West Virginia commonly experiences snowfall in December, marking the official start of its winter season. The month brings a significant shift toward colder weather, making snow a regular possibility across the landscape. While snow is not guaranteed early in the month, the chance for winter scenery increases notably as December progresses. Travelers should anticipate highly variable conditions, ranging from light dustings in valleys to substantial accumulations in the highest elevations.
The General Likelihood of December Snowfall
December temperatures drop sufficiently to support snow, establishing the foundation for winter weather across West Virginia. Cold spells often bring daily low temperatures averaging around 17 degrees Fahrenheit, creating favorable conditions for frozen precipitation. While early December storms may result in rain or a rain-snow mix, the likelihood of purely frozen events significantly increases in the latter half of the month.
The initial snow events are often short-lived, characterized by only a few inches of snow that quickly melts in lower areas. December serves as the transition period before January, which is typically the state’s snowiest month. Major storm systems are capable of delivering substantial accumulation rather than just a light dusting across wide areas.
How Elevation Affects Snowfall in West Virginia
The mountainous topography of West Virginia is the largest factor determining where and how much snow falls in December. Elevations in the state range dramatically, creating distinct climate zones and microclimates where snowfall is concentrated.
High-elevation areas, particularly those along the Allegheny Front, receive significantly more precipitation than the surrounding lowlands. This phenomenon is largely due to orographic lift, where prevailing winds force moist air upward as it encounters the mountain slopes. As the air rises, it cools and condenses, releasing moisture as snow on the windward side of the mountains.
This effect is enhanced by moisture drawn from the Great Lakes, contributing to increased snowfall in the state’s northern and central mountains. Lower elevation areas, such as those near the Ohio River Valley, frequently see precipitation fall as rain or freezing rain. The highest peaks, like those around Canaan Valley and Snowshoe, expect consistent snow, while some areas can experience a “rain shadow” with drier conditions.
Typical December Snowfall Averages and Accumulation
The quantity of snow West Virginia receives in December varies depending on location. Mountain resorts and high-altitude regions can see monthly totals that eclipse valley averages by a factor of four or five. For example, high mountain locations often receive well over a foot of snow, while low-lying populated areas may only record a few inches.
Historically, lower-elevation cities might average between 5 to 10 inches of total accumulation for the month. This lowland snow often falls as light, non-disruptive events, resulting in a slushy coating that quickly disappears. Conversely, high-altitude regions, often exceeding 3,000 feet, can see monthly totals of 20 inches or more, with single storms delivering a foot of snow in 48 hours.
Mountainous areas often maintain a measurable snow cover for longer durations than the valleys. Travelers heading to the highlands should be prepared for significant winter driving conditions, while the lowlands typically require preparations only for minor and intermittent snow events.