Elevation: 6,227 ft
Based on the NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normal — the official 30-year average of a typical winter, not any single season — from the nearest comparable-elevation weather station about 9 miles away.
Snow season in Lead typically runs from September through May, peaking in April with about 29" of snow.
Average monthly snowfall, NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
That is over 7x the US average annual snowfall of 28". With 183.9" of annual snowfall, a quality snow blower and heavy-duty shovel are worth the investment. Ice melt should be stocked before the first storm hits.




| City | Annual Snow |
|---|---|
| Deadwood | 183.9" |
| Lead | 183.9" |
| Saint Onge | 70.5" |
| Spearfish | 70.5" |
| Hill City | 66.6" |
| Nemo | 60.9" |
| Astoria | 60.7" |
| Brandt | 60.7" |
| Clear Lake | 60.7" |
| Estelline | 60.7" |
| Gary | 60.7" |
| Goodwin | 60.7" |
| Toronto | 60.7" |
| Keystone | 59.3" |
| Marvin | 58.6" |
| Ortley | 58.6" |
| Summit | 58.6" |
| Twin Brooks | 58.6" |
| Faith | 55.5" |
| Rapid City | 53.7" |
| Reva | 51.2" |
| Buffalo | 51.2" |
| Redig | 51.2" |
| Wilmot | 51" |
| Camp Crook | 50.5" |
| Okreek | 50.3" |
| Wood | 50.3" |
| Ellsworth Afb | 48.5" |
| Box Elder | 48.5" |
| Fort Meade | 47.6" |
| Sturgis | 47.6" |
| Whitewood | 47.6" |
| Custer | 45.9" |
| Pringle | 45.9" |
| Sioux Falls | 45.3" |
| Huron | 44.4" |
| Aberdeen | 42.7" |
| Belle Fourche | 42.2" |
| Watertown | 41.1" |
| Kranzburg | 41.1" |
| Yankton | 38.1" |
| Waubay | 35.6" |
| City | Distance | Annual Snow |
|---|---|---|
| Deadwood, SD | 11 mi | 183.9" |
| Spearfish, SD | 16 mi | 70.5" |
| Nemo, SD | 17 mi | 60.9" |
| Whitewood, SD | 18 mi | 47.6" |
| Saint Onge, SD | 21 mi | 70.5" |