The National Weather Service (NWS) and a committee of scientists has concluded Erie did not break any state snowfall records during the 2017-2018 season.

A committee reviewed the data from Erie International Airport and surrounding snow observation sites and determined the original 24-hour and monthly snow totals from Erie International Airport are invalid and will not hold as state records. The decision was made because there was a large discrepancy between new snowfall and snow depth among several dates.

It found the snow observers were new for the 2017-2018 winter season season, and they did not always place the snow measurement board on top of the snowpack after a measurement was made. The NWS said the extreme amount of snow and significant wind that caused blowing and drifting made it difficult to measure the snow for even the most experienced observer, let alone new observers.

A new committee was then formed to determine what snowfall totals would be used for December 2017. They decided to use observations from a nearby NWS Cleveland snow spotter with many years of experience.

Time Period Old Values New Values
Dec. 25 - 26 (7 a.m. - 7 a.m., 24-Hour Total) 50.8" 32.6"
December 2017 120.9" 93.8"
2017-2018 Winter Season 198.5" 166.0"

Here are the standing records for the state of Pennsylvania:

  • Standing 24-Hour Record: 38.0" of snow set March 20, 1958 in Morgantown, Pa.
  • Standing Monthly Record: 117.8" of snow set in Feb. 2010 in Laurel Summit, Pa.
  • Standing Seasonal Record: 218.3" of snow set during 2009-2010 winter season in Laurel Summit, Pa.