Great snow of 1717..........

[Dave C]

Here's the data I promised on the Great snow of 1717....
Following are 2 perspectives of the event, the first entries are Josua Hempstead of New London Conn. and the second entries are Samuel Sewall of Boston Mass.
Feb 27:A steady rain and snow all day
A great storm of snow and sleet
Feb 28:Fair
Serene
March 1:Snow in the forepart of the day
Great storm of snow yet good going underfoot.
March 2:Fair, cold
Serene, cold, snow blows
March 3:Fair till near sunset then snow
Another snow coming on.
March 4:A great storm of snow, it snowed all last nite, knee deep this morning, it continued snowing all day and the drifts in some places higher then a mans head, there was no passing for man or beast. It is said to be 4 ft. deep on the level in the woods.
Extraordinary storm of snow which increased and grew more vehement during the afternoon.
March 5:Fair,very windy, the snow is driven in some places 10-12 ft. deep.
It is terribly surprising to see the extaordinary banks of snow on the side of the way over against us.
March 6:Fair, more moderate
Serene, pleasant
March 7:It snowed smartly last nite and this morning, windy and cold.No meeting, many cattle and horses are dead with this storm.
Violent storm of snow which made our meeting thin especially as to woman.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Many historians label the final tally of these storms at 3-4 ft. on the level by the end of the last storm. Because there wasn't specific measurements made anywhere we will probably never know just how deep it truly was. There also is question of whether sleet may have mixed in to the 3rd and 4th storms which would have settled the snow somewhat. The deepest amount was actually found in my hometowns historical records.
"During the winter of this year occured the great snowstorm often mentioned by older inhabitants of the town. It commenced on Sunday and continued off and on for 10 days. The snow fell an average depth of 7 feet and drifted to the depth of 12 ft. The lower windows of houses were covered, and so great was the weight of the snow that supports had to be placed in many houses under the roofs in garrets to prevent their falling in. Paths were dug under the snow from houses to barns , and snow was melted for cattle to drink. In some instances trees were so buried that men walked to their neighbors on snowshoes, going over orchards. When the snow melted it caused graet freshets destoroying many dams and mills throughout the colony".

[BritBob]

Thanks Dave:)

[ColdFront77]

Impressive storm! Interesting wording from nearly 300 years ago.

Thanks for the info., Dave.

[Josephine96]

Lots of snow huh.. Too bad a snow nazi couldn't keep it away lol

[Chris the Weather Man]

http://www.mayflowerfamilies.com/enquirer/weather.htm
more about 1717