(WSYR-TV, Syracuse) We have yet to see 30" of snow for the season in Syracuse, well behind the total of 113" for this date last year. There have been e-mails, comments on Facebook, and calls into the weather office asking if the lack of snow this winter will have a lasting impact on the water table during the warmer time of year. In a word, the answer is, no. Here's why.
When we look at the period of December 1, through January 25th, there has been 4.99" of rain and melted snow recorded at Hancock Airport in Syracuse. Compare that to a normal amount of 5.29". Last year, the same period, yielded 3.8" of rain and water equivalent. Right now, we're nearly an inch and a half above last year's value. What gives? Well remember, that the overwhelming majority of snow makers last year were lake effect snow events. By nature, lake effect snow is very dry and doesn't have a lot of water in it. In spite of all the snow last winter, it didn't add significantly to the water table.
Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that 2010 was the 8th wettest year on record in Syracuse, with 48.04" of water. We had a surplus going into winter, and we really haven't hurt ourselves moisture-wise.
