Spring Melt

While some in KELOLAND are prepping for the warmest temperatures this year, many in the northeast are still bundled up.

Over a relatively short trip, it's easy to see the difference: Sioux Falls is relatively snow-free. But, those in northeastern South Dakota still have more than a foot in snow in some places.  Summit, Sisseton and Watertown all have a surplus of moisture this year, cold winds and gray skies have put a stop to March melting. 

Even on quiet days, visibility on roads can quickly become an issue if winds pick up. This week's warm-up will melt some, but certainly not all of the snow in the northeast. 

Aberdeen has an average of six inches still on the ground, while Sisseton has 19 inches.  Records show that when there are more than six inches of snow on the ground, high temperatures sag almost ten degrees.

Still, windy days help speed up the melting as does snow runoff.  Old snow melts faster than new snow because it isn't as bright.  The slightly darker color absorbs more radiation that speeds things up. And by March, both the angle and intensity of the sun are more favorable for getting rid of snow. 

Stringing together several days of 40+ degrees would be beneficial, as would more humidity.