Flagstaff and snow levels

[Ooooo]

What is the earliest you can hike the AZT through Flagstaff and then further north through the North Rim in the Grand Canyon. We don't mind encountering some snow, just not several feet of it. And yes, I am aware that the North rim road does not open until May 15.

[chumley]

Snow levels in Arizona vary widely from year to year.

Your best bet is to check current conditions.

These remote sensing stations can give you a good idea of how things stand currently.

http://www.wunderground.com/StateSnowDepth.asp?state=AZ

You'll want to pay attention to Baker Butte, which is near Pine and the Mogollon Rim (segs 27-28), Happy Jack (seg 29), Mormon Mountain (seg 30).

Snowslide Canyon is at nearly 10,000 feet on the San Francisco Peaks and typically holds snow later than the other stations -- and later than the trail, which passes nearby but barely reaches 9,000 feet. (seg 34)