It's true. Arizona receives on average 154" of snow per year, some of which falls in the desert cities of Phoenix, Tucson and Scottsdale. Many people find this hard to believe, because the first and only image that comes to mind is a saguaro cactus when they think of Arizona. So, while it's true the majority of the state experiences a mild winter compared to much of the US, the cold white stuff can still be found here.
View of Sycamore Canyon and Secret Red Rock Wilderness (Sedona) from the Mogollon Rim, Winter 2022. Usually, the forest service closes the roads leading to the Mogollon Rim near Flagstaff, but this particular storm hit early in the season and the roads were still open making it possible to drive right up to this overlook.
On average, Arizona receives 154” of snow per year.
Jerome, Arizona. Late in the winter of 2022-23, a storm rolled in over the historic town of Jerome, Arizona. Once a bustling mining town, Jerome is now a tourist destination and artist hang.
The antique sodium vapor lights of the town reflected from low-hanging snow clouds makes the mountain look like it's on fire. Buy this photo here.
The “snow season” lasts from mid-December to mid-April.
Benham Snow Play Area near Williams. 4 miles south of town on Perkinsville Rd.
Edward Mitchell is an internationally published photographer who specializes in nightscape and monsoon photography. He has won several awards for his work, most notably for the 2023 World Meteorological Organization’s annual weather calendar (April spread). He is constantly pushing his boundaries, both artistically and physically, as shown in this photo from the 2nd highest vehicle pass in Colorado at just over 13,000 feet.
He strives to bring the scene to the viewer in his photos and give one the impression they are standing with the photographer on site.
Ed currently lives in Camp Verde, Arizona. He has one daughter and one son, both actively serving in the US Military.
Copies of his work can be ordered online at edmitchellphoto.com.