Many residents were surprised by the snowy Valentine’s morning that turned into a forceful blizzard. The snow came hard and the wind blew harder.
Kanab and Fredonia got a fresh new blanket of snow, as well as the Kaibab. The Kaibab received about 12 inches of new snow with the storm and kept the snowplow drivers busy! It is reported that as of the last snowstorm, Jacob Lake had in total 6-8 feet and Grand Canyon National Park is up to 12-14 feet of snow.
The snowfall this year has been the most seen in around 18 years, according to ADOT snowplow driver Marcus Bradley. He recalls that when he started driving snowplows back in 2004, it was the only winter in 18 years that compares to the snowfall we have received this year. He states that they are used to getting about two to three inches of snow per storm, and this year we have been getting from six inches up to 12 inches per storm.
Residents would agree that a good winter with a large amount of snow is well overdue. The droughts in the past have taken a toll on the Kaibab with the Mangum Fire of 2020, and of course with the locals and their livestock. The snow has been welcomed this year and we hope that this Valentine’s Day storm is not the last of it.
Although it will be more work for the local ADOT crew, they have a bigger crew than thought to have had in little Fredonia. Along with Bradley, there are a surprising six other snowplow drivers employed at ADOT: Dave Russell, Brady Crofts, Alex Rodriguez, Truman Rossman, Skyler Huntington, Mark Fullerton and their newest employee, Alden Bunting. It is a good thing we have so many great men to help keep the roads clear and safe for the residents and travelers! The 89A Highway that goes through the Kaibab National Forest is heavily traveled by truck drivers. Many local businesses including the senior center and school depend on deliveries each week, and road safety becomes vital when they need those deliveries.
The Arizona residents are very grateful for these men that maintain Arizona roads.
