Storms · 1978
Snowstorm of Dec. 28, 1978 – Jan. 3, 1979
From December 28, 1978 to January 3, 1979, 352 weather stations in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota reported a total for this storm. 128 of them got 6 inches or more, 31 got a foot or more. The most was 40.5 in at Hancock Houghton Co Ap, MI. It also reached Category 2 in the Ohio Valley and Category 1 in the South.
NOAA’s Regional Snowfall Index scored it 10.08 for the Upper Midwest (Category 4), the 17th highest of the 671 storms NOAA has scored there since 1900.
Fosston 1 E, MN: 0 in Hutchinson 1 N, MN: 0 in Lake Wilson, MN: 0 in Luverne, MN: 0 in Tracy, MN: 0 in Wheaton, MN: 0 in Windom, MN: 0 in Worthington 2 Nne, MN: 0 in Redwood Falls Faa Arpt, MN: 0.2 in Springfield 1 Nw, MN: 0.2 in Redwood Falls Muni Ap, MN: 0.2 in Fairmont, MN: 0.3 in Olivia 3 Se, MN: 0.3 in Madison Wwtp, MN: 0.4 in Browns Valley, MN: 0.5 in Hastings Dam 2, MN: 0.5 in Lamberton Sw Rsch & Outreach C, MN: 0.5 in North Mankato, MN: 0.5 in Ortonville, MN: 0.5 in St James Wwtp, MN: 0.5 in Winnebago, MN: 0.5 in Fairchild Ranger Stn, WI: 0.5 in New Ulm 2 Se, MN: 0.6 in Tamarac Wildlife Ref, MN: 0.7 in Alexandria Faa Airport, MN: 0.8 in Minneapolis Wsfo Ap, MN: 0.8 in Alexandria Chandler Fld, MN: 0.8 in Minneapolis-St Paul Intl Ap, MN: 0.8 in Tyler, MN: 0.9 in Babbitt 2 Se, MN: 1 in Canby, MN: 1 in Cedar, MN: 1 in Dawson, MN: 1 in Delano, MN: 1 in Elbow Lake 5 E, MN: 1 in Farmington 3Nw, MN: 1 in Gaylord, MN: 1 in High Landing 2 Nw, MN: 1 in Mahnomen, MN: 1 in Marshall, MN: 1 in Milan 1Nw, MN: 1 in Wadena 3 S, MN: 1 in Waseca S Rsch & Outreach Ctr, MN: 1 in Luck, WI: 1 in Rice Lake, WI: 1 in St Croix Falls, WI: 1 in Artichoke Lake 1 E, MN: 1.1 in Minneota, MN: 1.3 in Buffalo 2Ne, MN: 1.5 in Forest Lake 5Ne, MN: 1.5 in Indus 3 W, MN: 1.5 in Owatonna, MN: 1.5 in Rockford, MN: 1.5 in Stewart, MN: 1.5 in Young America 1Sw, MN: 1.5 in Baldwin, WI: 1.5 in La Crosse Faa Airport, WI: 1.5 in River Falls, WI: 1.5 in Cass Lake, MN: 1.6 in Morris W Cntrl Rsch & Outreach, MN: 1.6 in Itasca Univ Of Minn, MN: 1.6 in La Crosse Muni Ap, WI: 1.6 in Red Wing Dam 3, MN: 1.7 in Ashland Exp Farm, WI: 1.7 in Mellen 4 Ne, WI: 1.7 in Benson, MN: 1.9 in Elk Rvr, MN: 1.9 in Amery, WI: 1.9 in Cumberland, WI: 1.9 in Agassiz Refuge, MN: 2 in Albert Lea 3Se, MN: 2 in Austin Waste Wtp Facility, MN: 2 in Bricelyn, MN: 2 in Cambridge, MN: 2 in Jordan 1Ssw, MN: 2 in Maple Plain, MN: 2 in Rothsay, MN: 2 in St Paul, MN: 2 in Thief Rvr Falls 2, MN: 2 in