Lansing, Michigan – Snow has dominated the winter season across Michigan, with the deepest totals stacking up in the Upper Peninsula and along the Lake Michigan shoreline from late September through early February. Repeated lake-effect events have created a sharp contrast between northern and western communities and the rest of the state.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s National Snowfall Analysis, parts of Michigan have recorded between 2 and 20 feet of snow since Sept. 30. The highest seasonal totals are concentrated in the Upper Peninsula, where persistent cold air and long-duration lake-effect bands off Lake Superior have driven exceptional accumulation.
Communities including Marquette, Houghton, Ironwood, and Sault Ste. Marie sit near the top of the range, with several locations approaching or exceeding 15 to 20 feet for the season. Snowpack has remained deep for weeks at a time, frequently impacting travel on U.S. 41, M-28, and rural county roads.
Along the western Lower Peninsula, snowfall has also been significant. From Benton Harbor and Holland north through Muskegon, Ludington, Manistee, and Traverse City, many areas have logged more than 10 feet this season. Lake-effect snow off Lake Michigan has repeatedly reduced visibility and slowed travel on I-96, US-31, and M-22.
Farther inland and toward southeast Michigan, including Lansing, Detroit, and Ann Arbor, seasonal totals drop off considerably, though repeated snow events have still caused periodic commuting issues. MDOT continues to warn drivers that lake-effect snow can rapidly change conditions with little notice. With winter still ongoing, additional snow events could continue to add to already impressive seasonal totals across northern and western Michigan.
