Brains
Snowfall enthusiasts often wonder where some of the highest average annual snowfall totals occur. A deep dive into the research reveals several fascinating locations, some of which may come as a surprise. Below is a list of five places that receive staggering amounts of snowfall each year.
#5) Tug Hill, New York: 200 inches
This plateau, located east of Lake Ontario, has an elevation of 2,100 feet. Its position makes it especially susceptible to the famous “lake effect” snow where it generally receives 200 to 300 inches per year on average (16 feet to 25 feet). This phenomenon occurs when cold air moves over the relatively warm waters of the Great Lakes. This warmth and moisture are then transferred up into the lower atmosphere. As the air rises, clouds form and develop into a concentrated narrow band of intense precipitation, which can result in snowfall rates of 2 inches or more per hour.
#4) – Mount Baker Ski Area, Washington: 688 inches
Mount Baker Ski Area is an iconic location known for its extreme snowfall. It holds the world record for the most snow in a single season—an astonishing 1,140 inches (95 feet) during the 1998-1999 season. On average, this area receives approximately 688 inches annually, solidifying its reputation as a prime example of “Cascade concrete.”
#3) – Sukayu Onsen Hot Springs Resort in the Hokkaido Mountains, Japan: 696 inches
You probably guessed that Hokkaido would make this list at some point—well, here it is! Sukayu Onsen is nestled high in the Hakkoda Mountains near Aomori, on Japan’s main island of Honshu. This area averages an astonishing 696 inches (58 feet) of snow annually, making it the snowiest inhabited place on Earth. In some winters, snowfall can even exceed 800 inches (70 feet)—nothing short of incredible! And if that’s not enough, some localized areas in the Japanese Alps, like the Hida Mountains, are believed to receive up to 1,500 inches (125 feet) annually!
#2) Chugach Mountains, Alaska: 1,250 inches
One of Alaska’s most renowned and rugged mountain ranges, the Chugach Mountains stretch approximately 300 miles from Turnagain Arm in Cook Inlet to Cape Yakataga. Some peaks soar over two miles high, with Mount Marcus Baker standing as the tallest at 13,176 feet (4,016 meters). Certain localized areas of the range receive a mind-bending approximately 1,250 inches (100 feet) of snow annually! Interestingly, the Chugach Mountains are uplifting at a rate of 1 to 12 millimeters per year, a phenomenon primarily driven by the rebound of land as ice continues to melt.
1) Southern Andes Mountains, Chile: 2,000 inches
The iconic Andes mountain range stretches approximately 4,300 miles from north to south. Known for its towering peaks and ice-clad volcanoes, some summits soar over 15,000 feet. In Chile, certain areas like the Southern Patagonia Ice Field in the Magallanes and Antarctica Chilena region, reportedly receive up to approximately 2,000 inches (166 feet) of snow annually, according to meteorologist Bill Noll.
These fascinating locations remind us of the immense raw, power, and beauty of Mother Nature. From the mighty Andes to the snow-cloaked mountains of Japan, each place offers a glimpse into how snowfall shapes our world. Whether it’s the relentless storms of Chile, the uplifting Chugach, the lake-effect magic at Tug Hill, or the astonishing blankets of snow in Hokkaido, these legendary snowfalls inspire awe and demand respect for the forces that sculpt our globe. What other hidden pockets of the Earth hold similar wonders waiting to be discovered?
