In this piece, we are going to take a look at 16 Snowiest States In The US. If you wish to jump directly to the top most snowiest states in the US, you can go to 5 Snowiest States In The US.
Snowfall distribution varies across the United States, with each state experiencing unique winter conditions. From the towering Rocky Mountains in Colorado to the subtropical climates of Florida and Texas, the amount and frequency of snowfall differ vastly. States like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan in the north face heavy snowfall from December to March, leading to challenging road conditions. Conversely, southern states such as Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina observe a mix of rain and snow, resulting in lighter snow accumulations. This diverse snowfall pattern contributes to the distinct winter experiences across the 16 snowiest states in the US.
Anchorage in Alaska, Buffalo in New York and Boulder in Colorada are three cities which experienced the most snowfall in 2023, with 121.5, 61.7 and 55.7 average annual snowfalls, respectively.
If you’re living in one of these snowiest states or planning to move there, it’s a good idea to think about snow-related expenses. Freezing temps and heavy snow don’t just mess with your cozy vibes – they can wreak havoc on your home, leading to burst pipes or flooding. Plus, when the snowfall gets wild, it can be a nightmare to get around. Imagine being snowed in and missing out on important stuff like grocery runs or getting to the doc’s office. And here’s the kicker: dealing with snow ain’t just about money – it’s a time suck too. Think about waking up at the crack of dawn to shovel your driveway or spending hours and cash on buying and putting together a snowblower. Winter sure doesn’t mess around, does it?
Living in a frosty breath zone isn’t just chilly—it’s also a big hit on your wallet. In Alaska, basic goods can cost you around 25% more than the national average. Blame it on those pricey transportation modes like air and sea freight that bring the goods up north. And let’s not forget heating bills. It’s not cheap to stay cozy when temps hover around zero. With electricity rates way above the national average, Alaska’s cost of living can give your bank account a shiver, ranking it 6th highest in the US at $48,670. With a cost-of-living index of 125.2, Alaska sits at the top tier in the list of states with highest cost of living. Ouch!
When you’re living in freezing cold states in the U.S., having reliable heating solutions is a game-changer. And if you’re all about keeping things eco-friendly, sustainable heating options are a must. Companies like Johnson Controls International (NYSE:JCI) are the real MVPs in this game. JCI has been all about sustainability since way back in 1885 when they invented the first electric thermostat. That little invention made a big impact by cutting down on the need for wood burning to keep warm. How cool is that?
Johnson Controls International (NYSE:JCI) has surpassed earnings expectations with reported EPS of $0.51, exceeding the anticipated $0.50 mark. While Q1 sales remained flat compared to the previous year and declined 1% organically, the Johnson Controls International (NYSE:JCI) financial performance stands out. Q1 GAAP EPS hit $0.55, with adjusted EPS settling at $0.51. Despite existing challenges, Q1 orders went up by 1% organically year-over-year. Building Solutions maintained a solid backlog of $12.1 billion, reflecting a healthy 7% organic increase compared to the previous year. Johnson Controls International plc is on a positive trajectory, demonstrating resilience and growth in their financial performance.
Likewise, Carrier Global Corp (NYSE:CARR), a major player in HVAC, refrigeration, and security equipment, hails from sunny Florida. In their 2023 full-year results, things are looking up: Carrier Global Corp (NYSE:CARR) hit sales of $22.1 billion, up 8% from 2022, with 3% coming from organic growth. On the income front, GAAP net income reached $1.3 billion, but when you tweak the numbers a bit, adjusted net income jumps to $2.3 billion. Earnings per share also saw a positive surge, with GAAP EPS hitting $1.58 and adjusted EPS shooting up to $2.73. Carrier Global Corp (NYSE:CARR) seems to be heating up the financial stage with some solid profit growth!
With this, let’s now move on to our list of 16 Most Snowiest States In The US.
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Methodology
To curate our list of 16 Most Snowiest States In The US, we referred to Data Panda standings of Snowiest States In The US, as of 2024. The standings are provided on the basis of average snowfall magnitude, measured in units of inches. Based on that, we present to you our list of 16 Snowiest States In The US.
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16. Ohio
Average Annual Snowfall (inches): 40.4
16th on our list of the Snowiest States In The US is Ohio. Don’t let a snowless Christmas get you down ever, as Ohio has got your back in January! It’s the coldest and snowiest month of the year here. Cleveland and Toledo get slammed with over a foot of snow in January – talk about a winter wonderland! Cleveland’s all about those lake-effect snow showers, while some sneaky clipper systems also join the winter party, adding to the snow fun. And hey, Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus don’t miss out on the snow play either, raking in at least seven inches on average.
15. Pennsylvania
Average Annual Snowfall (inches): 42.24
Snow lovers in Pennsylvania are in for a chilly treat, as the state averages around 42.24 inches of snowfall annually. The Allegheny Mountain Range takes the crown for the snowiest area in Pennsylvania. Back in February 2010, “Snowmageddon” unleashed its fury on Philadelphia, burying the city under a whopping 44 inches of snow. Pittsburgh didn’t escape either, as it found itself blanketed with 21 inches from the same storm. It was like a winter wonderland gone wild!
