2013-14 It was flat out the most severe winter on record for Detroit. when you combine snowfall, snow depth, days with snow on the ground, and cold, not to mention wind and constant blowing snow, no other winter has come close. Nothing in the vaunted 1970s held a candle. I suppose in a lake effect belt it's easier top snow records in less than desirable winters. But even grand rapids residents would probably agree that two winters don't compare.