Walker, MN: 2 in Warroad, MN: 2 in Zumbrota, MN: 2 in Mauston 1 Se, WI: 2 in Ridgeland 1Nne, WI: 2 in Winton Pwr Plt, MN: 2.1 in Collegeville St John's, MN: 2.3 in La Crescent Dam 7, MN: 2.3 in Caledonia, MN: 2.4 in Vesta, MN: 2.5 in Georgetown 1 E, MN: 2.5 in Spring Grove, MN: 2.6 in Sparta, WI: 2.7 in Spooner Ag Rsch Stn, WI: 2.7 in Wausau Faa Airport, WI: 2.8 in Hoyt Lakes 5 N, MN: 2.9 in Cokato, MN: 3 in Detroit Lakes 1 Nne, MN: 3 in Karlstad, MN: 3 in Litchfield, MN: 3 in Milaca, MN: 3 in Rochester Wso Ap, MN: 3 in Rosemount Rsch & Outreach Ctr, MN: 3 in Santiago 3 E, MN: 3 in Wells, MN: 3 in Willmar Wwtp, MN: 3 in Zumbro Falls, MN: 3 in Madeline Is, WI: 3 in Owen 1E, WI: 3 in Rochester Intl Ap, MN: 3 in Minnesota City Dam 5, MN: 3.3 in Wabasha, MN: 3.3 in Saxon 1Wsw, WI: 3.3 in Prentice #2, WI: 3.3 in Argyle, MN: 3.4 in Bemidji, MN: 3.4 in Hokah Wwtp, MN: 3.4 in Moose Lake 1 Sse, MN: 3.4 in Alma Dam 4, WI: 3.4 in Stanley Wwtp, WI: 3.4 in Winter, WI: 3.4 in Leech Lake, MN: 3.5 in Oklee, MN: 3.5 in Ottertail, MN: 3.5 in Red Lake Falls, MN: 3.5 in Red Lake Indian Agcy, MN: 3.5 in Red Wing, MN: 3.5 in Whiteface Rsvr, MN: 3.5 in Antigo, WI: 3.5 in Hatfield, WI: 3.5 in Mondovi, WI: 3.5 in Trempealeau Dam 6, WI: 3.5 in Viroqua, WI: 3.5 in Marquette Wb City, MI: 3.6 in Eau Claire Faa Airport, WI: 3.6 in Chippewa Valley Rgnl Ap, WI: 3.6 in Kewaunee, WI: 3.7 in Mather 3 Nw, WI: 3.8 in Stambaugh 2Sse, MI: 3.8 in Wausau Asos, WI: 3.8 in Baudette, MN: 4 in Baudette 21 Sse, MN: 4 in Caribou 2 S, MN: 4 in Cook 18 W, MN: 4 in Gunflint Lake 10 Nw, MN: 4 in Melrose, MN: 4 in Montgomery, MN: 4 in New London, MN: 4 in Preston, MN: 4 in Remer #2, MN: 4 in Brule Rs, WI: 4 in Galesville 2Wsw, WI: 4 in Hayward Rs, WI: 4 in Holcombe, WI: 4 in Menomonie, WI: 4 in Neillsville 3Ese, WI: 4 in Park Falls Dnr Hq, WI: 4 in Solon Springs, WI: 4 in Superior, WI: 4 in Weyerhaeuser 1N, WI: 4 in North Pelican, WI: 4 in Elgin 2Ssw, MN: 4.1 in Grand Marais, MN: 4.1 in Gordon, WI: 4.1 in St Cloud Whitney Ap, MN: 4.2 in Winona, MN: 4.2 in Jump Rvr 3E, WI: 4.2 in St Cloud Rgnl Ap, MN: 4.2 in Int Falls Wso Ap, MN: 4.3 in Intl Falls Intl Ap, MN: 4.3 in Cotton, MN: 4.5 in Crookston, MN: 4.5 in Crookston Nw Exp Stn, MN: 4.5 in Lanesboro, MN: 4.5 in Cashton, WI: 4.5 in Danbury, WI: 4.5 in Genoa Dam 8, WI: 4.5 in Marshfield Exp Farm, WI: 4.5 in Newald 4 N, WI: 4.5 in Ironwood, MI: 4.6 in Readstown, WI: 4.6 in Big Falls, MN: 4.7 in Mora, MN: 4.8 in Pine Rvr Dam, MN: 4.8 in Blair, WI: 4.8 in Eau Pleine