The state offers a winter wonderland for skiing enthusiasts, with places like Blue Mountain Ski Resort in the Poconos attracting both downhill and cross-country skiers. You can hit the slopes, enjoy fast chair lifts, and cozy up après-ski for just $54 a pop. Pennsylvania sure knows how to make the most of the snowy season!
14. North Dakota
Average Annual Snowfall (inches): 43.4
North Dakota gets its fair share of snow, clocking in at around 43.4 inches a year, putting it at number 14 on the list of snowiest states in America. North Dakota ended up with a whopping 101.4 inches of snow in 1997, setting a record that still stands strong. But hey, amidst all that white stuff, there’s beauty to behold. Winter in North Dakota offers a snowy wonderland, perfect for hiking and snowshoeing adventures. Cross State Park is the spot to be, with over 17 miles of trails waiting to be explored. Don’t worry about gear – you can rent it there and even cozy up in a yurt after your snowy escapades.
13. West Virgina
Average Annual Snowfall (inches): 44.17
West Virginia gets around 44.17 inches of snow every year! And guess what? The place is totally mountainous. And here’s the kicker: back in early May 2023, a major snowstorm hit Charleston, the state capital, dropping a crazy 8 to 20 inches of snow. Yup, you read that right – snow in May! This storm totally shattered West Virginia’s May snowfall record. Mother Nature sure knows how to throw a surprise party.
12. Wisconsin
Average Annual Snowfall (inches): 46.23
Wisconsin sure doesn’t hold back on the snow, getting around 46.23 inches a year, getting 12th place on our list of Most Snowiest States In The US! Up north along Lake Superior, they’re slammed with a whopping 97 inches annually – talk about a winter wonderland! But the real snow showstopper came in April 2018 off Lake Michigan, when Green Bay got hit with a massive blizzard. Imagine 15 to 30 inches of snow and crazy 45 mph winds – chaos! Roads were blocked, power outages happened, barn roofs caved in, and Lake Michigan showed off with 10 to 15-foot waves. It was a wild whiteout!
11. Montana
Average Annual Snowfall (inches): 49.81
Montana rocks about 50 inches of snow each year – that’s like stacking your ruler four times high! Halloween with a snowy twist? Totally normal here! Average snow days kick in around November 9th, but hey, sometimes we get a snowy sneak peek as early as mid-September. Montana’s snowy surprises keep us on our toes – it’s a winter wonderland all season long!
10. Massachusetts
Average Annual Snowfall (inches): 57.67
Massachusetts may be small, but it sure packs a snowy punch, as it stands at 10th place on our list of the Snowiest States In The US! Back in the winter of 2014-2015, they hit a crazy 108 inches of snow – talk about a snow overload! Boston ended up with towering six-foot walls of snow crowding the narrow streets and walkways, giving the city a frosty makeover. And guess what? Most of that snow was courtesy of those wild nor’easters, those stormy troublemakers that just love to stir up strong winds and heavy snow along the Atlantic coast. Massachusetts definitely knows how to make the winter season memorable!
9. Minnesota
Average Annual Snowfall (inches): 57.76
Minnesota rocks about 58 inches of snow a year, with the Lake Superior Highlands snagging the snow crown at around 70 inches. It’s a skier’s paradise here! Check out Bearskin Lodge up on the North Shore – they’ve got a sweet setup with 50 miles of groomed ski trails in the lush Superior National Forest. And if you’re up for some expert-level action, hit the Sugarbush Trail System along Lake Superior’s North Shore for some top-notch skiing adventures!
8. Utah
Average Annual Snowfall (inches): 58.2
Utah’s no stranger to the snow game, clocking in at over 58 inches a year, and standing at 8th place on our list of the Snowiest States In The US. The real winter wonderland magic happens up in the north-central parts, where they get hit with a whopping 100+ inches annually. Salt Lake City got a taste of snow glory in February 2023 with a record-breaking 17-inch dump in a single day. But let’s throw it back to 1982 when Salt Lake County got a crazy 38 inches of snow! If you’re all about winter fun, Utah’s the place to be. Hit up Park City Mountain or Deer Valley for top-notch downhill skiing and snowboarding – they’re practically next-door neighbors and just a quick drive apart.
7. New York
Average Annual Snowfall (inches): 61.21
New York City has seen its share of wild nor’easters, including the unforgettable Blizzard of ’96. But most of the state’s snow show happens upstate. Up there, nestled by Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, upstate New York gets smacked by heavy lake-effect snow. Picture this: Arctic air sweeps over the lakes, gets all warm and moist, and voilà, you’ve got a snow party! In November 2014, Buffalo got the full snow treatment with back-to-back lake-effect storms dropping a whopping nine feet of snow in just three days. Now that’s what you call a snowy surprise!
6. Michigan
Average Annual Snowfall (inches): 70.38
6th on our list of the Snowiest States In The US is Michigan. In Michigan, the northern part gets slammed with the most snow. Thanks to being cozied up to three Great Lakes, the Upper Peninsula gets hit hard by those lake-effect snowstorms. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says some spots up there get drenched with a whopping 180 inches of snow every year. Guess what? Snowmobiles become the go-to ride in the winter – it’s like a snowy adventure on wheels up in the U.P.!
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Disclosure: None. 16 Snowiest States In The US is originally published on Insider Monkey.