Drought — Vilas, Wisconsin

2024-02-01 to 2024-02-29 · Vilas, Wisconsin

Event narrative

Drought that developed last summer continued through the winter across Vilas County. At the beginning of the month, Severe Drought (D2) encompassed the far western portion of the county near Iron County. The rest of the western half of Vilas County was designated in Moderate Drought (D1) with Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions over the eastern half. By the 20th, Severe Drought (D2) expanded to cover the western half of the county, with the eastern half in Moderate Drought (D1). February went down in the record books as very mild with below normal precipitation and snowfall, which resulted in an unusually lower than normal snowpack. At Eagle River, the maximum snow depth reported during the month was only 3 inches. There was only one significant snowfall during the month from the 14th into the 15th, which accounted for 66 percent of the monthly snowfall total. The observer only recorded a trace or zero for the snow depth on the observation on nearly a third of days during the month. The monthly precipitation total was 0.42 inches, which was 0.64 inches below normal, or 40 percent of normal. The snowfall total for the month was only 5.0 inches, which was 9.1 inches below normal, or 35 percent of normal. At Lac Vieux Desert, the maximum snow depth reported during the month was only 4 inches. There was only one significant snowfall during the month from the 14th into the 15th, which accounted for 66 percent of the monthly snowfall total. The observer only recorded a trace or zero for the snow depth on the daily observation form on nearly a third of the days during the month. The monthly precipitation total was 0.47 inches, which was 0.82 inches below normal, or 36 percent of normal. The snowfall total for the month was only 3.8 inches, which was 16.1 inches below normal, or 19 percent of normal.

Wider weather episode

Drought that developed last summer continued through the winter, including a snow drought at some locations across north-central and far northeast Wisconsin. The most pronounced drought conditions were noted across the southwest corner of Forest, northern Langlade, Lincoln, much of Oneida, and far western Vilas counties, where Severe Drought (D2) was reported. Moderate Drought (D1) or Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions were noted over the remainder of the area. The drought led to well below normal snowfall and snow pack, which negatively impacted the winter tourism industry across north-central and northeast Wisconsin.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1162334. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.