FEBRUARY, 2022 Monthly Climate Summary:  February, 2022 was mild with near average total precipitation and much-below-average snowfall in Canaan Valley .  

The observed average monthly temperature of 30.4° F was 3.3° F above the 30-year average (2 yrs. missing) of 27.1° F.

The month's 4.31 inches of liquid equivalent of all precipitation (melted snow, sleet, & freezing rain, plus rain) was 92 percent of the 4.69 inch 30-yr. average.

The 8.8 inches of snowfall measured was only 26 percent of the long-term average of 34 inches.  That is the lowest February snowfall in 8 years (2012), when 4.4 inches was measured.

The maximum snow depth measured was only 12 inches , 4 inches below the 16-inch average maximum depth for Februaries.  Snow cover was reduced to scattered drifted patches here and there by month's end.

2021-22 WINTER CLIMATE WRAP-UP:  Based on preliminary, official published National Weather Service  weather data on Canaan Valley's floor, the three 2021-22 winter climatological months (Dec., Jan., & Feb.) were mild with below-average snowfall.  These conditions are in line with historical odds when a moderate equatorial Pacific Ocean La Niña conditions (cold event) exists as was the case this winter and last. 

This winter's observed average 3-month temperature was 29.8° F, 0.7° F above the 1991-2020, 30-year average.  Only January, 2022 experienced below average monthly temperatures.

The 3 month total of 14.13 inches of liquid equivalent of all precipitation (melted snow, sleet, & freezing rain, plus rain) was near average at 99 percent of the 14.33 inch 30-yr. average.

The 3-month 2021-22 winter snowfall totaled 74.5 inches, 88 percent of the 84.5 inch, 30-year average. Two months experienced much below average snowfall while one, January, saw much above average snowfall.

The ground was reported as covered by 1-inch or more of snow on 46 consecutive days, 15 days less than the average of 61 days.  Snow depth maxed out at 15 inches in mid-January after a blizzard.  

Forested shady, north-facing slopes above 4,000 feet saw the snow pack reach a max depth of about 20 inches, also in mid-January. 

The snowy January and solid base combined with fair snow-making conditions to support winter recreation activities for much of January and February.

Your Fearless Canaan Weatherman