High Wind — Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino County, Arizona

2023-02-14 · Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino County, Arizona

Event narrative

The ADOT wind sensor at Two Guns had sustained winds of 40 MPH or higher between 1000 AM and 130 PM. The winds gusted to 58 MPH or higher between 1020 AM and 120 PM. The highest wind gust was 63 MPH at 1203 PM.

Wider weather episode

A strong longwave trough digging through The Great Basin brought more moisture to Arizona in addition to the remnant moisture from a weak storm that just move across the state. This allowed for precipitation to start the morning of February 14 across the favored upslope-forced areas along the southward facing terrain.

During the afternoon of 14 February, an intense band of heavy precipitation moved across northern Arizona and lasted through the night. Snowfall rates of 1-2 inch/hour were seen over the higher terrain, especially from Flagstaff to Happy Jack to Forest Lakes.

Very cold temperatures were also observed with this storm with snow levels down to around 3500 feet by the morning of 15 February.

High winds were also experienced with this storm.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1079959. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.