Heavy Snow — Northern Greenlee, Arizona

2001-12-11 to 2001-12-12 · Northern Greenlee, Arizona

Event narrative

Hannagan Meadow received 20 inches of snow. Blue school received 5 inches and Rose Peak received 3 to 5 inches of snow.

Wider weather episode

This low pressure system affected southeast Arizona from December 10th through the morning of the 13th. The storm originated over the Gulf of Alaska and dropped into southeast California on the morning of the 10th. This brought 40 to 50 mph wind gusts through all portions of county warning area except western Pima county. On the 11th, heavy precipitation began as the short wave moved across southern Arizona. Mountain snowfall rates increased to 3 inches per hour and snow levels dropped to 3000 feet. Rain and snow showers continued through various periods on the 12th. The snow finally stopped by late evening on the 12th, but frost and black ice developed over the bridges on the morning of the 13th causing traffic problems in the greater Tucson area.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5276387. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.