Here’s a look at snowfall totals so far this season:

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AVERAGE FIRST SNOW

First Snow for the Alleghenies

The first snow for the Allegheny mountains, October 19, 2022. The average first snow for the Allegheny mountain region is about November 5th.

December 15, 2022

The first winter storm to impact the area widely came in the form of ice. On the night of December 14th, precipitation arrived in the area with many starting out as rain, but some of the higher elevations getting freezing rain. Eventually, through the overnight into the morning of December 15th, everyone transitioned to freezing rain. Impacts were not major across most of the Valley but our West Virginia locations and the Blue Ridge Mountains did receive significant icing.

ICE ACCUMULATION:

December 22, 2022

Our second winter storm arrived on December 22nd and brought more ice for many. Some places did receive some snow the morning of the 22nd with the Potomac Highlands, Northern Valley, and other mountain locations receiving some snow. Snowfall was minor, generally an inch or less of snow. Ice accumulation also was not significant.

The bigger story was the wind and flash freeze that followed. Strong wind gusts knocked down weighed trees and caused power outages. At one point there were 4,600 customers without power in our viewing area. The wind gusted above 50 mph in several places.

PEAK WIND GUSTS

Brutal cold also followed the storm with everyone seeing wind chills below zero. The higher ridges and West Virginia saw wind chills up to 20 to 40 below zero, even as low as 45 below zero! Actual temperatures fell to around zero or just below zero for many. Spruce Knob dropped to -20 Christmas Eve morning.

January 25, 2023

Another mix precipitation event but the coldest air was in West Virginia, and for most areas outside of the Alleghenies this was enough for a first measurable snow. For the Valley, it was barely enough for a trace of snow for many areas. However Augusta county only saw a handful of flakes. A few areas reported a trace of snow so just enough to go down as one of the latest first snows on record.

In the Valley it was a quick batch of light snow to sleet and then a cold rain.

March 12, 2023

Another very minor snowfall event impacted the area bringing snow, but not much. Temperatures remained above freezing for most, with some of the higher elevations remaining around freezing. Snow started falling late in the morning but most of it was already out by the early afternoon. There were some lingering snow showers during the rest of the day, but limited moisture only allowed for a light accumulation for most. Higher elevations above 2000 feet saw about 1 to 3 inches of snow.

AVERAGE SEASONAL SNOWFALL

Season Snowfall Totals last year and snow events

2021-2022 Seasonal Snowfall and Winter Storms

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