GL/MW/OV January 2011 Disco Part II

[Stebo]

0.2" all ready really? My eyes are on that blob of moisture in Indiana to shoot down my 0.5" call

Yeah the roads when I left DTW were already lightly snow covered, a perfect combination for someone having to drive through downtown to get home.

[dmc76]

:thumbsup: Nickels and dimes.

The Nickle and Dime winter! Ill take it over of a torchy winter.

[michsnowfreak]

0.2" all ready really? My eyes are on that blob of moisture in Indiana to shoot down my 0.5" call

Its hard to tell because whatever bare spots there were on roofs, you can tell the new fluffy snow is doing a bit of blowing anyway, but I notice the sidewalk which was clear is now white.

[snowstormcanuck]

:thumbsup: Nickels and dimes.

More like pennies lately, but I get your point.

[Chicago WX]

What's the seasonal snowfall record for LAF?

68.1"...1977-78.

No chance, no how, no way...if I'm thinking what I think you're thinking.

[snowstormcanuck]

68.1"...1977-78.

No chance, no how, no way...if I'm thinking what I think you're thinking.

Yeah, I was thinking that , but I didn't realize the figure was that high. 68.1" is actually pretty respectable for your latitude. That's not much lower than Madison, WI's high watermark number before 07-08. Something like 74 or 75"?

[michsnowfreak]

The Nickle and Dime winter! Ill take it over of a torchy winter.

AMEN! It goes without saying that I would too.

I always try to take a winter for what its worth, and not give any extra or less points based on whats going on elsewhere. For example, this winter, despite us having normal snowcover and above normal snowcover, some feel its very subpar due to the east coast snowstorms. Im one of the few on here enjoying it (though I want a major one just as much as the rest of you). In 2007-08 and 2008-09, the midwest was the bells of the ball, the east coast had crappy winters, but while that didnt factor into it, I noticed a lot of the midwest guys basically saw them as excellent winters, but not perfect because Madison always seemed the jackpot. I tried not to let Madison get to me and just enjoy the heavy snow. Now, on the flipside, a winter like 1997-98, with 27" imby (lowest of any winter in my 16 years of measuring) and 23.4" at DTW, plus very mild temps, I consider it a HORRIBLE winter. I do not factor in the fact that we were one of the few places that actually had some winter as a sort of a bonus point. It sucked, period. Another example is 2001-02, we had several good snowstorms, hell one of my favorite winter storms ever (Jan 30-Feb 1, 2002) but there was so much warmth in between them, but when you take a whole winter in consideration like I do...it sucked. Again, almost no snow out east while MI was getting it, eh, doesnt mean much when you still see a grand total of only 4 weeks of snowcover over the ENTIRE winter, and with the help of a few big storms to boot.

[Chicago WX]

Yeah, I was thinking that , but I didn't realize the figure was that high. 68.1" is actually pretty respectable for your latitude. That's not much lower than Madison, WI's high watermark number before 07-08. Something like 74 or 75"?

Here's the full top 10. Keep in mind this is very unofficial, as it's a combo of local COOP's (and my recent totals since 03-04) since 1901. I did a lot of research of comparing/contrasting with other area sites as well to get to these numbers. But it's a good estimate or guide to past seasons here, nonetheless. But yes, 77-78 and even 81-82 stick out like a sore thumb...somewhat similar to what transpired at MSN with the 07-08 and 08-09 winters compared to its prior history. Proof miracles can happen, even down here.

1) 68.1"...1977-78

2) 61.5"...1981-82

3) 56.4"...1904-05

4) 53.8"...1903-04

5) 49.3"...1983-84

6) 47.8"...2007-08

7) 46.3"...1929-30

8) 43.8"...1911-12

9) 43.0"...1925-26

10) 40.2"...1905-06

[Harry]

0.2" all ready really? My eyes are on that blob of moisture in Indiana to shoot down my 0.5" call

Looks like my 0.5 is about to get blown out of the water as well. Very nice. You all should make out well assuming it keeps developing the way it is. Should do better then my 0.5 call here but jackpot should be out that way as you all have alot more to work with. Good luck!

[michsnowfreak]

Here's the full top 10. Keep in mind this is very unofficial, as it's a combo of local COOP's (and my recent totals since 03-04) since 1901. I did a lot of research of comparing/contrasting with other area sites as well to get to these numbers. But it's a good estimate or guide to past seasons here, nonetheless. But yes, 77-78 and even 81-82 stick out like a sore thumb...somewhat similar to what transpired at MSN with the 07-08 and 08-09 winters compared to its prior history. Proof miracles can happen, even down here.

