Review: December 5-6 Snowstorm

This was the first major snowstorm of the 2002/2003 winter. The snow began just after 11 AM on the 5th. The snow kept falling during the afternoon hours, and ended, just before 8 PM. After an hours lull, rain began to fall, and it melted most of the snow pack away. The wind was not a factor with this storm, and in fact there were no major wind gusts.

On the other hand, 6.5 inches of white powder fell on the island. School was canceled for the day. After the snow stopped, the temperature rose to 36 degrees. Snow removal was aided by rain. The next day was very rainy, and most of the snow pack was gone; also the next day the temperature rose to 37 degrees. It was a somewhat disappointing snowstorm, but not as bad as some storms have been in the past.

SNE snowfall maps

peak of storm

Stats:

Accumulation: 6.5″  Forecast: 6″

Wind: 15 mph unofficial: 11 mph

Damage: none

Review: March 6, 2003 snowstorm

On the 5th, the National Weather Service predicted up to 10″ of snow; the same day, was wet and mild. A southwesterly wind kept temperatures above freezing. That wet weather ended by the early evening. The night was calm, and nothing of note happened… Until the next morning. Around 8:30 AM, the snow began, it was light at first, but then it began to intensify. The snow itself stuck really quick, turning streets into bumper cart arenas. Roads were sanded and salted but the snow kept coming down, making work hard and slow.

Throughout the day, it kept slacking and at the same time strengthening. The wind was out of the northeast, sustained at 35 mph. There was no damage along the waterfront to speak of, and any flooding, was in the creeks. School was canceled. and, as usual sledding places were filled to the brim.

The snow ended a little bit after 8 PM on the 6th. Overall, it was a good haul of snow. At Chicken Hill, we managed to receive 9″, while the airport recorded 8.5″ Our highest wind  gust was 39 mph.

SNE totals

storm at peak

Stats:

Accumulation: 8.5″  Forecast: 10″

Wind: 35 mph Unofficial: 39 mph

Damage: none