While much of the state (namely, the western half) has been pummeled by lake-effect snow over the weekend, there appears to be one exception to notable snowfall accumulation, at least along the Ridge and Valley region of the state and west (not much snow has made it farther east in the state, or at least snow that is sticking to the ground).

This region is central Centre County, PA, otherwise commonly known as “Happy Valley”. A look at the modeled total snow depth chart provides the unfortunate news (assuming you like snow on the ground), pictured below.

Image Courtesy NOAA

This can likely be best explained by the “rain shadow” that the State College area commonly finds it in. Due to the interesting topography of the region, snow (or rain) often does not make it to central Centre County because more of it falls on the windward (“westward”) side of the mountain ridges it crosses. Indeed, you can see a well-defined line of differences in snowfall accumulation along a ridge in the Central Alleghenies from southeastern Somerset County, Pa the entire way to near where I-80 crosses into Centre County.

There have certainly been snow flurries in Happy Valley over the past few days, but nothing has materialized properly for snow to actually stick in a meaningful amount. Fret not, though. With more lake-effect snow expected over the next few days due to a stagnant area of low pressure in northern New England, we should see some white ground soon enough. I, for one, can’t wait to see that splotch of green on the above image disappear.

This post's title has been edited for clarity