Significant February Snow?

Snow lovers in the Nation’s Capital have been disappointed with this winter.  Following three consecutive snowier-than-average winters, 2016-2017 is poised to finish with significantly less snow with a mere 1.4” compared to a seasonal average of 15.4”.  For those disappointed by lack of snow this season, it’s a good time to reflect upon some of February’s most famous snowstorms in Washington, D.C.

2010: The second snowiest February on record in the Nation’s Capital (with 32.1”) occurred largely because of the storm dubbed “Snowmageddon.”  This storm brought between 15” and 30” of snow to the DC Metro Region with higher totals north and west of town.  This storm occurred less than two months after another top 10 snowfall occurred the week before Christmas.  However, unlike the December 2009 storm, this storm produced a heavier, wetter snow that contributed to widespread power outages across the Mid-Atlantic Region.  Adding insult to injury, was a second snowstorm a few days after “Snowmageddon” that helped make the 2009-2010 winter season the snowiest on record in Washington, D.C. with a total of 56.1”.

2003: Several of the largest snowstorms on record in Washington, D.C. have occurred over President’s Day weekend.  From February 16 – 18, 2003, a total of 16.4” of snow accumulated at National Airport.  This storm is currently tied for eighth largest on record in the Nation’s Capital and totals of greater than 30” were common west and north of downtown.

1983: On February 10-11 a total of 16.6” accumulated at National Airport making it the seventh largest snowstorm on record in the Nation’s Capital.  1982-1983 was an El Nino winter and that helps illustrate that major snowstorms can occur in the Mid-Atlantic Region during El Nino winters.

1979: This was the second snowiest February on record in Washington, D.C. for 31 years – until 2010.  A total of 30.6” of snow fell at National Airport that month, with the bulk coming on February 18-19.  That’s when 18.7” of snow was measured in a paralyzing winter storm which remains the third largest snow total in DC history.  This storm is also significant because it ranks as the largest snowfall on record since National Airport opened in 1941.  The two largest snowstorms in DC history occurred in January 1922 and February 1899, respectively, when weather measurements were made downtown.

1899:  This remains the snowiest February on record in Washington, D.C., with a monthly total of 35.2”.  That can be attributed largely to DC’s second largest snowstorm on record which occurred on February 12-14 when 20” fell.  By comparison, only four of the last 20 winters have seen a total of at least 20” for the entire season !