1) 68.1"...1977-78

2) 61.5"...1981-82

3) 56.4"...1904-05

4) 53.8"...1903-04

5) 49.3"...1983-84

6) 47.8"...2007-08

7) 46.3"...1929-30

8) 43.8"...1911-12

9) 43.0"...1925-26

10) 40.2"...1905-06

DTWs top 10..several make the same lists..

1) 93.6"...1880-81

2) 78.0"...1925-26

3) 74.0"...1981-82

4) 71.7"...2007-08

5) 69.1"...1899-00

6) 67.2"...1907-08

7) 66.5"...1929-30

8) 65.7"...2008-09

9) 63.8"...2004-05

10) 63.1"...1974-75

(11) 61.7"...1977-78)

I see DTW and LAF both share some of the same good winters, and also Im finding out that DTW was in a snowhole (relatively speaking of course) in 1977-78, as almost every one N, S, E, W of us got more. Though it is one hell of a winter when you are the snow hole at 62"

1983-84, 1903-04, and 1911-12 were all above normal winters at DTW, but wow on 1904-05 and 1905-06. What happened there! DTW had 37.4" in 1904-05 but it was a cold, white winter. 1905-06 on the other hand, very mild and only 29.4" of snow. Did LAF get like a huge storm that year? I just find it odd that they did so well in what was a mild winter.

[dmc76]

AMEN! It goes without saying that I would too.

I always try to take a winter for what its worth, and not give any extra or less points based on whats going on elsewhere. For example, this winter, despite us having normal snowcover and above normal snowcover, some feel its very subpar due to the east coast snowstorms. Im one of the few on here enjoying it (though I want a major one just as much as the rest of you). In 2007-08 and 2008-09, the midwest was the bells of the ball, the east coast had crappy winters, but while that didnt factor into it, I noticed a lot of the midwest guys basically saw them as excellent winters, but not perfect because Madison always seemed the jackpot. I tried not to let Madison get to me and just enjoy the heavy snow. Now, on the flipside, a winter like 1997-98, with 27" imby (lowest of any winter in my 16 years of measuring) and 23.4" at DTW, plus very mild temps, I consider it a HORRIBLE winter. I do not factor in the fact that we were one of the few places that actually had some winter as a sort of a bonus point. It sucked, period. Another example is 2001-02, we had several good snowstorms, hell one of my favorite winter storms ever (Jan 30-Feb 1, 2002) but there was so much warmth in between them, but when you take a whole winter in consideration like I do...it sucked. Again, almost no snow out east while MI was getting it, eh, doesnt mean much when you still see a grand total of only 4 weeks of snowcover over the ENTIRE winter, and with the help of a few big storms to boot.

If you told me that I would get a 5-7 inch snowstorm then followed by frequent 1-3" for the next 3-4 weeks and builds your snowpack. I will take almost then if we get 2 8-12" in 1 month but theres like 2-3 thaws.

Oh... do I remember. The whole stretch from 94-98 was horrible! Imagine if we had these blog sites back then. Every poster from SEMI would have been black listed for sure. There was 3 storms looking back at that era with any significance it was the first day of spring blizzard of 97 (12") they called for 1-2" there was 5-10' snow drifts... All of michigan blizzard in early Jan97' (6") but midland got like 13" and early 94! 6-10" across detroit. That was it. NOTHING!

[Chicago WX]

DTWs top 10..several make the same lists..

1) 93.6"...1880-81

2) 78.0"...1925-26

3) 74.0"...1981-82

4) 71.7"...2007-08

5) 69.1"...1899-00

6) 67.2"...1907-08

7) 66.5"...1929-30

8) 65.7"...2008-09

9) 63.8"...2004-05

10) 63.1"...1974-75

(11) 61.7"...1977-78)

I see DTW and LAF both share some of the same good winters, and also Im finding out that DTW was in a snowhole (relatively speaking of course) in 1977-78, as almost every one N, S, E, W of us got more. Though it is one hell of a winter when you are the snow hole at 62"

1983-84, 1903-04, and 1911-12 were all above normal winters at DTW, but wow on 1904-05 and 1905-06. What happened there! DTW had 37.4" in 1904-05 but it was a cold, white winter. 1905-06 on the other hand, very mild and only 29.4" of snow. Did LAF get like a huge storm that year? I just find it odd that they did so well in what was a mild winter.

