Climate data from NOAA/NWS Co-op Network, AZMET and SNOTEL/Snowcourse stations are compiled in Table 5.5-1 and the locations are shown on Figure 5.5-3.  Figure 5.5-3 also shows precipitation contour data from the Spatial Climate Analysis Service (SCAS) at Oregon State University.  The Verde River Basin does not contain Evaporation Pan stations.  More detailed information on climate in the planning area is found in Section 5.0.3.  A description of the climate data sources and methods is found in Volume 1, Appendix A.

NOAA/NWS Coop Network

• Refer to Table 5.5-1A
• There are 18 NOAA/NWS Co-op network climate stations in the basin.  The average monthly maximum temperature occurs in July at all stations and ranges between 84.5°F at Childs and 63.7°F at Happy Jack R.S.  The average monthly minimum temperature occurs in January or December and ranges between 27.5°F at Happy Jack R.S. and 45.6°F at Childs.
• Highest average seasonal rainfall occurs at most stations in the summer (July-September) and the lowest in the spring (April-June).  For the period of record used, the highest annual rainfall is 28.46 inches at Junipine and the lowest is 10.55 inches at Cottonwood.

AZMET

• Refer to Table 5.5-1C
• There is one AZMET station in the basin at Payson at 4,849 feet and reported an average annual evapotranspiration of 61.26 inches.

SNOTEL/Snowcourse

• Refer to Table 5.5-1D
• There are 14 SNOTEL/Snowcourse stations in the basin.  Five stations have been discontinued.
• The highest average monthly snowpack at most stations is in March. 

SCAS Precipitation Data

• See Figure 5.5-3
• Additional precipitation data shows rainfall as high as 38 inches in the southern portion of the basin north of Pine and as low as 10 inches in the Big Chino Valley in the vicinity of Paulden.

Click to view Table 5.5-1 Climate Data for the

Verde River Basin

Click to view Figure 5.5-3 Verde River Basin Meteorological Stations and Annual Precipitation

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References and Supplemental Reading for the Verde River Basin