the national park. Popular trails and campgrounds such as the North Kaibab Trail and Cottonwood Campground have been heavily damaged by rocks and landslides. . Normally, North Rim opens on his May 15th, but due to record snowfall, employees are working to clear the trails and roads. Starting June 2nd, the Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim will reopen for mule ride services. The North Rim Campground is scheduled to open to the public in a week. For more information on reopening, click or tap here.
The winter season wasn’t just limited to the High Country. In early March, in North Scottsdale and Cave He Creek, the desert landscape turned into a winter wonderland. Snow was seen on Mt. Superstition and Mt. Usery. To kick off January, viewers took pictures of the snow-capped mountains of Gap, Arizona, in the Navajo Nation.
However, the snow caused flooded chaos in many areas. Last week, Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a state of emergency that provides funds to help flood-ravaged towns and cities in Yavapai County. On March 15, Camp He Verde, Sedona, Rimrock and neighboring areas of Lake Montezuma were also forced to evacuate due to heavy flooding caused by melting snow and rain. Just a week later, floodwaters hit Polden, Cornville, and Sedona, swept away roads and bridges, and left many stranded.
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