Heavy Snow — Yavapai County Valleys and Basins, Arizona

2014-12-31 · Yavapai County Valleys and Basins, Arizona

Event narrative

Three to five inches of snow fell across the lower elevations of Yavapai County in locations that rarely see much measurable snow. Some of the higher amounts (in inches) include Rim Rock 7.0, Cottonwood 7, and Cornville 3.5.

Wider weather episode

A cold and strong area of low pressure moved southward along the California Coast and became cut off from the jet stream of the southern California Coast. This low brought moisture streaming northward over Arizona. Then, the low moved northeastward over Arizona with lowering snow levels. This storm lasted into New Years Day with the bulk of snow falling before midnight. A few higher elevation locations reported an additional 3-4 inches of snow in the New Year. Almost an inch of snow was reported at Phantom Ranch in the bottom of The Grand Canyon.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 555960. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.