This illustrates the differing expectations in different parts of New England. At my place or at most other NNE places, we do expect continuous cover, and that deep enough to at least cover the grass. Bare ground between Christmas and St. Patrick's Day is anathema. - in 22 seasons here we've had that in only 3 Januarys (2000, 2007, 2012, a total of 10 days) and so far the smallest pack in February has been 5" in 2006. 16 of 22 years March had 31 days of cover and a 17th had 30. We expect what we most often get.