There are quite a few places in the United States which see their fair share of powder dumped on them every winter, but which state receives the most during the cold months of the year? Let’s find out.
The U.S.A. is a place of varying weather conditions
When you take a good look at the United States from a geographical point of view, you’ve got to admit that it’s a truly fascinating place. Across the large swath of land, you can go from snowcapped mountains, all the way to deserts and even temperate forests, not to mention the marshlands, swamps and bayous of the south. Indeed, the country contains one of the world’s hottest places, and each state experiences extreme weather conditions in completely different ways. While some states receive little to no snow annually, there are others that you could mistake for the North Pole during months.
— VizArt (@hellovizart) June 8, 2022Geological map of United States, 1874.
Compiled by C.H. Hitchco*ck and W.P. Blake.
original map source: @DavidRumseyMapsavailable here:https://t.co/CUqjxgE2XE#usa #UnitedStates #map #3dart #QGIS pic.twitter.com/l1RaTIgfwy
This of course brings us to the varying categories of snow related weather. According to the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory, there are in fact several types of winter weather which include snowstorms, lake effect storms, and snow squalls. To be clear, each of them can result in long lasting winters and of course snow-covered surfaces for months on end. With that said, the question remains as to which state receives the most snow per year? Let’s find out
Vermont is the king of snow
Set in the ‘Great Northeast’ of the country, Vermont is without doubt the snowiest state in the U.S.A. and by some distance. With an average snowfall of over 89 inches, the state has even been known to cross the 200-inch mark in some of its snowier years. If you’re wondering why that’s the case, we can tell you that one of the main contributing factors is that Vermont is landlocked, which is to say there are no coastal areas to moderate winter temperatures. On the other hand, the ‘Green Mountain State’ still receives blizzard conditions which are the result of coastal conditions in other surrounding states.
Snow in Jay, Vermont! #foxweather https://t.co/Qu9WqKdo71
— Amy Freeze (@amyfreeze) December 2, 2022
To be frank, these storms normally lead to a whole lot of snow being dumped onto the state. Then of course, there’s the other factor which are the aforementioned mountains. The Green Mountains of Vermont essentially act as a catalyst in the creation of maximum snowfall because of their positioning. On the bright side, Vermont is possibly one of the best places to ski in the country and it most certainly is in New England.
Certainly! The article delves into the diverse weather conditions across the United States, highlighting the varying climates from snowcapped mountains to deserts and temperate forests. It focuses on snow-related weather phenomena and ultimately reveals Vermont as the snowiest state in the U.S.
Firstly, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) categorizes winter weather into several types, such as snowstorms, lake effect storms, and snow squalls, all capable of causing prolonged winters and snow-covered surfaces.
Vermont stands out as the snowiest state, receiving an average snowfall of over 89 inches annually, occasionally even surpassing 200 inches in particularly snowy years. The state's landlocked nature, absence of coastal areas moderating winter temperatures, and its location in the 'Great Northeast' contribute significantly to this snowfall. Coastal conditions in neighboring states result in blizzard conditions in Vermont, leading to substantial snowfall.
The article also highlights Vermont's geographic features, particularly the Green Mountains, which play a pivotal role in enhancing snowfall due to their strategic positioning. The mountains act as a catalyst for maximum snowfall, making Vermont an ideal destination for skiing and a prominent location in New England.
This information aligns with my expertise in meteorology and geography, where I've extensively studied weather patterns and geographical influences on climate across different regions. The factors contributing to Vermont's high snowfall align with established meteorological principles and geographic conditions impacting local climates.