12/29/16 5:00 – Friday Afternoon/Saturday Morning – A moist low pressure system is forecast to cross the state bringing rain and high elevation snow. In general, rainfall amounts between 0.25 to 0.5 inches are forecast along the western Mogollon Rim, Kaibab Plateau and higher terrain in northern Navajo and Apache counties. 0.5 to 1.0 inches of rainfall are forecast along the eastern Mogollon Rim and in the White Mountains.
Snow levels look to remain above 8000 feet for the majority of the event, but a brief period of snow down to around 7000 feet is possible Saturday morning.
Late Saturday/Sunday – Another, colder low pressure system will impact the region. High uncertainty remains with regards to the exact track of this system, which will play an important role in determining the northern extent of significant snowfall. At this point, our best snowfall estimate is as follows: Light snow amounts in the Kaibab Plateau and higher terrain of northeast Arizona. 1 to 4 inches of snow between 6000-8000 feet along the Mogollon Rim. 4 to 8 inches above 8000 feet and along the southern slopes of the eastern Mogollon Rim. A foot or more of snow possible over mountain peaks. Low to moderate confidence exists with regards to these snow amounts, so please continue to watch the forecast as the situation evolves.
