Flooding is threatening Flagstaff area homes again, this time from snowmelt and rain

Published: Saturday, March 25, 2023 - 2:30pm
Updated: Monday, March 27, 2023 - 9:12am

Unprecedented flooding in Coconino County has overwhelmed infrastructure and once again threatened homes in areas surrounding the city of Flagstaff.

County emergency officials estimate so far about $1 million in damage so far from snowmelt flooding. One particular spot, Slayton Ranch Road failed Friday morning when an empty school bus tried crossing the road.

Information continues to unfold, but so far county officials estimate 20 homes have had some flood damage. Officials still don’t know how many more will be impacted.

“Certainly, this has been a winter and now a spring for the record books,” said County Supervisor Patrice Horstman who warned of ponding and flooding, especially as it is affecting wells and septic systems.

County crews are monitoring other roads along the Rio de Flag said Public Works Director Christopher Tressler.

“These flood flows are just exceeding the capacity of our infrastructure and we don’t have data yet but it’s estimated that we haven’t seen flows like this in the last 25 years,” Tressler said.

A state of emergency had not been declared by Friday evening. More rains and snow are expected to fall Wednesday.

Last summer, monsoon rains caused nearly 50 floods in Coconino County after falling on the burn scars of the massive Pipeline Fire in northeast Flagstaff.

Fronteras Water