Snow Pack Onset

Fairbanks has reported at least 1" of snow on the ground every day since October 4th. Today makes 11 consecutive days with measurable snow depth. However, the total for today was down to 1" and the forecast for the next few days suggest that it might dip below 1". If that occurs, the snow pack onset date will the date when the snow depth exceeds 1" again and stays that way for the rest of the season. Figure 1 shows the snow pack onset date for Fairbanks.

Figure 1. Date where snow depth stayed at or above 1" for the remainder of the season.

In is not unheard of for snow to be measured for at least 10 days and then drop below 1" before being reestablished some number of days later. Here are the instance when it occurred:

In 1919, at least 1" of snow was on the ground from October 1st through October 11th (11 days), but then the snow went below 1" for all but one day until October 29th.

In 1940, at least 1" of snow was on the ground from October 20th through October 30th (11 days); the snow pack was established for good on November 8th.

In 1949, at least 1" of snow was on the ground from October 9th through October 24th (16 days); the snow pack was established for good on October 31st.

In 1951, at least 1" of snow was on the ground from October 6th through October 25th (20 days); the snow pack was established for good on October 27th.

In 1955, at least 1" of snow was on the ground from October 7th through October 22nd (16 days); the snow pack was established for good on October 24th.

In 1972, at least 1" of snow was on the ground from September 29th through October 16th (18 days); the snow pack was established for good on October 19th.

In 1981, at least 1" of snow was on the ground from October 4th through October 14th (11 days); the snow pack was established for good on October 27th.