CARIBOU, Maine — The latest winter storms that moved through Aroostook County during the later half of last week have now pushed the total snowfall for the season just shy of the top 10 snowfall records, according to the National Weather Service in Caribou.
A weather system on Friday, Feb. 15 that brought several inches of snow in the afternoon and a mix of snow and rain in the evening has now placed Caribou’s total snowfall at 131.1 inches for the 2018-19 winter season. That figure positions this season as only the 11th snowiest season on record. The current number 10 spot goes to the 1970-71 winter season, which saw 134.7 inches of snow.
Friday’s snowfall followed a major storm on Wednesday, Feb. 13 that brought over a foot of snow to central and southern Aroostook County and more than eight inches to the St. John Valley.
The highest recorded snowfall total is 2007-08, when Caribou saw 197.8 inches of snow. In order to even come close to that record Aroostook County would have to experience consistent major snowfall during late February, the month of March and early April, as was the pattern for the winter of 2007-08, NWS meteorologist Rick Norton said.
The chances of catching up to that record will become slim in late February. NWS officials predict no major storms for the week of Feb. 17-23, with the only chance for snow being on Thursday. But Aroostook County will likely only see two to three inches from that system along with colder temperatures throughout the week.
“We expect that temperatures will remain in the teens, with no chances for a significant snowfall,” Norton said.
