Winter Storm Warnings in La Crosse, Wisconsin
Tucked into the driftless region along the Mississippi River, La Crosse experiences a genuine Upper Midwest winter — cold, snowy, and occasionally severe. Across the 13 years analyzed between 2012 and 2024, the city averaged 34.7 inches (88.1 cm) of snowfall per year. That accumulation isn't spread evenly across the season: February, December, and January tend to carry the heaviest snow burden, with February often delivering the deepest single storms.
Winter temperatures reinforce how serious conditions can get. Average winter lows hover around 14.2°F (-9.9°C), meaning any snowfall can quickly become compacted, icy, and hazardous on roads and sidewalks.
Truly heavy snow events — those that rise to warning-level intensity — are relatively rare in La Crosse, averaging fewer than one per year over the study period. When they do occur, the National Weather Service issues a Winter Storm Warning to signal that dangerous travel conditions are imminent or already underway and that residents should limit movement until conditions improve.
It's worth noting that warning thresholds are not uniform across the country. The snowfall totals required to trigger a Winter Storm Warning in La Crosse reflect local climatology and may differ significantly from thresholds used in southern states, coastal regions, or higher-elevation areas.
| Years analyzed | 13 winters (2012–2024) |
|---|---|
| Avg. annual snowfall | 34.7 in (88.1 cm) |
| Snowiest months | February, December, January |
| Avg. winter overnight low | 14.2°F (−9.9°C) |
| Heavy-snow days per year | 0.2 |
Climatology figures are approximate estimates for the period shown and may differ from official local records.
Watch vs warning: a winter storm watch means a major storm is possible in La Crosse within 12–48 hours (be prepared); a winter storm warning means it is happening or about to (take action now). For full definitions, see the complete winter storm warning guide.
La Crosse winter storm FAQ
Is there a winter storm warning in La Crosse right now?
The live status at the top of this page shows whether a winter storm warning, watch, or advisory is currently in effect for La Crosse, Wisconsin. It checks live forecast and alert data automatically and refreshes every time the page loads.
Does La Crosse get winter storm warnings often?
La Crosse sees significant snowfall in most winters, and winter storm warnings are issued in a typical season. The frequency varies year to year with the track of major storm systems.
How much snow triggers a winter storm warning in La Crosse?
There is no single national trigger: warning criteria are set by each local National Weather Service office, ranging from a couple of inches of snow in areas where snow is rare up to 6 inches or more in snow-belt regions, and significant ice accumulation can warrant a warning on its own.
What should I do during a winter storm warning in La Crosse?
Avoid travel if possible, stay indoors and keep warm, prepare for power outages, keep an emergency kit, and check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours. Follow guidance from Wisconsin authorities and the National Weather Service (NWS).
Winter storm warnings in nearby locations
- Winter storm warning in Eau Claire, WI
- Winter storm warning in Rochester, MN
- Winter storm warning in Cedar Rapids, IA
- Winter storm warning in Madison, WI
- Winter storm warning in Saint Paul, MN
- Winter storm warning in Minneapolis, MN
See all locations, read the latest winter weather news, or the full winter storm warning guide. Definitions follow the National Weather Service (NWS) criteria; thresholds vary by region.