Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Paul Huttner

Region faces snow drought

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Much of Minnesota is in a significant snow drought this winter. Much of the state is more than two feet below average for winter snowfall so far. If there isn't significant snow between now and the spring melt, this translates into more than two inches of liquid water that will not be available as spring runoff for lakes and rivers, or to be absorbed into the soil as moisture for summer crops in most parts of the state. It may also lead to an active grass and forest fire season if additional moisture does not arrive at critical times this spring.

The driest areas are in northwest, north central, and central Minnesota and along the north shore of Lake Superior. Southern Minnesota has seen more snow due to a more southerly storm track this winter. Michigan's Upper Peninsula has seen considerable lake effect snows during the cold arctic outbreaks.

Below is a listing of snowfall amounts and deficits for various locations in the upper Midwest. (Data as of February 14, 2007)

Location Season Snowfall / Average / Deficit / Water Deficit (10:1 ratio)

Twin Cities - 12.1" / 38.0" / -25.9" / -2.59"

St. Cloud - 6.8" / 32.4" / -25.6" / -2.56"

Eau Claire - 20.6" / 35.0" / -14.4 / -1.44"

Duluth - 22.8" / 57.0" / -34.2" / -3.42"

International Falls - 21.6" / 50.0" / -28.4" / -2.84"

Fargo - 14.4" / 27.0" / -12.6" / -1.26"

Rochester - 28.6" / 35.5" / -6.9" / -.69"

Sioux Falls, SD - 17.8" / 25.7" / -7.9" / -.79"

Marquette, MI - 106.1" / 123.8" / -17.7" / -1.77"