Atmospheric River in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies this Weekend

A Pacific storm and atmospheric river will impact the Pacific Northwest states and northern Rockies this weekend, bringing locally heavy low elevations rain and heavy high elevation snow in the mountains. By Sunday over the Interior Northwest, rain combined with snowmelt will increase the risk of flood hazards. Flood Watches are in effect. Read More >

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Summary

A wet Pacific storm system spread heavy precipitation across much of northern Arizona on February 14th and 15th, 2019. This system also brought very warm air into the region resulting in abnormally high snow levels for mid-February. The heavy rain combined with significant snow melt in the mountains led to widespread flooding across central Arizona, especially the Verde Valley. Water levels remained elevated on area creeks, rivers, and streams for several days following this event.

Timeline

The National Weather Service in Flagstaff issued a Flood Watch a couple days in advance across portions of central Arizona

Very heavy rainfall totals were observed with this storm system leading to the flooding issues

Impacts

Significant debris was observed along the banks of the East Verde River especially near the Water Wheel Day Use Area.

Pictures and Hydrographs

Closure sign for the Cold Springs Swimming Hole after the tragic flash flood

Photo Taken By Jack Lloyd of the Cold Springs Swimming Hole on July 15, 2017 showing significant flash flooding occurring.

East Verde River at Water Wheel Day Use Area. More substantial debris was noted along the banks than at First Crossing. High water mark on trees was probably more like 4-4.5 feet.

Bank of East Verde River, approximately 200 yards upstream from parking lot at Water Wheel Day Use Area. Note substantial debris.

Hydrograph showing flood waters hitting the Oak Creek gauge in Cornville

Hydrograph showing flood waters hitting the Wet Beaver Creek gauge in Rimrock

Hydrograph showing flood waters hitting the Agua Fria River gauge in Dewey-Humboldt

Hydrograph showing the elevated water levels on the Verde River in Childs

Points of Contact

For more information on impacts and general inquiries about this event, please reference the contacts below:

National Weather Service: Brian Klimowski, Meteorologist-in-Charge at (928) 556-9161 ext. 222 or brian.klimowski@noaa.gov
Tony Merriman, Warning Coordination Meteorologist at (928) 556-9161 ext. 223 or tony.merriman@noaa.gov

Gila County Emergency Management at (928) 701-1811

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Atmospheric River in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies this Weekend

Verde Valley Flooding February 2019