Data from the past 30 years reveals that America’s snowiest cities predominantly lie in mountainous regions or near the Great Lakes, experiencing snowfall levels that dwarf those of major cities known for their snowy winters. This analysis highlights these unique areas, each with distinctive climatic features contributing to their heavy snowfalls.
Red Lodge, Montana, located at the northern edge of the Beartooth Mountains, experiences an average yearly snowfall of 141.9 inches. This high-elevation location sees snow ten months a year, with significant storms occurring from September through June.
Snyderville, Utah, situated in the Wasatch Mountains, averages 152.9 inches of snow annually. Its elevation surpasses that of Salt Lake City by over 2200 feet, which explains its high accumulation.
Hurley, Wisconsin, in the Great Lakes snowbelt, benefits from lake-effect snowfall powered by cold winds over Lake Superior, resulting in an average of 155 inches yearly. The town once recorded 295.4 inches in a single season.
Terra Alta, West Virginia, near the Maryland border, receives an average of 171.1 inches of snow, courtesy of its elevation at over 2,600 feet. This allows for frequent snowfall while nearby valleys may remain too warm.
Lead, South Dakota, lies nearly a mile above sea level in the Black Hills, averaging 183.9 inches of snow. This location amplifies plains winter storms, leading to consistent, heavy snowfall from November through April.
Crested Butte, Colorado, at about 8,900 feet elevation, witnesses 203 inches of snow annually. It receives snow from both slow-moving low-pressure systems and Pacific storms, frequently setting records for snow depth and daily accumulation.
Marquette, Michigan, experiences 196.8 inches of snow each year due to cold winds with a long fetch over Lake Superior, creating prolonged lake-effect snow bands.
Sherman, New York, in the Chautauqua Hills near Lake Erie, garners 224.5 inches annually, thanks to lake-enhanced snow bands and typical storms.
Truckee, California, in the Sierra Nevada, averages 206.6 inches of snow from December to March. Historical records include a four-day snowstorm totaling 194 inches nearby.
Valdez, Alaska, surpasses all other locations with an annual average snowfall of 325.3 inches. The unique combination of Pacific moisture and cold air drainage from glaciers and mountains results in extraordinary snowfall levels.
While familiar snowy areas like Buffalo, New York, are known for their winter weather, the heftiest snowfalls occur in these lesser-known towns scattered across diverse geographical features. Each city on this list exemplifies how local topography and climate patterns create significant snowfall levels that shape their identity and impact the daily lives of residents.
