Montpelier, Vermont: The Snowiest City East Of The Mississippi
When thinking of which city is the snowiest east of the Mississippi River, the mind may immediately drift to the snowy states of Minnesota and Upper Michigan. However, an interesting fact to note is that the snowiest city in the U.S. east of the Mississippi River is actually Montpelier, Vermont.
According to records, Montpelier averages over two hundred inches of snow annually, making it one of the better-recorded snowiest cities in the United States. Since records in the US started being kept in 1895, the city has recorded over 200 inches of snowfall in a single winter season 4 different times, with a total of 8 times in which snowfall exceeded 175 inches. In 2019, the total measured at Montpelier airport was an impressive 196.4 inches.
In particular, the winter of 2016-2017 was remarkable, as the city recorded 255 inches of snow at the airport, which tied the all-time record for the most recorded snow in the US in one season. On average, the city receives over 146 inches of snow from October to April — almost double the national average, which clocks in at 77 inches. In comparison to the rest of Vermont, Montpelier receives about 30 more inches of snow than the Vermont state average, which stands at 114 inches every year in winter.
Outside of Montpelier, many other cities in the Green Mountain State tend to receive a lot of snowfall as well. Burlington and White River Junction both receive around 86-inch average yearly snowfall. At the other end of the spectrum, the town of Hartford, Vermont, located approximately 55 miles east of Montpelier, experiences the lowest yearly snowfall, at 65.5 inches.
Understanding why Vermont receives so much snow is a complicated matter. Vermont is in a unique position relative to nearby states and other adjoining landmasses. It sits surrounded by the Appalachian, White Mountains and Adirondack regions, which weakens and deflects certain storms that might normally have gone further south.
But not all storms are equally affected; some may prevail and strengthen as they move over relatively warmer land in southern New England. Along the way, these storms are embedded in a stream of polar and arctic air, resulting in extreme winter storms with heavy snowfall.
In summary, Montpelier may not be the first city the mind might think of when discussing snowiest cities east of the Mississippi, but the numbers show that it is a worthy contender.
The Perfect Conditions For Snowfall
The abundance of snowfall in Montpelier is largely due to its elevation and geographical position along the Green Mountain range. The city’s elevation ranges from 1,788 to 2,348 feet, and it is surrounded by several other mountainous regions which create the perfect topographic conditions for heavy snowfalls.
Since air cools rapidly as elevation increases, clouds and moisture are more likely to condense and become snow over mountains, rather than rain. Effectively, Montpelier’s high elevation blocks moisture flow over it, thus allowing the city to acquire high levels of snowfall.
Another component in why the city receives so much snow is the low humidity and generally cool climate throughout the year. Not only is the city on the eastern side of the Appalachian Mountains, but it is also located on the western side of several sizeable Great Lakes, including Lake Champlain, which creates a unique wind pattern that often brings cool and dry air over the city. As a result, as soon as a storm arrives, there is usually a high chance of it yielding considerable snowfall, instead of rain.
In addition, temperatures in the area rarely reach extreme lows, rarely ever dropping below -7°F, which, in comparison to average minimum temperatures recorded all across the U.S., is relatively not that severe. Essentially, the mildness of Montpelier’s temperatures means that snow is less exposed to melting from tepidly-warm days. Over the course of a winter season, that adds up to an impressive total amount of snowfall.
Community Effort for Snow Removal
In Montpelier, political officials and members of the community place emphasis on the necessity of efficient snow removal. According to interviews with local officials, the city has had a comprehensive snow removal program in place since 1949. The program includes both public and private snow removal services, as well as agreements with neighboring towns and counties to cooperate with snow removal activities. As a result, the government of Montpelier allocates a big portion of its budget towards snow removal, ensuring citizens’ safety on the roads and sidewalks.
Every winter, the city invites citizens to join the effort and participate in the snow removal process. During particularly heavy snowfall events, the Montpelier Fire Department and Community Works can be seen stationed near roads with snow plows and tractors, tirelessly working so that citizens can drive safely. Many times, citizens are also asked to shovel their sidewalks, as well as in front of their properties, to further lower the risk of snow accumulation.
Furthermore, as part of their snow removal program, the city conducts regular meetings with Montpelier residents in order to collect feedback and make sure local roads, sidewalks and pathways are quickly cleared out of hazardous snow and ice. Additionally, the city has adopted an ‘Adopt a Trail’ Program, asking citizens to visit the town website in order to find urgently needed trails that require snow removal, and then to help clear them out of snow and ice.
A Reflection Of Montpelier’s Cultural Values
An interesting phenomenon behind Montpelier’s strong sense of community and willingness to help each other out is the city’s culture of being well-prepared for winter. In fact, winter preparation activities are viewed as a way of giving back to the city, as well as contributing to the general safety of its citizens. Precisely for this reason, Montpelier promotes several local initiatives such as the ‘Be SnowSmart’ campaign, to constantly remind citizens to stay ready for the upcoming snow season.
Ultimately, Montpelier’s snow removal activities reveal a lot about the city’s culture. The story of Montpelier is one of community spirit and initiative. The sense of collaboration between city officials, businesses and citizens as part of their snow removal activities is a reflection of the city’s cultural values, and thus contributes to a stronger, safer and more resilient winter season.
The Beyond The Snow Initiative
Recently, Montpelier has even taken the extra step of launching a special initiative to promote wintertime activities other than snow removal. Entitled the ‘Beyond the Snow’ initiative, the program encourages citizens to find ways to make wintertime in Montpelier a joyful, vibrant season.
For example, ice skating events are held at City Hall or at the nearby Vermont State House. If citizens don’t feel like venturing outdoors, they can join the many dinner parties at local restaurants. In addition, citizens have even been known to host snow sculpture contests throughout the downtown area in order to get people out of their houses and embracing the beauty of winter.
All these activities make for memorable experiences that remind citizens about the beauty and the joy of winter in Montpelier. Whether it is through hard work or through leisure, Montpelier’s winter activities act as a motivational force, bringing citizens together to live a fulfilling and uplifting winter life.
Unrivaled Natural Beauty
When one might think of Montpelier’s snowfall, a negative connotation may come to mind. After all, shoveling, icy roads and slushy snow are all part of a winter in Montpelier. But emerging snowfall can actually reveal some of the most stunning vistas of the city.
Since the ski season in Montpelier can often last for up to six months, visiting ski resorts can provide a refreshing sight and an exciting experience. In particular, indoor ski areas such as the Killington Resort have gained traction in recent years, offering ski lovers an incredible experience to enjoy the slopes, even in bad weather.
Moreover, visiting Montpelier in winter can offer a unique experience in terms of skiers, as the city benefits from a long season and plenty of snowfall. And even outside of ski resorts, nature beaches and trails in Montpelier are some of the most awe-inspiring sights in the U.S. The breathtaking snow-covered sources and the rustic wooden cabins, surrounded by white trees and emerald lake, make for an unforgettable winter experience.
Never-Ending Winter Fun
There is no denying that winter in Montpelier can be a difficult time for citizens. But with its abundance of nature trails, ski resorts, and citizens always ready to lend a helping hand, Montpelier is a city that truly embraces the wintertime.
In the colder regions of the U.S., many cities have opted to look down upon snowfall as merely a responsibility. Like the seasons of nature, Montpelier’s winter activities remind citizens that winter does not have to be dull and tiresome, but joyful and unforgettable.
From its caring citizens, to its long list of winter activities and its vision to use winter as a vehicle for joy, Montpelier sets itself apart. With its extraordinary snowfall, it will remain a city of memories and never-ending winter fun.
