Snowflake, Arizona
An In-Depth Exploration of a High Desert Community
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Overview
Location
Snowflake is a town situated in Navajo County, Arizona, United States. It lies approximately 25 miles (40 km) south of Interstate 40, accessible via Highway 77. The Apache Railway provides freight service to the area.
Founding
Established in 1878 by Mormon pioneers Erastus Snow and William Jordan Flake, Snowflake carries a rich history rooted in early American settlement in the Southwest. The town's name itself is a testament to its founders.
Coordinates
The geographic coordinates for Snowflake are 34ยฐ31โฒ20โณN 110ยฐ05โฒ29โณW. This location places it within the high desert region of Arizona, characterized by its unique landscape and climate.
Geography
Area and Elevation
According to the United States Census Bureau, Snowflake encompasses a total area of 33.80 square miles (87.54 kmยฒ), with 33.74 square miles (87.39 kmยฒ) being land and a minimal 0.058 square miles (0.15 kmยฒ) comprising water. The town sits at an elevation of 5,686 feet (1,733 meters) above sea level.
Landscape
The town is nestled within the high desert terrain of Arizona. This environment is typically characterized by arid conditions, sparse vegetation adapted to dry climates, and significant diurnal temperature variations. The surrounding landscape often features mesas, canyons, and sparse pine forests.
Demographics
Population Overview
As of the 2020 United States Census, Snowflake had a population of 6,104 residents. The population density stands at approximately 180.9 per square mile (69.85/kmยฒ). The town has experienced steady growth, particularly in its surrounding areas.
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
The racial composition in 2020 was predominantly White (87.2%), with smaller percentages identifying as Black or African American (0.3%), Native American (6.9%), Asian (0.5%), Pacific Islander (0.1%), and two or more races (2.0%). Hispanic or Latino individuals constituted 8.1% of the population.
Household and Family Structure
In 2020, there were 1,312 households, with 46.5% including children under 18. Married couples comprised 69.5% of households. The median age was 28 years, with a notable proportion of residents under 18 (37.9%).
Economic Indicators
The median household income in 2020 was $37,439, with families earning a median of $42,500. The per capita income was $13,391. Approximately 10.4% of families and 15.0% of the population lived below the poverty line.
Historical Population Trends
The following table illustrates the historical population changes recorded by U.S. Decennial Censuses:
| Census | Pop. | %ยฑ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1880 | 275 | โ | |
| 1910 | 494 | โ | |
| 1920 | 758 | 53.4% | |
| 1930 | 1,259 | 66.1% | |
| 1950 | 929 | โ | |
| 1960 | 982 | 5.7% | |
| 1970 | 1,977 | 101.3% | |
| 1980 | 3,510 | 77.5% | |
| 1990 | 3,679 | 4.8% | |
| 2000 | 4,460 | 21.2% | |
| 2010 | 5,590 | 25.3% | |
| 2020 | 6,104 | 9.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Economy
Key Industries
Snowflake's economy is supported by several significant industries. These include pork production, electrical generation, and notably, cannabis cultivation. The town leverages its resources and strategic location for economic activity.
Cannabis Cultivation
Copperstate Farms, a prominent cannabis greenhouse and wholesaler, stands as the largest employer in Snowflake. This industry contributes significantly to the local economy, reflecting evolving agricultural and business landscapes in Arizona.
Energy Sector
Electrical generation is another vital component of Snowflake's economic base. While specific details are limited in the source, this sector likely plays a crucial role in providing power to the region and supporting local employment.
Education
School Districts
Snowflake is served by the Snowflake Unified School District. This district includes Highland Primary School, Snowflake Intermediate School, Snowflake Junior High, and Snowflake High School. Taylor Elementary School, located in the neighboring town of Taylor, also falls under the purview of this district.
Higher Education
For post-secondary education, Northland Pioneer College maintains a campus extension in Snowflake, known as the Silver Creek campus. This provides accessible higher education opportunities for residents and surrounding communities.
Climate
Climate Classification
Snowflake experiences a four-season semi-arid climate. This classification indicates moderate precipitation spread throughout the year, with distinct seasonal temperature variations. Summers are warm to hot, while winters are mild to cold.
