Outagamie is already nearing its average annual snowfall with at least two more months to go
The first significant, measurable snowfall of the 2025-26 winter season in the Appleton area occurred on November 26–30. By now, many are ready for winter to be done. But hold on! It isn’t over til it’s over.
Outagamie County, including the Appleton area, receives an average annual snowfall of approximately 44 to 49 inches, with the highest accumulation in December and January. As of January 30, 2026, the total snowfall was approximately 33 inches. The odds tell us there is more to come.
March snowstorms are common
The Blizzard of 1881, which occurred from March 2-4, came before the state began keeping official records. It is often cited as the worst snowstorm in Madison's history. The storm lasted three days, dumping over 28 inches of snow across southern and central Wisconsin. And if the snow accumulation wasn’t enough, gusting winds created drifts of up to 20 feet.
On March 13-14,1997, a spring snowstorm dumped a foot of snow across the state. A narrow band spanning from La Crosse to Green Bay received over two feet of snow. Many cities and towns set daily snow total records. This was the year Hurley, Wisconsin, set the all-time annual record with 277.7 inches. From 1988 to 2018, Hurley received a total of 488 feet of snow.
3.5 inches wereApril and May snow events are rare
A late-season blizzard on April 14, 2018, dropped 21.2 inches in a single day, with snowfall records set in Green Bay, Appleton, and Wausau. Wind gusts were estimated to reach 50 miles per hour.
On May 10, 1990, eastern Wisconsin experienced its latest snowstorm on record. The snow was wet and heavy. Trees and other plants, which had just leafed out for the new season, were damaged under the weight of the heavy snow. Many power lines snapped as trees and branches came down.
The latest date on which snow fell in Appleton was May 29, 1947, when 3.5 inches were recorded.
So think spring, but don’t put away those shovels.