1904-05 had a huge February, which put it over the top. 1905-06 was all about March (31.7"). And just so you know I didn't error , IND had 30.4" in March 1906. Probably the freakiest month ever in central Indiana other than the Oct 1989 snowstorm, relative to the time of year of course.

[dmc76]

04-05 had a huge February, which put it over the top. 05-06 was all about March (31.7"). And just so you know I didn't error, IND had 30.4" in March 1906. Probably the freakiest month ever in central Indiana other than the Oct 1989 snowstorm, relative to the time of year of course.

2004/05 I had 86.5" here in Lake Orion just because of the late April Snowstorm that brought 16" of snow, if it was 2-3 weeks earlier it would have been around 30 inches

[Harry]

If you told me that I would get a 5-7 inch snowstorm then followed by frequent 1-3" for the next 3-4 weeks and builds your snowpack. I will take almost then if we get 2 8-12" in 1 month but theres like 2-3 thaws.

Oh... do I remember. The whole stretch from 94-98 was horrible! Imagine if we had these blog sites back then. Every poster from SEMI would have been black listed for sure. There was 3 storms looking back at that era with any significance it was the first day of spring blizzard of 97 (12") they called for 1-2" there was 5-10' snow drifts... All of michigan blizzard in early Jan (6") but midland got like 13" and early 94! 6-10" across detroit. That was it. NOTHING!

Thankfully i was not around here for that. Going back to the 1940s the 1990s were the 2nd least snowiest decade on record. Only the 1950s were worse at this location. I think the late 40s/1950s would do in alot of people around here for sure. Only 1951-52 was decent. Basically the period between 1948-49 and 64-65 ( here ) / 66-67 there sucked badly. So yeah it can be alot worse.

[Harry]

2004/05 I had 86.5" here in Lake Orion just because of the late April Snowstorm that brought 16" of snow, if it was 2-3 weeks earlier it would have been around 30 inches

He was talking about 1904-05.

I think 2004-05 was decent for the most part across the whole region. Had the Christmas HOVS for those south of here, Had the super clipper in these parts and all the other stuff.

[dmc76]

He was talking about 1904-05.

I think 2004-05 was decent for the most part across the whole region.

1904/05 I dont remember that year

I thought it was a typo

[Chicago WX]

He was talking about 1904-05.

I think 2004-05 was decent for the most part across the whole region. Had the Christmas HOVS for those south of here, Had the super clipper in these parts and all the other stuff.

1904/05 I dont remember that year

I thought it was a typo

Yeah, my bad. I added the 19 too late.

As for 2004-05 here, about as average as you can get for a winter here in terms of snowfall.

[michsnowfreak]

If you told me that I would get a 5-7 inch snowstorm then followed by frequent 1-3" for the next 3-4 weeks and builds your snowpack. I will take almost then if we get 2 8-12" in 1 month but theres like 2-3 thaws.

Oh... do I remember. The whole stretch from 94-98 was horrible! Imagine if we had these blog sites back then. Every poster from SEMI would have been black listed for sure. There was 3 storms looking back at that era with any significance it was the first day of spring blizzard of 97 (12") they called for 1-2" there was 5-10' snow drifts... All of michigan blizzard in early Jan97' (6") but midland got like 13" and early 94! 6-10" across detroit. That was it. NOTHING!

I would say 1995-98 was the simple "pit of despair" lol, as Jan-Apr 1994 was cold and snowy, and December 94 did have a nice snowstorm.

Think your thinking of March 20, 1996 not 1997 with that spring blizzard. One hell of a storm in what was a crrrapppy winter here. You want cold and dry here and snowy out east? 2010-11 isnt in the same galaxy as 1995-96.

1996-97 winter was ok, certainly better than the winter on each side of it, but nothing special.

Detroit has seen 19 snowstorm drop 6"+ since 2000. A nice reward for our dearth of the mid 1990s. The Dec 6/7, 1994 snowstorm (7.6") was the last 6+ incher until 11.3" on Jan 2/3, 1999! (DTW officially had 5.8" on 3-20-96 in case you are wondering).

[Harry]

Yeah, my bad. I added the 19 too late.

As for 2004-05 here, about as average as you can get for a winter here in terms of snowfall.