Seasonal Characteristics
The town experiences mild autumns and cool, windy springs. Typical high temperatures in July and August hover around 90ยฐF (32ยฐC), while winter temperatures in December and January range from 30ยฐF (-1ยฐC) to 49ยฐF (13ยฐC). The region receives moderate snowfall, particularly in winter months.
Detailed Climate Data
The following table provides detailed climate data for Snowflake, Arizona, based on historical records:
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Record high ยฐF (ยฐC) | 79 (26) |
78 (26) |
82 (28) |
92 (33) |
98 (37) |
102 (39) |
104 (40) |
102 (39) |
98 (37) |
90 (32) |
90 (32) |
75 (24) |
104 (40) |
| Mean daily maximum ยฐF (ยฐC) | 48.6 (9.2) |
55.0 (12.8) |
60.8 (16.0) |
68.8 (20.4) |
77.2 (25.1) |
87.3 (30.7) |
90.0 (32.2) |
87.2 (30.7) |
81.7 (27.6) |
71.2 (21.8) |
58.0 (14.4) |
48.9 (9.4) |
69.6 (20.9) |
| Mean daily minimum ยฐF (ยฐC) | 19.6 (โ6.9) |
22.9 (โ5.1) |
27.7 (โ2.4) |
32.7 (0.4) |
39.9 (4.4) |
47.6 (8.7) |
56.2 (13.4) |
55.1 (12.8) |
47.6 (8.7) |
36.0 (2.2) |
26.1 (โ3.3) |
19.8 (โ6.8) |
35.9 (2.2) |
| Record low ยฐF (ยฐC) | โ30 (โ34) |
โ17 (โ27) |
โ5 (โ21) |
3 (โ16) |
17 (โ8) |
20 (โ7) |
27 (โ3) |
28 (โ2) |
22 (โ6) |
11 (โ12) |
โ17 (โ27) |
โ24 (โ31) |
โ30 (โ34) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 0.73 (19) |
0.72 (18) |
1.01 (26) |
0.42 (11) |
0.59 (15) |
0.33 (8.4) |
1.75 (44) |
2.44 (62) |
1.64 (42) |
1.25 (32) |
0.93 (24) |
0.89 (23) |
12.7 (324.4) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 2.6 (6.6) |
2.9 (7.4) |
2.2 (5.6) |
1.1 (2.8) |
0.3 (0.76) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.4 (1.0) |
1.9 (4.8) |
3.8 (9.7) |
15.2 (38.66) |
| Average precipitation days (โฅ 0.01 inch) | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.9 | 2.6 | 2.7 | 2.2 | 8.3 | 9.4 | 5.8 | 4.4 | 3.7 | 3.9 | 56.6 |
| Average snowy days (โฅ 0.1 inch) | 1.5 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 1.4 | 6.2 |
| Source: NOAA (extremes 1898โpresent) | |||||||||||||
Culture & History
Travis Walton Incident
Snowflake gained notoriety as the home of some individuals involved in the Travis Walton UFO incident. This event, which occurred in 1975, has been widely discussed and dramatized in popular culture, most notably in the 1993 film Fire in the Sky. The incident and its surrounding events have become a significant part of the town's modern lore.
Pioneer Heritage
The town's founding by Mormon pioneers in 1878 imbues it with a strong sense of historical identity. This heritage is reflected in the community's values and the preservation of historical sites, such as the Jesse N. Smith House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Notable People
Politics & Public Service
Snowflake has been the birthplace or residence of several figures in public service. Walter Blackman and David Marshall have served as members of the Arizona House of Representatives. Jeff Flake, a former U.S. Senator, also has ties to the town. Marilyn Jarrett, a businesswoman and politician, was born here.
Arts & Culture
Buzz Miller, a notable dancer, was born in Snowflake. Travis Walton, central to the famous UFO incident, resides in the town and has authored books on his experiences.
Religious & Community Leaders
Jesse N. Smith, a prominent Mormon pioneer, church leader, and colonizer, played a pivotal role in the founding and development of Snowflake. His historical significance is marked by the Jesse N. Smith House.
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References
References
- U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Snowflake, Arizona
- History of Snowflake, AZ
- Fred A. Bernstein (July 10, 2005). "In One Arizona Community, an Oasis in a Toxic World". The New York Times
- Travis Walton. "Human?" travis-walton.com
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not official information. The data presented here is derived from publicly accessible sources and should not be considered definitive or a substitute for official documentation or direct consultation with local authorities or relevant organizations.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.