12/30/14 – With a storm predicted to impact many areas throughout Northeastern Arizona we have compiled some information for you regarding snow removal operations. Many areas operate under very similar plans with some variances. If you have further questions about the snow removal plan make sure to contact your jurisdiction for more information.

For further information for some jurisdictions click the link that will take you to their policy.

City of Show Low 

Town of Pinetop-Lakeside

Navajo County

As always, if you have a police, fire or medical emergency call 911. The responders will contact appropriate personnel to facilitate snow removal as quickly as possible to get help to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question – What is the biggest obstacle for snow removal?

Answer- The biggest problem is vehicles parked in the roadway. When vehicles are parked on the roadway, it forces crews to go around cars which can potentially leave some vehicles snowed in and the road partially cleared.   In some cases crews cannot clear the road at all.

 Question – What happens when you have a significantly large snowfall? Do you have other resources that you can call?  Are their things that local citizens can do to help?

 Answer-In the event we have a snow event that is declared an emergency by the State of Arizona, Navajo County would work with  the State to procure additional help, which could include local contractors.  However, without a declaration by the State, Navajo County will maximize the resources and personnel available to be as productive as possible. The County will work around the clock to clear roads.  It may surprise you to know that the night shift is the most productive time to clear the roads as there is less traffic on the roads. Finally, if there is significant snowfall, we advise the citizens to stay home and keep the roads clear of traffic.

Question – In the course of snow removal if a mailbox is damaged does Navajo County fix or replace it?

Answer-Navajo County will fix the damage if the mailbox was in good condition before the snow event and if it was located outside of the roadway.  Call the Show Low Road Yard at 928-532-6080 extension ‘0’ to report a damaged mailbox.

12/30/14 – A Winter Storm Warning and Winter Storm Watch are in effect for much of Northern Arizona from Wednesday morning through late Thursday afternoon for significant snow accumulations above 3500 feet elevation.

Widespread snow will increase from west to east across Northern Arizona on Wednesday. The heaviest snowfall will continue through Wednesday evening tapering off to snow showers by Thursday morning.

This is a very cold system and most areas of Northern and Central Arizona will see snowfall from this event. Expect snow levels falling to the valley floors by Wednesday night. Storm total accumulations will range from 2 to 6 inches between 3500 to 5000 feet and 6 to 14 inches above 5000 feet. Locally higher amounts will fall in areas nearest the Mogollon Rim and elevations above 8500 feet.

Plan accordingly, dangerous winter driving conditions will impact all of Northern Arizona on New Years Eve and New Years Day. Be sure to check your supplies for expiration and quantities, make sure that your vehicle also has a ready kit stocked in case you must travel.

12/29/14 – NWS Flagstaff Weather Briefing
(Cold Winter Storm on Wednesday, Thursday)

Overview
A very cold airmass and cut-off low will develop over the Southwest, and bring a significant winter storm to the Northland Wednesday and Thursday. The most significant period of snowfall will be from Wednesday through early Thursday.
This will be the first significant winter storm for many areas of Northern Arizona, and the impacts of the event will be magnified by the busy travel period of the New Year’s Holiday, and the unusually low snow levels.

The cut-off nature of the storm also adds some uncertainty in the timing of the event…but there is greater certainty in the overall impacts (low snow levels, snow amounts). Elevations above 5000’ will see at least 5-12” of snow, with elevations between 3500’ and 5000’ expecting 2-6”. Expect snow and snow impacts to drop to the valley floors by Thursday morning.

Stay tuned to our most current forecasts on our web page (weather.gov/flagstaff). Specific forecast details and impacts will evolve with time.

Timing: Snow should begin across Yavapai and western Coconino Counties by Wednesday morning…and spread to Apache and Navajo Counties (and the eastern Rim and White Mountains) by Wednesday afternoon. The period of greatest accumulations is currently anticipated to be from noon on Wednesday through early Thursday. Snow showers, some locally heavy, will continue Thursday afternoon.

Specific Snowfall Forecasts by noon Thursday:
Flagstaff: 6-12” (Locally higher amounts)
Prescott: 3-7” (6-12” in the Bradshaws)
Page: 2-4”
Heber / Overgaard: 5-10”
Window Rock: 4-8”
Verde Valley: 1-4”
Payson: 3-7”
White Mountains: 5-10” (Locally higher amounts)