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

Here are a couple charts comparing the great snowfall amounts of 2009-2010 with the 2010-2011 season at Old Dominion Wildlife Headquarters. Despite the much lower total amount of snow, this past season actually had more late season snow as well as more snow in January.

Month By Month Comparison

Month by Month Comparison

Daily Cumulative Totals Comparison

Daily Cumulative Snowfall Chart

Here we are in mid-June so my final snow season statistics for last winter are overdue. Measurements were made at Old Dominion Wildlife Headquarters at 1900 ft in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northern Virginia.

2010-2011 Season Snowfall

Today was the first full day of astronomical spring (meteorological spring began back on March 1st). This past snow season resulted in a little less than two feet of snow at Old Dominion Wildlife Headquarters, which is below average for my location according to this map showing average snowfall for northern Virginia and Maryland. [Does anyone know of an average snowfall map for all of Virginia?]

Snow Chart

Winter Continues?

This chart will be updated as warranted by additional measurable snowfalls. The Capital Weather Gang describes a pattern change expected to bring below average temperatures to our area. Additionally, the GFS weather model is currently showing some precip this coming Saturday night/Sunday that might produce snow over portions of northern Virginia…

Dissing the Groundhog?

The Capital Weather Gang’s Jason Samenow reports on February 2, 2011 (Groundhog Day):

Phil failed to see his shadow this morning…

According to folklore, no shadow for Phil means “there will be an early spring” whereas had he seen his shadow, it would have signified six more weeks of winter…

NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center posted an analysis of the Groundhog’s predictions and concluded “no predictive skill for the groundhog during the most recent years”…

John Metcalfe on ABC7′s Stormwatch Blog goes much further with the blaring headline: Punxsutawney Phil is a Lying Little Rodent.

Groundhog Contradiction?

While Pennsylvania’s Punxsutawney Phil is the nation’s premier prognosticating groundhog, other furry forecasts are made. Of special interest to Virginians, Bowman Bill contradicted Punxsutawney Phil by calling for six more weeks of winter.

However, a preliminary photo analysis of the Groundhog Day Festivities in Stephens City, Virginia indicates a possibility that Bowman Bill may in fact be a puppet rather than a real groundhog.

Old Dominion Wildlife Virginia Winter Weather Outlook

Here at the Old Dominion Wildlife Analysis Center, we agree with Bowman Bill that six more weeks of winter are likely.