Heavy Lake Effect Snow Hits Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Lake effect snow continues to impact Michigan, particularly the Upper Peninsula and western Lower Michigan regions. This phenomenon occurs when cold air moves over the warmer waters of the Great Lakes, creating narrow, intense snow bands. Areas like Herman in Baraga County and the Marquette NWS office near Negaunee typically experience the highest snowfall totals, with seasonal averages exceeding 200 inches. Snowfall totals vary significantly across the state due to localized lake effect patterns, with towns just miles apart reporting vastly different amounts. Last winter saw above-normal snowfall across the Upper Peninsula, with Herman recording 366 inches, 176% of its seasonal average. Snow depth and snowpack conditions are critical for winter activities like snowmobiling and skiing, as fresh snow can settle or melt quickly depending on ground conditions.
