What State Gets the Most Snow in the USA

Photo: Freepik.com, standret

If you’ve ever wondered what state gets the most snow, you’re not alone. From the icy peaks of Alaska to the snow-covered towns of New England, America’s snowfall patterns vary dramatically. Some regions experience just a light winter dusting, while others are buried under several feet of snow each year. In this article, we’ll explore which state gets the most snow, what city gets the most snow in the United States, and the fascinating reasons why some areas see the most snowfall in the US.

How Snowfall Is Measured Across the United States

Before we reveal what state has the most snow, it’s important to understand how snowfall is measured. Meteorologists look at average annual snowfall, combining decades of data from weather stations. This helps determine which states get the most snow not just from one heavy winter, but over time.

Factors that affect snowfall include:

• Latitude: Northern states naturally experience colder air masses.
• Elevation: Higher altitudes receive more snow due to cooler temperatures.
• Proximity to lakes and oceans: Lake-effect snow can drastically increase totals.

These factors make some states with the most snow consistent year after year, while others vary depending on climate patterns like El Niño and La Niña.

Top States That Get the Most Snow

Based on NOAA and World Population Review data, the following are the states that get the most snow annually in the United States:

1. Alaska – Average Annual Snowfall: 72.8 inches

No surprise here — Alaska easily tops the list when it comes to the most snow in US. Its Arctic climate and mountainous terrain create perfect conditions for heavy snowfall. Thompson Pass near Valdez has seen over 974 inches of snow in one season, one of the highest totals ever recorded in the country.

2. New Hampshire – Average Annual Snowfall: 59.9 inches

In the lower 48 states, New Hampshire often claims the title for what state snows the most. The White Mountains collect massive snow totals thanks to their elevation and proximity to the Atlantic. Mount Washington, known for its extreme weather, sees snow almost year-round.

3. Vermont – Average Annual Snowfall: 58.4 inches

Neighboring Vermont isn’t far behind. Known for its ski resorts like Stowe and Killington, Vermont’s combination of cold temperatures and moist air from the Great Lakes makes it one of the states with the most snow in the Northeast.

4. Maine – Average Annual Snowfall: 57.2 inches

Maine’s long winters and coastal storms produce significant snow accumulations. Interior towns like Caribou average over 100 inches annually, putting Maine among the top contenders for which state gets the most snow.

5. New York – Average Annual Snowfall: 55 inches

New York’s snowfall is driven by the famous lake-effect snow from Lakes Erie and Ontario. Cities like Buffalo and Syracuse often make headlines for blizzards. Syracuse, in fact, is what city gets the most snow in the United States, averaging around 114 inches per year.

6. Colorado – Average Annual Snowfall: 43 inches

Home to the Rocky Mountains, Colorado’s high elevations lead to substantial snow totals. Mountain towns like Crested Butte and Aspen can see more than 300 inches each winter, attracting skiers from around the world.

7. Michigan – Average Annual Snowfall: 60 inches (Upper Peninsula)

While statewide averages are lower, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is one of the snowiest regions in the country. Thanks to lake-effect snow from Lake Superior, towns like Houghton and Marquette regularly receive over 200 inches per year.

8. Massachusetts – Average Annual Snowfall: 44 inches

New England winters hit Massachusetts hard, especially in central and western parts of the state. Nor’easter storms can dump several feet of snow in a matter of days, making it a regular member of the states that get the most snow list.

9. Utah – Average Annual Snowfall: 41 inches

Utah markets its powder as “The Greatest Snow on Earth,” and for good reason. Mountain resorts like Alta and Snowbird see annual totals over 500 inches. Much of this is due to the Great Salt Lake’s snow-generating effect.

10. Minnesota – Average Annual Snowfall: 36 inches

Known for its freezing winters, Minnesota experiences long stretches of snow cover. Northern areas like Duluth and the Iron Range average over 70 inches of snow annually, ranking it among states with the most snow in the Midwest.

What City Gets the Most Snow in the United States?

When looking at what city gets the most snow in the United States, the winner is Syracuse, New York. This upstate city receives an incredible 114 inches of snow annually. The combination of cold Canadian air and moisture from Lake Ontario creates heavy lake-effect snowfalls that can drop several inches in just a few hours.

Other notably snowy cities include:

• Erie, Pennsylvania: ~104 inches per year
• Buffalo, New York: ~95 inches per year
• Anchorage, Alaska: ~80 inches per year

These cities often compete for the unofficial title of “Snowiest City in America.”

Why Some Places Get the Most Snow

You might wonder why where does it snow the most in the US often overlaps with mountain or lake regions. The answer lies in geography. Mountain ranges like the Rockies, Cascades, and Appalachians force moist air to rise, cool, and fall as snow. Similarly, lake-effect snow happens when cold air moves across warmer lake waters, picking up moisture and dumping it as snow inland.

So, what state gets the most snow overall? The answer is clear — Alaska leads the nation by a wide margin. However, if you limit the list to the continental U.S., New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York top the charts. These states with the most snow are shaped by their geography, elevation, and proximity to large bodies of water.

Understanding which states get the most snow helps explain America’s incredible weather diversity — from tropical Florida to frozen Alaska. Whether you’re chasing powder for skiing or avoiding blizzards altogether, now you know exactly what state snows the most and where the most snowfall in the US truly happens.

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