Blizzard — Upper Gila River Valley, Arizona

2010-01-21 to 2010-01-22 · Upper Gila River Valley, Arizona

Event narrative

Storm total snow accumulations up to 36 deep occurred at the top of Mt. Graham with wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph, which led to near zero visibilities in blowing snow.

Wider weather episode

An exceptionally strong Pacific storm system impacted southeast Arizona, producing a wide variety of weather. Widespread heavy valley rain and higher elevation snow affected all of southeast Arizona. Additionally, the storm produced a significant wind event, with strong and damaging winds reported at many locations, along with areas of blowing dust. Heavy rainfall and melting snowpack produced some flooding of area streams and washes, and the combination of heavy snow and strong winds produced blizzard conditions on the highest elevations at times. Also, several severe thunderstorms produced wind damage during the evening of the 21st.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 203902. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.