Coconino County Public Works crews are working to complete cleanup operations and further assess the impact of flooding following a late-night monsoon thunderstorm that dropped nearly 3 inches of rain on the Schultz burn area late Sunday.
Heavy rainfall began around 10 p.m., which resulted in flooding along Paintbrush Lane and Siesta Lane and to the east, as well as upper Campbell Avenue north of Flagstaff. As part of a planned response, Public Works and Sheriff’s Office deputies notified residents of flows within their affected neighborhoods, as crews worked into early Monday morning removing debris, rocks and sediment and re-establishing driveways.
“The County has invested millions in flood mitigation efforts that are reducing impacts to hundreds of homes from mountain runoff,” said County District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta, whose district saw localized flooding. “However, we can still expect some localized flooding as these projects continue. Just two years ago, the type of heavy rainfall seen late last night would have devastated dozens of homes. Because of our ongoing investment in flood mitigation measures, many of our residents are safe. The County continues to work with residents in the areas affected last night on mitigation.”
The United Way of Northern Arizona is working to conduct welfare checks on residents who experienced localized flooding overnight. The Coconino Rural Environmental Corps is making sand bags and United Way is mobilizing volunteers. Sandbags and a self-serve sandbagging station are available behind the Silver Saddle Store at US 89 and Silver Saddle Road.
The storm dropped more than 1 inch of rainfall on the northern section of the burn area, including above the Brandis area and Wupatki Trails subdivision. Southern sections of the burn area received between 1.5 to 2.64 inches of rainfall above Timberline Estates.
“We are experiencing success in the areas where we have been able to implement flood mitigation efforts,” said County Public Works Director Andy Bertelsen. “These projects were and are being completed based on extensive scientific research and modeling. By taking these efforts, we are meeting our goal of reducing flooding impacts as was seen last night on Brandis Way, Campbell Avenue and in the Wupatki Trails subdivision.”
Throughout the flood mitigation efforts, the County Board of Supervisors and Public Works officials have continually reached out and gained feedback from the neighborhoods affected by the ongoing flooding. That dialog has resulted in agreements with many residents that have helped shape the County’s mitigation projects.
Residents needing information should visit www.coconino.az.gov/
Roads and recreation sites in Schultz burn area closed due to flooding
These recent storms have produced over 2.5 inches of rain in some portions of the Schultz burn area. Due to damage caused by flooding, the following areas are temporarily closed:
- Waterline Road
- Little Elden Springs Horse Camp
- Elden Springs Road (Forest Road 556) west of private property
- Schultz Pass Road (FR 420) from the northern entrance to Schultz Tank. The road and Schultz Tank Trailhead can still be accessed via Highway 180.
The extent of damage to other trails in the area — including Little Bear, Little Elden, and Sandy Seep – is still unknown. Coconino National Forest crews will be assessing the trails over the next couple days to determine whether any closures are necessary.