Global Warming Pounds MN !!
“I’ll tell you what it’s like to be No. 1. I compare it to climbing Mount Everest. It’s very difficult. Lives are lost along the way. You struggle and struggle and finally you get up there. And guess what there is once you get up there? Snow and ice.”
– David Merrick
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Source: http://www.twincities.com//ci_7655973
Minnesota / Early snow cover has depth, staying power
BY RICHARD CHIN
Pioneer Press
Article Last Updated: 12/06/2007 11:37:24 PM CST
We’re covered.
Minnesota has been coated by the most complete and early blanket of snow in more than 10 years, Department of Natural Resources climatologist Greg Spoden said Thursday.
A foot or more of snow smothers much of central and northern Minnesota, according to a snow depth map released Thursday by the DNR. The entire state has at least 3 inches or more of snow.
The last time the state had such early and complete snow coverage was in 1996, Spoden said.
Snow depths currently range from about 3 to 4 inches in southwestern Minnesota up to 18 inches on the ridges just inland from the North Shore.
Temperatures have been above average in the past nine out of 10 winters in the state, Spoden said. But so far, the end of November and beginning of December this year have been colder than normal.
A white Christmas seems likely. The National Weather Service one-month outlook calls for below-normal temperatures.
Spoden said the early snow is likely to be a boost for businesses related to winter recreation in the state including resorts, downhill and cross country ski areas, and retailers selling skis, ice-fishing gear and snowmobiles.
It’s especially helpful for winter recreation in the state that the metropolitan area is well covered early in the season. The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has received about 8 inches of snow, almost up to the 10 inches it gets on average for the entire month of December.
“In December, we sort of set the emotional tone for winter,” Spoden said.
Although snowmobilers and skiers may be rejoicing, an early winter produces some losers. Heating bills will be higher. The construction season is curtailed. Traffic snarls and accidents rise. State and municipal snow removal budgets take a hit. The snow covering inhibits ice formation, requiring extra caution before venturing out on lakes.
And after the winter of 1996-97, the last time we saw such early snow, there was disastrous flooding in the Red River basin when all that snow melted in the spring.
Richard Chin can be reached at rchin@pioneerpress.com or 651-228-5560.
Fyi
Heading out to enjoy winter? Here’s some information.
Ice fishing: Lake of the Woods had 7 to 10 inches of ice, and resorts were expected to begin ice-fishing operations Saturday.
On Upper Red Lake, there were 8 to 10 inches of ice, and anglers were driving on the lake with snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles.
Snowmobiling: Northeast Minnesota snowmobile clubs and the DNR were actively packing and grooming trails.
Cross country skiing: Trail grooming has been under way across the state including the metro area.
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Smitty, 12-11-07