Rsvr, WI: 4.8 in Shawano 2Ssw, WI: 4.8 in Port Inland, MI: 4.8 in Trout Lake, MI: 5 in Watersmeet, MI: 5 in Duluth Harbor Stn, MN: 5 in Ft Ripley, MN: 5 in Hinckley, MN: 5 in Long Prairie, MN: 5 in Tower 2S, MN: 5 in Winnibigoshish Dam, MN: 5 in Wright 3 E, MN: 5 in Coddington 1 E, WI: 5 in Dodge, WI: 5 in Goodman Sanitary Dist, WI: 5 in Hancock Exp Farm, WI: 5 in Long Lake Dam, WI: 5 in Minong 5 Wsw, WI: 5 in Necedah, WI: 5 in Pine River 3 Ne, WI: 5 in Richland Ctr, WI: 5 in St Germain, WI: 5 in South Pelican, WI: 5 in Willow Rsvr, WI: 5 in Hibbing Faa Airport, MN: 5.2 in Wisconsin Dells Wwtp, WI: 5.2 in Hibbing Chisholm Hibbing Ap, MN: 5.2 in Sugar Camp, WI: 5.3 in Rib Falls, WI: 5.3 in Cornell 4 Wsw, MI: 5.4 in Marinette, WI: 5.4 in Phelps, WI: 5.4 in Brule Island, WI: 5.4 in Bloomer, WI: 5.5 in Clintonville, WI: 5.5 in Breakwater, WI: 5.5 in Laona 6 Sw, WI: 5.8 in Arlington, WI: 5.9 in Manistique Wwtp, MI: 5.9 in Goodrich 1 E, WI: 5.9 in Fayette 4 Sw, MI: 6 in Iron Mtn-Kingsford Wwtp, MI: 6 in Ishpeming, MI: 6 in Rudyard 4N, MI: 6 in Beaver, MN: 6 in Grand Rapids Forestry Lab, MN: 6 in Kelliher, MN: 6 in Pokegama Dam, MN: 6 in Winona Dam 5 A, MN: 6 in Bowler, WI: 6 in Breed 6 Sse, WI: 6 in Fort Atkinson, WI: 6 in Ladysmith 3W, WI: 6 in Lakewood 3 Ne, WI: 6 in Medford, WI: 6 in Ontario 3E, WI: 6 in Prairie Du Chien, WI: 6 in Waupaca, WI: 6 in Westby 3Ene, WI: 6 in Wisconsin Rapids, WI: 6 in Wis Rapids Grand Av B, WI: 6 in Lone Rock Tri Co, WI: 6.2 in Lone Rock Tri Co Ap, WI: 6.2 in Crystal Falls 6 Ne, MI: 6.3 in Washington Is, WI: 6.3 in Alberta Ford For Ctr, MI: 6.4 in Flambeau Rsvr, WI: 6.4 in Aitkin 2E, MN: 6.5 in Harmony, MN: 6.5 in Big Falls Hydro, WI: 6.5 in Minocqua, WI: 6.5 in Rainbow Rsvr Tomahawk, WI: 6.5 in Stevens Pt, WI: 6.5 in Green Bay Wso Airport, WI: 6.7 in Reedsburg Wwtp, WI: 6.7 in Cloquet, MN: 6.7 in Beechwood 7 Wnw, MI: 6.9 in Lake City, MN: 7 in Muscoda, WI: 7 in Baraboo Wwtp, WI: 7 in Beaver Dam Wwtp, WI: 7 in Buckatabon, WI: 7.1 in Rest Lake, WI: 7.4 in Brainerd, MN: 7.5 in Sandy Lake Dam Libby, MN: 7.5 in Blanchardville #2, WI: 7.5 in Lynxville Dam 9, WI: 7.5 in Spirit Falls, WI: 7.5 in Stratford 1 Nw, WI: 7.5 in Wausaukee, WI: 7.5 in Green Bay, WI: 7.6 in Champion Van Riper Pk, MI: 7.9 in Seney Wr, MI: 8 in Duluth Wso Ap, MN: 8 in Island Lake Rsvr, MN: 8 in Isle 12N, MN: 8 in Little Falls 2Nne, MN: 8 in Darlington Wwtp, WI: 8 in El Dorado 1 Ssw, WI: 8 in Lancaster 4 Wsw, WI: 8 in New London, WI: 8 in Duluth, MN: 8 in Spalding 1 