Weather
West Virginia Snowfall History: 37 Inches Fell in Just One Day
Charleston, WV – West Virginia has experienced extraordinary winter storms capable of dumping more than three feet of snow in a single day, with historic accumulations affecting mountain communities a
By Nolan Pierce · 2026-10-21T12:27:19.595Z
Charleston, WV – West Virginia has experienced extraordinary winter storms capable of dumping more than three feet of snow in a single day, with historic accumulations affecting mountain communities and populated valleys across the state. As winter 2026 27 approaches, these records demonstrate why even relatively mild winters can still produce dangerous snowfall.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Coopers Rock State Forest in Preston County recorded 37 inches of snow Feb. 21, 2003, the highest one day measurement in the supplied West Virginia county records. Several other locations have reported daily totals reaching 36 inches.
West Virginia's 10 Biggest Distinct Single Day Snowfall Records The following list identifies the highest measurement for each distinct date in NOAA's supplied county records. Multiple locations reporting snowfall on the same date are grouped together.
1. Feb. 21, 2003: Coopers Rock State Forest, Preston County — 37.0 inches 2. Jan. 23, 2016: Philippi, Barbour County — 36.0 inches . Charles Town recorded 27.5 inches during the same storm. 3. Nov. 25, 1950: Burnsville Lake, Braxton County — 36.0 inches . Berlin recorded 30 inches, with numerous other counties reporting major snowfall. 4. March 21, 1936: Alpena, Randolph County — 36.0 inches 5. Feb. 10, 1926: Cortland, Tucker County — 36.0 inches 6. March 14, 1993: Quinwood, Greenbrier County — 32.0 inches . Snowshoe recorded 26 inches. 7. Jan. 8, 1996: Bayard, Grant County — 31.0 inches . Hico recorded 25.1 inches. 8. Jan. 28, 1998: Flat Top, Summers County — 30.0 inches . Beckley recorded 28 inches. 9. March 6, 1962: Wardensville, Hardy County — 28.0 inches . Spruce Knob also recorded 28 inches. 10. Feb. 6, 2010: Slanesville, Hampshire County — 27.5 inches . Keyser recorded 25.5 inches. Why West Virginia's Snowfall History Matters West Virginia's mountainous geography creates conditions favorable for significant snowfall, particularly when moisture rich air moves across the Appalachian Mountains.
The November 1950 storm stands out as one of the state's most widespread historical winter events, with numerous counties recording extraordinary accumulations.
The January 2016 blizzard also demonstrated how powerful winter systems can affect multiple regions simultaneously.
While higher elevations often receive the greatest snowfall, valleys and lower elevation communities can also experience dangerous accumulations.
What Could This Mean for Winter 2026 27? El Niño can influence winter temperatures, precipitation and storm tracks across the eastern United States. However, warmer seasonal conditions do not eliminate the possibility of significant snowfall.
When cold air interacts with moisture rich storm systems moving across the Appalachians, substantial accumulations can occur even during an otherwise mild winter.
Historical records cannot predict whether winter 2026 27 will bring another record breaking storm. They do demonstrate that a single powerful weather system can create dangerous travel conditions and widespread disruptions.
For West Virginia residents, the lesson is clear: One major winter storm can still deliver extraordinary snowfall, regardless of the season's overall temperature trend.