The springs in N.IL and especially by the lake have always been short and sucky with some exceptions. For the most part it's mid to late April till mid to late May. I think the loss of December whether its an El Nino or La Nina isn't compensated enough by cold Marches. The winter windows of opportunity seem to be narrowing in length and frequency. It highlights the fewer winners vs all the losers even more so in areas solely relying on synoptic snowfall. LES areas still have the buffer of receiving snow when cold air makes its brief intrusions.