The Capital Weather Gang reports on the warm months so far this winter:
The winter of 2011-2012 has taken on a completely different character compared to the previous few winters which started off cold. After the 6th warmest December on record (tie), January 2012 concluded with an average temperature 4.8 degrees warmer than normal (1981-2000 normal), the 17th warmest on record (tied with 1876) since 1871.
Despite the fact that has been generally warm this season, I thought it was interesting that in terms of snow we are right about on last season’s pace. We are well behind the snowy 2009-10 season, but in line so far with the 2010-11 season. During 2010-11, we were at 16.75 inches through January 31st thanks to a 10 inch snowfall on January 26, 2011 and several smaller events. This season, 2011-12, we stand at 16.5625 inches through the end of January, primarily from October 29, 2011′s 9 inch snowfall supplemented by some smaller events. During the 2010-11 season, we had nine snow events through January 31st. This season, we have had seven thus far.
These snowfall accumulation statistics are measured at Old Dominion Wildlife Headquarters in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northern Virginia.
Seasonal Snowfall Totals through January
Despite recording snow well into Spring and beginning again in Fall, we ended up about 10″ short in 2011 compared with 2010 primarily due to the 25″ 2/6/2010 event known as Snowmaggedon. 2011′s largest snowfall was the 10″ Commutageddon Snowfall on 1/26/2011.
Both 2010 and 2011 featured 14 snow events measured at Old Dominion Wildlife Headquarters located in the Blue Ridge Mountains near the border of Warren and Fauquier Counties. Note: Trace events were not recorded.
Calendar Year Snowfall Table
Cumulative Calendar Year Snowfall Chart
I put together a couple tables and chart showing fall snow data over the past three fall seasons. Measurements were taken at Old Dominion Wildlife Headquarters, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia near the border of Warren and Fauquier Counties. I thought it was interesting that this year was actually running ahead of the 2009-2011 winter until the December 19, 2009 snowstorm aka Snowpocalypse.
Fall Snow Data
Fall Snow Chart
Here’s the last of my October 29, 2011 Snow Storm Coverage. For complete coverage see:
During the Event:
After the Event:
And the Final Photo:
House in Fall After a Snow
On October 30, 2011, the day after the 9″ October snow storm, I took these pictures showing a turkey in the snow with some fall leaves.
Turkey in the Fall Snow
Wild Turkey in the October Snow
See links for the first and second batches.
Fall Color in the Snow
Fall Trees in the Snow