There will be stories written, memories passed down generations... For the Twin Cities area, the Meteorological Winter (December, January, February) of 2022/23 has been recorded as the WETTEST since record keeping began in 1893. But that’s not all, it likely held the biggest blizzard we’ve seen since 1991… or maybe you missed the “Great Halloween Blizzard” but have heard the stories!
There’s a sidewalk in there somewhere… 2-23-23
Prognosticators weren’t sure if our winter would be above or below normal. Hmmm, they’ve received their answer! Between snow and rain, we’ve been inundated. Data shows we’ve received twice as much precipitation in the Twin Cities area and even three times as much in other parts of the state.
The big question everyone is talking about: Will this end our drought? I know, it seems like I JUST talked about this… I did. Sorry, we’re here again. However, this time I might have better news.
Calla lilies – because The ‘Scoop needed to see them!
Our frost depth isn’t nearly as deep right now, March 6th, 2023 as it was March 7th, 2022. For comparison: this year it’s 27 inches, last year it was 39 inches! WOW. Stats from SWROC
THAT is good news in terms of spring melt. It makes it more likely that our soil will be able to “accept” those luscious drinks of water rather than spitting it up and down the drain. Take a peek at this info from NOAA and NWS. From them: Though we have an ample snowpack, drier soils and little frost depth will help alleviate at least some of the snowmelt threat. The threat of seeing major flooding will still depend on what kind of rainfall/temperature patterns we get during the snowmelt.
From severe drought to a plethora of moisture, it’s enough to give The Scoop whiplash!
Slosh onward gardeners,
