Wisconsin's Winter Weather Forecast

Mornin' to the 300 skiing Santas (and one Grinch) who raised over $7K for charity this past weekend in Maine. This is the Wiscampsin Weekly - the email that gets you in the know on the Wisconsin outdoors in 5 minutes or less. New reader? Subscribe here.

*Scrambling for a gift? Check out our holiday gift guide for 'Scons, there's sure to be something there for your under-the-tree needs!

This week's forecast:

• Where's all the snow? ❄️

• DNR asking for bear den locations 🐻

• Cat finds gator head 🐊

Wisconsin's winter weather forecast

Ok ok, we know, we're late. We got a little delayed this week in sending the Wiscampsin Weekly.

Know what else is delayed? Those big, snow-dumping storms that we used to dream of as kids. Doesn't it seem like we used to have a lot more white on the ground this time of year?

But if you look at the data, we're actually trending into a new type of winter in Wisconsin, one that's wetter, warmer, and with (hopefully) more snow.

As climate change takes hold across the globe, Wisconsin's winter is seeing some changes, and we've compiled some great visuals for all you data nerds out there.

To keep your winter activities from being spoiled, keep an eye on these graphs, charts, and trends to get a better idea of the best time to get out 'der.

More snow, less ice

We used to be hailed as having one of the longest durations of ice cover on a lake with our very own Lake Mendota. But data shows that we have about a 1/3 less coverage than 160 years ago (a no bueno for ice fishermen).

But others may not mind the warmer, wetter weather. On average, we're seeing more snowfall and an average of 10 more days of snow than years' past.

These graphs are a great resource for snowfall depths if you're about to head up nort' in search of snow for XC skiing or snowshoeing (or itching to bust out that new snow shovel).

When it comes to our temps (how many pairs of socks do I need today...), researchers at UW compiled data from past decades, as well as predictions all the way to 2060.

In sum, we can expect more snow and rain, less ice, and yearly temperatures normally found in states south of us (just as long as we don't all become FIBs)...

Hope ya found something interesting to sink your teeth into, folks! Don't let the weather get in your way of winter hikes, practice early season ice safety, and get a friend out 'der with you!

Wiscampsin Weekly Poll

NEW: Wisconsin Events

Butt glued to the couch? Here are some great Wisconsin events to get you out 'der:

Dec. 21st: Winter Solstice Snowshoe Hike - Sarona, WI

Know a WI Outdoors-related event happening? Reply to this email with the details and we will share the week before the event!

Nuts and Seeds 🌰

🐻 Bears in the Badger State: Researchers need your help, 'Scons. If you know the whereabouts of an active bear den (and we're not talking Chicago), report your findings. We're heading into the second winter of the DNR’s “Black Bear Litter and Diet Survey," which helps researchers get an accurate count into reproductive rates of mother bears.

🐊 Look what the cat dragged in...: A gator head. Forget mice or birds, it seems our feline friends are capable of finding treasures of a much larger scale. A woman's cat in Waukesha County dragged a gator head into the lawn, believed to be living in the lake behind her house. Makes ya think twice about skinny dippin,' eh fellas...

🔫 Winter hunting and trapping still available: Freezer already empty? Packer parties will do that... Don't fret, you can still stock up on fresh wild game during the winter's many trapping and special hunting seasons. Get out der!

Meme of the Week 😂

A review from the Trail... Happy to be of service!