Nw, MI: 8.1 in Big Bay 1Nw, MI: 8.2 in Newberry-Luce Co Rd Commission, MI: 8.2 in Bergland Dam, MI: 8.5 in Dodgeville Wwtp, WI: 8.5 in Prairie Du Sac 2 N, WI: 8.5 in Baraga, MI: 8.8 in Kenton, MI: 9 in Brillion, WI: 9 in Lac Vieux Desert, WI: 9 in Oconto 4 W, WI: 9 in Sturgeon Bay Exp Farm, WI: 9 in Burlington Wwtp, WI: 9.2 in Lake Mills Wwtp, WI: 9.8 in Appleton, WI: 9.9 in Hartford Wwtp, WI: 10 in Martintown 2E, WI: 10 in Portage Wwtp, WI: 10 in Montello Wwtp, WI: 10 in Platteville, WI: 10.3 in Bayfield 6 N, WI: 10.6 in Marquette Wso, MI: 10.8 in Dalton, WI: 11 in Brodhead Wwtp, WI: 11 in Madison Wso Airport, WI: 11.1 in Chatham Exp Fa, MI: 11.3 in Monroe Wwtp, WI: 11.4 in Marquette, MI: 11.4 in Janesville, WI: 11.5 in Fond Du Lac Wwtp, WI: 11.6 in Grand Marais 2 E, MI: 11.7 in Herman, MI: 11.7 in Grand Marais 2 E, MI: 11.7 in Munising, MI: 11.8 in Madison Dane Co Rgnl Ap, WI: 11.9 in Charmany Farm, WI: 12 in Whitewater Wwtp, WI: 12 in Two Rivers, WI: 12.2 in Oshkosh, WI: 12.6 in Port Washington, WI: 12.6 in Sheboygan, WI: 12.8 in Waukesha Wwtp, WI: 12.9 in Beaver Is, MI: 13 in Chilton, WI: 13 in Oconomowoc, WI: 13 in Cross Village 1E, MI: 13.1 in Ripon 5 Ne, WI: 13.5 in West Bend, WI: 13.5 in Rock 1 E, MI: 13.5 in Ontonagon 6 Se, MI: 14 in Mt Mary College, WI: 14.1 in Steuben, MI: 14.2 in Lake Geneva Wwtp, WI: 14.4 in Germantown Wastewater Utility, WI: 15 in Horicon Wwtp, WI: 15 in Kenosha Wwtp, WI: 15 in Plymouth Wwtp, WI: 16 in Milwaukee Wso Airport, WI: 17.6 in Milwaukee Mitchell Ap, WI: 19.1 in Tahquamenon Falls Sp, MI: 19.2 in Watertown Wwtp, WI: 19.4 in Racine Wwtp, WI: 19.7 in Whitefish Pt, MI: 20.6 in Union Grove Wwtp, WI: 27 in Houghton Faa Airport, MI: 27.3 in Hancock Houghton Co Ap, MI: 40.5 in Minneapolis Duluth Hayward Green Bay Madison Marquette Towns Town Storm total Milwaukee , WI19.1 in Madison , WI11.9 in Munising , MI11.8 in Duluth , MN8 in Green Bay , WI7.6 in Brainerd , MN7.5 in Minocqua , WI6.5 in Grand Rapids , MN6 in Ely , MN5 in Ironwood , MI4.6 in International Falls , MN4.3 in St. Cloud , MN4.2 in Grand Marais , MN4.1 in Hayward , WI4 in Wausau , WI3.8 in Eau Claire , WI3.6 in Marquette , MI3.6 in Bemidji , MN3.4 in Detroit Lakes , MN3 in Rochester , MN3 in Ashland , WI1.7 in La Crosse , WI1.6 in Minneapolis , MN0.8 in
Biggest totals