Thought it was better down there. My bad.

How did you do with the HOVS? I thought most of that state did well with that puppy.

[michsnowfreak]

1904-05 had a huge February, which put it over the top. 1905-06 was all about March (31.7"). And just so you know I didn't error , IND had 30.4" in March 1906. Probably the freakiest month ever in central Indiana other than the Oct 1989 snowstorm, relative to the time of year of course.

Very believable then, thanks for clearing it up! Detroit saw 14.4" of its 29.4" come in March as well, so basically half the winters snowfall. Our biggest storm of the season was 5.7" on Mar 18/19.

[dmc76]

I would say 1995-98 was the simple "pit of despair" lol, as Jan-Apr 1994 was cold and snowy, and December 94 did have a nice snowstorm.

Think your thinking of March 20, 1996 not 1997 with that spring blizzard. One hell of a storm in what was a crrrapppy winter here. You want cold and dry here and snowy out east? 2010-11 isnt in the same galaxy as 1995-96.

1996-97 winter was ok, certainly better than the winter on each side of it, but nothing special.

Detroit has seen 19 snowstorm drop 6"+ since 2000. A nice reward for our dearth of the mid 1990s. The Dec 6/7, 1994 snowstorm (7.6") was the last 6+ incher until 11.3" on Jan 2/3, 1999! (DTW officially had 5.8" on 3-20-96 in case you are wondering).

I remember watching local forecast on WDIV/TWC calling for 1-2" and taking a look at the radar and thinking to myself hmmmm thats not correct! That was one of the best storms Ive ever seen. It was crazy. Back roads up here were shut down do to massive snowdrifts

We had a foot up here...its different then DTW

[michsnowfreak]

2004/05 I had 86.5" here in Lake Orion just because of the late April Snowstorm that brought 16" of snow, if it was 2-3 weeks earlier it would have been around 30 inches

Had 82" even down here, DTW was in a snowhole at 64" though that winter they had some crappy measuring too. But as you now know, meant 1904-05

[Chicago WX]

Thought it was better down there. My bad.

How did you do with the HOVS? I thought most of that state did well with that puppy.

A relatively close miss for LAF...only 3-4" for here with the 04 HOVS.

[michsnowfreak]

Thankfully i was not around here for that. Going back to the 1940s the 1990s were the 2nd least snowiest decade on record. Only the 1950s were worse at this location. I think the late 40s/1950s would do in alot of people around here for sure. Only 1951-52 was decent. Basically the period between 1948-49 and 64-65 ( here ) / 66-67 there sucked badly. So yeah it can be alot worse.

Absolutely. Those were some horrible winters. We finally got a decent winter in 1951-52 and what was our cost following it? Two horrendously hot summers sandwhiched in with what was nationwide the year without a winter in 1952-53.

Knowing my climo thats why Im always trying to inject some optimism when people are down, because in the big picture of winter, these are some pretty good times were in this past decade.

[michsnowfreak]

I remember watching local forecast on WDIV/TWC calling for 1-2" and taking a look at the radar and thinking to myself hmmmm thats not correct! That was one of the best storms Ive ever seen. It was crazy. Back roads up here were shut down do to massive snowdrifts

We had a foot up here...its different then DTW

7" here, every tree plastered like I don think Ive ever seen since. I do remember the forecast of 1-2" and going to bed with rain pouring on the roof and waking up to the sounds of gusty wind but no raindrop pelting. A great storm in a sucky winter.

[Harry]

Absolutely. Those were some horrible winters. We finally got a decent winter in 1951-52 and what was our cost following it? Two horrendously hot summers sandwhiched in with what was nationwide the year without a winter in 1952-53.

Knowing my climo thats why Im always trying to inject some optimism when people are down, because in the big picture of winter, these are some pretty good times were in this past decade.

Now go and look at the radar!

[Chicago WX]

Now go and look at the radar!

It's popping right now. Even snowing lightly here again.

[dmc76]

Now go and look at the radar!

that blob over Indiana?

[Harry]

that blob over Indiana?

It is exploding out this way as well. Granted at THIS moment in time radar seems overdone. Per radar it should be pouring snow but honestly it is just light stuff at the moment despite what the radar is showing.

[michsnowfreak]

Now go and look at the radar!

Wow. Hope it holds together! Very light snow falling, hard to tell how much has fallen but definitely several tenths as the roads/sidewalks are all white...man if that radar holds...