Winter Storm — Barron, Wisconsin

2023-02-21 to 2023-02-23 · Barron, Wisconsin

Event narrative

Multiple bands of snow moved across the county. Sustained winds increased out of the northeast to 20 mph with gusts near 30 mph. Across the county, Interpolated Snowfall Analysis using the National Gridded Snowfall Analysis (NGSA) map detailed that at least 3-6 inches fell in 24 hrs, additional 6-12 inches in 48 hrs and overall snow totals ranging from 8-18 inches. Trained Spotters reported at least 12.5 inches of snowfall near Chetek, WI the morning of 2/23. However, snow continued through most of the afternoon that on 2/23 and was likely to have accumulated another inch if not more before dissipating.

Wider weather episode

Multiple bands of heavy snow.

A powerful winter storm produced multiple bands of widespread significant snowfall to parts of Western Wisconsin. A Winter Storm Watch was issued on February 19th for the entire County Warning Area to bring attention to the significant system coming a few days later. On February 21st, all counties in Western Wisconsin were upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning for wind gusts of 35-40 mph, and heavy accumulating snow of up to 12-18 inches in some areas. Using the Winter Storm Severity Index, considerable disruptions to daily life were expected. This included avoidance of travel recommendations, and potentially widespread closures to roads and other infrastructure.

Snow began to fall on the afternoon of February 21st and persisted in waves through the afternoon of February 23rd. Wind gust observations did detail some gusts reached the low to mid 30 mph range. The first band of snow was less significant as compared to the next bands of snow. Overall snow accumulations provided by a combination of trained spotters and the CoCoRaHS observers, verified the forecast. Snowfall accumulations ranged from 8-16 inches across the region.

Some of the highest snowfall totals included:

15.5 inches 13 miles south of Eau Claire WI.

15 inches near Hudson WI.

15.9 inches 9 miles northeast of New Richmond, WI.

14.7 inches near Chippewa Falls WI.

14.0 inches near Chetek WI.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1082411. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.