The City of Flagstaff continues to see high spring runoff flows with the recent warm temperatures. The Schultz Creek Detention Basins reached 100 percent capacity last night due to runoff. Water overtopping the basins will flow downstream towards the Rio de Flag, crossing the Schultz Creek culvert at Hwy 180 and potentially impacting the neighborhood of Coconino Estates. Please note that the Schultz Creek Detention Basins are fully functioning and were designed to allow for the safe overtopping of water while allowing for debris and sediment to settle within the basins. Additional mitigation for homes in Coconino Estates beyond what was recommended after the Pipeline Fire is not recommended at this time.
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has begun work to repair damage to the Schultz Creek culvert at Hwy 180. Crews have determined today that an earlier debris blockage of the culvert pipe is no longer in place. Repair work is still ongoing and is being directed by ADOT.
Runoff in the area has caused damage to the sidewalk and entrances to Fire Station 5 (2525 N Fort Valley Rd). The Flagstaff Fire Department has set up a secondary entrance and exit to the fire station and operations are running normally.
In addition to the Hwy 180 corridor, snow melt and runoff are impacting low-water road crossings and some low-lying areas around the City. Residents are urged to use caution and avoid flooded roadways. Please note that the runoff seen yesterday in the Cheshire neighborhood, specifically on Kramer St, Fremont Blvd, and Lynette Dr., is unrelated to the Schultz Creek Detention Basins and was caused by runoff on Observatory Mesa. Similar runoff in the area may occur in the days ahead as warming continues.
Sandbags should only be used near doors and windows of homes and should not be placed around property lines as this can create an adverse impact to neighboring homes. Self-fill sandbags and a limited supply of pre-made sandbags are available at the Aztec Street location (Thorpe Park, in the parking lot by the softball fields) and at the Coconino County Health and Human Services building (2625 N King St.) for residents who feel they need mitigation. The City and the Coconino County Flood Control District are monitoring sandbag supply levels at these sites and will restock them if supplies run low.
Residents who have questions about flooding or sandbags can contact the City’s water services request line at 928-213-2102 during regular business hours.
