Super Snowpack for Snowsports and Vineyards

With one of the snowiest Januarys on record, causing closures to Flagstaff area schools and highways at times, city crews and residents have been busy plowing streets and shoveling sidewalks. Meanwhile, those in the snow business, along with ranchers and farmers, are happy to keep the snow and moisture where they need it.

“I remain truly grateful for the hard work and dedication that our streets and parks crews have exhibited throughout the snow events,” said Flagstaff City Manager Greg Clifton. “Notably, and in anticipation of the severity of the storms on the front end, the City’s Incident Management Team was assembled, and this enabled a lot of preparation in advance.”

About 15 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona Nordic Village managers are striving to keep up with the continuous storms that have dropped multiple feet of snow on the cross-country ski area, including four feet in one week last month. Groomers have been working through blizzard conditions to prolong the life of the snowpack into spring by incorporating a gentler grooming plan than in the past that also protects the base as they continue to open more trails. “We are still trying new tactics to get this done,” said Operations Manager Annie Jehle. “Nonetheless, we have 20km [nearly 13 miles] of trails open, and they are beautiful!”

As of late January, Arizona Snowbowl reported more than 150% of the normal snowpack for this time of year. ”It has been a wonderful season so far and the snowfall has been phenomenal!” said Arizona Snowbowl Marketing Coordinator Angelina Grubb. “We are happy to have such incredible conditions available to our skiers and snowboarders and we look forward to what the rest of the winter season will bring!”

Meanwhile, Camp Verde residents and vineyards, at an elevation of about 3,100 feet, are experiencing the snow dump as well. Alcantera Vineyards and Winery Winemaker Ron Brumley is thrilled about it. “Snow is good for the vineyard. It provides a deep watering, good thermal for the organics below the snow layers and betters the biology for springtime.”

“It’s been a remarkable winter,” said National Weather Service Meteorologist in Charge Brian Klimowski from Bellemont. “Seventy-three inches of snow fell in the Flagstaff area from late December to mid-January, with 61.4” falling in January alone – making it the third snowiest January on record. Indications are that the rest of the winter and spring should be closer to ‘normal.’ In any case, our recent January storms and snow impacts will make this a winter to remember.” FBN

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN