Rainfall and Stream Gauge Data

The City of Flagstaff operates a small network of radio-telemetered gauges that transmit rainfall and streamflow information in real-time (as it occurs).The primary function of these gauges is to monitor and document severe rainfall and flooding events and to make this information available to emergency responders.

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Rain and stream gauge data

Disclaimer: the rainfall and stream gauge information you are about to view is collected from automated, remote sensors and is received on a real-time basis. It is posted to the web page without review and should therefore be treated as preliminary and subject to possible discrepancies. It may also be unavailable at certain times as a result of equipment malfunctions or interruptions in the data transmission paths needed to go from the remote sensor to the web page. The City of Flagstaff makes no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy or availability of this data. The user should understand that monitoring this information is no substitute for the forecasts, watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service.

View the latest Report on Surface Water Hydrology in Flagstaff from 2008-2019 (PDF), using rain gauge data.

Background Informationfrances

Every millimeter (.039 inches) of rainfall triggers a radio transmission that is recorded on a base station computer at City Hall. This provides a record of the amount and the timing of the rainfall. The rainfall totals from the base station computer are uploaded to the web page every 5 minutes. The City gauges have been located so that, in addition to rainfall, they can collect streamflow and water level information at critical flood monitoring locations. Also, it is anticipated that additional gauges will be added to provide more coverage of the City. This network can send emergency alerts via text messaging and/or email for heavy rainfall. If you would like to receive these alerts, please send your request with your email address and/or cell phone number to Ed Schenk at email Edward Schenk.

More Information

For more information about this gauge network and access to historic data, contact Ed Schenk at 928-213-2470 or email Edward Schenk.

These gauges are part of the much larger Arizona Statewide Flood Warning and Drought Monitoring network. Most of the Schultz Fire area (east side of the San Francisco Peaks) rainfall gauges were installed and are maintained by the Arizona Department of Water Resources and Coconino County. Data from these gauges is courtesy of these agencies. For more information about this network please visit their website at Arizona Flood Warning System.