Burlington, VT – Vermont’s highest peak is off to a notably snowy start this November, with Mount Mansfield’s snow stake showing rapid accumulation over the past several days, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Burlington. Forecasters report that snow depth at the summit increased by nearly two feet over the past week alone, reaching 38 inches—setting a new daily record for mid-November.
According to NWS, this month’s strong start places the 2025–2026 early-season snowpack among some of the fastest-building years on record. Historical comparisons show that seasons such as 2018 also saw quick mid-November snow growth and ultimately produced a very snowy winter across the Green Mountains. However, the agency notes that other early surges, including 1999, leveled off and aligned closer to seasonal averages by mid-winter.
The snow-depth comparison chart released Tuesday highlights current snowpack alongside several benchmark winters, including 1965–66, 1980–81, 1999–2000, and 2018–19. This year’s line trends well above the long-term mean for mid-November, signaling a robust start but not guaranteeing a persistently snowy season.
Snowfall on Mount Mansfield is often a key indicator for early backcountry travel, alpine terrain preparation, and seasonal recreation trends across northern Vermont. With current depths already exceeding three feet at the summit, winter enthusiasts are getting an early preview of conditions typically seen later in the season.
Forecasters note that while early-season mountain snowfall has been impressive, valley locations across the Champlain Valley and northern tier continue to see lighter amounts and more modest ground coverage.
NWS will continue monitoring snowpack trends across Vermont’s high terrain as colder air remains in place and additional systems approach in the coming weeks.
