La Crosse, WI – The Upper Mississippi River Valley saw a winter season with a mix of increased snowfall in some areas and above-average temperatures from December 21, 2024, through March 19, 2025. While snowfall totals varied, several locations experienced significantly more accumulation than recent years, accompanied by unseasonably warm temperatures, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in La Crosse.
The highest snowfall totals were recorded near Medford, WI, which saw 30.9 inches, making it the snowiest location in the region. Other areas with high snowfall included Warrens, WI (30.8 inches), Colby, WI (30.7 inches), and La Crosse, WI (29.1 inches). One of the most notable snow events occurred near Mather, WI, where 9.6 inches fell on March 19, the highest one-day total.
Despite these localized high snowfall amounts, the season was marked by persistent warmth. Temperature anomalies ranged from near-normal to 5°F above average across the region. The warmest temperature recorded was 81°F at Prairie du Chien, WI, and Sparta, WI, on March 14, while the coldest was -28°F at Black River Falls, WI, on February 18.
The season’s warmer-than-average temperatures contributed to rapid snowmelt and fluctuating snow depths. Many areas recorded lower-than-average snow cover, with Rochester, MN, measuring an average depth of just 0.7 inches, the lowest on record for that location. Snow cover was inconsistent throughout the season, with many areas seeing only brief periods of significant accumulation before warming temperatures caused it to melt.
Precipitation levels varied, with some locations receiving above-normal totals. Warrens, WI, and Mauston, WI, recorded more than 5 inches of precipitation, making them among the wettest locations in the region. Meanwhile, areas such as Alma Dam 4, WI, and Oelwein, IA, received less than 2.5 inches of total precipitation, contributing to localized drought concerns.
The combination of increased snowfall in some areas and unseasonably warm conditions had widespread impacts on winter activities, water resources, and infrastructure. While winter recreation benefited from occasional heavy snowfalls, rapid snowmelt created challenges for water management and transportation.
