Arizona republican., 1901-03-29
FEBRUARY SNOWFALL
Data Gathered For Last Month by the
 Weather Bureau Service.


 A circular letter, requesting informa- ton relative to the snowfall occurring during the month of February, was addressed to a large number of cor respondents, and some very important and interesting data have been fur- nished On account of the large num- Der of replies received, it is impossible to publish all, but extracts have prin- cipally been taken showing average conditions inslocalities directly affect ed, or sections embracing the water sheds of streams that supply water for the agricultural valleys. The let ter called for the following iniorma- tion: Estimated depth of snowfall during the month? Depth of snow re- malning on ground February 2S? How does the snowfall of the past winter compare in amount with that occur ring for the same period during the two previous years?
 The reports indicate a very much heavier snowfall than for the cores bonding month during the past five years. On account of unseasonably high temperature during the latter half of the month, the snow melted and al- most entirely disappeared, except on places of the highest elevation. The irrigating streams have been abun- dantly supplied with water since the first of the month. The soil was in condition to absorb a great amount of the melted snow, the rains of the lat ter part of January having thoroughly wetted the ground, leaving it in soft ened condition. It is believed that the amount of moisture stored for late ir rlgation during the coming season is not a considerable quantity, and it is represented by the snow on the north side of high hills. The subterranean supply of water however, which had reached an alarmingly low level, dur ing the past season. has been mater ially increased.
 The center of the heaviest snowfall was around Flagstaff, where S4 in ches fell; at many places in the north and east tiers of counties the precipi- tatlon was in the form of rain and snow.
 The effects from this heavy preclpi- tation will be very helpful to the range and agricultural interests. On ac- count of the great amount of mois- ture in the ground, grass will take an early start, and in the agricultural val leys. depending on irrigation. the soil is In excellent condition. and grain and alfalfa will begin to grow under the most favorable conditions.
 The following extracts are from cor respondents reports:
 APACHE COUNTY.
 Alpine-Two feet of snow.
 Eagar-About 16 inches of snowfall here-fve feet in the mountains The amount of snow this year is equal to the total fall of the two previous years. ngerville-Snowfal in valley l2 inches; in the White mountains 3 feet Snowfall! In mountains exceeds that of the previous winter by 3 feet
 COCONINO COUNTY.
 Flagstaff-Total snowfall during month 4.3 inches. No snow remains in the immediate vicinity of the office, but in the shelter of the pines, about coo yards distant, there is about in- ches. The amount of snowfall greatly exceeds that for the two previous years.
 Williams-Estimate snowfall during rhontE-3 feet: about 6 feet in Bill Williams mountain. The snowfall has been excessive as compared with the two previous years.
 cILA COUNTY.
 Tonto-More snow in the mountains this year than there has been for the past six years.
 Globe-Estimated depth of snowfall in Pinal mountains S6 to 40 inches.
 Strawberry-The snowfall amounted to S6 inches. It has practically disap- peared on the 2Sth. The snowfall for the season has been above the average.
 GRAHAM COUNTY.
 Duncan-Heavy snow storm on the Srd. No snow in 1900.
 Safford-Light snow and rain in val ley, but feet of snow in mountains.
 NAVAJO COUNTY.
 Taylor-Snowfall measured 10 inches, more than has fallen in the past two years.
 Linden-Estimated depth of snow fall, 30 inches. Precipitation heavier than last winter.
 Pinetop-Nearly 4 feet of snow dur ing the month, in addition to a great deal of rain.
 Snowflake-About 12 inches of snow during month. There was practically no snow here during the corresponding month for 1899 and 1900.
 FINAL COUNTY.
 Pinal Rarch-Ten inches of snow during month, together with rainfall of the last three months has greatly benefited the country. Springs are all running the first time in three years.
 Oracle-Snowfall 15 inches. No snow last year.
 YAVAPAI COUNTY.
 Prescott-About 20 inches of snow fell in Prescott, in the mountains Az feet. More snow this year than for the previous two years.
 Big Bug-About 20 inches of snow during first part of month
 McCabe-No snow on ground but np eli fanr l1