Snowpack Impacts of Stagnant Winter Pattern

news image
Special Stories
20 Feb 2019 6:35 PM
With the forecast pattern remaining relatively unchanged over the past week, a lot of the same areas from California to the southeast have seen relentless rain and snow. In terms of snow, its really starting to add up. In fact, Tuesday February 19, 2019 saw the highest snow coverage for that date in 16 years of recorded history. On February 20, 2019, 57.5% of the United States had measurable snow on the ground. For many, it's meant driving headaches and a seemingly endless winter. For others, it's money in the bank. Mountain snowpack is a major contributor to spring and summer drinking water. The Sierra Nevada snowpack jumped above average at the beginning of February. Since then, the mountain range is now up to 146% of average. Sierra snowmelt is responsible for 30% of California's drinking water. Statewide snowpack in Colorado got off to a sluggish start, but recent snow events have pushed every basin above the year to date average. These numbers will be crucial leading into spring. As of February 12, more than 20% of Colorado was experiencing extreme or exceptional drought. Arizona has seen an abundance of recent snowfall, with much more on the way. Normally, Flagstaff sees around 21" of snow for the entire month of February. They have already seen 30.5" with a forecast of 1-2 feet by the weekend. The Jetstream pattern has generally led these storm systems from coast to coast. For several cities in the north central US, that has meant their snowiest February on record. Here are a few records broken after the latest round of snow in the Upper Midwest: Twin Cities, MN: 31.5" (tenth snowiest month on record) Des Moines, IA: 22.9" St. Cloud, MN: 23.4" Eau Claire, WI: 33.5" Wasau, WI: 38.5" (also snowiest month on record) For WeatherNation, Meteorologist Karissa Klos.
All Weather News
More
Heavy Rain Returns to Texas This Weekend

Heavy Rain Returns to Texas This Weekend

It has been over a week since the devastating

13 Jul 2025 3:15 AM
Timeline: How Catastrophic Flooding Unfolded in Texas Hill Country

Timeline: How Catastrophic Flooding Unfolded in Texas Hill Country

TEXAS - Catastrophic flooding devastated port

13 Jul 2025 3:10 AM
Watching the Gulf and Atlantic for Tropical Development, CSU Updates Seasonal Forecast

Watching the Gulf and Atlantic for Tropical Development, CSU Updates Seasonal Forecast

BREAKING: The National Hurricane Center is no

13 Jul 2025 3:00 AM
Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat Returns to Florida

Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat Returns to Florida

Keep the rain boots handy in Florida - heavy

13 Jul 2025 2:50 AM
Building Heat for West Coast Next Week

Building Heat for West Coast Next Week

High pressure is moving off the California co

13 Jul 2025 2:50 AM
Severe Storm Risk Pushes into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley

Severe Storm Risk Pushes into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley

Friday was another busy day with severe weath

12 Jul 2025 8:00 PM
Storms Return From the Front Range to Texas

Storms Return From the Front Range to Texas

Moisture is moving back into the Central and

12 Jul 2025 2:50 AM