Station Storm total Hancock Houghton Co ApMI 40.5 in Houghton Faa AirportMI 27.3 in Union Grove WwtpWI 27 in Whitefish PtMI 20.6 in Racine WwtpWI 19.7 in Watertown WwtpWI 19.4 in Tahquamenon Falls SpMI 19.2 in Milwaukee Mitchell ApWI 19.1 in Milwaukee Wso AirportWI 17.6 in Plymouth WwtpWI 16 in Germantown Wastewater UtilityWI 15 in Horicon WwtpWI 15 in Kenosha WwtpWI 15 in Lake Geneva WwtpWI 14.4 in SteubenMI 14.2 in Mt Mary CollegeWI 14.1 in Ontonagon 6 SeMI 14 in Ripon 5 NeWI 13.5 in West BendWI 13.5 in Rock 1 EMI 13.5 in
Cross-country ski venues in its path Each venue’s nearest reporting station, within 20 km. Venue pages are on XC Index.
Chassell Trail 40.5 in at Hancock Houghton Co Ap, 15 km away Maasto Hiihto Ski Trails 27.3 in at Houghton Faa Airport, 8 km away Michigan Tech University Ski Trails 27.3 in at Houghton Faa Airport, 8 km away Swedetown Trails 27.3 in at Houghton Faa Airport, 8 km away UW-Parkside Ski Trail 19.7 in at Racine Wwtp, 10 km away Whitnall Park 19.1 in at Milwaukee Mitchell Ap, 11 km away Greenbush Ski Trails 16 in at Plymouth Wwtp, 12 km away Brown Deer Park 14.1 in at Mt Mary College, 11 km away Rapid River Ski Trail 13.5 in at Rock 1 E, 15 km away CLCF Nordic 13.5 in at West Bend, 13 km away Lac Lawrann Conservancy 13.5 in at West Bend, 11 km away Friends of Lapham Peak 13 in at Oconomowoc, 11 km away Nashotah Park 13 in at Oconomowoc, 7 km away Minooka Park 12.9 in at Waukesha Wwtp, 6 km away Blackhawk Ski Club Trails 12 in at Charmany Farm, 9 km away CXC Outdoor Center 12 in at Charmany Farm, 8 km away Elver Park 12 in at Charmany Farm, 3 km away Lake Farm County Park 12 in at Charmany Farm, 11 km away McMiller 12 in at Whitewater Wwtp, 16 km away Nordic Ski Trail 12 in at Whitewater Wwtp, 11 km away Odana Hills Golf Course 12 in at Charmany Farm, 1 km away Owen Conservation 12 in at Charmany Farm, 3 km away Turville Point Conservation 12 in at Charmany Farm, 8 km away University Ridge Golf Course 12 in at Charmany Farm, 7 km away Cherokee Marsh - South Unit 11.9 in at Madison Dane Co Rgnl Ap, 4 km away Governor Nelson State Park 11.9 in at Madison Dane Co Rgnl Ap, 8 km away Token Creek County Park 11.9 in at Madison Dane Co Rgnl Ap, 5 km away Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Munising 11.8 in at Munising, 16 km away Valley Spur 11.8 in at Munising, 6 km away Rockport Park 11.5 in at Janesville, 4 km away And 253 more.
← Snowstorm of Jan. 23–28, 1978 · Snowstorm of Jan. 12–15, 1979 →
Storm and dates: NOAA NCEI Snowstorm Database, storm 19781228_19790103_1. Long-record stations that reported every day: their daily reports (NOAA GHCN-Daily) summed over the dates. Other stations: the total in NOAA’s storm file.