Snow deep in western part of state, was a mixed blessing for some residents

A late-season snowstorm swept across Wisconsin, dumping as much as 23 inches by Saturday, aggravating some people ready for spring but providing enough powder to re-open a ski hill that had shut for the season.

The storm started in western Wisconsin late Thursday and moved east through the state by Saturday afternoon.

"Right now I am looking at my swimming pool and wishing I could swim rather than having to shovel snow," said Karen Powell, 47, of Jackson County's Alma Center, which received 23 inches.

The bulk of the storm's snowfall fell in western Wisconsin.

Trempealeau County received between 14 and 18.5 inches and Buffalo County received between 14 and 21.5 inches.

Green Bay in Brown County received 5.9 inches, Stevens Point in Portage County got 9.2 inches and Waupaca in Waupaca County got hit with 7.2. Two inches fell in Goodrich in Taylor County.

The late winter snowfall did not appear to cause any significant problems locally, according to sheriff's department and highway officials.

The Shawano County Sheriff's Department reported no accidents as of Saturday afternoon, suggesting drivers were better prepared for the weather this time around and using caution on the roads. The Highway Department also reported no serious problems with the snow. Officials had no estimate of how much snowfall Shawano county received, with blowing and drifting snow making it difficult to tell.

The snow was a welcome sight for Mount LaCrosse Ski Area in La Crosse, which received about 15 inches. La Crosse has a record snowfall of 13.9 inches Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

Darcie Breidel, the ski area's marketing director, said management closed the hill for the season March 13, but decided to reopen Saturday and Sunday.

"It's incredible snow," she said Saturday. "It's the best we've had in a long time here. We didn't have a choice but to open."

Breidel said some 20 staff members were working extra shifts to make up for other employees who are students and had left for spring break.

"We are pulling double duties, triple duties today," said Breidel, who was also bartending.

National Weather Service meteorologist Tasos Kallas said the snowfall was not completely unusual, even though spring officially starts Sunday.

"It happened in the past, it happened yesterday, I'm sure it will happen in the future," he said.

The National Weather Service predicted skies would be partly cloudy today across the state, with a chance of snow showers or flurries.

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