A storm will pass through the southwestern U.S. this weekend with widespread rain and mountain snow. Rainfall will be mostly beneficial but poses a risk for dangerous debris flows over recent burn scars. A significant winter storm will impact Alaska through the weekend with heavy snow across western Alaska and heavy rainfall across Southcentral with strong winds and marine/coastal impacts. Read More >
NWS Flagstaff, AZ
Weather Forecast Office
Media is free to use the NWS Flagstaff Event Summary information. Please acknowledge the NWS as the source of any information accessed from the site unless otherwise noted.
A wet Pacific storm system spread heavy precipitation across much of northern Arizona on February 14th and 15th, 2019. This system also brought very warm air into the region resulting in abnormally high snow levels for mid-February. The heavy rain combined with significant snow melt in the mountains led to widespread flooding across central Arizona, especially the Verde Valley. Water levels remained elevated on area creeks, rivers, and streams for several days following this event.
The National Weather Service in Flagstaff issued a Flood Watch a couple days in advance across portions of central Arizona
Very heavy rainfall totals were observed with this storm system leading to the flooding issues
Closure sign for the Cold Springs Swimming Hole after the tragic flash flood
Photo Taken By Jack Lloyd of the Cold Springs Swimming Hole on July 15, 2017 showing significant flash flooding occurring.
East Verde River at Water Wheel Day Use Area. More substantial debris was noted along the banks than at First Crossing. High water mark on trees was probably more like 4-4.5 feet.
Bank of East Verde River, approximately 200 yards upstream from parking lot at Water Wheel Day Use Area. Note substantial debris.
Hydrograph showing flood waters hitting the Oak Creek gauge in Cornville
Hydrograph showing flood waters hitting the Wet Beaver Creek gauge in Rimrock
Hydrograph showing flood waters hitting the Agua Fria River gauge in Dewey-Humboldt
Hydrograph showing the elevated water levels on the Verde River in Childs
For more information on impacts and general inquiries about this event, please reference the contacts below:
US Dept of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Weather Service
NWS Flagstaff, AZ
49 Hughes Ave
Bellemont, AZ 86015
(928) 556-9161
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