Chapter 1: Understanding the AWSSI

As April arrives, winter gradually retreats into its seasonal slumber. The Accumulated Winter Season Severity Index (AWSSI) provides a comprehensive overview of winter's impact.

The AWSSI, pronounced “Aussie,” serves as a scoring system for the winter season, taking into account temperature, snowfall, and ground snowpack. As winter brings its chill and snow, the score increases. By the season's conclusion, this score quantifies the combined effects of snow and cold—whether abundant or scarce. Each location’s score falls into one of five classifications: mild, moderate, average, severe, or extreme, depending on how the winter compares historically at that site. The AWSSI winter period commences when temperatures dip to freezing or measurable snowfall occurs, or on December 1, whichever comes first. It concludes on March 1, following the last snowfall or final freezing day.

Section 1.1: AWSSI in Missoula, MT

As of April 2, 2022, Missoula, MT, finds itself in the "Average" category with an AWSSI score of 702. Notably, winter conditions have remained static since March 9.

Despite some locales still experiencing winter, the overall score typically stabilizes by this time, unless it hovers on the edge of a category. This year's winter appears to have settled into a nondescript pattern overall.

Subsection 1.1.1: The National Overview

This winter exhibited a diverse severity across the nation, with regions of mild conditions neighboring areas experiencing average to severe winters. In contrast to the winter of 2014–2015, which showcased a more uniform pattern—mild in the western U.S. and severe in the east—this season lacked widespread severe conditions.

Snowfall was notably absent in parts of the central Great Plains, from South Dakota to Kansas, while areas in Oklahoma and Arkansas received significant snowfall. Although some Atlantic coastal states encountered a few storms, they were not severe or frequent enough to elevate their severity ratings.

If you want to analyze your local data, head to the Midwestern Regional Climate Center’s AWSSI page and click on any dot for detailed charts. You might discover that your winter experience wasn't as harsh as you perceived!

Section 1.2: AWSSI in Lincoln, NE

As of April 2, 2022, Lincoln, NE, exhibits a mild AWSSI score of 397 due to a lack of significant winter conditions since March 11.

Chapter 2: A Closer Look at Other Locations

The video titled "It's Boring, But It'll Make Even Beginners Millionaires" provides insights into managing and understanding winter dynamics, emphasizing the importance of data in making informed decisions.

In Oklahoma City, OK, the AWSSI score stands at 182, classifying it as "severe" compared to its historical context, despite being slightly milder than Lincoln. This jagged score reflects the significant impact of individual snow events in a milder climate.

In Marquette, MI, the AWSSI remains in the "severe" category as of April 2, 2022, with an impressive score of 2108. Given the colder climate, it is likely that winter conditions will continue to accumulate beyond this date, though not enough to shift the category dramatically.