Significant March Storms Bring Relief to Northern Arizona’s Dry Winter
Northern Arizona, often known for its vibrant landscapes, has faced an unusually dry winter this year, causing concern among forest officials. However, a series of March storms have provided a much-needed reprieve by delivering substantial amounts of snow and rain.
The Flagstaff area, in particular, benefitted immensely from these weather events, receiving over 35 inches of snow. This influx of snow has greatly enhanced the high-elevation snowpack, effectively reducing the immediate risk of wildfires in the region.
Similarly, Prescott has experienced an exceptional increase in rainfall, registering almost twice its typical precipitation for this time of year. Despite these encouraging developments, challenges remain. Coconino National Forest Fire Planner Jesse Causer notes, “We’re still below about 30 inches of our seasonal normal. So we’re not out of the proverbial woods, but it gets us closer to our normal fire season. And it certainly got us a long way away from where we were in January when we were very dry.”
While the recent storms have improved conditions, much of northern Arizona continues to grapple with less than 25% of its average winter precipitation. This ongoing deficit highlights the importance of remaining vigilant. As warmer temperatures approach, there is a concern about drying conditions in the forests. Causer advises the public to remain attentive to red flag warnings and wildfire alerts as these could become more frequent.
According to the National Drought Mitigation Center, despite the beneficial wet weather in March, the majority of northern Arizona is still classified under severe or extreme drought conditions. This underscores the complexity of the region’s climate challenges, even amid temporary relief.
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