Vermont's Valentine's Day Storm is one for the record books
February 14th, 2007 set some records for snowfall amounts in Vermont. After an almost snowless start to the winter, a classic Nor'easter hit the state on the morning of the 14th and continued throughout the day and into the night.
Some ski areas, notably, Bolton Valley, reported more than three feet of snow. Stowe Mountain Resort issued an avalanche warning for backcountry skiers venturing onto undeveloped terrain on Mount Mansfield, one of the first in its history. The Mad River Glen marketing department was on the verge of running out of superlatives in describing the conditions:
"Conditions have improved to well beyond epic and are nearing mythic proportions. To make matters even better there is more snow predicted over the next few days and if that happens I may run out of superlatives (but will probably come up with something)."
Parker Riehle, president of the Vermont Ski Areas Association said the state had not experienced such an "epic" storm since 1993.
Amtracks rail service to Vermont was cancelled. Around mid-day, Vermont Emergency Management officials advised Vermonters to stay off all roads for the duration of the storm. By late afternoon all commercial trucks were ordered off highways. The Vermont State Police activated all the members of its criminal division to assist its patrol division. This action resulted in an extra 40 troopers on the highways to help with stranded motorists and accidents.
Valentine's Day Storm got a Blizzard Rating
What also made the storm special was it's blizzard rating. Blizzards don't usually hit Vermont. A blizzard, according to meterologists, requires that the sustained winds in a snow storm hit 35 mph or more. That condition got met.
Vermonters are used to snow storms and with several days warning, travellers headed advise to stay off the roads. The snow was light and fluffy and there were no major power outages. No fatalities were reported and no serious accidents. A snowmobiler reported missing on the day of the storm in Woodford was found unharmed. Neal Jensen of Egremount, Massaschussetts had become separated from his two companions while out snowmobiling during the storm. There were some casualties on Vermont farms, though. The Vermont Department of Agriculture says at least 20 cows were killed by collapsing barn roofs.
State government workers had the day off and weren't required to report back for work until noon the following day. Most schools were closed for two days. About the only official body that was opened for business on the day following the storm was the Vermont Legislature, which held a scheduled joint session.
Here are some storm totals from around the state:
Cambridge.............36"
Bethel................30
Burlington............25.7" This is the greatest amount of snow in 24 hrs on Burlington records (started in 1883); the 2nd greatest snowstorm (#1 Dec 1969 29.8")
Brattleboro............16"
Monkton...............31"
Montpelier............30"
Waterbury Center......30"
Eden..................30"
Killington............30"
Richford..............30"
Vermonters report in on the storm:
"On the North Ridge here in Sutton, Vermont we had a total accumulation of 34 inches. Snowy blowy conditions made is necesary to stay home so the snow equipment could keep roads cleared. Haven't seen the storm of this magnitude for about 5-6 years." — Colleen Belanger, Sutton, VT.
Do you have a reliable snowfall tally for your Vermont community? If so, we will list it here. Mail us your info.
Other Storms:
Winter's Last Blast - Photo Gallery of sudden storm on March 24th, 2007