While the average snowfall in South Dakota is closer to 30 inches there is one town that blows that number out of its snow blower before breakfast. With nearly 200 inches of snow per year, Lead, South Dakota has the most snow of any town in the state. Lead South Dakota snowfall records are even more impressive at 320-plus inches. Let’s just say Lead, SD weather is a bit unpredictable in the winter. Despite all of that snow, this little town knows how to make the most of it.

Typically, the town of Lead gets an average of 180 to 195 inches of snow every year. So, what's life like in Lead during the winter besides being very snowy and blowy?
Etolane / Flickr
Well, residents get a lot of use from their snowblowers and snow shovels.
Sanford Lake Homestake Visitor Center / Facebook
They stack the firewood deep in preparation for a long winter of cold weather. When you know you might be snowed in for a few days, you're not so worried about staying warm.
Lead Area Chamber of Commerce / Facebook
After a heavy snowfall, it takes some work to dig vehicles out to go to work, but...
Spearfish Canyon Lodge / Facebook
...some days, the snow is so deep that businesses close for a "snow day." Those are the best days of all!
Sanford Lake Homestake Visitor Center / Facebook
On snow days, people head for the hills to play.
Spearfish Canyon Lodge / Facebook

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Winter doesn't mean that hiking season is over - you just have to put on your snowshoes first. Then, you enjoy the quiet beauty of these beautiful places that are blanketed in snow.
Lead Area Chamber of Commerce / Facebook
Swap out your everyday bike tires for fat tires that cruise right through the snow.
Spearfish Canyon Lodge / Facebook
Spearfish Canyon Lodge (which is actually in Lead) gets tons of snow every winter. It's the perfect place to visit if you're looking for a winter getaway.
Spearfish Canyon Lodge / Facebook
Snuggle into Sled Haus for a delicious meal, a beer, and the company of friends.
Sled Haus / Facebook
Even if snowfall in South Dakota is unpredictable, there is always a way to enjoy our harsh winter weather.
Residents and visitors alike celebrate the snowy weather with an epic festival. Winterfest takes place toward the end of January each year.
Lead Area Chamber of Commerce / Facebook
Drop your Christmas tree off at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center parking lot after the holiday, then attend the huge bonfire party. It's just one of many cool events that happen during Winterfest. For more information, visit the Winterfest website.
Lead often makes the list of the top 10 snowiest places in the country. While all that snow can be a huge pain to deal with, it's also a whole lot of fun to play in!
Spearfish Canyon Lodge / Facebook
What do you think? Do you look forward to a snowy winter? Take a look at a typical winter storm in Lead, South Dakota in this video from Jayjack Storm Trax:

What do you think about Lead, SD weather in the winter? The amount of snowfall in Lead South Dakota is pretty impressive, but there is only one way to deal with it – by showing off your snow-shoveling muscles with a proud smile. What is the biggest snowfall you remember? Share your wintery stories with a comment.

Lead has made all sorts of lists because of its snowy skies, so it is no surprise the little town of Lead also made our list of enchanting towns that feel like you’ve fallen in a snow globe.

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More to Explore

A Little More South Dakota Snowfall Fun

Chris Muras | December 14, 2022

What are the snowiest cities in South Dakota?

 

While the average snowfall in South Dakota is much lower, these ten cities really know how to pack in the snow. A lot of emphasis is put on Lead as the snowiest city, however, there are a few other cities that have their fair share of powder each year. Here are the top ten snowiest cities in South Dakota:

1. Lead: 182.2 Inches
2. North Spearfish: 135.4 Inches
3. Deadwood: 133.9 Inches
4. Spearfish: 132.1 Inches
5. Sturgis: 120.2 Inches
6. Belle Fourche: 113.2 Inches
7. Summerset: 57.0 Inches
8. Hill City: 56.2 Inches
9. Custer: 55.8 Inches
10. Clear Lake: 53.5 Inches

When does it start to snow in South Dakota?

 

March and April are typically the heaviest snowfall months (March being the snowiest of the two), but snow usually starts falling in November. Occasionally, Jack Frost gets a little anxious and starts his rampage as early as October. The coldest month in the state, January doesn't coincide with the snowiest, as counter-intuitive as that might sound.

How much snow does South Dakota get?

 

Generally Eastern and Central South Dakota average around 30-35 inches of snowfall each year. Western South Dakota gets hit a little harder with many areas in the 40-60 inch range. Of course, Lead pushes the average for the whole state up with its mind-boggling 180-200 inches of snow each year. When the snow gets that deep there is only one thing to do - hop in the RV and head as far south as you can get.

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