One Warm Winter

Based on preliminary data, the average temperature in the U.S., between December 2005 and February 2006 was 36.3 degrees, making it the fifth warmest winter on record, according to the NOAA National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C.

The winter temperature in 41 states was above or much above average, reports the NOAA, with only seven states near average and none cooler than the long-term mean.

Snowpack across the western U.S. reflected the general distribution of precipitation with parts of the Northwest at more than 150 percent of normal, while much of the Southwest had far less than 50 percent of normal winter snowpack at the end of February. Both Arizona and New Mexico have seen a nearly unprecedented lack of snowfall this season. In Flagstaff, Ariz., as of Feb. 28, only 1.6 inches of snow had fallen since autumn began. This contrasts with a normal snow total of 72.5 inches for the period.

Several significant snow storms impacted the nation during the winter, including a powerful storm that hit the East Coast on Feb. 11-12. Areas of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut received more than 20 inches of snow during the event, which was classified as a Category 3 ("major") snow storm by the new Northeast Snowfall Impact Scale.

In early February, Lawn & Landscape's Online Poll asked readers for their opinions on the Groundhog Day prediction that there would be six more weeks of winter. The poll showed that 10 percent of respondents were already having a profitable snow removal season and were looking forward to continued winter weather. However, 44 percent of contractors were holding out for a longer spring. The warm winter weather, they said, allowed their crews to extend the season longer than usual. Another 46 percent were hopeful that colder weather would come to pass and help them get their snow seasons back on track.

According to Lawn & Landscape's sister publication GIE Media's SNOW Magazine, snow removal contractors remain nearly split on whether or not Winter 2005/2006 has anymore surprises on the way. The most recent Snow Magazine research indicates that 59 percent of snow contractors are confident they’ll receive one more substantial snowfall before season’s end, while 41 percent are convinced that they’ve seen the worst (or best) of what winter has to offer.