California is known for its sunny beaches, Hollywood glamour, and diverse landscapes. But it is also home to some of the snowiest places in the United States, especially in the Sierra Nevada mountains. In March 2023, a powerful winter storm dumped 6 feet of snow in 24 hours at Soda Springs, a small town near Lake Tahoe. This was the heaviest snowfall recorded in California since 2011, when 6.7 feet of snow fell at Mammoth Lakes in 36 hours How does this remarkable snowfall compare to other snowfall extremes in the U.S. and around the world? Let’s find out.
The Snowiest Places in the U.S.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the snowiest place in the U.S. by average annual snowfall is Paradise, Mount Rainier, in Washington. This location receives 645.5 inches (53.8 feet) of snow per year, based on data from 1985 to 2015. The second snowiest place is Timberline Lodge Ski Area in Oregon, with 551 inches (45.9 feet) of snow per year.
The most snow measured in one day in the U.S. was 6.3 feet at Silver Lake, Colorado, on April 14-15, 1921. The most snow in two or three days was 10 feet (120.6 inches) and 12.3 feet (147 inches) at Thompson Pass, Alaska, on Dec. 29-30, 1955. The most snow in a month was 32.5 feet (390 inches) at Tamarack, California, in January 1911. The most snow in a season was 95 feet (1,140 inches) at Mount Baker Ski Area in Washington, from July 1, 1998, to June 30, 1999.
The Snowiest Places in the World
Compared to other countries, the U.S. has some impressive snowfall records, but not the highest. The snowiest place in the world by average annual snowfall is Sukayu Onsen in Japan, which receives 694.5 inches (57.9 feet) of snow per year. This is a hot spring resort in the Japanese Alps, where cold air from Siberia meets moist air from the Pacific Ocean, creating ideal conditions for heavy snowfall.
The most snow measured in one day in the world was 9.3 feet at Capracotta, Italy, on March 5, 2015. The most snow in two or three days was 15.4 feet (185 inches) and 18.4 feet (221 inches) at Mount Ibuki, Japan, on Feb. 14-15, 1927, and Feb. 13-15, 1927, respectively. The most snow in a month was 35.8 feet (429.9 inches) at Mount Rainier, Washington, in December 1971. The most snow in a season was 102 feet (1,224 inches) at Mount Rainier, Washington, from July 1, 1971, to June 30, 1972.
Conclusion
Snowfall is a fascinating phenomenon that varies widely across different regions and climates. California’s 6 feet of snow in 24 hours was a rare and remarkable event, but not unprecedented. Other places in the U.S. and around the world have experienced even more extreme snowfall amounts, sometimes exceeding 10 feet in a day or 100 feet in a season.
These snowfall records are not only impressive, but also important for understanding the climate, hydrology, ecology, and economy of different areas. Snowfall is a vital source of water, a natural hazard, a recreational attraction, and a scientific challenge. As the climate changes, snowfall patterns may also change, affecting the lives of millions of people and the health of the planet.