Whether Maryland experiences a lot of snow is complex because the state’s topography is diverse, stretching from high-altitude mountains to the Atlantic coast. Snowfall varies drastically across Maryland’s distinct geographical regions, meaning the winter experience depends entirely on a person’s specific location.
Understanding Maryland’s Annual Snowfall Average
For most residents living in Maryland’s most populated areas, the seasonal snowfall is moderate compared to classic snow belt regions of the United States. The central corridor, which includes the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. suburbs along the Piedmont region, serves as the state’s general baseline. Historically, Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) reports an average annual snowfall of approximately 19.3 inches.
This measurement reflects a pattern where winter precipitation frequently straddles the rain-snow line. Central Maryland receives several snowfall events each year, but accumulations are often transient, melting quickly due to relatively mild temperatures or a quick change to rain. The average total establishes the area as having a modest winter climate.
Significant Regional Variations Across the State
The state’s geography creates a disparity in average annual snowfall, dividing Maryland into three distinct winter zones. Western Maryland, specifically Garrett County, consistently receives the state’s highest totals, averaging between 100 and 110 inches per year. This heavy accumulation is due to the county’s position on the Appalachian Plateau, where elevations exceed 2,000 feet. Colder temperatures and “upslope” snow result, and the region occasionally benefits from residual lake effect snow bands.
In contrast, the Eastern Shore and coastal areas, such as the region around Salisbury, record the lowest annual averages, receiving 10 inches or less. The Atlantic Ocean’s moderating effect keeps temperatures higher, meaning most winter precipitation falls as rain or a mix of freezing rain and sleet.
The Central Maryland region, situated between these two extremes, experiences the baseline average of nearly 20 inches. Here, snowfall is less reliable, depending heavily on the track of winter storms. If a storm tracks perfectly, the region can receive large dumps of snow, but many systems pass by as mostly rain or miss the area entirely.
The Impact of Major Historical Snow Events
Despite the moderate annual average in Central Maryland, the perception of the state as capable of getting “a lot of snow” is fueled by infrequent but severe historical events. These winter storms, often Nor’easters, can deliver accumulations that overwhelm local infrastructure. They typically tap into abundant Atlantic moisture while colliding with cold air masses, generating prolific snowfall rates.
The Blizzard of 1996 dumped nearly two feet of snow across the I-95 corridor, with Baltimore recording 22.5 inches. This event was rated a Category 5 on the Northeast Snowfall Impact Scale (NESIS), leading to states of emergency and disruption. Similarly, the “Snowmageddon” event of February 2010 brought the transportation system to a halt, with BWI receiving 24.8 inches.
Local totals during “Snowmageddon” reached as high as 38.3 inches in communities like Elkridge, Maryland. These storms create snowdrifts several feet high and can paralyze the region for days, forcing widespread closures of schools, businesses, and government offices. These infrequent, high-impact events demonstrate the state’s capacity for extreme winter weather, which leaves a lasting impression that outweighs the typically modest annual averages.