Lake Effect Storm Season 2003-2004    

We name our lake snow events so it is easier to refer back to them for archiving.  This is very unofficial and only past storms are named as a matter of policy.  We will post the archived events on this WEB SITE so it is easier for you to refer back to them throughout the snow season.

The theme for this year's storm names is Minerals as selected by the staff at NWS Buffalo.  We also will continue our tradition of a candid way to rate the storm's impact on the area.  It is termed the "Lake Flake Scale" and subjectively ranks the events from 1-flake (*) for minor (wimpy) events to 5-flakes (*****) for epic mega-storms, based not only on snowfall amounts but the impact on population centers as well.

For each event we try to provide a snowfall map, storm summary and if available, radar, satellite and other neat images.  Let us know what you think, we are open for any suggestions to improve the page.  


To review each storm, just click on the names below and you'll get to some great data!

For a quick look at Snowfall Maps for the season, Click here.

2003-2004 storms

Storm Name Flake Scale

Highlights of the Event
Anthracite
11/24 - 11/25		 ** First event of the season. Thunder and lightning off both lakes. Very narrow band.  
Max snowfall:  Lk. Erie - Alden 10".  Lk Ontario - Redfield 5".
Borax
12/11 - 12/12		 ** Unusually strong Lake Huron connection under NW flow. 
Max snowfall:  Lk. Erie - Ellicottville 12".  Lk Ontario - Greece 13".
Calcite
12/17 - 12/18		 ** Marginal lake effect event with a rush hour snow burst in Buffalo.
Lk. Erie - Orangeville 10".  Lk Ontario - West Monroe 7".
Diamond
12/19 - 12/20		 * Weak event on northwest flow, some synoptic enhancement.
Lk. Erie - Sinclairville 8".  Lk Ontario - Minetto 12".
Emerald
12/25		 ** Brief but rather heavy snowfall rates at times.  Mainly Lake Erie, Merry Christmas!
Lk. Erie - Arkwright 14".  Lk. Ontario -North Osceola - 6".
Feldspar
1/6 - 1/9		 **** Long Lasting, two phases, Big impact in Rochester Area.
Lk. Erie - Cassadaga 37".  Lk. Ontario - North Osceola - 34". 
Granite
1/18 - 1/21		 ** Northwest Flow, arctic air, upstream lake connection.
Lk. Erie - Ellicottville 17".  Lk. Ontario  Cato-Meridian 17".
Halite
1/22 - 1/24		 *** Intense WNW flow, Definite Upper Great Lakes connection.
Lk. Erie - Wales 5".  Lk. Ontario Fair Haven 36 ".
Iron
1/28 - 1/31		 ***** Intense WNW flow, Definite Upper Lakes connection, tremendous snowfall rates.
Lk. Erie - Orangeville 18", Lk. Ontario Parish 86".

 


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