December snowfall hits record numbers
Feeling like December had a lot more snow than usual? Don’t worry, it actually did, and it even beat total snowfall numbers for winters’ past. However, a dry spell is expected in the coming months, but it may or may not impact the area too much.
In December, the Pocatello branch of the National Weather Service recorded 28.4 inches of snowfall. The amount has almost matched past total winter snowfall totals, with 29.4 inches of snow in winter 2013-2014 and 33.5 inches of snow in winter 2015-2016.
The amount beat winter 2014-2015 outright, where it snowed 20.3 inches.
Having a lot of snow can be annoying to deal with, but it helps with many things in the region.
“It’s great for the recreational areas and also for backcountry purposes,” Dan Valle, lead forecaster with the Pocatello NWS branch. “It’s also great for water issues and our water supply.”
Speaking of water, the NWS Pocatello branch is also recording above average snow water equivalent in the area. SWE is the water in the snow pack.
Going down the road for this winter, Valle said a dry spell is forecast for two to three weeks in January and February. Valle isn’t exactly sure when it will happen, though.
“We have had winters in the past where we start off very wet in November and December, then January and February get very dry,” Valle said. “It’s unlikely that (the dry spell) will happen, but it is a possibility.”
For the dry spell to be an issue, it would have to last four to six weeks, according to Valle. However, the December snow is expected to be a cushion for the upcoming dry spell.
