Heavy Snow — Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains, Arizona

2021-12-31 · Santa Catalina and Rincon Mountains, Arizona

Event narrative

Heavy snow occurred in Ski Valley where 12-18 inches was observed. Slightly lower in elevation at Summerhaven there was 10-12 inches. This event spanned from 2021 into 2022.

Wider weather episode

A winter storm impacted southeast Arizona for New Years Eve into New Years Day 2022. This produced in excess of 1 foot of snow across the higher elevations of mountain ranges north of Interstate 10. Wind gusts to 35 mph accompanied the snow at times, but no significant blowing or drifting snow was reported. The strongest winds were farther south and east where gusts of 40 to 50 mph occurred in showers and thunderstorms. Rain was widespread in valley locations with one to two inches common. Some foothills and mid slope areas received over 3 inches of rainfall, but no significant flooding was reported.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 998012. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.