Flash Flood — Gila, Arizona

2025-11-19 to 2025-11-20 · near Strawberry, Gila, Arizona

Event narrative

A USGS stream gauge at Fossil Creek near Strawberry (FCSA3) reported a 3.17 foot rise due to widespread rain across the basin. Peak flow was 2701 cfs.

Wider weather episode

A slow moving upper level low pressure system moved down the California coast, tapping ample moisture and spreading precipitation across the state of Arizona. This was a relatively warm storm with high snow levels, at or above 6500-7000 feet. Dynamic support and wind shear with this storm led to some severe thunderstorms. Heavy rain falling over ground saturated from the previous weekend's storm led to flash flooding and elevated creek flows.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (34.3900, -111.6300)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1296589. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.